the bulletproof strategy statement
This framework rigorously tests your strategy statements, pushing for total clarity and uniqueness.By moving from the vague “We are the best X” to the sharper “We are the only X who does Y,” it forces you to clearly define what makes your business different. This helps you uncover your core differentiator and express it in […]
smash two flints
Having a robust, quick-response method up your sleeve can be invaluable. Here’s a ‘fast strategic framework’ I use for high-pressure scenarios. A note of caution: these are quick fixes, best suited for emergency use. When using them, it helps to have: – The ability to put a number of lenses on the problem.– Access to […]
AI’s gold rush
A complex and dynamic landscape is taking shape in the field of AI. Hundreds of startups are rushing to develop foundation models, AI-native apps, and infrastructure, with models like Stable Diffusion and ChatGPT setting historical records for user growth. However, the critical question that looms large is where the value will accrue in this market. […]
tech vs talent
Perhaps the only thing hotter than rising temperatures across the US is the topic of AI in entertainment. As entertainment giants like Disney and Netflix invest lavishly in AI, offering up to $900,000 for a single AI product manager, the striking actors’ demands include protections against their scanned likeness being manipulated by AI without adequate […]
flip the root problem
Having a robust, quick-response method up your sleeve can be invaluable. Here’s a ‘fast strategic framework’ I use for high-pressure scenarios. A note of caution: these are quick fixes, best suited for emergency use. When using them, it helps to have: – The ability to put a number of lenses on the problem.– Years of […]
synthetic simplicity in AI
A great read here from Venture Beat. My take: Synthetic data emerges as a profound economic catalyst, poised to redefine the very fabric of the industry. This isn’t merely a technological advancement; it’s a seismic shift that promises to democratize access to data, a resource once confined to tech giants. The elegance of synthetic data […]
3 types of strategists
Here’s a simple breakdown of key roles in an ad agency, showing how strategies are applied through each phase of a campaign. Brand Strategist: What you’re saying. Focused on creating the core message, ensuring it’s relevant and persuasive. Comms Strategist: How you’re saying it. Responsible for shaping the message for impact and memorability. Media Strategist: […]
ride shotgun
When explaining how I fit into the campaign process at major agencies, I use a simple image: At the core of the agency, the brand strategist leads by turning the client’s vision into a strategy and igniting creativity. As the campaign develops, the communications strategist takes the lead, driving it forward. The brand strategist remains […]
harry reichenbach in the digital age
On June 6th, 1920, press stuntman Harry Reichenbach booked musician T.R. Zan into an exclusive New York hotel. His luggage consisted of a massive packing case thought to contain a piano. When Mr. Zan ordered 50 pounds of meat for breakfast, an inquiry followed, revealing that the meat was for a lion enclosed in the […]
the focal cascade
Many brands today confuse goals with strategy, claiming their strategy is to “triple our turnover” or “be number one by 2021.” This simple cascade guides you away from that trap. Take a hypothetical toy maker brand aiming to be the top choice for adults. While it suggests strategic thinking, it’s still just a goal. It […]
