Schultz’s Return to Focus & Profit

Posted by Dustin Britt on January 29, 2010 Share

Two years after Schultz's return to Starbucks, and things are starting to turn around. My last several visits to the green giant have been increasingly better - the coffee is improving, same with their baked goods, and the tea selections are going to full leaf. Starbucks seems to be fighting back...

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"No doubt it's because they've started listening effectively to their customers. They're near the top of the Altimeter Group's most socialized brands, something that's hard to do if you're relying..."

- Rich Wilson

Do You Believe in Magic?

Posted by Alvin Diec on January 28, 2010 Share

It's become apparent that the iPad isn't really meant to be a device of creation, but rather of consumption. Where would the Pad fit in your life? Does it fill a necessary niche, or will it just turn into an extra gadget to haul around?

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"Well, I've read a number of pro/con statements and even though its not out to market yet I don't see it as much competition for the Ereader market despite it's..."

- Franklin

Mental Real Estate

Posted by Craig Johnson on January 27, 2010 Share

Historically money and power were achieved through the acquisition of land. If you owned a lot of land, you could produce as much as that land would allow. And it was yours to keep until you decided to sell. No one could come and take your land. The path to compete with the guy who owned a ton of land was steep and seemingly unachievable. But we live in a different age...

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"it's all tax-free baby!!"

- Craig Johnson

Interview with OTH photographer Stephen Hunton

Posted by Blake Howard on January 26, 2010 Share

This year for our On The House campaign, I will be announcing our talented and incredibly generous partners, who are coming along side us to help ignite the Atlanta Union Mission brand, which leads me to my conversation with the talented Mr. Stephen Hunton...

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"So great that you are partnering together! Stephen was our wedding photographer and is PHENOMENAL!! It's so funny how everyone in this circle is connected...Best. Circle. Ever."

- Anna Armstrong

Super Commercial

Posted by John Bowles on January 25, 2010 Share

The Super Bowl is a game of dramatic irony.

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"I think the Super Bowl is an example of a remarkable product (the ultimate game) and how that level of exposure causes Advertisers to really "bring it" (not too mention..."

- Blake Howard

Announcing On The House 2010

Posted by Blake Howard on January 22, 2010 Share

With 2009 in the rear view and 2010 upon us, we are excited to announce the beginnings of our annual pro-bono campaign “On The House”, but this year we are mixing things up a bit.

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"Great pick. We also help the Union Mission or Gateway by furnishing them with hygiene kits for the daily and resident homeless. What a great pick you made...."

- Debbie

Don’t Recycle. Repair.

Posted by Alvin Diec on January 21, 2010 Share

My first printer was an old HP LaserJet that was built like a tank and weighed about the same. It worked flawlessly for almost ten years before being replaced by a far more advanced model that was twice as fast and half as durable.

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"I'm a big fan of the repair movement. I ordered some of this great silicone "fix-it" material from a new company called Sugru last month (and am anxiously awaiting it's..."

- kat

Knowing the tricks won’t make you immune.

Posted by Craig Johnson on January 20, 2010 Share

I talk about brand identity a lot. Every day. Discussing all of the strategies, elements, tactics, and tools involved in building a great one. Yet it still doesn't stop me from being affected by it all. If I was a magician, I would be less affected by another magician's tricks because I would know what they're doing behind the scenes in order to make it happen. Not the case with brand identity.

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Follow Me

Posted by Dustin Britt on January 19, 2010 Share

In our day, Twitter followers determine rank of influence more so than who you work for. Who you're speaking for just doesn't matter so much anymore. Most would trust the opinion of a Facebook status update more than an editorial in the NY Times. Enter the Conan vs NBC debacle...

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"Excellent point about Micro-brands. Totally agree. But I think one sentence in the opening paragraph should be put into perspective. We don't trust the Facebook post itself, we trust the..."

- Rich

Face or Butt?

Posted by John Bowles on January 18, 2010 Share

There is a lawsuit right now over copyright infringement as it relates to brand identity. The brand on the offensive is North Face, maker of outdoor sport apparel and equipment. They are suing a Mr. Jimmy Winkleman. Not familiar with Jimmy? Jimmy's a freshman at the University of Missouri and still lives with his mom.

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"This is clearly a parody and its use is social satire. The more The North Face takes themselves seriously by trying to sue, the more there is to mock a..."

- Todd Weber