Bleeding Kansas

Saturday's game was so bad, I don't know where to begin. There was nothing good about it, particularly the location. Rather than discuss the value of revenue and national attention, I'm reminded of a lesson I learned at an early age, when someone wanted me to bet on a KU game, looking to profit from my blind loyalty. I told that person what I still believe. Simply, that pride is worth more to me than money. The game was KU's 1984 upset of #2 ranked Oklahoma, arguably our biggest football victory ever. With that in mind, let me try to put Saturday in perspective. My top 5 worst losses in KU history:

#5 - OU clinching the Big 8 hoops title in Allen Fieldhouse, watching Wayman Tisdale cut down our nets.

#4 - mizzou beating KU in Allen Fieldhouse in the late 80's, a match-up of the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the nation.

#3 - kstate's win at Memorial Stadium in 1994 when they tore down our goalposts and began a decade-long winning streak.

#2 - Arizona's surprise upset during the '97 NCAA tournament at Birmingham, defeating a 34-2 team that was arguably KU's best team ever.

#1 - Saturday. By far.

Is Apple Rotten?

Much has been said about the new innovative iPhone, which Apple's rabid fans gobbled up when it was initially released. Now, just a few months later, this core group is turning on Apple, threatening what has become a hallmark of Apple's brand: consumer loyalty.

Apple has relished its role as the underdog computer-maker, but it is now becoming a major player in consumer electronics, fulfilling a promise to make Macs a digital media hub. The iPhone is just the latest entry- albeit a significant one- following the success of the ubiquitous iPod. As customers and investors reacted positively, Apple surprised them by dropping the price $200 only 2 months after it's release. To make matters worse, a recent security update wiped out user-installed apps, which Apple seeks to curb. It's assumed that Apple's strategy was to skim off the cream and drop the price to attract a broader market, while controlling their proprietary software, at least for awhile. Meanwhile, CEO Steve Jobs has been vilified, and Apple has suffered significant backlash.

My take? Steve Jobs is not an enemy of the people, nor has he lost his soul. He's a businessman- and a good one at that. Not only has he understood the market and leveraged consumer trends, he has capitalized on them and even driven the industry. The challenge is that he must deal with the army of followers he has created who demand both greater innovation and near infinite customization.

Apple is at a turning point. The point at which David becomes Goliath. Having stayed true to their brand- like so many of my "Best Brands"- they have grown. Nike faced this turning point years ago, and now they must deal with start-ups like Under Armour who have inspired a new generation. Even though Nike will always stand for "innovation", they can no longer fool anyone into thinking they are anything but the major player in the industry. Apple may not have to dominate market share to be perceived as the industry leader, and they will undoubtedly be faced with upstart competition in the near future, created in their own image. More than ever, Apple must continue to reinforce their brand as delivering the most innovative products consumers demand. If the iPhone is any indication, I think Apple will ripen.

Big. Big. Big.

How big was Saturday's win in Manhattan? Any game against kstate is a must-win for the Jayhawks. This win was big for several reasons. Heading into the game 4-0, a loss would have had a devastating impact on the season. A win, however, makes KU's 5-0 record more than just legitimate and brings with it a national ranking. Consider the following...

A road win in the Big 12 conference is rare, and this was KU's first road test of the season- arguably in the most hostile stadium in the conference. KU had not won a game in Manhattan since I was in high school. Coach Mangino, like his predecessor, had never won in Manhattan. Jake Sharp's first quarter touchdown was KU's first TD in Manhattan since 1999.

This win was also KU's 3rd in 4 years, which finally gets things back to normal. KU has won more than half of all games in Manhattan, and commands the series overall. For perspective, the Snyder-era "turnaround" that brought 11 consecutive ksu wins fell just 28 wins short of evening the series. In other words, if I was unfortunate enough to live through such as string of losses, I would be 64 when the series would finally be even, or "competitive."

But the main reason I became so invested in this year's edition was because of my involvement with KU's visual identity project. I'm proud to say that KU has never lost to kstate with the new KU logo on our helmets. Let's hope that streak continues. Hats off to a big win for KU.

In Memory of Al Oerter

Al Oerter died today at the age of 71. The 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist can be considered the greatest Olympian of all-time, not only for his incredible come-from-behind Olympic victories spanning 4 Olympiads, or for his numerous Olympic and World Records. Oerter emulated the 3 Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship and respect perhaps better any athlete I know.

