Do we…
Work in a job we don’t like
To buy things we don’t need
To impress people we don’t like
?
To be really happy we need to ensure one sub optimal arrangement doesn’t feed another. This holds true if we run our own business or hire our time out to a company (have a job).
I asked marketing polymath Ben Rowe his thoughts on Facebook in 2008 and if it is going to grow or decline…
Response
“Facebook is so 2007…. it’s just p2p spam. I reckon facebook is going to die a fairly fast death this year.”
Sure the jury is still out, but it wouldn’t be the first time Ben’s predicted the future of a brand or launch. It does seem that there was something very wrong when Zuckerberg referred to his ‘army of viral marketers’ he forgot one thing…. viral marketing is always done by people, not companies. Abuse them and lose them.
The gaping void view in December was this
I still think facebook is a great platform (especially the app’s component) which needs to take a few steps back before everyone disappears. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
While in the airport I noticed that budget airline Virgin Blue had made their customers board the plane via stairs on the tarmac as opposed to using the aero bridge. Here’s a photo I took:
The direct aero-bridge was open and connected to the plane. But instead they made their customers board via the tarmac. I can’t help but wonder if this is to help their customers feel like they really got a bargain price. Sometimes perception becomes reality.
I’ll admit it I’m a sucker for retro ideas and visuals – who isn’t? I think retro works because we already have formed memories and events both positive or negative which are brought to the surface when we see, feel or taste something that is old school or slightly retro.
It’s nearly a form of ‘cheating’ to gain am emotional link quicker, or even instantly. This is something new and innovative design and positioning can’t achieve – just because it’s new.
To me retro is really powerful when a brand or business ‘deserves’ to go there. Especially when it has a history worth reminiscing about. Battler brand Atari did this successfully with the Flashback console which was launched 25 years after the 2600 seen below. 
Obviously this is much harder for a start up, although we can use it in graphics, design or attitude, especially if our brand or market segment lends itself to a retro play. Feel free to add examples to the comments.
Get retro!
Neighborhoodies founder and CEO ‘Michael’ sent this personalized postcard with a order.
Not that I’m enamored with receiving his signature, but it shows he’s in touch, involved and hands on.
Now that’s an important message to send to any business audience.
Action / Reaction:
In physics:
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In business:
For every market there is an equal and opposite market.
Searching for new business ideas?
Chances are there’s a market waiting at the opposite end of the spectrum of an existing product or market.
How many people do you know who are prepared to die “literally” – in order to achieve their goals? Robbie Maddison is, would and just might.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOtpKQ-dAlg]
He was actually quoted as saying the following:
“There is no doubt in my mind if this next jump doesn’t work out it will be death.”
I’m not suggesting this level of sacrifice is required in your business, but extreme sportspeople do provide the best example of passion in action.
Also – kudos to Redbull for having the courage to sponsor an event in which the free PR could really have went either way.