by Daria Steigman on June 18, 2008
Congratulations to the Boston Celtics. The NBA franchise demonstrates what happens when an organization pulls together people with diverse strengths into a cohesive whole. In contrast to the Lakers’ team-built-around-one-main-man, the “Big Three” showed what happens when a core of people share the spotlight in pursuit of a common goal. It’s called teamwork, and there’s a reason we value it in sports, in business, and in life.
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Tagged as:
Boston Celtics,
NBA,
teamwork
by Daria Steigman on June 16, 2008
I have a recycling bin right next to my mailbox into which I drop almost all the catalogues, the direct mail pitches, and all the junk mail unopened. But once in a while something catches my eye.
Score one for Chipotle. The Hopper-esque cover image and the wrap-around design piqued my interest. Inside, the “listen. look. taste.” photos of happy diners, inviting ripe avocados, and a fresh salad of chicken, beans, corn, and salsa actually made the restaurant appealing. Best of all: a card for a free burrito. Chipotle talks about “paying attention to the details,” and that’s how the food chain’s direct mail piece cut through my clutter.
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Tagged as:
Chipotle,
marketing
by Daria Steigman on June 14, 2008
Talk about smart public relations. Loews Hotels is offering a “Baggage Buy Back” incentive to reimburse guests the $15 checked bag fee the airlines are imposing. This costs the hotel chain very little while earning the company free publicity and a lot of good will.
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Tagged as:
Loews Hotels,
PR
by Daria Steigman on June 13, 2008
The airline industry could learn a lesson or two from People Express. For those of you who weren’t traveling in the early-mid 1980s, People Express was a budget airline best known for cheap flights between Newark, NJ, and London’s Gatwick Airport. It charged fees for bags and fees for food — and it was one of the best airlines I’ve ever flown. We brought our own food and liquor with us, and the airline encouraged us to have a party.
People Express worked because it advertised as no-frills and there was no guesswork about what you were getting. That earned the company a loyal following. The company ultimately failed due to tough competition from other airlines and after a shift away from its no-frills roots.
Today’s airlines nickel and dime everyone, while offering nothing but poor service and safety concerns. I recognize that the airline industry is being hammered by mounting fuel costs but–news flash–so are the rest of us. Few, if any, other businesses could treat their customers this badly and stay in business. On second thought, maybe that’s why I’d rather drive 1,000 miles than get on a plane. Public Relations 101, anyone?
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Tagged as:
Airlines,
People Express,
PR
by Daria Steigman on June 11, 2008
Independent Thinking is my column for IABC’s CW Bulletin about entrepreneurship and the business of running a business. It’s also my philosophy of business: a state of mind that’s both the calm and the storm. To venture out on your own, you have to be great at your core business and savvy enough to manage everything else. Plus you must be fierce enough and determined enough to succeed, and calm enough to juggle multiple projects while still looking for that next great opportunity.
Have you signed up to receive the Independent Thinking newsletter? Now’s the time! Once a month I’ll send you exclusive, subscriber-only content highlighting interesting articles I’ve found, as well as tips on marketing, social media, and how to grow your business. Sign up today!
Tagged as:
Business,
Entrepreneurship,
Independent Thinking
