Saturday, April 28, 2007

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.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

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.

Monday, April 23, 2007

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.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

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.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

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.

Friday, April 13, 2007

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.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

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.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

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.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

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.