I'm fortunate to work in the Adams Alumni Center for the KU Alumni Association, where the All-American Room pays tribute to the greatest KU athletes of all-time in a series of painted murals. Fittingly, Oerter's likeness occupies the symbolic centerpiece above the fireplace, representing the best characteristics exhibited by these famed Jayhawk champions.

On the occasion of Oerter's last visit to the University of Kansas in 2004, I was honored to emcee his induction ceremony to the Kansas Relays Hall of Fame. At that time, I penned a letter to the editor that was published in the Lawrence Journal-World, which appears below, in tribute.

To the editor:

You can tell a lot about a person by his handshake, which begs the question, who has had the strongest grip of anyone I've met? This I can answer with certainty. It was Al Oerter. When I was a boy, my dad took me to the Kansas Relays where I got to meet the former Olympic discus thrower and shake his hand. I vividly remember his giant hand engulfing my 9-year-old mitt. Yet Oerter was a gentle giant who assured you everything was under control.

The handshake of this four-time gold medalist did not merely suggest his strength of character. Oerter's strength was his character, always competing with class, winning with dignity. Arguably the greatest Olympian of all time, he returned this weekend for the first time in 20 years to be inducted into the new Kansas Relays Hall of Fame. Let's all welcome this KU track and field legend and give him a hand.

David Johnston, Lawrence (4/18/2004)

Al Oerter
1936 - 2007

Thought for the Day

I thought you'd enjoy this cartoon, sent to me by a friend. For the record, I did not run 10 miles today, or last month for that matter. At this point, it might take a bear to get me back in shape. Grrr.

Nike's Air Native

This week, Nike unveiled the new Air Native N7, a shoe designed and marketed specifically to Native Americans to promote health and wellness issues toward a population affected by high obesity rates. The shoe was designed to have a "culturally specific" fit and look, and it will be distributed solely to those populations through tribal wellness programs and schools at wholesale prices. In some cases, individuals may receive the shoes at no cost.

Niche marketing and cultural segmentation are certainly not new ideas, nor is Nike's approach to giving back to a particular community. But Nike's approach here is not altruistic, nor is it pure public relations. It's good business. I think it leads a trend we'll see that capitalizes on increasing consumer personalization, cultural affinity, and global consciousness. And it's a good thing.

Nike's Sport Culture division has taken these insights into account for the past several years to create trend-forward products appealing to credible "connectors" or "mavens", as Malcolm Gladwell calls them, on the streets of Manhattan or at Miami Beach. I predict Nike's efforts to serve the Native American market will be rewarded with consumer loyalty and commercial success.

Meat Loaf and Me

Today is my birthday, along with my twin brother Peter, and Gwenyth Paltrow, Avril Lavign, Shaun Cassidy and Meat Loaf. Clearly we're in good company. Cheers!

The Future of Advertising

When I worked in Chicago for Leo Burnett, the discussion around the water cooler was often about advertising trends. The hottest topic: what impact would Tivo (and the like) have on the advertising industry? If consumers could simply fast-forward through the ads, would we all be out of jobs?

My theory at the time- a good 10 years ago- has proven itself, or rather is proving itself today. We would not all be out of jobs. The industry would evolve in a way that would prove to be more challenging and infinitely more rewarding. I give you two words: product placement. Or to coin another cliche, content is king.

I knew we were headed this direction when, during one of the last seasons of Dawson's Creek (which ended in 2003), an episode opened with Joey and Pacey shopping for an iPod inside a conspicuously branded Best Buy. So as not to be missed, this fact was even included in the dialogue.

The funny thing? We all bought it- the context was entirely believable, especially in this era of reality TV where real people are on display- usually consuming real products. This sort of product integration lends a degree of credibility and access that a :30 spot can't deliver, and it has challenged advertisers to be more creative in how they reach potential customers.

Recently, David Peacock, VP of Operations for Anheuser-Busch (Left), and Bob Lachky, Chief Creative Officer, spoke at the University of Kansas. Peacock, a 1990 KU grad, said of the future of advertising: "It’ll be more content-based, whether it’s Internet, whether it’s television. People have DVR and are passing by the commercials. You’ve got to be part of the content of the programming, whether that’s a sporting event, whether that’s a TV show or a movie. You’ve got to be part of the content.”

Leave it to the "King of Beers" to remind us that content is in fact king. Perhaps we should drink to that.

