The marketing industry is experiencing really big changes right now – AI, LLMs like ChatGPT, the Twitter rebrand, new platforms like Threads, and the rising power of foreign controlled TikTok. I’m still having a hard time calling the little blue bird “X”. The whole “formerly known as” feels like I’m talking about Prince! Not only is the industry being disrupted, I've been … [Read more...]
Ethics & AI: considerations and tools for marketers
Discussions around artificial intelligence these days seem full of hyperbole. Often the outcome is to drive opinions into one of two directions. AI is evil. It will steal jobs, spread misinformation and leave us divided and destitute while we burn and float away. AI is a gift. Sent from the internet Gods, it will increase our productivity, creativity, and leave us sipping … [Read more...]
Marketing as Community Development
A number of years ago I had the pleasure of working with a visionary leader at City University Canada - a Canadian university belonging to a US based private, not for profit, parent brand. CityU Canada has campuses in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton and specializes in delivering graduate degree programs for working adults in the areas of Master of Education and Master … [Read more...]
Marketing with Customer Service: the Southwest Airlines debacle
Southwest Airlines, the much-loved US based bargain priced flight carrier was the benchmark for customer service and low priced flights, which WestJet emulated in Canada when they first launched. A disruptive low-cost structure allowed them to be price competitive, while delivering a customer focused attitude of fun in the skies which, endeared them to the hearts of many … [Read more...]
10 Consumer and Marketing Trends to be tracking for 2023
I love tracking trends and changes in human behavior. It's where social science can meet business opportunity. This post looks at five consumer trends and five marketing trends for 2023. Under each trend, we examine the implications further through a couple questions: Why is this happening? & What does it mean for you? Because I advise a number of clients from the travel … [Read more...]
