Enough already with the arguments about the death of the so-called Purchase Funnel and its relevance or not, for the digital age. Because maybe the real issue is not whether the funnel is obsolete – but that agencies and marketers have been looking at the funnel the wrong way? So, take a deep breath. Take… Read More

Based on our studies, we anticipate the consumer will transition into recovery mode in 2010 and start spending again, but with some degree of moderation. By contrast to the free-spending days of old, the post-apocalyptic consumer will be more savvy, responsible and prudent – although interestingly, as the year progresses, they’ll be increasingly more likely… Read More

As Millennials migrate into adulthood, they’re embarking on a quest that’s defined by their financial, progressive and socially-conscious ideals. Today, these early Millennial careerists are anxious about the state of the economy – and feeling more pressure to succeed. However, what we’ve found is that despite the potential for economic disillusionment, Millennials are optimistic about… Read More

Being green is not a fad – it’s now officially a trend. In the past two years the number of green-minded consumers has increased from 12% to 38% – and the overall desire to be “greener” has become a universal need with over 90% of consumers believing that “environmental responsibility” is important. By 2010 the green market… Read More

Last week I had the honor of participating in a panel at the New York Times building and the opportunity to talk about “Marketing in a Recession.” The event was sponsored by outprofessionals.org, moderated by Stuart Elliott of the New York Times, and featured panelists Rachel Sklar (photo: right), editor-in-large at Mediaite, and Stephanie Blackwood… Read More

Summer is in the air. It’s a new beginning. And with a sea of tents before you and over 70,000 starry-eyed young adults gathered all around, you’re smack in the middle of the Bonnaroo music festival. It feels like a Gen Y Woodstock and percolating below the hub of excitement a new set of values… Read More

It’s a complicated world. There’s a lot at stake. And the last thing a brand needs is an overly convoluted positioning idea. Let’s be honest, complexity is so yesterday. Today’s new brilliant is simplicity. That’s what a brand needs to win. But why’s being simple, so brilliant? It’s because in an undifferentiated world, being clear… Read More

America is going through a significant and profound cultural makeover. Exacerbated by the Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama and accelerated by the social implications related to the Great Recession – there are Macro Trends at large that are fundamentally changing consumer behavior: “from the way things used to be to the new reality.” As consumers… Read More

It’s a new age in marketing communications and the digital revolution is fundamentally changing the way consumers interact with and consume content, information, and technology. New connection opportunities – e.g., social media, are emerging and quickly gaining critical mass. And many clients and agencies are asking “How can a brand win in the changing marketing… Read More