Change is Good

My blog is back. Over the summer, I had time to reflect while considering a job change. Fortunately, I have landed in a wonderful position after entertaining prospects that would have moved my family to Texas, Florida, the Pacific Northwest or the Rocky Mountains. In each case, I targeted organizations I felt had a strong corporate culture and purpose. Those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that I ended up at the University of Kansas. Specifically, at the KU Alumni Association, where I'm privileged to work with wonderful people in a beautiful setting. Best of all, there's a shared purpose; to strengthen KU. My view from atop the hill should bring a new perspective to my posts, as my outlook has changed dramatically. Sometimes a change in scenery can do that.

Online Communities

Online networking is nothing new, but online communities and social networks have exploded in recent years. Depending on your perspective, this either means too much of a good thing, or endless opportunities to make a positive connection. How do we make sense of it?

Simple. When I went off to college, like most kids, I was overwhelmed. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to be a member of the track team and live in a fraternity. Add to that the classmates I had in my major, and I had at least 3 distinct groups of friends- the group I lived with, ran with and went to class with. Throw in a smattering of clubs and other groups, and you can see my point- I was no different than most people in college, with groups of friends defined by common interests and activities. In this way, a large community becomes very small.

The internet community has evolved the same way. The biggest communities (facebook, myspace), like most colleges and universities, provide ways to connect in the broadest sense, around user-generated content, interests, friends or spur of the moment activities. But among these broadbased social communities are a new generation of online communities that represent, in my opinion, an evolved and more specialized state of online networking.

One such advance in online networking is Linkedin.com, built around a simple common interest: professional networking. Think myspace at work. It works because there's relevance in its specificity (connecting employers and employees), asking users "what do you do?" and "who do you know?" (view my page here).

Companies like Nike are ahead of the curve, building communities around innovative products, like Nike Plus, enabling runners to track their workouts and compete against a virtual community of runners. This camaraderie, a critical element in sport, is finding relevance online through social networking, as Nike Plus allows users to share and discuss routes, music playlists and running-related topics.


Universities are following suit as they look to engage alumni and donors through affinity networks, such as inCircle, whose clients include everyone from Stanford University to the University of Phoenix, as well as Oregon, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgetown and Kansas. Within a common interest group (university alumni) can live specialized groups (cross country runners, business majors, fraternity members, etc.). Makes sense.

Non-profits are taking advantage too, as communities rally around a cause. Purpose-based groups will use these networks for advocacy and event planning, fostering very real engagement in a virtual environment.

Improving the signal to noise ratio, these affinity, permission-based groups represent the best evolution of the web, and they define, for me at least, the very concept of an online community. Hardly rocket science. The best connections are those allowing for mutually beneficial exchanges and stronger relationships. Proving, as always, the best ideas are usually the simplest.

A long time ago...

Last week marked the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, the movie that became a cultural phenomenon and is still relevant today. I'm proud to say that my first movie theater experience was Star Wars, at the age of 6. It was everything you can imagine- the music and sound, the special effects, the characters- and of course, the story. I can think of no better movie for a first movie experience, save perhaps the Wizard of Oz or Harry Potter.

There is much about Star Wars that makes it relevant; George Lucas singlehandedly changed the movie-making business. But the thing I find most relavant was Lucas's decision to get into merchandising. The licensing of Star Wars merchandise created a multi-billion dollar brand and set the stage for ancilary activies that continue to be the norm for movie studios today. I'll confess, my birthday wish every year was that I'd open one of my presents and it would contain the entire Star Wars collection of toys. No such luck.

Blockbusters today become instant franchises. Studios anticipate multi-movie deals before the first installment starts shooting. Product tie-ins are negotiated well-ahead of opening weekend, with toys, video games and apparel only the tip of the iceberg.

I never did receive the entire Star Wars collection (if that's even possible), but have grown to see beyond the hype. The relevance of all that merchandise was driven by the substance of the movie itself. For Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, it's driven by concept and one classic character. Let's face it, a Spiderman nightlight or Shrek toothbrush is no match for a compelling story with great characters and dazzling effects set to a memorable score.

30 years later, I can share the thrill of my first movie experience with my little girls- at home on DVD- and they love it. After all, there's a princess in it!

Guiding Principles

I admire organizations that have a strong corporate culture, which usually begins with a clear sense of purpose. In some cases, it's a "mission statement." In other cases, it's a statement of values or guiding principles. You might even call it a conscience. Regardless of how it is defined, it is critical. It's certainly no coincidence that the most successful companies infuse these principles into everything they do.

