Many people know me for driving past a Tim Hortons (or three!) to get to a Starbucks! As I only drink black coffee the connection I have to Starbucks is more than just the coffee – its the other emotional connections I make with the brand. Starbucks marketing team has been held up as a great example of using social media to engage consumers and they have… Read More »Which came first the coffee, the cup or the store(y)?
Perhaps contrary to the belief of some, enthusiasm is one thing but leadership does not have to be all screaming! At a client branding workshop last week the subject of leadership or rather leadership brand came up and was a recurring theme throughout the company's retreat. Leadership both internally and externally is a strength for this client and something that I believe will be a key differentiator to their… Read More »Does your leadership brand determine the culture?
With todays snow storm the memory of Toronto's mayor a few years ago calling in the army to clear the streets always comes to mind and this video is just a priceless capture of that sentiment, many in Canada will probably never let Toronto forget it! A fun piece for a snow day!
Just before winter started (or at least was meant to start) we ordered some new winter jackets and ski pants for the kids and we ordered then via L.L. Bean. A few weeks earlier we switched our TV to Bell satelite. The L.L. Bean order arrived promptly and one pair of pants was on back order and one jacket was the wrong size. A replacement was sent out the… Read More »Why Bell Canada Will Never Be Successful – and L.L. Bean will continue to be.
One of the interactive exercises that I do with audiences in my keynotes and workshops is a corporate branding one. We split the room in to groups who are given the name of a coffee store and they have to come up with three words that best describe that store. Usually I pick Starbucks (Expensive, American, Barista – are three common responses), Tim Hortons (Canadian, Timbits, Hockey) and Coffee… Read More »Review Your Year With No Fear – What three words describe you?