The Marketing Bureau

By FC Expert Blogger Howie Jacobson
First Published on www.fastcompany.com

Most of us are fantastic complainers. When someone doesn't meet our expectations, we let them know. We may even let their boss or mother know. There's nothing wrong with expecting excellence, and taking steps to get it. The problem is, we tend to take excellence--and thoughtfulness, and kindness, and joyfulness--for granted. Read more >>

By Stephen Howard

One of the foundations of my marketing advice to clients is the need for them to start having TLC. When I first raise this topic, most think I am referring to Tender Loving Care of customers (and the enlightened ones also extend this to employees). Now, while I'm all for treating customers with love and care, the TLC strategy I advocate stands for Think Like Customers. Read more >>

By Paul Gillin
First Published on www.btobonline.com

The manager of the Mansion on Peachtree hotel in Atlanta has it pretty good these days. The Mansion is the top-rated hotel in the city on TripAdvisor.com, with 163 reviews, nearly all of them five stars. The endorsement has enabled the Mansion to hold its premium prices and cut its acquisition costs. It's also got the staff hopping to maintain the coveted top position.  Read more >>

Do Small Things with Great Love
By Bill Taylor
First Published on hbr.org

The world confronts vast uncertainty, from unrest in the social climate to accelerating shifts in the climate itself. The economy faces huge challenges, from public-debt crises in Europe to the overhang of mortgage debt in the U.S. The business community faces an ongoing series of stops and starts, from the loss of an icon like Steve Jobs to the rise of new-economy giants like Amazon and Facebook. Read more >>