Marketing Blog | Joellyn Ferguson

The Marketing Blog

I started this blog back in 2010 - yes, that's over a decade ago! I keep it available to readers because there's plenty of timeless content here. You may find a few outdated posts, feel free to breeze on by when you do. I hope you find value in the ones that are relevant. Looking for a specific topic? Just filter using the buttons below.

Why is Change So Hard?

The CEO’s Number One Rule for Customer Experience

When it comes to delivering an unbeatable customer experience, there is one rule that trumps all others. It has little to do with the operations and the front line, and everything to do with

Will Your Keep Your Brand Promise this Year?

We’re a week into the new year. Most executives are back at work new, eager to seize the opportunities presented by a fresh start. While budgets, revenue goals and new strategic initiatives are top

Meet the Democratic Brand

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on Liberated Brands. If you missed them, read Part 1 and Part 2 first. So far, we have addressed “who owns your brand” and the benefits

Love Your Brand, Set it Free

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on Liberated Brands. If you missed it, read Part 1. Letting Go is Hard If you really love your brand, it’s time to set it free.

Who Owns Your Brand?

Here’s a bold statement: you don’t own your brand. I won’t be surprised when I hear from readers who disagree. They’ll argue that as the creator of the brand, “We made it, we own

To Hug, or Not?

by Joellyn Ferguson and Paul Mendel Hugging is a Touchy Topic: Two Views on Whether Hugging Crosses the Professional Line Joellyn’s Perspective “Should you hug your clients?” That's the question that came up as

Three Mistakes to Avoid in Strategic Planning

Strategy Season: What Could Go Wrong? It’s that time of year again: strategy season. Shortly before the holidays many companies gather their executives together in a room to hash out a strategic plan

Don’t Let Your Sales Process Kill Sales

Don't Let Your Sales Process Kill Sales Recently I've been helping a client through the selection process for technology platforms, and I've noticed something disturbing: Many of the vendors we've approached have a decidedly

Smash Your Biggest Barrier to Success

In my years of working with businesses small and large to accelerate growth, I see one recurring theme among those that fail to meet their goals: the downward slide starts when commitment fades. Wavering