2013 Trends
Our annual trend report collection is out! It looks like 2013 is going to be quite a year, full of excitements as well as challenges. Enjoy the reports, share ‘em with your friends and let me know if you know other good ones.
Happy holidays to all!
The Mayans say: The worls will end 21.12.2012.
Chuck Norris says: I haven’t allowed it to end…
Systems Thinking and the Toronto Raptors
Two years ago, I wrote an article about the Raptors’ brand strategy, or lack thereof. Recently, I asked the Raptors Republic community what has really changed over the last two years. The topic generated some interest and started a nice dialogue, so I decided to edit my comment and share them with you. It is about systems thinking and Toronto Raptors. Enjoy it!
In the universe, everything is interconnected. The First Nations’ Medicine Wheel is the prime example of such thinking.
The Chief Answer Officer
A couple of months ago, we talked about ways to improve the effectiveness of meetings and projects. Today, we’d like to address the same topic, but offer a different solution…
In her must-read book The New How, Nilofer Merchant shares one of her observations: She analyzes the lack of responsiveness of large organizations and identifies a bottleneck: the Chief Answer Officer, the individual, who’s supposed to know everything, and have all the answers. She explains in detail how “the CAO syndrome” cripples all organizations.
Branding Czech Republic Part 1
I have always thought that the most difficult branding projects are the place branding ones. As such, I have written quite a bit about the unique challenges of these beasts. The reality is, unfortunately most of them are destined to fail and this is proven by hard data. Months ago, Czech Republic revealed its new promotional logo. So far it seems like people are not falling in love with it. Let’s try to figure out why…
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 3
This is the third and the last instalment of our LeBron James, myths and archetypes series.Previously, we talked about the significance of the relationship of James and Wade, James’ story,his recovering popularity, and how he compares to Jordan. Let’s roll out!
Why do place brands fail? The human-centered mistakes. Part 3
This is the last installment of our three-article series: “Why 86% of place brands fail?” First, we talked about the mistakes consultants make. Then, we addressed some of the common misperceptions of places. Today, we will conclude by talking about the role of leadership, consistency, and honesty.
Failure is an option
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 2
Previously, I shared some of my thoughts on LeBron James, mythology and archetypal psychology. Let’s continue from where we left off. This is the second instalment of a three-article series.
Why do place brands fail? The mistakes of the places. Part 2
Previously, we mentioned that 86% of place brands fail. Then, we examined the mistakes brand consultants commit. Today, we’ll talk about the other half of the equation: The mistakes places commit. This is the second installment of our three-article series.
What does LeBron James’ first ring signify? Part 1
As expected, LeBron James has finally won his first championship. I’d like to share my thought on the mythological and archetypal significance of his first ring. This is the first installment of a three article series. Let’s go!
Why do place brands fail? The mistakes of the consultant. Part 1
NEWS FLASH: 86% of place brands fail within a year of introduction!
Over the past ten years, k629, a place-branding consultancy, has developed a database of more than 5,000 place brands. From that data source, they have found that only 14% of place brands continue a year from launch. They estimate nearly $75 million has been spent on failed place brands. So, the obvious question is: “Why the success rate is so low?” I believe there are two answers to this question. Let’s start with the mistakes that consultants make…
