Category: Case Studies
Amazon SWOT Analysis (Q4)
October 19, 2020
Profitable pivots: 2020’s COVID-19 curveball rattled even the biggest retail leaders. In this SWOT analysis check-in, we see how Amazon has responded to market pressures, including changes that directly address specific weaknesses and threats. Additional overarching patterns I see are: Building brand trust (beyond anti-counterfeit measures), ranging from humanizing the brand for a softer corporate […]
Is Walmart winning?
May 19, 2020
2020 SWOT analysis: Is Walmart winning? The world’s biggest retailer has shown surprising agility to serve consumers during the coronavirus crisis. The retailer boasts thousands of stores, robust e-grocery and enticing everyday low prices. Also, it’s not humanly possible to leave a Walmart store without spending at least $100. Is that enough to win in […]
Is Amazon Pandemic-Proof?
May 10, 2020
Most retail companies are burning their 2020 business strategies. The coronavirus crisis has: – Left many independent retailers and brands insolvent– Prompted department store Neiman Marcus to file for bankruptcy last week – Shuttered storefronts and, earlier this year, Walgreens, Forever 21 and Sears had already closed several stores By contrast, Amazon is booming. Jeff […]
Executive Ghostwriter as a Time Saver
October 27, 2015
It’s frightful: Business executives are bursting with brilliant insights – yet they have no time to share them. That’s why some leaders use a ghostwriter, a writer who anonymously articulates their ideas while the executive gets the spotlight, the credit and the results. In time for Halloween, here’s a case study on using a ghostwriter […]
Case Study: Social Media Crisis Control
October 21, 2014
Situation: A client called me in a panic after receiving negative feedback on social media. A competitor attacked my client’s brand in a long, rambling post on LinkedIn, which concluded with the man promoting his own brand. Approach: Fortunately I had already collaborated with my client on a crisis communication plan and standard operating procedures […]
Case Study: Break Through the Clutter
September 16, 2014
Situation: Two of my clients couldn’t have been more different: an IT service provider for institutional investors and an author of a book for young women. However, they both wanted to stand out and generate excitement among their target markets. Approach: I collaborated with each client and partners to develop compelling marketing campaigns. For the […]
Social Media for a Media-Shy Company
June 17, 2014
Situation: A risk averse client in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce wanted to attract new customers, strengthen loyalty and establish itself as a trusted brand. However, senior executives feared the company’s lack of control over the tone of traditional media coverage, so they also felt reluctant to use social media. Approach: I worked with a partner to […]
Case Study: Results-Oriented Press Release
April 15, 2014
Situation One of my clients requested a press release to announce a new strategic alliance. The client wanted to increase awareness of the alliance within a specific B2B industry. Approach To help my client achieve business objectives, I: Analyzed the company’s past media campaigns; Researched targeted trade and mainstream publications; and Considered the client’s, editors’ […]
Case Study: Measuring Marketing Success
January 28, 2014
Situation One of my clients serving pharmaceutical companies relies on email campaigns to communicate with clients. However, the company did not measure the performance of three potentially lucrative email campaigns. Approach To understand the client’s process, I analyzed the three campaigns and considered: Who received each email? What is the call to action? Did the […]
Crisis Communications, Rob Ford Style
November 20, 2013
For weeks, Toronto mayor Rob Ford has captured global headlines with scandalous revelations of alleged crack cocaine use, public drunkenness and lewd language. Let’s see how Rob Ford’s strategy measures up to crisis communications best practices. Best practice: Be proactive, not reactive Rob Ford: Once a crisis occurs, exercise the right to remain silent. Do […]
Case Study: Extreme Email Makeover
November 5, 2013
Situation: One of my clients communicates using more than 30 email campaigns per month. However, the email response rates had been dismal for years. Approach: To understand the client’s strategy, I analyzed 20 sample emails and considered: If I received this email, would I even open it? Is it clear? Do I understand why I […]
Case Study: Strategic Language
August 29, 2013
Communication Challenge: A brilliant client of mine held itself back by using academic and technical language on its website. The copy was more suitable for post-graduate English or IT professors than its true audience. In fact, a readability test tool suggested readers would need 17 years of formal education to comprehend the copy! Strategic Solutions: […]