While we are all taught not to judge a book by its cover, let’s get real. I’ve bought books, magazines, scented lotions, household cleaners (how can you resist Method’s packaging?) and yes, wine based solely on how the label looks. I’m a marketing groupie. I admit it. I’m a sucker for cute, clever or crisp packaging. As a former wine writer and still-active wine lover, I know that some gems … [Read more...]
4 things that selling tea in Chinatown can teach you about a successful website
Guest post by Seth Leonard who trains and mentors people who want to build dynamic, successful websites. I recently started exploring the diverse and tasty world of tea. Luckily, I live in Berkeley, right across the water from San Francisco’s Chinatown, filled with tea shops. So when I visited this amazing neighborhood in search of tea, I visited most of the shops. But I only chose to … [Read more...]
Your assignment: Wake up and smell the coffee
Today, I'm giving you a homework assignment. Many clients look at me sideways when I ask, "What are your brand differentiators?" They are not sure why they are better, smarter, faster, cheaper, hipper than their competition. Or they struggle because "Well, I offer coaching services just like ten billion other coaches. Nothing I can say or do makes that different." Ah, but yes you … [Read more...]
How this small biz vodka + sausage + great story hooked us
I LOVE when I see small businesses doing things right. On a recent wine-tasting trip to Woodinville, Washington, we were leaving one small winery (many of the wineries there occupy warehouse park space so it's fun to hit like 12 in an hour) to head to lunch when a sign caught our eye: Project V Distillery & Sausage Co. What? Huh? Distillery and sausage company? "Oh, we have to check … [Read more...]
Why do I need a mission and vision statement?
It’s funny how entrepreneurs and employees alike get caught up in the tactical details of their business on a daily basis, but when faced with the ultimate question – why do you do what you do – they seem to freeze up. My theory is that a lot of the meaning behind the company mission is so “feelings-based” that we often find it hard to articulate it in the right words. I help clients copywrite … [Read more...]
