While Americans are starting to feel the effects of the mortgage meltdown, derivatives, inflation, credit problems and a war-based economy, Germany, as of this past year, stepped into the leadership position as the number one exporter of goods in the world, a.k.a. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yes, little old Germany. [click here to continue…]

Imagine if Amazon decided to build bookstores in all the malls across the country. How successful do you think they would be? Not very. The simple truth is an online brand doesn’t translate into the brick and mortar world very well and visa versa. Starbuck’s doesn’t work online but is a great place to buy a cup of coffee. (I use their website to get coupons for a mocha Frappuccino.) The site becomes a support channel for them.

But what about brands that are about to be extinct due to a change in business methodologies? Companies like Blockbuster are probably not going to be around [click here to continue…]

There is only one electric company in New York City; Con Edison. When public utility brands like Con Edison treat their customers like children, what are the results? Extreme frustration from the consumer and no changes what-so-ever within the corporation. We have no choice when it comes to who our electric carrier is. They are a monopoly. Oh they may make you think you have a choice, but the reality is, it’s [click here to continue…]