Russ Page
Exploring the Art & Science of Marketing
Book Covers
Dec 28th
I find it interesting that Seth Godin of all people would say that a lousy book cover would actually kill a great book.
Bad books are bad books, and there are plenty of them to go around.
Although, I do admit that covers can make a difference. Titles can make a difference. For example, The e-Myth. It’s horribly boring. Yet, lots of people read it.
Thoughts?
Thoughts about The E Myth?
Favorite Business Books?
CES – Here I come.
Dec 28th
I will be out of pocket for most of next week because I will be attending the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Otherwise known as CES, this isn’t to be confused with this CES or this CES.
For the gadget lover out there who has never been to CES (the Vegas electronics show), you are missing out bigtime. For instance, when is the last time you saw a 102-inch plasma television at BestBuy or Circuit City? Never.
With that in mind, CES often turns into one big brag fest for a lot of companies. They don’t maxize their time and efforts. They’re just there to show off new stuff with the hope that it will turn into distribution, partnerships, and more. They go because it’s what you do when your in the biz. They figure with 125,000 people walking around and a couple of cool products they will have great success. But, this is a bad marketing decision.
Why? Because it turns into exactly what it’s called. A show. The spectators pay for admission, get entertained, and leave. Show’s over.
How do you avoid being just another act at the show looking for spectators? Remember one very imporanat rule. It’s not a show. It’s four days of critical deal making for your business. It’s not a show. If you think it’s just a show, you’ll get a handful of spectators. End of story. Show’s over. If you haven’t lined up targeted meetings with buyers, press and analysts prior to showtime, you’re in bad shape. Why are you going? Sound like common sense? Then why are so many companies still in the “step right up” mindset? Because it’s all about the show.
Joseph Smith, the prophet
Dec 23rd
Today is a significant day in history. Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith, the mormon prophet. He was born December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont. I find this to be personally significant because I want to tell that he is who he said he was, a prophet called of God in the latter days to lead the world closer to Jesus Christ.
Those who receive the Prophet’s testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost will know the truth of the work he was called to do. They can also know the peace and happiness that come through the Savior Jesus Christ, whom Joseph Smith worshiped and served.
The Guy in the Glass
Dec 20th
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one starring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed the most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years.
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be the heartaches and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
1934, Dale Wimbrow 1895-1954
Note: This poem is sometimes incorrectly identified as the Man in the Glass or The Man in the Mirror. Nevertheless, the message is clear.
Free Movie Inside?
Dec 19th
I was a little upset when my Del Taco drink cup didn’t actually have a free movie rental inside. All that was in the cup was ice and lemonade. What a rip.
Actually, it was there (stuck to the side of the cup), but the language made me laugh because it reads as though there’s an actual dvd rental jammed between ice and liquid.
What I think is more interesting about this is that business know that if they can get people inside their store (give away free movies at Del Taco), they sell more stuff. Foot traffic almost always equals more sells. But there is a bigger issue here, and it surrounds Hollywood. Blockbuster has been stuggling. Hollywood video isn’t the same it used to be either. The box office doesn’t pull in the same figurest that it used to, and to quote Bob Dylan the times they are a changin’.
How? NetFlix. No late fees. Always in stock.
How? Target and Wal-Mart. You can buy some DVDs for about the same price it costs to rent.
How? DVD Rentals cost less than a movie ticket, and (see no. 2).
Leo McGarry (John Spencer) dies, 58
Dec 16th
Photo: John Spencer as Leo McGarry, White House Chief of Staff
(with Teddy Roosevelt) NBC Photo: Michael O’Neill
For all you West Wing fans out there, let’s have a moment of silence for John Spencer, the man who plays White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing.
The Emmy Award Winning Spencer (58) died today in a Los Angeles hospital.
Googlesoft Warner?
Dec 16th
A deal between Microsoft and AOL would have made Microsoft’s own advertising network more attractive [ than Google's ].
It drives me nuts when journalists make assumptions like the one made in this quote. It was made about the $4 billion online ad industry that keeps growing and growing because of Google.
Time Warner Enters Into Talks With Google
Other Thoughts
Google Seals AOL Deal
Knowledge and education
Dec 15th
“Knowledge of truth, combined with proper regard for it, and its faithful observance, constitutes true education. The mere stuffing of the mind with a knowledge of facts is not education. The mind must not only possess a knowledge of truth, but the soul must revere it, cherish it, love it as a priceless gem.” – Joseph Fielding Smith
How profound this is. No matter where you are or what you do, pure knowledge and wisdom within a man or woman really shows forth in the actions of the person. I find this quote especially profound when you compare a company or organization and its behaviors with their marketing slogans. Is it mindless banter, or are they really who they say they are?
Thoughts?
