Originally written April 24, 2008
Yesterday was April 23, a quiet day in the Spring of 2008, a nice day; but 23 years ago, April 23 became a day that will live, as FDR put it, in infamy—at least from a marketing and public relations point of view. It was the day Coca-Cola introduced New Coke. It is nothing new to say that you need to protect the image of your brand, but that lesson was driven home with uncommon power—and violence—by the debacle that was New Coke.
Coca-Cola has been around since 1886, when Dr. John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta, Georgia, pharmacist, first produced the syrup for Coca-Cola. He took a jug of the syrup to the nearby Jacobs' Pharmacy, where, according to Coke lore, “it was sampled, pronounced "excellent" and placed on sale for five cents a glass as a soda fountain drink.” In the years since then, Coke went from a syrup mixed with soda water to a bottled beverage that could be easily distributed throughout the region, th...
By Charles M Cooper · April 23 2009
small business, branding, coca-cola, new coke
Government and Economy
IMF Sees Parallels Between Today and the Great Depression
In spite the unprecedented steps already taken by central banks and governments across the globe, the International Monetary Fund is warning world leaders of "worrisome parallels" between the current global economic crisis and the Great Depression. Telegraph.co.uk
Is Bland Affluence Giving Way to Authenticity Chic?
Americans seem to be looking for simpler—and cheaper—ways to live. Columnist Peggy Noonan explores what may be a growing trend toward an easier way of life. WSJ.com
Management and...
By Charles M Cooper · April 17 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from Friday, March 13, 2009
The Small Business tips today will cover how to brand yourself online.
In branding yourself, BE YOURSELF. Stand for something, not everything. Have an opinion.
Get involved in different conversations. Bring some real value to the table. You'll be remembered.
Be innovative. So many people are out there doing the same or similar thing. Stand out, don't blend in.
Be the expert but also make it known that you don't know EVERYTHING. You're human too. Show that side.
Daily Overview: Properly branding yourself is being yourself, giving value in your involvement and innovation as a flawed expert.
By Kim Fenolio · March 13 2009
small business tips, small business, internet, online
Government and Economy
Small Business Optimism Falls
Small business optimism fell another 1.5 points to 82.6 in February, according to the National Federation of Independent Business's Small Business Optimism Index. This the second lowest rating in the 35-year history of the survey. Forbes.com
Treasury Promises Spur to Small Business
In a closed-door meeting with House Democrats, Treasury Secretary Geithner said Obama officials are working on plans to boost liquidity for small businesses as part of the administration's broadening efforts to spur lending and arrest the pace of job losses WSJ.com
Management and Financial Issues
By Charles M Cooper · March 10 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips originally broadcast on November 24, 2008
The Small Business tips today will be about branding.
Have a logo that's easily recognizable. Put it on everything that you do: avatars, letterhead, business cards etc. Be consistent!
Put a blog on your website. Post often. It sets you as an expert and enables conversation with your audience.
Don't try to be everything to everyone. Stand for something and stick to it. Be consistent!
Participate in local business events. Don't just go, instead be on a committee and get your name / brand known!
Daily Overview: Do what you say you're going to do, be reliable, be the expert, be out there, be active & most of all be consistent.
By Kim Fenolio · February 26 2009
small business tips, marketing, small business, branding
Government and Economy
Retail's Dagger In The Heart
Scary as all those toy recalls for lead-poisoning hazards were, the cure for the problem—the Consumer Product Safety Protection Act—may be worse than the disease.
Downshifting in a Slowing Economy: A Business Planning Guide
Entrepreneurs can take advantage of new, free online training and other resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist them during this period of economic recovery.
Industry Expert: Mr Obama, Search For Outside CTO
A...
By Charles M Cooper · January 16 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, branding
Government and Economy
Slow Economy Won't Stop Tax CutsA top adviser to President-elect Barack Obama said Sunday that the country's slowing economy won't keep the new administration from fulfilling its plans for a middle-class tax cut.
Fallout After Dismal Holiday SeasonAs an online toy seller filing for bankruptcy, other stores are expected to follow suit, meaning more empty storefronts and fewer brands on the shelves.
Famous Last Words of 2008's Financial CrisisFew could have predicted the financial tsunami that hit the U.S. economy in the latter part of this year, but a han...
By Charles M Cooper · December 30 2008
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Government and Economy
SBA Expands Emerging 200 Initiative to 15 Cities as First Group of Executives Complete Innovative New Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s innovative Emerging 200 initiative will be expanded in the spring of 2009 to include five new cities – Detroit, Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, and Portland, Ore. – SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah announced today.
New Action by Treasury and Federal Reserve Will Support Small Business Lending
Late last week, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve announced important details on how the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) wi...
By Charles M Cooper · December 24 2008
small business brief, marketing, small business, retail