It's hard to believe you can boil a company like Nike down to 2 words, but they can: Nike claims to Bring Inspiration and Innovation to Every Athlete in the World. Meanwhile, the BBC asks potential employees to test their personal values against the company's to determine whether the candidate would fit in (Take the test here). In Kansas City, Sprint promotes its value internally as a "single, ownable idea," while other companies, like Disney, go so far as to implement "service standards," defining not only what they do, but how they do it.

It all starts with a clear understanding of WHAT the organization does- and better yet, WHY it matters. This is where the company finds its value. I'm always suprised by how many organizations get by without a clear sense of purpose. Instead of empowering employees to be creative and collaborative, purpose-less organizations breed employees who are often risk-averse, siloed and territorial. Yet, for those with a clear and well-articulated purpose, the best organizations go a step further by not only defining the WHAT and the WHY, they also articulate HOW their mission will be manifested. This permeates all levels from the chief executive to the entry-level hourly.

Fortune Magazine annually lists the 100 Best Companies to Work For, including Google (this year's no. 1) and Kansas City's very own American Century Investments (no. 15). A common thread? Every company on the list provides its employees with a clear purpose, and they are rewarded with loyalty and productivity- which is just as good for morale as it is for the bottom line.

Graduation Speech

This past weekend, I was invited to give the graduation address at Ellinwood High School, in Central Kansas. The principal there invited me after hearing me speak at a Kansas Honors Banquet. It was humbling, especially when I discovered one of the student speakers I had to follow was a 6-time state champion in forensics (i.e. public speaking). A tough act to follow.

Speaking to this generation is tough. Their sense of history is very different from mine. For instance, they've known nothing but war in their lifetimes, being born into the Gulf War. I struggled to think of the most significant events of the past ten years that were not tragedies- there were only a few. Still, this group brings more hope and optimism for change than the generations that preceded them. Expectations for the Class of 2007 are high. An excerpt from the opening of my speech is below:

And now seniors, the class of 2007, I want to address you for a while. After all, today is about you- and all about what’s next. But I’ve got news for you- yesterday was all about you too. And tomorrow… well, I’ll get to that in a minute.

It’s a lot to take in, with families in attendance, you’re sitting there with your friends, you’ve got after-parties to think about. I recognize the important role of the commencement speech- in that it will be forgotten as soon as I leave the stage. With apologies to Abraham Lincoln, who stated at Gettysburg: “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here.” Still, “it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

Or perhaps it would be just as meaningful to quote another influential figure of modern history. As Ferris Bueller said, on the occasion of his momentous “Day Off:” “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”

Members of the graduating class, I implore you- on this day- to stop, and look around. Life does move pretty fast. And you don’t want to miss what’s next.

To read the entire speech, click here.

LIVESTRONG DAY 2007

Today was LIVESTRONG DAY, when the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) mobilizes thousands of cancer survivorship advocates throughout the country. Delegates from every state met with elected officials in Washington D.C., while hundreds of local events took place across the country- all organized by volunteers.

A quick glance on the LAF web site showed there were no events organized in my community, so I immediately thought of what I could do. Surely I could do something. Anything. At the very least, I could hand out LIVESTRONG wrist bands and tell local school children about Lance Armstrong's amazing story.

Sure, cancer is a weighty subject for kids, yet it affects 3 out of every 4 families in America. How do you talk about cancer with kids? At least Armstrong's story provides an optimistic- even inspiring- way to look at the disease, so I attempted- after reading one too many Dr. Seuss books- to tell it in verse. Here's an excerpt:

Lance finally got better, but it took awhile
When he was all better he just had to smile

The doctor said "Wait, I want you to know
Your cancer could always come back tomorrow."

Lance said, "Okay, there’s just one thing to do:
We’ll have to fight cancer, but I’ll need your help too."

(Read entire story here)

After reading to my daughter's class of 4 and 5-year-olds, I showed them a video sent by the LAF, then collected penny donations from the class to help fight cancer. Everyone who donated will receive a yellow LIVESTRONG wrist band from the LAF. It's not much, but it's something. And who knows, maybe one of these kids will cure cancer one day.

Mac or PC?

"Hello, I'm a Mac."
"...And I'm a PC."
Apple's brilliant ad campaign, which starts with this simple exchange between two actors, attempts to assign personality traits to both Apple's core products (no pun intended) and their competitors' products, such as a Microsoft's recently-released Vista operating system.

