Inside-out Blog

What permanent waves and bad haircuts teach high growth companies about change

hair raising change can be good for brandsWhen major changes are underway, it can be quite uncomfortable for employees. Like the shock of an unfortunate haircut, new initiatives may cause collective distress and the desire to hide. Or they could be as exciting as a brand new 'DO!

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Choosy brands choose Groucho—or do they?

Groucho knows brand strategy inside and outGroucho Marx is famously quoted as resigning from the Delaney Club quipping "I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member."

Whether or not the story is actually true, it leads us to wonder why some brands are so eager to accept just anyone.

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Uncork Your Brand's Potential

Bottle for blogIf revenue and profit aren't meeting expectations, a strong marketing program can be a big boost. Stretch that marketing investment as far as possible with some simple things you can start today.

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CVS Quits for Good: Purpose or just PR?

cigs 1

There's been a lot of discussion lately about CVS Caremark's decision to stop selling cigarettes by October 1, 2014 in its stores.

Critics claim it's just a red herring gesture to outflank competitors for lucrative healthcare contracts.

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Cheerios: a brand aligned or an empty campaign?

no internal brand is like an empty cereal bowlThe Big Game is over but the conversation about the commercials continues. This year, 3 commercials tied a brand to a cause. Though they all had an emotional tug, it made me wonder whether they were authentic to the core—or simply an empty campaign.

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3 ways employees can add ZING to your ad campaign

pinklighteningFocus groups are wrapped and results from the consumer panels are in. You're ready to launch a new ad campaign and WOW the world. Will you WOW your employees, too? Here are 3 reasons you should.

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How good intentions can toll a brand's death knell

Mission MomentWe've all witnessed it: the company retreat that gets people fired-up and ready to change the world. But soon, the insistent voices of daily work drown out the enthusiasm. 

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New year's revolutions for winning brands

brands need revolution...explode the silosHave you made any business resolutions for the new year? Better yet: a business revolution. It's a new year, full of possibilities. Here are some ways to create far-reaching changes that make '14 your best year yet.

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Is your brand shade-worthy?

at MB Piland we gotta wear shadesTwentieth century philosophers Timbuk3 sang "the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades..." Their '80s era music video on MTV leaves a message for leaders of this century. You have a bright future ahead, too... if you broadcast your vision in ways that are just as engaging to internal audiences.

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How one ceo, a big fat excuse and a million yards of bad karma burned a brand

well-aligned brand"Frankly, some women's bodies just don't actually work [for Lululemon yoga pants]" famously said Chip Wilson, chairman of Lululemmon.

There's only been an "I'm sorry I'm not sorry" from Chip.

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