My most recent SustainableBusinessForum piece takes a look at Outdoor Afro, the thriving social-media savvy business launched by Rue Mapp.  This business, which emerged from Rue’s personal passion, is now powerfully connecting African Americans with nature – and … Read on >

You know its a good day when general consumer trends start to look like a list of sustainability trends.  That’s what I thought when I read through Trendwatching’s recently released 2011 trends overview.  Now, I may be the type who sees evidence of sustainably change everywhere, but don’t you … Read on >

There’s been quite a lot of discussion about Dove’s Men+Care Super Bowl ad, and rightly so.  But, (for the love of…) don’t let their success lead you to the extremes of “me-too” and “we’ve got to get in on this marketing to men thing.”… Read on >

It  has been pretty interesting to observe this past year or so how many industries are getting more focused on how to develop, rather than grow, their customer base, and on how to serve the “emerging” consumer expectations.  While that is always to be applauded, the question is: “what took … Read on >

Here we go.  It’s just about that time of year again where everyone and their brother pull out the pink wash, spray it on a single product and push it out to the masses with a big to-do, as in: “look how great our ’cause marketing’ is, ladies!”  I … Read on >

These days there are many great sources for studying up on the best practices in marketing – and two of my favorites are published via The New York Times: Rob Walker’s Consumed column in the magazine and Stuart Elliott’s Campaign Spotlight. Neither of these guys writes a “marketing to women” … Read on >

I just read of a very smart move by the Chipotle restaurant chain to sponsor free screenings of the newly released documentary film, Food Inc.  By doing this, the company is supporting the broader education of consumers … Read on >

Am I wrong to assume that, within the field of marketing in general and even in professional sports – we are all grown-ups?  When I read about this “Ball-less Baseball” ladies night event, I had to wonder.  Maybe minor league sports is all and only about one-night stands/news bytes?  … Read on >

Something is very different in designing and marketing gadgets and “apps” in today’s world.  Performance, while important, is no longer king, and consumers demand that the darned things fit into or ease their lifestyles.  Interestingly to me, that often means … Read on >

I, like so many others who are more focused than ever on eating right, have long been suspect of McDonald’s and their salads “for women” and such.  Does a little lettuce really balance out the perceived negatives in where they get their beef or all that frying (as per the … Read on >