The Business Brickyard

The personal Blog of Howard Mann. Author, Speaker & Entrepreneur. - March 11th, 2010
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People don't care how much you know... until they know how much you care.

John C. Maxwell on leadership.
30
Nov
09

It's All Unimportant Until It's You

I met with a client some time ago and got into a debate about what it was like to be a client of their firm. As I kept banging my head up against their story... I persuaded them to humor me and try something new....

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27
Nov
09

Jack Daniels and Old No. 7

This commercial for Jack Daniels does so many things right.

It embraces all the myths around the brand, fuels mystery through the story behind the label and provides fans with stories they can tell others to make them look smart. All that in a beautifully designed presentation.

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25
Nov
09

Is Your Brochure An Interesting Read?

I recently received a catalog from Zingerman's market in Michigan (Yes, holiday season is here yet again). They are renowned for their customer service... they teach courses in it and wrote a book about it.

What they also get right is making their marketing literature a fun and engaging read. It tells a story and becomes a bit of a page turner. Yes, a catalog as a page turner.

The description for their "Brownie Sample Gift Pack" from their catalog:

Evidence of Evolution

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24
Nov
09

Old Joke. Speaks Volumes...

John arrives at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter tells John that he has the unique opportunity to take a look around at Heaven AND Hell and decide where he wants to spend eternity.

John takes a little stroll around Heaven … nice puffy clouds…people hanging around playing harps…smiling…peaceful. He thinks that looks pretty nice so he hops in the elevator down to Hell…

The doors open and the devil shows him into a big room….WOW…. What a party! People dancing, singing, laughing, having an amazing time.

“Now,” he thinks, “THIS is the way to spend eternity!”

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20
Nov
09

What can 'Coldplay' Teach Us About Service?

I was listening to a live album from MEGA popular band Coldplay the other day. Other than their amazing music, what caught my ear was what lead singer Chris Martin said to the crowd between songs...

"We sincerely hope you have one of the best nights of your life"

Not "Hello New York..Thank you for coming"

"We sincerely hope you have one of the best nights of your life"

What do you hope you do for your clients/customers?

End of story.

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20
Nov
09

So....When Is YOUR Keynote?

I was watching a recording of Steve Jobs presenting one of his Keynote speeches/presentations earlier this week. The buzz that he creates at each of these events is well documented (If you have never watched him present and want to watch someone that is totally on their game, I suggest you watch the video feeds available at www.apple.com)

My question to business owners:

When are you planning YOUR Keynote?

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10
Nov
09

original + unique = what?

Great interview with Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg in the NY Times today covering leadership, creativity and risk. Read it here.

An excerpt I particularly liked:

Q. How has your leadership style evolved?

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