An old friend of mine hasn't been doing so well. We visit every weekend, usually on Sunday, and I've noticed the gradual decline. She still shows some signs of life every now and then, reminding me of how she once was. But those moments are fleeting.
That old friend is Parade Magazine. While the readership is still there, my old friend has seen a dramatic decline over the years, slowly declining as Sunday circulation does in the newspaper business. Today, my old friend was sold as Athlon Media Group.
My hope is this can be the shot in the arm this magazine needs, and deserves. Advance Publications has owned Parade Magazine, which was distributed in over 700 newspapers across the country. Parade's timeline dates back to 1941 as The Weekly Picture Newspaper, by Marshall Field III, founder of the Chicago Sun.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-parade-magazine-gets-a-new-owner-20140917-story.html
There is still hope for Parade, with the help of Athlon who is very familiar with distributed magazines via newspaper partners. And there is hope for the Sunday newspaper magazine.
Earlier this week, I read about a new magazine launching in California with over 400,000 circulation via newspaper Sunday editions starting October 5. "California Sunday" will be a monthly magazine with newspaper distribution as well as a strong digital presence. Started by Federated Media, I think this is a very solid idea.
Parade Magazine is national, and tries to be all things to all people. A regional piece such as "California Sunday" will appeal to the desire of people to read about, learn about and do things locally. This allows for compelling local content, which will make a regional magazine more appealing to readers. This will also appeal to regional advertisers, which has the potential for a different pool of advertisers with fewer competitors. How many regional magazines are there in California with a circulation of 400,000? Very few, and certainly less competitors than Parade has on the national level.
Details on the new magazine "California Sunday" can be found at: http://www.fastcompany.com/3035713/why-this-media-start-up-is-betting-on-print-newspapers
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Five pieces of advice for today's business person from Mark Twain
Mark Twain is one of my favorite people from history. He was the eyewitness to amazing points in history, and was the voice of history for many of them with the words he penned during his lifetime. I recently watched a PBS documentary on his life, and have read a couple biographies on Sam Clemens. Currently, I'm reading his masterpiece "Following The Equator".
Clemens, or Twain --whichever you prefer, was not a particularly good businessman. Later in life, he had to continue lecturing and writing to pay bills rather than enjoy what we would consider a traditional retirement. In fact, Twain's business actions were so bad that despite being a highly paid writer and lecturer he had to file bankruptcy.
Perhaps that is the single best part of his character that I love. Rather than hide from his creditors through bankruptcy, he worked hard until every single creditor was paid back in full. How many of today's Hollywood elites would do such a thing?
And so a poor budgeter who made bad business decisions is a full of great advice for business people in the 21st century. There is no doubt in my mind, so without further delay here are some great nuggets of advice from Sam Clemens:
1) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." -- Mark Twain
I know many friends and co-workers that have great ideas, but are afraid to take the chance and move those ideas forward. Some times you will fail, but that is OK. Fail fast and keep looking for that success. In business, you only have to be right once.
2) "Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today."
I will likely never invent something that would require a patent. It is just not my thing to create something mechanical that will be of any value. But I have a creative mind that can dream of great and innovative ways to improve products and processes. Dream it and make it happen, especially in today's environment where innovations come flying at us so fast.
3) "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first."
Great advice, especially for sales people. You have a difficult customer to deal with, do it first thing that morning. That's way better than putting it off and dreading it all day. Or worse yet, putting it off and never facing the situation. This is also especially true dealing with difficult employees. Deal with them first and upfront. That's much better than putting it off, and off and off. Keeping bad employees around is much worse than that momentary pain of getting rid of them.
4) "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
Taking on Walmart is crazy you say? Maybe if you're trying to beat them on price, but there are always opportunities to fight for your business. I think business is the ultimate competitive sport, and I love that! You have to pick your fights, but that is where the fun is at. Passion is under valued in many businesses today, but I think it is one of my best assets.
5) "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great."
