Defensive Strategy

Blackberry’s Astonishing Fall

27 Sep 2012  

Classes started this week at Kellogg; Northwestern is on the quarter system so things get going rather slowly in the fall. I began my two marketing strategy classes with a round of introductions: I had each student go through their background and then mention one of their favorite brands. This is always an interesting exercise; […]

Brands in the News

A Remarkable Political Ad

20 Sep 2012  

The 2012 presidential campaign is in full swing as Mitt Romney and Barack Obama battle for voters. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see much of it since Obama will almost certainly win Illinois. Romney is fighting elsewhere. Political campaigns are marketing battles; the candidates are fighting for votes, not sales. The challenge is to win […]

Brands in the News

Calling Your Customer an Idiot

9 Sep 2012  

Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, is in a bit of hot water. According to the Irish Independent, O’Leary recently called Ryanair passenger Suzy McLeod an “idiot” and “stupid.” When asked about this odd approach to customer service, O’Leary did not back down. He explained, “I had not been intemperate, I had not lost my temper […]