Thanks Moopy. I’ve made some connections at other blogs. Namely smallbusinessbranding.com and a guy named Rob who speaks our language down under in Australia.
One of the best things I’ve seen so far for networking has to be http://www.linkedin.com. I’ve just recently joined and by inviting/linking a few people, my extended network has ~130,000 members in it. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your knowledge as well as it allows people to post and answer questions.
Great idea Robert I just signed up. I noticed a few exisitng friends were already there. I like how they are organized and the site is very nice to look at.
Let’s see how many people make it back to my website or blog. I use statcounter for these types of stats.
Consistency along different media was probably one of the first things I learned from you Ed…
I think it was a couple years back the Malibu rum label launched a series of new flavoured rums, like Pineapple, Mango, etc. Each of the new bottles of flavoured rums had a different design/colour palette than the original white. I don’t have any details on how this might have affected sales, but they recently launched a press release indicating that starting March 2007, they will be using the “white bottle” across the full line.
“Developed by Malibu-Kahlúa International – the Pernod Ricard-owned company that shapes the brand’s global strategy – the new packaging leverages the iconic Malibu Coconut white bottle, one of the most recognized packages in the spirits industry.”
I immediately thought of your branding process and this “Consistency. Say it 3 times.” post, so I thought I’d share.
Outstanding how those new bottles look. Now for all their packaging, you just have to look for the white bottle – very simple for the consumer. Consistency in action. Now a bottle across all products nicely strengthens their white bottle as a visual icon.
Of course, blogging is a key in extending your voice and building relationships – you’re traveling a great path here.
In another post, you mention the opportunity you seized by connecting two people. You made valuable deposits to both parties, and cemented yourself as a resource.
I believe the same holds true in the blogosphere. By linking out to sites you find valuable, your readers (and the one receiving the link) look to you as a valuable resource.
Keep up the great work here…and I’ll keep reading:-)
Yesterday I had a lunch with a networking contact to better ubderstand what each of us brings to the table. Naturally in today’s environment, web resources were widely discussed. Myself, I am always looking for great places to benefit from and also to add then to my monthly newsletter. In every issue I add an interesting place to check out.
It was a fruitful meeting, my essential consulting product intrigued him. Being tapped into the Detroit Media Market, he has terrific connections and insight. So I think seeds to a mutually beneficial relationship were planted.
Networking is an interesting dynamic, the moment you recognize that instant gratification is not the path. Even linking is a gradual process in building valuable resources. I only link to value not just link to build audience. In cyberspace or on Main Street the practice with regards to building relationships are the same – build solid relationships with careful thought to quality and integrity and of course forget the “what’s in it for me” attitude.
– LinkedIn is a great tool, and anyone who isn’t on it yet is missing out. – Blogs create conversations between like-minded Marketing professionals with something to say or share. – Business organizations that focus on business and economic development in your area or region can be helpful too. We have Innoventures and Pulse. What are yours? – Forming collaborative networks with consultants, freelancers and other talented folks can be very rewarding as well. I routinely find excuses to work and share ideas with creative directors, web designers and Brand consultants.
Thanks for your input Olivier. Linkedin seems a great model for everyone. All these suggestions and referrances are helping a lot in my devlopment of one of the networking organizations I belong to.
But you know – since I started begging last night I’ve doubled the poll input. All be it from 2 to 4, but if I use conventional marketing spin, that represents a 100% INCREASE IN ONLY 15 HOURS!
To Ed’s readers: Ed is responsible for me dipping my toe into the blogging waters, with a passionate discourse over a glass of wine one rainy night in January. (Our spouses tried gamely to enter the conversation and ultimately gave up — I think they ended up talking about the food or something. Maybe they were complaining about us always talking business!) I think he has the right idea, so we’re keeping each other hopping trading resources.
Thanks, Ed — I look forward to entering the discussion.
Personally, I’ve never seen photos of or heard anything about Windsor, Ontario (at least from memory anyway). However, where I live (Brisbane, Australia), we’re just a stones throw away from a suburb called Windsor. It’s a decent suburb and has a lot of old houses which have been renovated on the inside. Property prices around that area are moderately higher than other areas too.
I wish I could help you out a little more but thats about all the name Windsor brings up for me.
Nice project you have going on though, I’ll make a post on mine for you.
That’s great Robert, your reply is also helpful as it shows the fact you are unaware of the city’s existence.
Would you mind if I posted my question on your site? I’m getting some great responses from MarketingProfs.com. I may have already out it in a post as I couldn’t find your email to ask permission.
Pamil mentioned I should come post on here. I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Have seen a lot of the country through the windows of a Greyhound bus but Windsor is one city I can’t say I have been. I have heard of the city through The Weather Network, sports casts, even the news. Though I don’t remember what was said. When someone mentions the name of that city I get the words unclean and dirty come to my mind. Not sure why though.. might be that I’m confusing Windsor with Sudbury. 🙂
Ed, great way to get feedback. I’ve spent some time in Toronto, but not Windsor. I find most Canadians to be very friendly, intelligent and progressive. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent there over the years.
I know that the state of Kentucky went through this exercise about two years ago, the firm discovered that surrounding states really didn’t have an impression of Kentucky – neither positive or negative.
The funny part is that most Kentuckians surveyed assumed the state had a negative “brand” image. So the firm ended up spending more money re-framing internal mindsets than external visitor impressions.
Once realized, it gave the state the freedom to develop a platform from scratch by not having to overcome anything negative. They’ve seen very measurable positive improvements in overall brand impression, recognition and visitor spending during the last two years.
It was a cold, gray winter day about 20 years ago, but I did drive into Windsor, from Detroit, just to look around and pick up a trinket from Windsor University (I was a cap collector and wanted something nobody else I knew would have). I remember distinctively that it was a nasty looking place, but know fully well that it was because of the coldness of the day, the grayness of the sky and the dirtiness of the snow.
