Category: Innovation

Amazon Zigs When Others Zag: Meeting Consumer Needs Before They Know They Have Them

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

 

Amazon has proven time and again to be particularly adept at figuring out what its customers want and giving it to them. Whether it’s shopping suggestions based on previous orders, on-demand media content or same-day delivery, the retail giant answers the demands of the people whose purchases are lining its pockets.

The latest example of this as-you-wish mentality was recently announced and reported in an article for CNN by Taylor Nicole Rogers titled “Amazon’s new waste-reduction strategy: Delivery only once a week.” Continue reading “Amazon Zigs When Others Zag: Meeting Consumer Needs Before They Know They Have Them”

Can You Get Ahead Of Disruptive Innovation?

8970947 - illuminated light bulb in a row of dim ones concept for creativity, innovation and solutionby Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

Disruptive innovation refers to new advances within an industry that fundamentally reshape or even completely replace an industry. Consider, for example, the impact of the personal computer on the typewriter industry, or the impact of the automobile on the horse-drawn carriage industry. Disruptive innovation is a boon to consumers and society in general, because new products, new services and new ways of serving customers add value to individuals and the economy as a whole. At the same time, disruptive innovation can be devastating to companies that are too slow to recognize the impending impact of disruptive innovation or too slow to react once they have recognized that potential impact.

In a post for Vertafore, Ben Deda, VP of Marketing, lists several examples of companies that failed to adapt to disruptive innovation. You’ve likely heard of them: Continue reading “Can You Get Ahead Of Disruptive Innovation?”

Is Retail Really Dead, Or Are We Misreading the Numbers?

Customer reviews, client reviews, best PR firm, public relations, content marketingby Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

 

We keep hearing about how the growth in online retail represents the ultimate demise of the brick-and-mortar retail store. We hear how online retail giants like Amazon are killing Main Streets across the country, and we hear anecdotes of local brick-and-mortar businesses closing their doors, blaming the rise in online retail. But does that common sentiment assign blame where it belongs? Continue reading “Is Retail Really Dead, Or Are We Misreading the Numbers?”

The Benefits of Being a “Fast Follower”

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

The business world has a strong mythology around, and reverence for, the innovator – brilliant geniuses who upend the status quo and usher in a wave of change, making fortunes along the way. We often think that the first company to go down an innovative path is in an enviable position. But, in many cases, it is not the first mover who prospers, but the fast follower. Continue reading “The Benefits of Being a “Fast Follower””

Competing with the Big Guys: Leveraging a Narrow Niche, the Personal Touch and Agility

Whether you’re a startup looking to break into an existing market, or an existing business looking to branch into a new product or service line, it can be intimidating to survey the competitive environment and find yourself potentially face-to-face with behemoth multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies. While a mega-competitor could, theoretically, direct its massive resources into forcing out an upstart competitor, there are some ways to compete by exploiting the advantages small can have over large. Continue reading “Competing with the Big Guys: Leveraging a Narrow Niche, the Personal Touch and Agility”

Planning is Overrated: Execution is Where It’s At

executing your strategic plan, strategic planning, strategic communicationWhat’s more important: a great idea or great execution? There’s certainly an argument to be made for the importance of ideas for entrepreneurs, and it’s easy to point to famous examples of huge fortunes and successful businesses that sprung from a great idea — Facebook, the automobile, the PC, etc.; but the idea is just the beginning. Continue reading “Planning is Overrated: Execution is Where It’s At”

Our Go-To Publications For Great Marketing Insights

content marketing, content management, newsjacking, social media, digital marketing, SEO, online marketingStaying informed is key for any business or profession, and marketing is no different. As marketing consultants, we use a variety of sources of information to stay on top of current trends. Magazines (online and in print) offer both a reader-friendly format and insights on trending topics within the industry. Below are some sources we’ve found particularly worthwhile. Continue reading “Our Go-To Publications For Great Marketing Insights”

Rookie Mistakes that can Kill Small Businesses

It’s not easy starting a small business. One of the reasons entrepreneurs are so admired by the rest of society is because of the risk involved in striking out on one’s own. Many leave the stability and certainty of a salary, health insurance and a retirement plan to bet the farm on a venture they are confident in and passionate about.

Unfortunately, many of these intrepid business people fall prey to some very avoidable pitfalls. Continue reading “Rookie Mistakes that can Kill Small Businesses”

Engaging Through Mobile Channels

Pew Research recently released their State of the News Media 2015 report, which includes some interesting information on the impact of mobile.  Consumers are increasingly consuming content via their mobile devices—even long-form content. Google’s ongoing algorithm changes and a growing trend toward the use of mobile have advertisers and marketers wondering whether their content will continue to resonate in smaller mobile formats.

The jury is still out, as they say, but the question is a valid—and evergreen—one these days. Continue reading “Engaging Through Mobile Channels”

Who Are You Trying to Influence? Their Personality Types May Impact Your Effectiveness!

By Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

There’s a certain feeling one gets when having a light bulb moment – a great idea that is so brilliant it absolutely must be acted upon. Similarly, a polished business strategy or project plan that is the result of hours and hours of consideration and mental exertion can be like a child one has groomed for success. But when that idea or plan gets shot down because it’s too risky or too expensive, or because your managers, customers or business partners simply don’t get it, it’s certainly a bubble-bursting moment.

Just as a great product or service is useless if it can’t be sold to the marketplace, a great idea is useless if it can’t be sold to the right stakeholders. What works for one executive won’t necessarily work for another; different leaders have different motivations, fears and triggers. Identifying those cues really requires knowing what type of executive you’re dealing with. Continue reading “Who Are You Trying to Influence? Their Personality Types May Impact Your Effectiveness!”