After the Revolution

After the Revolution

by | Apr 8, 2015

More than 13 years ago, I wrote this piece for Tech Decisions magazine (now Property Casualty 360). I found it while searching the Web for something else entirely, was surprised to find it still out there, to find it still relevant, and to find its relevance still...
Instant Karma

Instant Karma

by | Apr 7, 2015

In the past, we’d have said the younger of my two younger brothers, Ben (to protect his privacy, this is not his real name), is mentally retarded. In these enlightened times, we’re more likely to say he’s intellectually disadvantaged, synaptically challenged, or...
The Nose Knows

The Nose Knows

by | Apr 6, 2015

Ask a roomful of people (I’ve done it), “What’s your brand?” and most of them will quickly respond, “My logo.” It’s not a bad answer. It’s just incomplete. It lacks context. Your logo is, at most, an aspect of your brand. Especially in your advertising or on your...
The Case of the Frozen Feet: Part Two

The Case of the Frozen Feet: Part Two

by | Apr 3, 2015

Since it was clear I was more surprised than Biff was, I spoke up first; although, it was more a reflexive exclamation than a considered inquiry: “Is something wrong …?” “No,” Biff replied calmly. “What makes you ask?”...
The Case of the Frozen Feet: Part One

The Case of the Frozen Feet: Part One

by | Apr 2, 2015

Regular readers might remember the first case I reported in these pages. Hardcore masochists might even recall the second one. If not, don’t let it get to you. I beat the pavement as a private brand detective. The lion’s share of my cases have to do with...
Rhetoric vs. Results

Rhetoric vs. Results

by | Apr 1, 2015

According to a study recently concluded by The Chautauqua Center for Forensic Linguistics, two sentences occur together more frequently than any others in business contexts. The first is a simple declaratory: We need a plan. The second is a perplexed...