It works for two reasons. Apple exploits what has been a foundation of the brand since its inception- it has personality. In fact, Apple's brand essence is so easily defined, practically anyone could tell you. Apple computers are fun, easy to use, well-designed and powerful. That's all they've ever been. That's why they are one of my "Best Brands." In fact, they have so successfully branded themselves in the industry, that they have defined it- bringing me to my next point.

Quick- name another industry that defines itself by whether you have the minority market-shareholder product vs. everything else? I can't do it. Do you use Skippy or peanut butter? Do you drive a Honda or a car? Perhaps in an industry with a dominant leader in terms of mindshare (Harley Davidson?) this is possible, but Apple has done what few companies could ever dream of doing- differentiating themselves to the point of defining the category for consumers. Try to purchase software, a computer game or a peripheral and odds are the first question you'll get asked is "Mac or PC?"

In reality, a computer from Apple is still a PC (remember, that's a personal computer), it just doesn't run Windows (well, except that it can), nor is it a UNIX box, nor can it run Linux, etc. (well...). Anyway, by now you get the point. Macs are different. Apple is different. And they're for people who are different. Which of course begs the question- are you different or are you just like everybody else?

Starbucks: A best Brand

I'm currently reading Joseph Michelli's book "The Starbucks Experience" to gain insights on how such a well-branded company carefully crafted its image. Michelli wondered too, and when he approached Starbucks about his idea, he was surprised to receive full support and unfettered access at all levels. Such openness may be suprising at first glance, but that alone tells you everything you need to know about Starbucks' success; Everyone from the CEO to the baristas behind the counter embody the brand with clarity, consistency and passion.

Wait a minute here, I thought we were just talking about coffee? Exactly. Passion is critical, whether you're curing cancer or just making a cup of coffee. Communicating passion, however, is easier said than done. That's why I am enjoying this book. Filled with nuggets on employee empowerment strategies, complete with great anecdotes, one statistic jumped off the page. Long considered one of the nation's best employers, with an employee (Starbucks calls them "partners") satisfaction rate at an unheard of 82%, Michelli writes:

"But the treatment that partners receive at Starbucks goes well beyond stock options and health insurance. For example, partners are given extensive training in product knowledge, guiding principles for success, personal empowerment, and the importance of creating warm customer experiences. In stunning contrast to most Fortune 500 companies, Starbucks consistently spends more on training than it does advertising" (page 8).

Makes sense. The most effective marketing is a positive customer experience, which in this case goes beyond just premium coffee. That is why Starbucks remains a dominant market leader despite new competition from unlikely sources like McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts. While taste tests may induce trial, it's the "Starbucks Experience" that has solidified their market position and makes Starbucks a Best Brand.

First 5k

I remember my first 5k- I was 10 years old, and my childhood friend/rival (he came from a big Mizzou family) called me at 6am one Saturday, basically to dare me to run a 5k he was doing that morning with his mom. Naturally, I begged my mom and dad to take me, only to get beat by one second. The frustration of that loss probably fueled my entire running career.

So I didn't take it lightly when my oldest daughter, Sydney, asked to do the "Hilltop Hustle", a benefit for her child development center, with me this year. Since I still try to be competitive, I've been fortunate to win this particular 5k a few times- my favorite moment coming the year that Sydney (only 2 at the time) broke away from her mom to run after me at the finish- we crossed the line together, sharing the thrill of victory.

Now at age 4, she'll be going into kindergarten next fall, so she's in her last year of preschool at Hilltop. Frankly, I thought this was the perfect first 5k for her to try. Plus, I reasoned, once she tried and failed, it would give her a greater appreciation for the accomplishment once she was old enough to actually finish the entire distance. I figured the biggest challenge would be holding her interest, assuming she would want to go home after a mile or two.

Well, surprise surprise. Sydney was geared up and ready to go, running the first 3/4 of a mile before slowing to a walk. She then ran off and on, pointing out familiar landmarks on the KU campus ("There's Phog Allen's statue dad- is that really him?"). I almost lost her to the Chi-O fountain, filled with soap bubbles, but after multiple offers to stop and go home, she said she wanted to finish- even quoting a favorite storybook character, Madeline, from a recent movie who said "I can do anything."

She did, sprinting down the stretch after spotting her mom, sister Sophia and schoolmates, and once again, we crossed the finish line together. It took about one-hour, but she did it all herself. And she has the medal, and the memories, to prove it.

Web 2.0?