Probably my favorite Mark Twain quote, and one that I try to live by everyday as a manager. I found that quote during a time when my former manager / then colleague was flooding me with negative talk and energy regarding my desire to learn and grow. I realized that she was one of the small people Twain was referring to in the quote. My favorite part of business is leadership, and specifically helping my direct reports grow professionally. No matter where they go after they work for me, they are one of my employees. As they succeed, I share in those successes. As a result, I have been able to attract and retain really good employees, and even better people. Having that as a base for my business operations has obviously had a tremendous impact on the success of the businesses I've been a part in my career.
Clemens, or Twain --whichever you prefer, was not a particularly good businessman. Later in life, he had to continue lecturing and writing to pay bills rather than enjoy what we would consider a traditional retirement. In fact, Twain's business actions were so bad that despite being a highly paid writer and lecturer he had to file bankruptcy.
Perhaps that is the single best part of his character that I love. Rather than hide from his creditors through bankruptcy, he worked hard until every single creditor was paid back in full. How many of today's Hollywood elites would do such a thing?
And so a poor budgeter who made bad business decisions is a full of great advice for business people in the 21st century. There is no doubt in my mind, so without further delay here are some great nuggets of advice from Sam Clemens:
1) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." -- Mark Twain
I know many friends and co-workers that have great ideas, but are afraid to take the chance and move those ideas forward. Some times you will fail, but that is OK. Fail fast and keep looking for that success. In business, you only have to be right once.
2) "Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today."
I will likely never invent something that would require a patent. It is just not my thing to create something mechanical that will be of any value. But I have a creative mind that can dream of great and innovative ways to improve products and processes. Dream it and make it happen, especially in today's environment where innovations come flying at us so fast.
3) "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first."
Great advice, especially for sales people. You have a difficult customer to deal with, do it first thing that morning. That's way better than putting it off and dreading it all day. Or worse yet, putting it off and never facing the situation. This is also especially true dealing with difficult employees. Deal with them first and upfront. That's much better than putting it off, and off and off. Keeping bad employees around is much worse than that momentary pain of getting rid of them.
4) "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
Taking on Walmart is crazy you say? Maybe if you're trying to beat them on price, but there are always opportunities to fight for your business. I think business is the ultimate competitive sport, and I love that! You have to pick your fights, but that is where the fun is at. Passion is under valued in many businesses today, but I think it is one of my best assets.
5) "Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great."
Probably my favorite Mark Twain quote, and one that I try to live by everyday as a manager. I found that quote during a time when my former manager / then colleague was flooding me with negative talk and energy regarding my desire to learn and grow. I realized that she was one of the small people Twain was referring to in the quote. My favorite part of business is leadership, and specifically helping my direct reports grow professionally. No matter where they go after they work for me, they are one of my employees. As they succeed, I share in those successes. As a result, I have been able to attract and retain really good employees, and even better people. Having that as a base for my business operations has obviously had a tremendous impact on the success of the businesses I've been a part in my career.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
31 billion digital coupons to be redeemed annually within three years
Mobile coupons continue to grow, which is not exactly breaking news I realize. According to Juniper, there will be more than 31 billion digital coupons redeemed annually within the next three years. And while any success coupon program should include a digital component, traditional print coupons still play a vital role.
Don't get me wrong, digital coupons are important. I'm not a dinosaur who is trying to ignore digital alternatives away. Quite the opposite. I find it exciting to work with customers on programs like digital coupons, and help them find success as this outlet explodes. Those digital coupons are quickly growing, are going mobile and are inexpensive. Nearly 3 of 4 (73%) of those coupons are on mobile devices, and 85% not printed at home.
I think it depends on the market, but I still find that newspaper coupon redemption is performing at a higher level than digital coupons. That is the case with coupons from inserts as well as from display ads in the newspaper. The newspaper reader is still a very desirable target, who has money to spend and relies on ads in newspapers to guide their spending. This is especially true with coupons.
But the times, they are a changing. As this article points out, coupons are starting to find consumers rather than consumers finding them.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/233505/more-coupons-finding-mobile-shoppers.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline&utm_campaign=75831
Don't get me wrong, digital coupons are important. I'm not a dinosaur who is trying to ignore digital alternatives away. Quite the opposite. I find it exciting to work with customers on programs like digital coupons, and help them find success as this outlet explodes. Those digital coupons are quickly growing, are going mobile and are inexpensive. Nearly 3 of 4 (73%) of those coupons are on mobile devices, and 85% not printed at home.
