The Benefit brand is a very “neat” brand— their groomed and polished brand has a distinct look that is all its own, a difficult thing to do in a crowded category like cosmetics. The brand’s aesthetics even shine among other aesthetic powerhouses— as Benefit displays not just prestige like the others, but also a sassy … More In business to Benefit WHOM?
“Let’s get a reaction to that.” How many times have you heard that phrase uttered as the impetus for a research project? But many times when we set out to do this, we are getting just that– a reaction. We ought not confuse a reaction with an insight, but this can be an unfortunate byproduct … More Pitfalls of Poor Research: Stimulus Edition
Perhaps you caught the 2015 Super Bowl ad for Chevy Colorado Trucks? No, not the ad that harkened back to the unfortunate blackout of earlier years. That particular Chevy Colorado Ad was a big success with consumers, because it “trolled everyone” and “disrupted” the big event, according to the trade publications. But what about the … More Super Bowl Ad Disrespects People, Fails Miserably
MONEY DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I think of ‘Lifestyles of … More Synopsis: Money Chat
Cannes: Confessions of a First-Timer “Courtney Love was really funny!” “What could she possibly have talked about?” “Creativity. I mean, the panel was about creativity… so she basically just talked about her music.” This exchange between two festival-goers really summed up the Cannes Lions in the eyes of a first-timer. The annual Festival of Creativity … More Thoughts on Cannes
BRAVERY DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I’d like to have more … More Synopsis: Bravery Chat
Why I Left Advertising ‘Why I left advertising’ blog posts have been popping up around the internet for the last few years. Perhaps tellingly, these posts often get passed around with fervor by people who work in the ad industry. The latest was a brilliant one by Bud Caddell, about disempowered, feckless, and under-resourced clients—if … More Why I Left The Ad Game
CHEMISTRY DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I studied chemistry in college,” … More Synopsis: Chemistry Chat
COMPASSION DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “I’m a nurse,” began … More Synopsis: Compassion Chat
STEREOTYPES DISCUSSION GROUP SYNOPSIS These are approximate recreations of the discussions in the conversation group, with protections for participants such as anonymity, and the removal of specific, identifying details. The quotes are not actual quotes, but are recollections of mine that reflect the various twists and turns of the conversation. “Personally, I hate being … More Synopsis: Stereotypes Chat
The opportunity: moving past the barriers toward gaining insight into people THE INSIGHT INN The new approach to gaining insight (vs. gathering insights) would have to: Challenge basic human concepts to understand people in a more fundamental way Get out of the process entirely to avoid predetermining the solution Listen to legitimately different opinions often … More How to gain insight vs. gathering insights (4 of 4 parts)
What is obstructing our ability to gain insight? – or, how to get beyond “insights” People who work for businesses are rewarded for having a point-of-view, not for examination of their point-of-view Daily, business people and marketers toss around concepts we think we know something about. Elements of the human condition, elements of relationships with … More How to gain insight vs. gathering insights (3 of 4 parts)
the Insight Inn 