Frankly, I can weary of new words bandied about by, let’s face it, marketing departments and gurus and the like. The slangfest can get pretty odd. The whole IBM “ideation” situation leaves me with a serious case of the eye-rolls. But we need to keep those eyes on how people (colleagues, clients, young-ins) around us are really using language. The key … Read More
Mehvehzeh? Mdvdz? Medvedev!
Anybody else spend the morning trying to pronounce the name of Russia’s new president? Ok, maybe just me. Even listening to it again and again in the radio news reports of his coming out party, I just couldn’t get (gyet?) the hang of it. Putin. No problem. Yeltsin. Fine. Medvedev? Actually it looks better, easier in print. Reminds me of … Read More
Independent Retailers Earn High Marks
As we begin our research for remodeling the kitchen, I picked up a copy of Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning and Buying Guide 2008. A section on best buys rated appliance retailers on price, selection, service, etc. Turns out that shoppers scored “independent stores” at 89% and 87% (for small and major appliances) bringing this category in at #2 in both … Read More
Farewell to the Best Dog
We admit that the furry creatures who live with us have important positions here at Grotto with benefits paid out in premium chow, ample playtime and generous petting sessions. Our lovely dog Dennis went above and beyond the call of duty, often meeting with clients for business or socializing. He was that rare combination of sweetness and smarts. Never have I been so … Read More
Grotto Communications Website Gets Some Polish
At last. Been working on a pretty makeover over at the Grotto website for some time now. Despite just being primarily a color and style (as in spiffy CSS style for nifty web presentation) updates, I’m always surprised at how tricky it is to find time to implement marketing tasks for one’s one business. Worth sticking it out and pushing through all the details. Hope … Read More
Using Stories to Improve Communication
Storytelling isn’t just for arts and media types. Crafting a compelling beginning, middle and end in any type of communication gives people a clear path in to your message. From mini “elevator speeches” about your work to web site content, guiding listeners or readers with a clear set of directions will engage them and help them understand your point. Learn from … Read More
Who are They Talking To? An Ad Audience Guessing Game
Highly targeted advertising must be working. I see more and more ads that make me go “hunh?” Now, you might assume that I’ve got a reasonably high level of media savvy. Quite right, given my profession and natural curiosity. Yet some of these pitches seem way out there even for my surrealistic tendencies. There’s this TV ad for shoes that … Read More