Branding
The Missing Middle
In 1980, George W.S. Trow said television had destroyed the middle distance. The Creator Economy may now be bridging it. Brands should pay attention.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Tag: Consumer-Behavior
Larry Vincent/generated in Midjourney
Branding
Smile Policies and Other Ways to Trash a Brand
Target’s new smile policy tries to fix the brand from the outside in but real change starts with product culture and giving people a reason to smile.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Larry Vincent/generated with assistance of OpenAI’s DALL·E.
Behavior
The Market for Human Connection Is More Complicated Than We Think
We don't need better connection apps—we need the courage to leave our comfortable cocoons.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Innovation
Positioning a Vision
Apple's introduction of Vision Pro provides a case study on the art of reframing expectations to cross the chasm.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Podcast
Timing
Leaders spend a lot of time asking <em>what</em> and <em>why</em>, but they might want to ask <em>when</em> more. Guests Daniel Pink, Jonah Berger and Kelley Gullo explain it all for us.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Podcast
Label Me This
Product labels possess hidden powers, as research tied to a court case over Red Bull proves. Guests Aradhna Krishna, Yann Cornil and Christina Perozzi provide insights.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Podcast
Do-Gooders
Many brands are tying themselves to charitable causes in order to win consumer affection, but is it a good business strategy? Author Anne Bahr Thompson and USC marketing professor Adlai Wertman provide insights and answers.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
studiostoks/Shutterstock
Causes
Slacktivism
The recent tragedy of Parkland, Florida is a wake-up call for Americans. However, there's a psychological force working against the cause.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Research
When Consumers Delegate
Managers learn to delegate, and so do consumers. New research reveals that it can create better satisfaction.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Consumers
Choice Without Preference
Most marketers subscribe to the belief that preference leads to choice. Yet consumers often choose against their preferences. A new study reveals why.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Brand Experience
Sense and Psychology
Consumers have five senses. Yet marketers focus most attention on two alone. New research suggests that's a big mistake.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Consumers
Don't Call Them Pets
Pet ownership has surged in the US, and so, too, have attitudes and perceptions about the role of pets in our lives.
Sunday, November 19, 2017