Jose Palomino

From the category archives:

Quick Takes

Net Neutrality

December 24, 2010

A simple, concise and very effective communication on a complex topic: http://www.theopeninter.net/ . Wow! If marketers could communicate their offerings this cleanly – they’d sell a lot more stuff. The content is important – of course – but I love the vehicle.

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QT: Blown Call- A Lesson in Graciousness

October 20, 2010

By: John Baldoni

(06/03/2010)

Original Post:

And that is exactly what umpire Jim Joyce did when he returned to the clubhouse and watched the replay of his disputed call at first base for what would have been, and should have been, the 27th and final out of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians. (more…)

My Quick Take:

Beautiful words, John. It’s true that while leaders need confidence in directing others, it’s also important to stay humble and be brave enough to admit when you’re wrong. Indeed, being the bigger person also means rising above your shortcomings. This starts by facing the fact that it is inevitable for us to make mistakes.
I think it’s great of you to honor Joyce and Gallaraga in this post. Joyce might not have given the right call and Gallaraga might not have had his perfect game, but both definitely were at their best right when it was needed the most. Keep it up, and thanks for this most insightful lesson!
Beautiful words, John. It’s true that while leaders need confidence in directing others, it’s also important to stay humble and be brave enough to admit when you’re wrong. Indeed, being the bigger person also means rising above your shortcomings. This starts by facing the fact that it is inevitable for us to make mistakes.

I think it’s great of you to honor Joyce and Gallaraga in this post. Joyce might not have given the right call and Gallaraga might not have had his perfect game, but both definitely were at their best right when it was needed the most. Keep it up, and thanks for this most insightful lesson!

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QT: Separated at Birth?

October 20, 2010

newton-appleBy Jim Edwards | May 14, 2010

Original Post:

If you think Apple (AAPL)’s latest TV commercial for the iPad seems familiar, you’re right — and you’re showing your age. Thematically, it bears a strong resemblance to a 1990s ad that Apple created for its failed PDA, the Newton. (more…)

My Quick Take:

Good one, Jim! I think the “new-ness” of ideas should also be seen in light of their usefulness. In this case, timing and direction played a big role for Apple. We have one idea executed in two gadgets, at two separate times.
Apple was talking about mobility and communication (two important things we’re living by now) back when people were still getting used to their desktop computers– that was their market. Sadly, Apple was wary that the Newton would overtake their primary product. They withdrew from their new gadget’s potential and presented it as a peripheral to the Mac. I guess when companies shrink from their own products, it’s not surprising for people to hold back themselves from buying as well.
Now we see Apple, confident about the iPad just as they are with all their gadgets. Everyone’s excited to have this handheld computer because it’s a frontrunner alongside other Apple gadgets. It’s equally beautiful, equally powerful and useful, and equally as unique as an iPod or a Macbook. Apple says and believes we need all these things, we need to be in touch with the digital world anytime we want, and we listen. Suddenly, their old idea that didn’t sell is worth a lot. That for me is what the magic is about.
Keep up the great posts!

Good one, Jim! I think the “new-ness” of ideas should also be seen in light of their usefulness. In this case, timing and direction played a big role for Apple. We have one idea executed in two gadgets, at two separate times.

Apple was talking about mobility and communication (two important things we’re living by now) back when people were still getting used to their desktop computers– that was their market. Sadly, Apple was wary that the Newton would overtake their primary product. They withdrew from their new gadget’s potential and presented it as a peripheral to the Mac. I guess when companies shrink from their own products, it’s not surprising for people to hold back themselves from buying as well.

Now we see Apple, confident about the iPad just as they are with all their gadgets. Everyone’s excited to have this handheld computer because it’s a frontrunner alongside other Apple gadgets. It’s equally beautiful, equally powerful and useful, and equally as unique as an iPod or a Macbook. Apple says and believes we need all these things, we need to be in touch with the digital world anytime we want, and we listen. Suddenly, their old idea that didn’t sell is worth a lot. That for me is what the magic is about.

Keep up the great posts!

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QT: Why is it hard to find good salespeople?

September 12, 2010

Captioned: "A. B. Cole, E. E.". The ...
Image via Wikipedia

I recently engaged in a LinkedIn discussion on the above, and offered the following observations:

First of all – effective salespeople are rare for the same reason as great talent in any field. That is, the sales profession requires talent, training and a managerial context designed for success.

Smaller companies are also constrained as to budget. The fact is that it is hard to hire someone who you expect to turn on a million or multi-million dollars in business, for $45k base.

Anyone who can do the former knows enough to not accept the latter.

Now, even when compensation is adequate, the pool of applicants is still small and all-too-often substandard. Why?

1. Great sales people are about 10% of the profession (same as every other line of work).

2. Those engaged successfully are less willing to risk transition in this economy – they’re not looking with as much urgency.

3. Those who are failing ARE actively looking and filling your application inbox.

Related articles:

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QT: Culture Buzz “COCA-COLA: THE SECRET IS OUT THERE”

August 10, 2010

Original Post From: Culture Buzz

(June 4, 2010)
by: Angela Natividad

“With help from the skilled storytellers at Wieden + Kennedy Portland, Coca-Cola is using the mystique surrounding its “secret” recipe to wind more engagement around its brand.

The piece below, dubbed “The Secret Is Out There.”, is intended to spike long-dormant curiosity about how Coke is really made.” (more…)

My Quick Take…

Coke sure knows how to talk to their market! I think it’s always great to look at their ads, and see how big markets should communicate to their brand’s following. It was wise of Coke to tap into their sought-after recipe for creating buzz this time.
You’d think that a seemingly timeless company wouldn’t put anymore effort on advertising, but I guess that’s what always made them standout. Coke has never tired, never rested on making sure people see, hear, and know of their name anywhere and at all times.
Coke sure knows how to talk to their market! I think it’s always great to look at their ads, and see how big markets should communicate to their brand’s following. It was wise of Coke to tap into their sought-after recipe for creating buzz this time.