Advertising Age had a good article recently on the web's rapid evolution (or devolution according to author Simon Dumenco) toward social networks that you should read. Written from the perspective of the advertising media industry, it wonders why- in an era where content is king- "new" content is becoming less meaningful but still relevant, and laments how myspace, twitter, etc. have actually suppressed the advancement of online technologies by adding noise rather than improved content delivery mechanisms. Thought provoking. Read the article here.

Idol Charity

American Idol is America's most watched TV show, but I've never been a fan. It has to do with the show's tendency to degrade and berate performers, which is all part of the schtick. Frankly, it's a sad commentary on our increasingly judgemental and image conscious society. I worry about the impact shows like Idol have on bullying and the further alienation of kids who are "different," but that's a different topic for a different day.

Today I'm writing about American Idol bccause of this week's "charity" special, which raised $30 million for impoverished young people in Africa and the United States. The show's sponsors- Coke, Ford and AT&T- each pledged an undisclosed donation for each vote cast by viewers. Once votes reached 50 million, News Corp (which owns the Fox Television Network) chipped in another $5 million. Even stars like Bono, Madonna and Ellen lent their voices to the cause.

The show was unique- perhaps mainly becuase it got me to watch- but it demonstrates how the growing trend of cause marketing has reached a mainstream pinnacle of sorts. It used to be that advertisers asked "what more can we be doing" to stand out, but the inevitable pressure of keeping up has caused even the most vain show in America to rethink it's image, asking itself "why aren't we doing that?"

It makes sense that we should give back once we've attained a certain level. Idol's foray into cause marketing is genuinely laudable, but perhaps it's also a testament to the increasing relevance of cause marketing when adopted by one of the slickest and most commercially successful shows of all time.

Thoughts on the Kansas Relays

The past weekend marked the 80th running of the Kansas Relays, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious track and field events, along with the Penn Relays, Drake Relays and Texas Relays. I've been attending for at least 25 years, which means I've been coming since I was a little boy.

I've been a fan, a competitor, a volunteer and thankfully a champion, both in high school and in college, earning a coveted Kansas Relays watch. I always admired my father's, which he earned as a manager in 1956, so I was thrilled to eventually earn one for myself and proudly gave my second watch to my mother in 1994.

Sure, you could say it's just a track meet, but the Relays are special. It was my father's first exposure to the University of Kansas as a schoolboy, and it continues to provide a impression of KU to thousands of high school students who compete here each year. I still cherish my Relays watch and show it off with pride whenever someone asks me for the time.

Each year the Kansas Relays presents 800+ awards, each one representing a positive- sometimes life changing- experience that is attached to the University of Kansas. For some, it's validation for all of their hard work. For others, it represents the first taste of the excellence they knew they had inside of them all along. Not a bad impression for KU to make, particularly in such a beautiful setting in April at the foot of Mount Oread. It is indeed difficult to overstate the impact the Relays have had in my life, and the lives of countless others.

Daughters and Avril Lavigne

How is it that my 4-year-old knows who Avril Lavigne is and likes her music? Actually, I can probably answer that. Admittedly, my wife and I are both fans of the punk princess, so our two daughters were exposed to her music at an early age. Our musical tastes are unapologetically varied, including artists like Ben Folds, Blue October and James Blunt (the last 3 concerts we attended). And yes, we even saw Avril Lavigne live (conveniently escorting our 15-year-old niece).

I suppose it's inevitable that little girls grow up faster than we'd prefer, but I'm surprisingly okay with that. Especially given the growing number of female role models they'll have to choose from. Heck, even I include a girl among my own 2 favorite sports heroes; Michelle Kwan, who handles herself always with grace and dignity, and Lance Armstrong is the other. It's not that I have a secret desire for my girls to be world-class figure skaters or cyclists (besides, my 4-year-old would rather be tennis champ Maria Sharapova anyway). I'm more concerned with HOW they do things, and whether they do it the right way. Which leads me back to Avril Lavigne.

Despite the inevitable criticism that she's a "poser," sold out and become a corporate-driven, teeny-bop music machine, Avril became famous for being real. The "punk princess" label may describe her look as much as her sound, but her songs are more compelling than catchy. Few may be aware that the powerful vocalist writes her own music and even plays guitar, keyboard and drums during each of her concerts. She's truly a unique talent. Avril works hard, loves what she does- and it shows. If my little girls want to bob their heads along, I say rock on, sweethearts.

Thoughts on Tragedy

Writing a blog can be therapeutic I've found, particularly when struggling with bad news, as we all do. Yesterday's horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech University leaves us with more questions than answers. Although at this point we still have not learned what motivated the shootings, I won't wait for the answer. It won't satisfy my need to rationalize or explain what happened. It never does.

