What happened to strategic planning – once a core element of marketing operations? You may be saying, “Strategic planning is still a core piece of what we do.” Is it, though? Today’s “strategic planning” typically involves semi-annual or quarterly events consisting of “strategy making.” Managers and leaders get together (often starting with bagels and coffee) … Read more
Whenever I hear someone use the term SME (pronounced “smee”) for subject matter expert, I imagine a Dr. Seuss-like character and accompanying verse: On the 25thth day of March, in the jungle of sales,In the pall of the calls, the in of the bound,Hey yelled, “Data! Information!” and other leadership sounds.Then the SME stopped and … Read more
“It’s time to make the donuts.” This phrase from a 1981 Dunkin’ Donuts ad campaign has become part of our workplace culture. People use it to talk about preparing to do something repetitive, grueling, or meaningless. But that’s a misreading of the original message. The ad featured Fred the Baker, who woke up very early … Read more
