LaBov PB+J

Passion Runs Both Ways

2 February 2012 8:00:00 GMT

If you represent or manufacture a passion product, congratulations! Nothing is more exciting or fulfilling to see than a customer thrilled with your product, enjoying it, coveting it, etc.

PB+J

2 February 2012 8:00:00 GMT

PB+J stands for more than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It stands for a way to do business.

More on Passion, Bravery and Joy

2 February 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Think of passion and bravery as your behavior; it's how you are at your best. Today we need all the passion and bravery we can muster. When there's passion and bravery, we have the chance for some breakthroughs.

He�s Just the Drummer

2 January 2012 8:00:00 GMT

I was watching an iTunes concert a few weeks ago and Dave Grohl, lead singer and guitarist for The Foo Fighters, was introducing his band, and when he got to the drummer, he made a crack that, �He�s just the drummer.� The crowd cheered and Dave laughed, because he was �just the drummer� for Nirvana.

People Notice Silence. Silence Is Louder Than Words.

2 January 2012 8:00:00 GMT

Silence is like a baseball cap or cowboy hat that a bald guy always wears. Think of the country music stars that wear those big cowboy hats. What are they hiding? Probably baldness.

Six Questions to Predict Success or Failure

2 January 2012 8:00:00 GMT

It�s not all that hard to predict success or failure. We try to make it that way by using spreadsheets, data and trend analysis. And that stuff is valuable, but not in predicting success or lack of it.

The First Step

5 December 2011 8:00:00 GMT

I have a childhood friend whose Facebook page quotes her father's favorite adage: "The first step in getting what you want is deciding what you want."

Too Much Talk

5 December 2011 8:00:00 GMT

We talk too much. We love the sound of our voices. We think our voice and intellect will charm the snake.

Unprepared, but Never Unstoppable

5 December 2011 8:00:00 GMT

In business and in Boy Scouts, there's an old adage about being ready--ready to go, ready for the worst, ready for anything. But readiness is hard to maintain.

The Value of a Customer Dashboard

1 November 2011 10:00:00 GMT

I just hired a technology firm to do some work for my company. It's a small project, so I was surprised when they said I could go online and follow their progress via a customer dashboard.

Play a Game

1 November 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Just because we have to do stuff, doesn't mean it has to be a downer.

Implosions

1 November 2011 10:00:00 GMT

You know what is the most common cause of stress at the workplace? Implosions. Not low pay, long hours or a mean boss.

What If They Threw a Recession and No One Came?

13 October 2011 10:00:00 GMT

Just like the book from a long time ago: What If They Threw A War and No One Came, what if we didn't know that we were supposed to be in the middle of a downturn? Would we invest, hire, grow and progress?

Three Guys Who Didn't Like Each Other

13 October 2011 10:00:00 GMT

There were three guys who didn't like each other. They competed against each other, even worked for each other and then left each other. They just didn't like each other one bit. No love lost.

It's Nice to be Asked

13 October 2011 10:00:00 GMT

As a customer, it's always nice to be asked what you think of a product, service or buying experience. My family and I had dinner at a new restaurant and the owner came by after our meal and asked about the food, service and atmosphere.

Patience Is a Virtue and a Noose

22 July 2011 8:00:00 GMT

One of my weaknesses is in the area of patience. I have little of it and wish the word were one syllable so it could be spoken and spelled quicker—why waste time?

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)

22 July 2011 8:00:00 GMT

The great Sly and the Family Stone song tells us that it's great to be allowed to be yourself. Isn't that how we should be at the office? Instead of trying to turn someone into us, why not let them be who they are?

Moving On

22 July 2011 8:00:00 GMT

Someone I know is moving next Saturday. I'm writing this on a Monday, so he only has a few days left. He has been preparing for this for a few weeks, and he does not have all of his ducks in a row to move yet. He has taken care of all he can, and there are a few important pieces still missing, but he's acting as if everything will be ok.

Get Back to Your Roots

31 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In rock and roll music, it's often that you hear a guitarist talking about getting back to their roots. What that means is the guitarist is stepping back and looking at where rock music began and then building on it. It's smart to do because it gives you an appreciation for what you have and how far you've come, and it influences where you go in the future.

Does It Really Matter?

31 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of business. Everything seems like life and death. But what really matters? Things do matter—but not always the things we're focusing on.

Cliché Bobble Heads

31 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

You know those bobble heads dolls—the ones with the heads on a spring? That's what too many of us look like when we hear those meaningless clichés that we're all supposed to agree with.

Customization Wins

20 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Look around and you can find stories about how cable television is losing ground to high-speed internet services. People kept their cable TV, even in a recession, until recently. Now, people will keep their internet service, and let the cable go. Others, who can afford cable, just don't have it anymore.