I think it depends on the market, but I still find that newspaper coupon redemption is performing at a higher level than digital coupons. That is the case with coupons from inserts as well as from display ads in the newspaper. The newspaper reader is still a very desirable target, who has money to spend and relies on ads in newspapers to guide their spending. This is especially true with coupons.
But the times, they are a changing. As this article points out, coupons are starting to find consumers rather than consumers finding them.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/233505/more-coupons-finding-mobile-shoppers.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline&utm_campaign=75831
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Auto industry slowly starting to market more towards women consumers
Business guru Tom Peters has been championing the importance of marketing to women for years. Even in areas where men dominate like electronics and automotive, the decision is made or heavily influenced by women. Yet, marketing dollars are often centered around attracting men.
The Wall Street Journal this week reported on how the automotive industry is starting to change, albeit slowly. The good news is more and more research and marketing focus is being directed towards the sex that spends and / or influences the money; women.
This is such an important topic to discuss with sales reps that handle automotive accounts, as well as creative types that help shape the marketing message for these accounts. Most importantly I believe, this is a topic that needs to be a part of a future conversation with the customer.
That talk with the customer is important because of the subject matter; they really need to recognize that marketing to women is a financially beneficial decision. That talk is also important because it shows you care about the customer! I sent this to every sales rep I work with that handles automotive, asking them to have this important conversation. I'm also hopeful to see some slight changes in ad copy and content focus in their advertising in the near future.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Three minute video that can re energize your staff into providing top quality customer service
I made several members of my staff cry this morning. No yelling, no berating involved, just a moving message that had everyone pausing to reflect.
Customer service is not a new topic for training, that's for sure. Yet the level of customer service seems to continue to drop with businesses. We all have horror stories about how we've been abused by companies who clearly have given up trying to provide top of the line customer service. Certain brands evoke laughter when you bring up even having to call their customer support line (Comcast...Sprint....Bank of America just to name a few).
A long time ago, I figured out that the key to sales success was very simple. Two simple statements could sum up what sales was all about: solutions to problems and good feelings. Solving the problems of a customer is very customized, but providing good feelings should be universal.
Little things can make a big difference, and this video illustrates that very clearly. This video is not new, but it is very timely even today. I saw this at a training session last night. I had seen it years before but had lost track of the video. Want to make a difference with your customers? Use this as a basis for your outlook.
http://vimeo.com/89319413
Customer service is not a new topic for training, that's for sure. Yet the level of customer service seems to continue to drop with businesses. We all have horror stories about how we've been abused by companies who clearly have given up trying to provide top of the line customer service. Certain brands evoke laughter when you bring up even having to call their customer support line (Comcast...Sprint....Bank of America just to name a few).
A long time ago, I figured out that the key to sales success was very simple. Two simple statements could sum up what sales was all about: solutions to problems and good feelings. Solving the problems of a customer is very customized, but providing good feelings should be universal.
Little things can make a big difference, and this video illustrates that very clearly. This video is not new, but it is very timely even today. I saw this at a training session last night. I had seen it years before but had lost track of the video. Want to make a difference with your customers? Use this as a basis for your outlook.
http://vimeo.com/89319413
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Relaunched Foursquare app tracks users even when closed
The push to get data from consumers is never ending. I'm more than willing to give some data to gain discounts, insider knowledge and more. But I want to be the one making the decision of when to give my info and when not.
There is technology being used on a trial basis which scans data on shoppers phones when they are in a store. They are able to see what website you've visited, what cookies are on your web browser. To me, this is an invasion of my privacy.
Yesterday, I found out that the newly launched Foursquare app was now tracking users location even when the app is closed. Last night, I deleted the app from my phone.
Foursquare is an app that I've used for several years, with the understanding that I give them some of my shopping info. In turn, I received a few discounts from merchants that were partnering with the start up social media company.
Foursquare is getting away from the gamification of check ins, and is now trying to be like Yelp!, and a resource for consumers looking for details on a business. This seems like a logical step in their business plan, but an over step in my estimation in how to treat users.
