by David Tandet
Branding happens.
A relationship occurs between your business and consumers whether it’s the one you’re hoping for or not. Take things in the direction you want them to go.
Are you a neighborhood hardware store that folks enjoy mulling around in? But you take your time on that special order? You might have a reputation […]

by David Tandet
Emphasizing benefits over features is a basic marketing principle that’s easy to forget. Invest three seconds and you’ll remember to apply it.
Many of you are familiar with the marketing principle that it is better to emphasize benefits rather than features.
Do you remember to use it?
I treasure three seconds that will always remind me […]

by David Tandet
In 2004, Adweek asked professionals “Which individuals - alive or dead - made you consider pursuing a career in advertising?”
Could there be any doubt the number one response would be David Ogilvy?
Ogilvy’s name also came back first when students were asked a similar question.
Not bad for a guy who was born in 1911 […]

by David Tandet
When you go to court, get sworn in and speak, they call it testifying.
That’s for a reason: you’re not supposed to play fast and loose with the facts. And you know what? I suspect dishonest testimony happens less than we imagine.
We think people are up there lying every which way, but […]

by David Tandet
Here’s how it is: human billboards are a hot trend.
Consider:
- Darren Little’s TatAD agency in Vancouver, BC hires folks to wear temporary or permanent tattoos with clients’ names and logos.
- Entreprenuer.com defines human billboards as people that “hold signs or banners emblazoned with promotional and advertising messages in high-traffic areas of the community.” […]

by David Tandet
Try if you will. A Lovemark - like Zen, your favorite pizza, and writing in the zone - can not easily be defined.
Actually, a Lovemark is definable enough. But like Zen and great pizza, it can’t be truly understood until experienced. Lovemark degree of separation from a product, service or idea is no […]

by David Tandet
The greatest sales letter ever is “I.” That’s “I” from a “you” perspective.
Thinking about the benefits to a consumer of a product or service is a start in the right direction. But it doesn’t go far enough.
Let’s say the corner bakery wants to start competing in the ultra-fast-breakfast market. They’re going to sell […]