A problem doesn’t have to be huge to feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the small, but persistent challenges that wear on us the most. And in worst-case scenarios, we’re assailed not just by the problem itself, but by the attendant problems springing from our fear and paralysis. But regardless of size or seriousness, twisty problems can...Continue reading
The jet ski has now pulled away from the 2018 Academy Awards ceremony, including the historic race for the Best Director Oscar. And whether you were pulling for Peele or gambling on Guillermo (congrats, señor del Toro) the world of film directing holds some surprising lessons about leadership of all kinds. No ‘More’? When everything is...Continue reading
Cosby_Rivers_Godin_PorterJoan Rivers. Bill Cosby. Seth Godin. Could all three have said the exact same thing at different times? You tell me...Continue reading
Let's stop equating clarity with progress. Let's stop associating perfect order with success. Let's stop clinging to (our illusion of) control and lean more on our people and the process. In short, let's start embracing the mess. - Matthew PorterContinue reading
Right or wrong, the Internet has trained us all to ask “what’s in it for me?” So when engaging people online, marketers must remember it’s not just about their product, but about how their product can solve a need and –BONUS – even offer something that's valuable immediately -- an approach that I have been calling "value-forward."Continue reading
It’s true: I get high on New Year’s Day. Now wait, don’t misunderstand – I don’t get high during New Year’s Day (probably the closest I’ve ever come to substance abuse was eating paste – but hey, that was in college). No, I get high on New Year’s Day itself. Continue reading
Great in-depth article in Sports Illustrated recently about Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman Chris Davis. Short version: For several years, Davis proved himself as a solid player, but was severely handicapped by a less-than-stellar batting average – though not for lack of trying. He tirelessly studied his own swing for hours and patiently listened to and...Continue reading
If you were on a cruise ship and it was announced you were about to cross the equator, would you take notice? I would. I mean, it’s nothing magical, but it’s significant, right? Certainly not something you experience all the time. That’s how I feel right now because today the middle day of the year. ...Continue reading
Who would actually sit down and watch a dog show on TV? Not Rin Tin Tin, but the competitions with the parading and the judging and the Best In Show. The answer to that question is “me”. I happened upon it one Thanksgiving Day and was immediately drawn in. Fascinated even. It took me a...Continue reading
Whether it’s a screenplay or a product or a business model, it’s not enough that the thing works; we have to understand why it works. Only then do we get to apply that knowledge to newer (and better) screenplays and products and business models. But here’s the rub: to learn the ‘why’, we sometimes have to break the thing that works.Continue reading