Differentiation

20 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If we agree that the economy will not rebound to the extent that we would like in 2011, then we have to realize that being a me-too brand or company will not suffice. Being like everyone else will bring little or nothing.

Exhale

20 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In the middle of all the activity going on, there's a spring of emotions flying about. It can be very exciting. But after the high of performing, there comes the letdown. This is normal. This is when your mind re-fills. Sometimes it fills up with thoughts of the next task to tackle. Sometimes it fills with less positive thoughts.

Make It Make Sense

14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

We face challenges and issues every day. Things are changing, tornadoes of activity swirl through our days, then we look up at the clock and it's time to go home. Some days end up feeling good, some neutral, others not so good.

Cartwheels and Other Things We Think We Can Do

14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

This weekend, my sister asked me if I could teach my 3-year-old niece how to do a cartwheel. So, as she and assorted others watched the lesson, my niece eventually could do a sort of flip-flop with her arms over her head and we all applauded her efforts. And then my sister decided it was easy and she could do one too.

Time to Call It Quits

14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When is it time to call it quits? Regardless of the situation, sometimes we try to save something for far too long, either because we want it so badly or we just don't want to quit anything. If we look at it clearly, sometimes we find we are fighting to save something bad for us or that we no longer want.

Follow the Passion, Follow the Money

7 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

There's a difference between passion and excitement. I've known plenty of energetic people who make a lot of noise, who laugh a lot, and who run around at a frenetic pace. Those people are energetic, excitable and quite often, fun to be around.

Is It What's Best, or a Reflection of Your Preference?

7 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In business, it's important to consider what's best for the product or brand, and that's what's best for the company. Many years ago, I worked on a project where every decision was a reflection of the rep's personal preference. Nothing was ever about the brand.

It's Not About Perfect, It's About Passion

7 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Afraid that new product won't sell? Concerned the new customer won't be satisfied, ever? Convinced your boss is going to fire you? Scared to speak up and share your feelings?

I've Never Done That Before

19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The more successful we are, the more we have to apply what we've learned elsewhere to the new or different things we're being asked to do.

Be True to the Brand Soul

19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The soul of a brand is made up of key differentiators that define it and make it a company's one, and often only, exclusive asset.

You Create What You Fear

19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Afraid that new product won't sell? Concerned the new customer won't be satisfied, ever? Convinced your boss is going to fire you? Scared to speak up and share your feelings?

Balancing Act

01 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMT

I think you can indeed do a great job at work and go home and be a great parent. I believe you can do a great job and make both your company and your client thrilled.

Personality and Character

01 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMT

I once read that you see someone's personality when things are going his/her way, and you see his/her character when things are tough.

A Passion for Work and Submarines

01 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMT

One of our art directors is passionate about model submarines. In fact, he's so passionate, he designs and builds models that are so good, defense contractors and universities use them.

Leadership is not Waiting for Support

22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Carol Ann is a friend of mine. She loves golf and had a dream. She wanted Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana to host a national golf event. Sounds good, but it means a lot of work for a lot of people.

Geo-engagement to Promote Customer Loyalty

22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

PepsiCo Inc. has initiated a mobile marketing initiative to help restaurants that sell its products promote customer loyalty.

Changing the Corporate Mindset with Breakthrough Creativity

22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

What are the secrets to creating innovation in corporate America? Watch this clip from Mike Fowler as he details his insights and shares how he's been successful.

The Best Flogging

14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

I have a buddy who works in a large corporation where it is difficult, to say the least, to be creative. The internal culture there is a bit stodgy and dark.

Now Behave!

14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

For most companies that go to market through dealers, sales problems aren't rooted in a lack of product knowledge…but in poor sales behaviors.

Focus on Your Weaknesses or On Your Strengths

14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mike Fowler tackles the tough question “How do we find fulfillment in our careers?”

Pink Floyd and Company Morale

29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In the Pink Floyd biography, Comfortably Numb, there's a wealth of business nuggets that can be gleaned.

PUMA's "Clever Little Bag"

29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

As part of PUMA's PUMA.Safe initiative, the company has introduced its “Clever Little Bag”—a new way of packaging shoes that uses a cardboard structure held in place by a reusable bag. As a result, PUMA is using 8,500 fewer tons of paper per year...

The Value of Testing the Waters

29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In marketing, it's important to be able to act quickly and course correct, and if you dip your toes in the water instead of plunging in head first, you can be faster to the market or quickly kill or modify something that doesn't work...

Up Your Game to Keep Your Passion

29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Marc Lefton, founder and creative director of Adholes.com, shares how he has kept his passion for work alive by looking at what others in his field are doing.

Intensity versus Passion

17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Are you intense, or are you passionate? Is there even a difference between the two? There is, and generally it's in the eye of the beholder.