But I do want to share my reaction, because it is the same reaction I have anytime I learn of a tragedy like this, which occurs all too often. I wonder how I would react. Would I lie down and "play dead" in the hope of survival and self-preservation? Would I risk my life and attempt to step in and stop it? None can be blamed for running and hiding in the face of immenent danger, yet I think of the bravery of those students who held their bodies against the door with a gunman on the other side trying to get in.

This haunting question is one I cannot answer, nor do I ever hope to, but I think of it every time I'm reminded of 9/11, Columbine and now Virginia Tech. I'd like to think I would be willing to do whatever it took to save the lives of others, despite all that I have to live for. I just don't know. My thoughts and prayers are with the Virginia Tech University community and the families of the victims.

It's Chicago!

Today, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selected Chicago over Los Angeles to be the U.S. entry in the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) bid process for the 2016 Olympic Games. The official bid launches September 15, 2007 and the host city will be determined in October 2009 from among the most likely candidates: Madrid, Tokyo, Rio deJaneiro, Rome, Prague and Chicago.

This is great win for a great sports city. L.A., which held the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, would have brought a new style of glitz and glamour to the games, still struggling to keep commercialism at arms length since the 84 games turned a profit and bribery scandals (linked the bid process) ensued.

Meanwhile, Chicago, known as a hardworking city- "the city that works"- with midwestern values, will bring a renewed spirit of ingenuity, integrity and sportsmanship to the games. The city's diverse, rich culture and proud tradition make it the best choice for the U.S., which will have gone 20 years since hosting the centennial games in 1996. Also, Chicago's plan for new facilities tied to urban development- including a "temporary" Olympic Stadium that will be converted to park land after the games- will help Chicago win the bid.

No South American or African city has ever hosted the games, but even though Rio may be the sentimental favorite, it will be overburdened hosting the 2014 World Cup. Meanwhile, Africa is expected to take its time presenting a solid bid for 2020, making 2016 America's best shot in years. Every American should be excited about the prospect of the Olympics coming to the heart of America.

I worked in Chicago from 1997-98 at Leo Burnett and lived just a block away from Wrigley, spending most of my summer nights with a hot dog and an Old Style in the bleachers. Despite that fact, my marathon p.r. was set in Chicago (2:46). Besides Chicago's world class sports, with the Magnificent mile, Sears tower, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, there's always something to do- and the "El" makes it so convenient to get around.

I think it's great that the world may get a chance to experience an American Olympic Games in one of its greatest cities- Chicago. You can bet I'll be there.

The Aging Demo

A new comedy aired on ABC last week called "Notes from the Underbelly", which follows 30-something couples and singles in the throes of "mommy mania." The show is hilarious- perhaps only because I'm in its target audience, but that in and of itself makes the show significant.

The coveted 18-34 demographic for advertisers is becoming more segmented, splitting virtually in half as saavy advertisers seek to grab increasingly younger audiences (e.g. "tweeners") worth billions in discretionary consumer spending. At the other end of the demographic lies the aging Gen Xers like myself (at age 35). More and more we are seeing content targeted to the upper end of the 18-34's, like "Notes from the Underbelly", which gets its material from new parent concepts such as maternity underwear and becoming minivan people.

Expect to see more shows like it. "Notes from the Underbelly" is a homerun for Disney-owned ABC, which has shown in the past it can score well with this demographic (e.g. the critically acclaimed Once and Again, Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives), doing so this time with a true family comedy. If you have kids or expect to have kids one day, check it out on Wednesdays at 7:30c on ABC.

Patagonia: a Best Brand

Every now and then, I will try to feature what I refer to as a "Best Brand", companies or organizations that have built indelible relationships with their customers or even the public at large. Inevitably, they do this over time by placing their values at the forefront.

Last week's Fortune magazine (April 2, 2007) featured an article on Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and his Ventura, California-based outdoor clothing and equipment business. An accomplished climber and outdoor enthusiast, Chouinard had always hoped to combine work and play in his career, and to that end he has succeeded more than most.

He focuses the company's efforts on environmental stewardship more than profits, constantly assessing product materials to find more recyclable fibers. Etched in glass on the front door of their headquarters is the timeless quote of legendary Sierra Club executive director David Brower; "There is no business to be done on a dead planet."

