Marketing and comms are about finding storylines and anecdotes that compel people to take action – whether that’s buying a new product or tuning into the Super Bowl.
Hiring During Burrito Season
Chipotle’s hiring push is a smart move that takes a page from the content marketing playbook and applies it to recruiting.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Underdog Marketing
Philly’s never happier than when it’s proving people wrong.
Milkshake Marketing
The McDonald’s milkshake mystery has become the defining example of Clay Christensen’s “Jobs to be Done” theory.
Pantone’s Color of the Year
In order to make its Color of the Year stand out in the real world, Pantone has had to pull out all the stops.
Christmas Window Shopping
People who seek out the Macy’s displays during the holidays aren’t looking for a specific toy. They’re looking for a feeling that only truly iconic marketing efforts can provide.
Jeff Bezos Loves a Good Story
Bezos’ focus on in-depth structured writing has become leadership lore recently amid his claims that Amazon has “outlawed PowerPoint.”
Costco Hot Dogs Tell a Story
Costco’s mythic hot dog combo price is more than a sales strategy, it’s a storytelling device.
Rebranding Black Friday
The true origins of the name are different from the prevailing narrative today.
Turbulence at Twitter
Turbulence at Twitter is likely to continue for some time. Here are three steps to take now.
Subway’s Perplexing Sandwich Promo
Subway’s “Sandwich Seat” Sweepstakes offered a chance at a free gift card to anyone stuck in the middle seat of a plane during a flight on National Sandwich Day.
Fun-size Candy on Halloween
Despite what kids would have you believe, fun-sized candy bars aren’t part of a vast conspiracy to deprive children of candy on Halloween.
How The Exorcist Terrified Theatergoers
The Exorcist wasn’t just a movie, it was an experience that kicked off a cultural conversation.
Happy Meal Backlash
In launching its adult Happy Meal campaign, McDonald’s may have overlooked an increasingly important audience — its own employees.
The Marketing Heft Behind Fat Bear Week
People from around the world vote for the fattest bears in a weeklong run of bear-to-bear matchups, bringing widespread attention to a remote Alaska park.
A Hurricane by Any Other Name
From extreme weather to new products, there’s power in giving something a name. Just make sure the name reflects the message you want to convey.
Clever Coffee Marketing
When Goldman Sachs bankers lost free coffee privileges, Cometeer saw a marketing opportunity.
Marketing Lessons from the Trapper Keeper
Who would have thought a folder holder would be a mega hit?