We humans are social creatures. Just look at the rise of social media. We share, we keep in touch and yes we even eavesdrop through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and a host of other hot social media sites. I’ve embraced social media and believe it is a great way to stay connected and build business, but in addition to, not in place of, face-to-face meetings. In fact, if anything, social media has taught us all just how hungry employees, franchisees, users, and any other constituents you serve are for meaningful connection. That’s great news for your brand if you know how to do more than just share information through face-to-face meetings. Read the rest of this entry »

There has been a lot of hype recently about a new character of M&M’s candy being “revealed” during the Super Bowl, Ms. Brown. A lot of time and money is being devoted to television ads, print ads and “teasers” on social media.  Not to mention the $3.5 million being spent for the 30-second commercial.  What will Ms. Brown look like?  Sound like? My question is…why would you invest so much time, money and energy into a little piece of chocolate? Read the rest of this entry »

The three key tenants of Heart & Mind® Branding apply to the Apple founder.

With Steve Jobs announcing he is stepping down from his role of CEO of Apple, people are speculating about what made him so powerful, so successful and so iconic. Everything from his off-the-charts intelligence, his insane attention to every detail, his intensity and his relentless micromanagement just to highlight a few.  But I’ll say it is all of these and none of these at the same time. That’s putting too much emphasis on the micro aspects of a macro human being, a total person. Read the rest of this entry »

Call it the product of 20 years of marketing experience. Or maybe it is the clarity that comes only from being a part of great success stories, but I’ve discovered the four keys to success with any marketing program, maybe even any business. They are simple. And unless you possess all of them, your marketing and your resulting growth will be marginal at best, regardless of what ad agency, PR firm or graphic designer you choose. Even a branding company like HEASLEY&PARTNERS can’t bring to fruition the full potential of a company that is missing even one of these vital key success factors. Read the rest of this entry »

“I’d rather have spiders crawl all over my body than speak in public.” “A pit of slithering snakes is more appealing than walking onto a stage in front of an audience of even twenty people.”

These are the kind of comments I’ve heard people say when I so much as suggest that in order to fulfill their destiny and their mission, they are going to have to learn to speak in public. I can relate to their fear. I used to dread presenting. I was fine in the conference room, but the minute I had to take a stage, my knees would shake, my voice would quiver and my heart rate would accelerate to the point of palpitations.  But before you call 911, read on. This article is how I overcame my fear so you can too.

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It’s been a decade, maybe two since the merger of communications and technology. Some could argue it started with the old Wordstar word processing program. Or maybe it was Lotus Notes internal email application. But whatever that monumental moment was, the full merger of communications and technology has happened. Today if you are even the slightest bit technophobic, then it might be best to choose a career other than marketing or branding. But if you don’t mind delving into the world of computers, the cloud, and a host of apps that bring your brand to life and get your message out, here are the technology musts.

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Have you ever put your best foot forward only to discover that instead of everyone loving your work you’ve triggered a rash of criticism? It happens, and with social media the critics have a bigger soap box than ever before. Some people say any press is good press, but that’s only if you make it so. Here’s what to do if you find yourself or your brand in this uncomfortable predicament.
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What does a rock legend do to become relevant to more people? Release a new album? No, that will hit the hard core fans more than attract new ones. Launch a ten-city tour? No, same problem.  In today’s world, more than anything, you go on American Idol or The Celebrity Apprentice. Read the rest of this entry »

If you have to work eight or ten hours a day I would hope you get something more out of it than just a paycheck. Studies show that money isn’t everything when it comes to happiness in the workplace. It takes much more to feel fulfilled. Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s the opening line to the big news today:  Diet Coke has trumped Pepsi.

“In a historic shift for the beverage industry, Pepsi, long the No. 2 carbonated soft drink in the country, has fallen to third place in the category behind both Coke and Diet Coke. Beverage Digest reported today that Pepsi lost 0.4 share in 2010, falling to a 9.5% share of the category. Diet Coke controls a 9.9% share of the market, while brand Coke holds a 17% share. The move has been long been in the making — Pepsi barely nudged by Diet Coke in 2009 — but the brand wasn’t able to turn the tide. John Sicher, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest, said Pepsi had held the No. 2 slot for decades.” (from AdAge – 3-18-11) Read the rest of this entry »