Last week I had the opportunity to speak at a marketing summit in Italy. The event was jointly presented by SAP and Largo Consumo Magazine, one of Italy’s leading trade publications. Early in my career, I was fortunate to be offered a job assignment in Italy that broadened my perspective and provided a “career compass” that guided [...]

In the first two parts of this three-part series on the lessons artisans can teach marketers, I discussed how in villages, small towns and “main streets” all over the world, artisan shops have not only survived, they have thrived.

In my first blog post on How Artisans Can Teach Us to Become Better Marketers. I talked about living in countries that had a strong artisan culture in their economy. What fascinated me was that these small shops seemed unaffected by larger, more modern businesses and stores.

When I lived and worked in Italy, artisans were a big part of the commerce and culture of the country. People would flock to local shops, drawn to homemade breads and cheeses. Furniture and furnishings were made by hand. The vineyards and wineries to this very day retain that artisan mindset.

Occasionally I enjoy trying new restaurants with my wife and family.  But it seems whenever we discover a culinary gem, so does the rest of the world. Everyone has experienced this at one time or another. The restaurant starts generating buzz and the next thing you know, it becomes next to impossible to get a reservation. Then suddenly, as fast… [Read more]

We have all been there. You’re at your local cinema, eager to see the latest blockbuster. You spend a good chunk of money on movie tickets, popcorn, snacks and drinks. The lights go down. Suddenly the darkened auditorium is illuminated by the smartphones of patrons who think it is acceptable to text during a movie. Despite a prominent “NO TEXTING… [Read more]