Read the full details about their new business plan and location tracking at: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/08/06/foursquare-now-tracks-users-even-when-the-app-is-closed/?mod=e2fb
There is technology being used on a trial basis which scans data on shoppers phones when they are in a store. They are able to see what website you've visited, what cookies are on your web browser. To me, this is an invasion of my privacy.
Yesterday, I found out that the newly launched Foursquare app was now tracking users location even when the app is closed. Last night, I deleted the app from my phone.
Foursquare is an app that I've used for several years, with the understanding that I give them some of my shopping info. In turn, I received a few discounts from merchants that were partnering with the start up social media company.
Foursquare is getting away from the gamification of check ins, and is now trying to be like Yelp!, and a resource for consumers looking for details on a business. This seems like a logical step in their business plan, but an over step in my estimation in how to treat users.
Read the full details about their new business plan and location tracking at: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/08/06/foursquare-now-tracks-users-even-when-the-app-is-closed/?mod=e2fb
Monday, July 28, 2014
Consistent marketing and advertising messages is the key to long term success for businesses
Back in the 1980's, Ronald Reagan said that if your neighbor was laid off, it was a recession and if you were laid off it was a depression. Technically, we are currently in neither but it is very safe to say that the economics remain very difficult, and down right depressing in some markets.
When times are tough, I always think it is important to make sure you are taking care of the fundamentals in business. Make sure those basic are working at their best is just a way in my opinion to do a reality check on the operation. This includes a review of your marketing strategy and advertising buys.
Even in tough times, a marketing department must keep its eye on gaining market share and customers. As the markets start to grow, if you've gained market share in tough times you'll have more sales and more profits. While called many things within many organizations, most media companies try to work on creating top of mind awareness programs to help solve this marketing problem.
TOMA as it is often called is simply about creating a campaign that builds brand recognition. When someone asks about a brand of bottled water, the consumer answers Dasani, Aquafina, Ice Mountain or whatever. The basic of a TOMA program is simply consistency in messaging.
I always use McDonald's as the greatest example of consistency. Lord knows, my son knew the golden arches and the message from the company at an early age. But they kept buying the media and sending the message so that whenever my son is asked what he wants for dinner, he replies McDonalds. This is still true today, with my son now 17 years old. Though on occasion he will ask for Red Lobster!
I came across an article by Red Barrett, Director of Digital Sales for The Sun Sentinel, a Tribune Publishing Company. While her take was very much a south Florida take and discusses snow-birds, who are only in her market from late fall to early spring, I think it is very applicable to all markets. I've already shared it with my staff, and think it might be worth sharing to others.
http://touch.sun-sentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-80926035/
Her remarks remind me of a frequent saying of Mark Cuban. In a book he wrote, he always reminded himself and the reader that your competitors is out there right now, trying to steal your customers and put you out of business.
When times are tough, I always think it is important to make sure you are taking care of the fundamentals in business. Make sure those basic are working at their best is just a way in my opinion to do a reality check on the operation. This includes a review of your marketing strategy and advertising buys.
Even in tough times, a marketing department must keep its eye on gaining market share and customers. As the markets start to grow, if you've gained market share in tough times you'll have more sales and more profits. While called many things within many organizations, most media companies try to work on creating top of mind awareness programs to help solve this marketing problem.
TOMA as it is often called is simply about creating a campaign that builds brand recognition. When someone asks about a brand of bottled water, the consumer answers Dasani, Aquafina, Ice Mountain or whatever. The basic of a TOMA program is simply consistency in messaging.
I always use McDonald's as the greatest example of consistency. Lord knows, my son knew the golden arches and the message from the company at an early age. But they kept buying the media and sending the message so that whenever my son is asked what he wants for dinner, he replies McDonalds. This is still true today, with my son now 17 years old. Though on occasion he will ask for Red Lobster!
I came across an article by Red Barrett, Director of Digital Sales for The Sun Sentinel, a Tribune Publishing Company. While her take was very much a south Florida take and discusses snow-birds, who are only in her market from late fall to early spring, I think it is very applicable to all markets. I've already shared it with my staff, and think it might be worth sharing to others.
http://touch.sun-sentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-80926035/
Her remarks remind me of a frequent saying of Mark Cuban. In a book he wrote, he always reminded himself and the reader that your competitors is out there right now, trying to steal your customers and put you out of business.
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