Description: Though he first gained fame as an actor, Ashton Kutcher is also known for making smart investments in startups. However, as he explains to Alan Taylor in this video, it took a few years for those investments to pay off. One thing that helped was finding the right partners. Kutcher says he looks for entrepreneurs… Read more »
Posts Categorized: New product
Branded Podcasts Are The Ads People Actually Want To Listen To
Description: Podcasts are becoming big business not only for creators, but for advertisers. Podcast advertising is on track to hit more than $220 million in 2017, up 85% from 2016. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Mar 5, 2018 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/40533210/branded-podcasts-are-the-ads-people-actually-want-to-listen-to?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=4&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=03062018 Questions for discussion: Describe this format of communications with targeted customers. Why is this sector of promotion so popular… Read more »
Bit by Bit, Whole Foods Gets an Amazon Touch
Description: Some signs are subtle, like the “Whole Foods + Amazon” one near the bananas. Others are more obvious, like the kiosk with Amazon devices for sale. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Mar 1, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/01/technology/bit-by-bit-whole-foods-gets-an-amazon-touch.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for discussion: How has the transition strategy unfolded thus far? Do you think the firms are going about the… Read more »
Spotify IPO filing reveals how insanely complicated it is to license music rights
Description: Spotify wants to sell stock to investors — but first it will need to convince them it’s worth buying in to the complex process of selling music. Source: CNBC.com Date: Feb 28, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/28/how-spotify-licenses-and-pays-for-music-rights.html Questions for discussion: Do you think the way in which the firm pays for content will affect the way… Read more »
Starbucks Is Shrinking Its Selection (and So Are Your Other Favorite Stores)
Description: Coming soon to a Starbucks near you: Less variety. Expect to see a narrower assortment of products in the main area of your local coffee chain outpost sometime soon this year. Source: Forbes.com Date: Feb 24, 2018 Link: http://fortune.com/2018/02/24/starbucks-merchandise-stores/ Questions for discussion: Why is Starbucks reducing variety? How might this decision impact customer behavior? Do you… Read more »
These Triplet Models Want to Take This Town by the Throat
Description: Hundreds of people, many dressed in elaborate fur and sequined outfits, packed the Grand Central Cipriani restaurant on Thursday for the runway show of Romeo & Juliet Couture. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Feb 13, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/fashion/levesque-triplets-models-new-york-fashion-week.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness-smallbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=smallbusiness®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for discussion: What impact do you think these models have on the brand by virtue of their unique… Read more »
Digital Video Industry Continues to Grow in Size and Complexity
Description: The growth of the US digital video advertising industry is unmistakable: Between 2018 and 2021, it will increase by double-digit percentages annually, topping $22 billion by the end of that period. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 23, 2018 Link: https://www.emarketer.com/content/digital-video-industry-continues-to-grow-in-size-and-complexity Questions for discussion: Summarize the data and what it means for decision-makers? Why do you… Read more »
As the Streaming Wars Heat Up, Ryan Murphy Cashes In
Description: The battle between the Hollywood establishment and the streaming-media giants has caused big changes in the entertainment industry in recent months, driving up the prices of major stars and series producers while leaving traditional companies in danger of losing relevance. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Feb 14, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/business/media/streaming-wars-ryan-murphy.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for discussion: How has negotiations… Read more »
Legacy Media Companies Are Leading the Charge in Advanced TV
Description: Many marketing tech aficionados believe television ad buying is overdue for a digital overhaul. Dave Morgan, CEO of TV ad targeting firm Simulmedia, spoke with eMarketer’s Ross Benes about which digital applications are likely to find success within TV advertising and which products are overhyped. Source: eMarketer.com Date: Feb 2, 2018 Link: https://www.emarketer.com/content/advanced-tv-is-being-led-by-legacy-media-companies-5 Questions… Read more »
How GE Went From American Icon to Astonishing Mess
Description: Famous for great management, General Electric is staring down a plunging share price, a federal investigation, and possible breakup. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 1, 2018 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-01/how-ge-went-from-american-icon-to-astonishing-mess Questions for discussion: What does the article say about the reasons for GE’s rise and fall? Is blame entirely the fault of poor management? Can GE rise… Read more »