You’d think that a seemingly timeless company wouldn’t put anymore effort on advertising, but I guess that’s what always made them standout. Coke has never tired, never rested on making sure people see, hear, and know of their name anywhere and at all times.

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QT: Neuromarketing “Cut Products, Boost Sales”

August 5, 2010

Great move on Wal-mart and P&G’s part. Generally, it does make sense to only give customers a controlled amount of choices. I think that having too much of one thing has a tendency to overwhelm the senses. Giving customers too many options, in a sense, devalues what your selling. You remove a product’s distinctiveness by making it just part of a mass of other choices.
Of course, there should also be some exceptions to this. I guess, the “Purple Oreo Problem” is just similar to being served too much sushi or chocolate. A lot of us like them and there’s an unending variety to both. However, when these chocolates and sushi are laid right in front of you at your table, in all shapes and sizes and flavors, there’s no guarantee you’re going to eat everything. You can only take on so much. There comes a point when you just have to step back and say you’ve had enough.
Thanks for this highly interesting post, Roger! Looking forward to reading even more from you.

Original Post From: Neuromarketing “Cut Products, Boost Sales”

(June 1, 2010)
by: Roger Dooley
“I’ve written about some of the research that shows that shoppers don’t always respond positively to a bigger selection of products (see More Choices, Fewer Sales) and extreme product/brand proliferation (see Mega-Branding: The Purple Oreo Problem). Now, retailers are implementing the concept of reducing selection in their stores and finding that it can indeed increase sales.” (more…)

My Quick Take…

Great move on Wal-mart and P&G’s part. Generally, it does make sense to only give customers a controlled amount of choices. I think that having too much of one thing has a tendency to overwhelm the senses. Giving customers too many options, in a sense, devalues what your selling. You remove a product’s distinctiveness by making it just part of a mass of other choices.

Of course, there should also be some exceptions to this. I guess, the “Purple Oreo Problem” is just similar to being served too much sushi or chocolate. A lot of us like them and there’s an unending variety to both. However, when these chocolates and sushi are laid right in front of you at your table, in all shapes and sizes and flavors, there’s no guarantee you’re going to eat everything. You can only take on so much. There comes a point when you just have to step back and say you’ve had enough. Thanks for this highly interesting post, Roger! Looking forward to reading even more from you.

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QT: Blogging Innovation “Joy is BMW – Marketing Innovation or Marketing Failure?”

August 3, 2010

Original Post From: Blogging Innovation

(June 3, 2010)
by: Braden Kelley

“I came across the following video of a BMW advertising installation thanks to a tweet from Blogging Innovation contributor @RowanGibson and I think it serves as a perfect case study of how one firm – in this case BMW – can succeed and fail in utilizing some of the modern incremental innovations in the traditional marketing methods (including social media) to bond itself to an emotion – in this case ‘joy’.” (more…)

My Quick Take…

An example of an excellent idea that has been poorly executed so far. Marketing is about reaching out to a specific audience who is or can be passionate about your brand. I think you gave a good list of reasons why this campaign is a current failure, and that companies like BMW should be reading this. It’s such a waste to see good ideas come to a stop when they aren’t carried out in a way that touches its intended market.

Big ideas lose their potential to become great when they don’t reach those who can pass them on, build momentum, and make that initial spark catch brilliant flame. Metaphors aside, companies and their agencies are responsible for translating their initial ideas into something their market can consume. Concepts should not stop at just being new and exciting. They should also be relatable, relevant, and useful as well.

I think BMW should pay attention, listen, and salvage this idea from being forgotten. Potential is nothing without opportunity. It’s every good marketer’s job to open doors for their brands and customers.

An example of an excellent idea that has been poorly executed so far. Marketing is about reaching out to a specific audience who is or can be passionate about your brand. I think you gave a good list of reasons why this campaign is a current failure, and that companies like BMW should be reading this. It’s such a waste to see good ideas come to a stop when they aren’t carried out in a way that touches its intended market.
Big ideas lose their potential to become great when they don’t reach those who can pass them on, build momentum, and make that initial spark catch brilliant flame. Metaphors aside, companies and their agencies are responsible for translating their initial ideas into something their market can consume. Concepts should not stop at just being new and exciting. They should also be relatable, relevant, and useful as well.

I think BMW should pay attention, listen, and salvage this idea from being forgotten. Potential is nothing without opportunity. It’s every good marketer’s job to open doors for their brands and customers.

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QT: You’ll Be On A Roll

July 28, 2010

Original Post From: Blog of Ronnestam

June 2, 2010 | by: Johan Ronnestam

“The future is bright, that’s for sure. At least if you’re into portability and gadgets. This flexible new oled display developed by Sony makes the iPad seem like a brick huh!” (more…)

My Quick Take:
It’s amazing how a lot of companies still find ways to innovate already brilliant technology. Here we were adoring the iPad, touch screens, and other inventions that were unimaginable a couple of years back. Suddenly there’s this ultra flexible screen– also unimaginable for some (including me) a couple of minutes ago.

It makes me happy to see companies, like Sony, who push the limit and aim to provide something new for their customers. The ability to give people more than what’s currently possible is a great asset for any business. It builds excitement and opens your brand up as a leader, a provider, and possibly an essential part of people’s lives.

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