“A great brand taps into emotions. Emotions drive most, if not all, of our decisions. A brand reaches out with a powerful connecting experience. It’s an emotional connecting point that transcends the product.”

-Scott Bedbury

Anything can be achieved in small, deliberate steps. But there are
times you need the courage to take a great leap. You can’t cross a
chasm in two small jumps.
–David Lloyd George

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, has guided his company to unprecedented success. This article offers an interesting view of the man’s thoughts.

I like his holistic perspective on brand. But his comfort with the evolutionary nature of a brand is even cooler. Note how he describes the current state of Starbucks as “embryonic”. Expect more out of these cats.

Cut out the middle man.
http://www.motorestaurant.com/reviews.html

Failure to prepare is to prepare to fail.
–John Wooden, (Head Basketball Coach, UCLA 1948-75)

UCLA record: 620-147
Led Bruins to four 30-0 seasons (1963-64, 1966-67, 1971-72, 1972-73)
Led Bruins to 88 consecutive victories
Led Bruins to 38 straight NCAA tournament victories
Led Bruins to 149-2 record at Pauley Pavilion
Led Bruins to 19 PAC 10 championships
Led Bruins to 10 national championships, including seven in a row (1966-73)
NCAA College Basketball Coach of the Year six times (1964, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973)
The Sporting News Sports Man of the Year (1970)
Sports Illustrated Sports Man of the Year (1973)
During 40 years of coaching, compiled a 885-203 (.813) record
One of only two individuals enshrined in the Hall of Fame as a player and as a coach (the other is Lenny Wilkens)

Two spots and two brands that don’t take themselves too seriously –and recognize that people –with senses of humor, may be watching.

Ikea
Xenadrine

By Ernie Schenck, reminds us to not give up the creative course no matter how dark the path.

http://www.commarts.com/ca/colad/ernS_205.html

Perfomance enhancing drug allegations rear their ugly head concerning the 2005 One Show, scheduled for early May. Kevin Roddy, Partner/Executive Creative Director, EURO RSCG Worldwide faces the media.
http://www.oneshow.org/images/downloads/roddy1.mov

Our friends at CP+B are at it again. Charged with launching the newest offering from Coca-Cola tagged Coke Zero, they once again proceed untraditionally. Coke Zero is targeted to the all-important young male consumer who has been slower than women to embrace diet cola. If you can’t wait for the June release you can bid on a pre-release sample via eBay with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross.

Coke Zer0 eBay Auction

“Nothing seems more obvious to me that a product or service only
becomes a brand when it is imbued with profound values that translate
into fact… By profound, I mean simple. Everybody appreciates being
treated decently. Everybody wants excellence and value. Everyone likes
to have fun and to feel part of something bigger than themselves.”

–Richard Branson