Disruption can be a powerful tool. The Hans Brinker Hotel in Amsterdam claims to be the worst hotel ever. In fact, an official line from one of their ads claims, "The Hans Brinker Hotel in Amsterdam. It doesn't get much worse." Without apology, they have made a successful business out of being awful. Click here for a first hand look at that housekeeping commercial. It will … [Read more...]
How #WestJetChristmas Miracle 2015 earns authenticity in the jaded airline space
Leading brands know who they are, and more importantly who they ARE NOT. They are conscious of what matches their style and resonates with their audience. They find authenticity in the space that they occupy. Westjet is one of those brands. Westjet has been doing the Christmas miracle since 2012, an annual feel good campaign of sorts, that spreads good cheer in their … [Read more...]
What does Amazon’s move to open a new brick and mortar bookstore in Seattle signal?
It's been said that everything old becomes new again in time. But has the time come for the online bookstore to go back to its roots, with actual physical locations? Amazon opened a physical bookstore in Seattle in early November 2015. The store is located in University Village, an upscale outdoor mall that is already home to thriving Apple and Microsoft stores. The … [Read more...]
When marketing goes to pot
This post also appeared Nov 19, 2015 in the Huffington Post Canada (Business section) as a shorter edited version. Click here to view that article. ************************************************************************************************************* Like opening the window and getting a breath of fresh air, the Liberal party swept to power in Canada recently with … [Read more...]
Russian disabled parking campaign uses 3 components of great storytelling
It's hard to believe it's Nov 2nd. I was out last week on a pumpkin retrieval mission with my daughter leading up to Halloween. Last year I left it too late and the only thing left was an oversized and overpriced green and white squash, which we carved into Casper the ghost, given its kidney shaped figure. After three stops and sold out pumpkins, it was starting to look like a … [Read more...]
