The nationality of a brand attains growing political significance in today’s marketplace. Some argue that with globalization a brand’s nationality — its perceived national association — has become so tenuous that contemporary consumers do not care where a brand is from or even know the “country-of-origin” of the brands they purchase. Yet all such spatial associations are not created equal. And...
Why do humans continue to categorize and judge people by race — or gender, sexual orientation or religion? And as communicators, how do we contribute to greater understanding and a more equitable society? One tool: Research.
In the first part of the 19th century, one of America’s most prominent scientists was a doctor named Samuel Morton. Using a collection of skulls gathered from...
Macrotrend data is consistent: Consumer behavior is shifting rapidly, purchasing patterns are in flux and customer loyalty is shaken. The common thread is no surprise: we are human, we are struggling and we need empathy more than ever.
The magnitude of change, loss of control and continued uncertainty has led us to question everything: where we work and where we live, what we buy and...
The key to any business relationship, but especially a trade relationship where external factors, like governments, have a role to play, is making sure you’re committed for the long run and prepared to ride out any rough spots. You need to be committed to transparency and fulfilling your obligations. This is especially true for a U.S. company doing business in China. These principles can serve...
I got my first job when I was 16 — a pool cleaner. I was earning a paycheck for the first time, and my mom immediately took me to the bank and made me open an account. It was at this time I also got my first credit card at Mervyn’s. My mom said, “You need to start saving and building your credit.” This was the early 1980s; she was well ahead of her time with this important advice.
Fast...
In our socially-distant new normal, the living room has become the office. The backyard has become the gym. And the internet has become the only channel through which we can create and maintain deep connections to the outside world.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: the internet as a primary space for deep connections? It seems pretty contradictory. Social media and other...
The phrase “think global, act local” has been around for years prompting many of us working in global businesses to be sensitive to how our initiatives play out in different parts of the world. But not until the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has there been a global emergency that has truly required everyone, everywhere to care about what is happening in their own communities, as well as the...
The challenge of running the communications function has gotten exponentially tougher. The role of a Chief Communications Officer is now like a hockey goalie attempting to deflect nonstop slapshots, while simultaneously directing their team down the ice. It reminds me of what’s happened to educators over the past 20 years.
Teachers used to focus primarily on educating students. But now...