Start from the Heart

17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

There's a familiar scenario at many companies today. Advertising budgets are slashed, sales are down and there are more new cost-cutting and efficiency initiatives than you can keep track of. All this leads to confusion, low morale and poor results.

Dancing on the Tables

17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Fabio Sgaragli of Training Factor shares a great passion, bravery and joy story. Many years ago, he and his 3-person company were tasked with creating a trade show for a new client. For over 200 people. In 10 days. Listen to Fabio tell how he loves a challenge and how this quick-turn event ended with literally dancing on the tables.

Learning Moments

29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Next time you're at a networking event or industry trade show, look around. Who are the most vibrant people in the room? Chances are, they're the ones who keep learning throughout their lives.

The Right Mix

29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Magalogs, a magazine-catalog hybrid also known as catazines, have been around for a while. They're tailored to the customer's lifestyle and should foster a sense of community and connection with a brand.

A Focus on Quality

29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, with our help, Volkswagen launched a comprehensive, aggressive campaign aimed at educating people about how their VW vehicles were designed and manufactured, and how they could get the most out of them as owners.

The Right Ingredients

21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

You think of PB+J, and you think of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, right? Well, for us at LaBov and Beyond, PB+J stands for more than just that. It stands for a way to do business. It stands for a state of mind.

Getting from Why to Wow

21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

How can you expect great growth and customer loyalty for your company if your own employees don't believe in what you're doing?

Changing the Channel

21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Labov & Beyond focuses specifically on helping companies with sales channels, particularly sales networks, dealers and distributors. Every day, we spend a lot of our time thinking up new approaches to growing sales, increasing market share and motivating and informing dealers.

From Our Family to Yours

21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

‘Tis the season to reflect and think about the many things we have to be thankful for in our lives, the many gifts we've received over these past 12 months. We asked our president and founder, Barry LaBov, to record a brief message of thanks and gratitude to those who mean the most to us.

On the Money

25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

In his fascinating and highly influential 2003 book, Moneyball, Michael Lewis chronicles Major League Baseball's remarkable transformation and progression in the area of player stats that best predict a team's success.

Welcome to the Innovation Department

25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

I met with a huge multinational company within the past year, and the experience left me thinking quite a bit about how many companies inadvertently stifle fresh thinking.

Do you have energized differentiation?

25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

If you remember our first issue of PB+J from earlier this year, we shared with you a clip from our interview with John Gerzema, author of the must-read book The Brand Bubble.

A Story Makes It Taste Even Better

21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Through a fantastic wine experience company named Destination Cellars, I recently toured the famed Napa and Sonoma wine country of northern California. Not only did I taste some great "cult" wines, but I also learned a secret of their success—one that applies to every company and brand, regardless of industry.

Speed Thrills

21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

When any of us here at LaBov & Beyond look back at some of the coolest, most exciting things we've had the good fortune of being involved with, we notice that many of them have one thing in common: Time. Or, more accurately, the lack of time.

A Delicious Concept

21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

You hear "PB+J," and you think of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And yet it can be so much more than a childhood favorite that puts a smile on your face. PB+J stands for a way to do business, a way to live your life.

Explain Yourself

30 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Remember "Field of Dreams"? The recurring line in the movie was "Build it, and he will come." Field of Dreams or "Build it, and they will come" marketing seems to be an approach too many companies take these days.

When More Is Not Enough

30 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

In tough economic times, it is a temptation to scale back, to be fearful, and to be passive. And there are companies that increased their advertising and were successful during those times. But I believe the more accurate interpretation is...

Every Handshake Counts

30 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

How do you treat the people who interact with your organization? Not just customers and clients, either, but everybody. For Jack Pelton, CEO of Cessna Aircraft, it's simple...

The Joy of Six

17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

A long time ago here at LaBov and Beyond world headquarters, we had a problem. Things were getting too complicated, what we were doing wasn't as fun, and profits were down. We were busy, but it felt like we were in a constant battle.

What Makes for a Best Day?

17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Answering this simple question may have a profound impact on how you operate on each day.

Pay It Forward

17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

As the founder of adholes, one of the Web's first true social networking ventures, Marc Lefton put into action a philosophy he's lived by for a long time: Pay it forward.

Truth above Turbulence

07 May 2009 12:04:40 GMT

The images were unforgettable. The head honchos of Detroit's Big Three automakers, in front of Congress earlier this year asking for billions of dollars in public bailout funds to help keep their seriously ailing companies on life support.

Go Knock on Opportunity's Door

07 May 2009 12:00:40 GMT

Oh no, you're saying to yourself. Another thinly veiled attempt to put a positive spin on our current financial crisis. This is anything but. What it is, instead, is a way to encourage you to see times of financial turmoil as an opportunity.

John Gerzema of Young & Rubicam

07 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Author of The Brand Bubble shares his insights into fragile world of overvalued brand values—and how brands can survive it.