“We create shapes,” the written message on the outdoor ad for World Class Fitness Center works strategically, tactically and creatively. Aligning these three elements creates business model victories. Business model strategy. Too often leaders leave the answer to “What business are we in?” to company history, industry practices, management desires or serendipity. What a tragic [...]

Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio demonstrates one of the most important qualities of a strategic leader – an honest assessment of the status quo. “We know we’ve got a problem, which is starting pitching. We as an organization need to face that reality and address it, as opposed to shrink from it or excuse it. [...]

Which business development move will destroy shareholder value? • Intel acquiring a wireless computing chip company (Infineon) and a security-software maker (McAfee)? • Proctor and Gamble creating two new businesses – Tide™ Dry Cleaners and Mr. Clean™ Car Washes, adopting a franchise business model? • Starting in 2011, BestBuy offering a Best Buy branded mobile [...]

Baby carrot farmers are attempting to transform their vegetable into a daring, naughty snack food.  The tiny orange roots are now branded Baby Carrots Rock.  New packaging, bold ads and social media are part of a $25M marketing campaign. Two young entrepreneurs start College Hunks Hauling Junk, differentiating the experience they offer from what you’d [...]