But its hardly doom and gloom- this is a fun company. When surf's up, many of the 350 employees head out the door for 3 or 4 hours, knowing the work will be there when they get back. Patagonia's current brand awareness campaign (advertising typically accounts just 1% of their operating budget) is focused on donating your underwear to be recycled- and people are doing it!

Chouinard knows what others are learning- that having a conscience is good for business, and good for branding. It matters less what you believe in than THAT you believe in something. For Nike, it's innovation and attitude. At Starbucks, it's not coffee, it's the coffee experience. And this is articulated throughout these organizations so that every employee is empowered to deliver the brand promise. After all, brands are all about relationships, and people like to know where you stand.

Newsweek features LIVESTRONG

The ubiquitous yellow LIVESTRONG wristband- a symbol of the fight against cancer- made its way onto the cover of Newsweek last week for the magazine’s coverage of Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow’s recent recurrence. More than 10 million cancer survivors nationwide were instantly reminded of the courage it took to overcome the dreaded diagnosis, and the fear of recurrence they live with everyday.

Of course it shouldn’t take a Newsweek article to remind us that cancer is an ever-present threat (1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime), but I want to focus on the power of symbols and storytelling in driving public awareness and interest. In higher education particularly, we focus on the value of the scientific research being done in the laboratory- which is essential- but the human story can get lost. Perhaps more importantly, the relevance is not understood.

Stories that resonate deal with real people and real life- those are the most compelling. So are the ones that hit close to home (3 out of 4 families will care for a family member with cancer). Lance Armstrong has become a powerful poster boy for survivorship by not merely surviving, but by living life to the fullest, and staying dedicated to the fight that affects so many Americans. People naturally draw inspiration from his story. I also draw inspiration from the way he’s managed to leverage that attention. After all, it wasn't Lance's picture that appeared on the cover of Newsweek.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, but the yellow wristband is just 3 years old. Not since Lou Gehrig has a major athlete or celebrity been so linked to a cause. Still, Armstrong’s foundation has benefited even more by nurturing and leveraging the LIVESTRONG brand. Following Armstrong's retirement from cycling in 2005, the foundation is stronger than ever, thanks to its successful branding. The Newsweek cover just underscores the relevance of the LIVESTRONG brand today. It is at once a message, a cause, a color and a symbol- seamlessly tied to Lance’s story of survival and triumph- bringing hope and raising awareness millions of times a day. This powerful combination gives the LAF what I consider to be a “Best Brand.”

Thoughts on branding

For centuries, man has relied on symbols to tell stories, represent ownership and invoke emotion. In the modern business world, this concept has become known as branding, taken from the common practice of ranchers who branded their livestock to denote ownership.

Over time, businesses learned to develop brands as a means to differentiate themselves from one another. This practice has become so ubiquitous, it can now conjure an entire experience, sensation or story from a simple color (What can brown do for you?), letterform (the golden arches) or graphic element (the swoosh). As a result, a brand is not merely a symbol or logo, but a complete set of perceptions held by consumers that define their expectations of the brand, and in the best cases, their relationship with it.

Though brands were embraced by the corporate world, higher education viewed itself as a public service, practically immune to the pressures of commerce and public scrutiny. That all changed in the last 20 years, as competition for the best and brightest students intensified, funding sources tightened and calls for accountability soared. The colleges and universities that thrived were the ones that had compelling stories to tell, and could make a singular, lasting impression with their audiences.

Unfortunately, the natural decentralization within institutions of higher education has led to a dizzying array of disparate logos and messages as departments have succeeded in differentiating themselves from one another instead of uniting behind the institution’s mission. In many cases, the success of a unit’s brand identity has come at the expense of the institution’s image and reputation.

For this reason, the most progressive institutions- including the University of Kansas- have sought to unify their identities by strategically positioning themselves and defining their brands. Although this requires discipline from all participants and the support of institutional leadership, the result will enhance the university’s long-term image and reputation, while improving the bottom line.

Ultimately, an institution and all of its departments will function more cohesively given the proper communication tools and the context within which they can tell their compelling stories. When audiences can make an immediate and lasting association with a brand, it is the first step toward building a long-term relationship that is based on trust and the shared values a brand communicates.

Blogging a start

Don't get me started. Or rather, where to begin? Today I am starting a blog and confronted with the prospect of blogging a start. It brings to mind a Star Wars opening crawl, Charles Dickens or some other epic beginning, but the point is not how to start. The point is to get going. After all, as Chinese philosopher Lau Tsu said, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." We'll worry about the destination later. For now, let's enjoy the journey.