Adam_Gottlieb commented on the following stories on BizSugar
Depression and Mental Health in the Workplace: Coping, Stigma and Statistics (Video)
""...I find it hard to believe that such an important video would have such few views" When almost 40% of the population is struggling with depression, it could be that many people would rather watch happy, engaging, or silly distrations rather than being reminded of all the problems out there- including their own."The Customers Nobody Wants: Can Your Small Business Profit from the Deal Seeker?
"Yoni, Your mom sounds like a lot of people today- just the fact that they seem to be saving a little money will be enough to make them go out of their way to capitalize on the sale/discount. It doesn't even dawn on them that they may be spending more in the process than they realize- so much so that they forgo the actual savings. Think: rewards cards, Groupon. And offering "the best deal" doesn't necessarily have to price yourself out of profitability. There are many ways to offer discounts that either add a perceived value (ie the actual "discount" is quite nominal, but it *looks like* customers are getting a deal), or add some real value (ex in the form of added services or options). It really is a balancing act, but it's one that can be accomplished with the right effort and research. As always, thanks for the comment. Adam"Deepen Your Expertise To Enjoy Marketing Success
"Good post Susan. I agree that continuing education and training are extremely important with regards to expertise. Many do-it-yourselfers miss out on the expertise of a qualified professional (and that can lead to costly mistakes down the road). You can also add that many professionals bring in experience as well- which is another part of expertice. All those courses and training will be worth little (not much more than a certificate and a title) if you don't know how and when to apply what you've learned. It's like learning how to run a business by getting a degree in business management. The coursework can certainly give you a foundation, and set you on a path towards good decision-making and habits, but the truth is that much of the necessary knowledge comes from the hands-on experience of starting and running a business, making mistakes and successes along the way. Experts who have been around for a while and who have been exposed to many different kinds of situations/details are also increasing their expertise. Adam"Why Shortcuts In Business Don't Always Lead To Quick Money
"Hi Niall, I think many businesses and organizations (and this goes for the big ones as well as the small ones) under-estimate speed with which a message can spread through social media as well as the potential reach. Many companies may also be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that the complaints or criticisms will just go away, and thus are more likely to take risks and cut corners. Moreover, if they get caught or called out then these same companies often either fail to react quick enough or hard enough to stem the tide of negativity being generated online towards their business. Thanks for the comment. Adam"Why Shortcuts In Business Don't Always Lead To Quick Money
"I think also that sometimes people are desperate, and when someone is desperate then he or she is more likely to turn to desperate acts- even if they are illogical or unethical. How many people out there are struggling to get by these days? It's not a justification for cheating, but it can certainly make cheating much more prevalent. "Attention! Spoon-Fed Marketing is Around the Corner… And How it May Backfire
"I agree, Duncan. But email marketing is an old school strategy- it's going to get a lot worse in the next 5-10 years. And regarding the pens vs expensive desk: it definitely would serve them right- except Google or someone else will probably figure out an algorithm to predict with x percent of certainty that you'd chose the pens over the desk :) Adam"May 30, 2011: U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop Introduces House Bill to Help Veterans Find Jobs
"Great post, Rivkah. I think there is a tendency to romanticize the life and role of a soldier *while he or she is away.* But once these people come home and the ticker tape parades have ended (if they even received one), then, sadly, they are quickly forgotten. It's happened countless of times over- especially for the post WWII missions/combat, and even more especially if the war was an unpopular one. If they've actually been in combat, then this phenomenon is even worse, because most civilians will not be able to understand what these soldiers have been through, nor what they might currently be struggling with. I imagine it can be very lonely for some of these vets. This bill is at least a step in the right direction. Adam"3 Marketing Lessons From Soap Operas
"Very interesting post, Susan. Aside from the qualities you mentioned in your post, one of the biggest factors to the extensive "brand loyalty" and dedicated following among soap operas is that they draw on the emotions of their viewers. Those viewers who get the most hooked are the ones who identify in some way with the characters: either they wish they could be like them or they are actually going through a kind of soap opera in their own lives and thus can "understand" what the characters are going through. This too is a lesson in marketing: if you can tap into some kind of emotional desire or need within you customers, then you can "hook" them. A good example of this: Apple. Why do so many people wait on line for hours and hours in order to get the newest version of the iPhone? It's not because they really need these devices that instant. It's because Apple has done a great job tapping into the desire to be a part of something new, something cutting edge. Adam"Subscribe
Save For Retirement on a Shoestring: A Guide for Small & Home-Based Business Owners
"Thanks. I was going to add this to my comment, but you responded before I could change it; I wanted to say that the brocha applies to *you* also."