I was in my early twenties, and I remember another distinctive feeling: I was in another country. As a lightly travelled American of just 23 or 24 years old, it was a neat feeling being in another country. I couldn’t imagine that it was as bad as I felt it was.
This is not necessarily the positive review you might want to see, but it was what I saw and felt at the time. To be fair, I then went up to Port Huron in Michigan and it was still very cold and very gray and not too welcoming because of it! 🙂
I love the idea of getting input from your readers. Incredibly effective and amazingly inexpensive!
I’ll try to check back and see how off my observations were!
Lunch-bucket city of blue collar workers. The Big 3 dominate the industry sector with many spin-off companies in tool and die and plastics for car manufacturers. Unemployment at 10% now with a decline in sales of gas-guzzler cars.
Hard working, hard drinking, hard playing. The provincial cash-cow Casino was a large draw for American visitors when their U.S. dollar had a rate advantage. However, federal and provincial governments mainly ignore any issues that are 5 minutes west of London, Ontario, despite the additional dollars to the coffers.
Serious traffic problems and pollution problems. Windsor has the highest rate of lung problems in Canada. So high, in fact, the government took out our air monitoring equipment. What we don’t know will hurt (kill)us.
Windsor has difficulties moving forward to higher social status. We don’t have the art/culture and top of the line restaurants or entertainment, despite the casino.
Since I live in the county, I avoid Windsor like the plague. Too much… noise, pollution, traffic.
Wow, Anonymous, very harsh, however very true. I agree with many of your statements – namely the workforce. There was an article in the Windsor Star today about the people who were worried for their jobs at Chrysler after they announced the job cuts. One person said, “What am I going to do, go back to school? I left a good job to come here. Who knows what’s going to happen?”
Ironic that this person left a “good job” to work at Chrysler… Unfortunately that is the mindset of many in this city, even university graduates… and that very mindset is what rubs off on anyone that hears about Windsor and probably why the government won’t give us the time of day.
Ed – I hope what I say doesn’t influence future comments… but here goes…
Windsor to me has always been a great place to live (save the pollution and awful roads). I find people are extremely friendly and not pretentious. It’s very diverse and has a small-city feel to it no matter where you go. There are some great venues and areas like old Walkerville and Sandwich Towne – gems that don’t get the attention they deserve. Crime is low and although we don’t have any big entertainment venues, I feel the wide range of eclectic cafes & bars downtown with live music/patios make up for it. It’s easy to get down on this city but it does have a lot to offer and I personally wouldn’t consider moving – I sell this city any chance I get. Erie Street, the Art Gallery and the beautiful riverfront are all major attractions – but the problem is they are taken for granted by many.
Finally the University – it gets a lot of flak, and it should, their standards are low and I feel that reflects poorly on the entire city. They are however moving forward with the medical building and taking some big steps forward, and I think these steps in addition to raising the standards at the U can have a direct impact on the city as it is seen by the rest of Canada.
Improving our own opinion of our own city is what I think is the challenge. Let’s get our own people excited, get them going out and spending money at local venues (instead of just at the Casino) – then the rest will take care of itself.
Your input is very insightful. As far as influencing future comments- well what I have discovered is that all comments usually inspire discussion, and tat’s great. It’s why we’re here. This question is getting responses world-wide and that is what I hoped for. In marketing typically it is the negatives that give us something to build on as it identifies areas of opportunity. The positive reinforces what we have accomplished.
Windsor often gets a bad rap from out of towners who play off of unfair stereotypes. Those who put down our city are ignorant of what Windsor has to offer.
I’m originally from Windsor and have lived here for a good part of my life. I’ve also lived in other cities and can say…believe it or not…that I LOVE WINDSOR. I’ve had a number of opportunities to move elsewhere but I’m very happy living in Windsor. Although I work in Michigan, I commute back to my home in Windsor. I won’t get into the details but I would brand Windsor as the “Real city”. When I say real, I am referring to the mindset which is as unpretentious and self-deprecating as it gets. We are not a Toronto that thinks it’s a New York. We’re not a Vancouver that has to keep referring to Economist surveys to make sure that everyone knows that it’s the best place in the world to live (there are at least 50 other cities that I would live in over Vancouver). We’re not an Ottawa, a city with no soul (city goes to sleep at 6 PM). And we’re not a Calgary with new money and plastic tits popping up everywhere, constantly comparing itself to Toronto. Windsor is Windsor and everyone here knows it. We are not trying to be something we’re not which is why I think people are so friendly and so real. So branding Windsor as a “Real city” is right on the mark.
Your Real City comment is very much like the comments put forward over at MarketingProfs from Tony Wanless. Tony felt Windsor was like one big family. Thanks for dropping by and chiming in.
This is precisely why MLM schemes have such a bad name – the deception that initiates a meeting. If the people selling were 100% up-front about how things work then there’d be no misleading or confusion along the way.
It’s interesting, I’ve been living in the UK for most of my life, and have come across one person trying to sell me an MLM scheme. I lived in the US for three months and found two. Perhaps the market is a lot larger over your side for this type of business?
David I personally don’t have much of a problem with MLM as a concept in generating income – so long as t’s honest. You are certainly correct in regards to the initial meeting – it needs work. It baffles me as to why deception is considered the best way to go. The meeting I attended was a little under-handed. Greed makes you blind I guess.
When I was younger and got that lead feeling in my gut that there was some deceit in a situation — like when the cool girls wanted to play with me because I had the new toy — I didn’t know what to do with that feeling, and I swallowed it.
Now, when I get that gut feeling of something not quite right, I walk away. I’m with you, Ed — let’s do business on the up and up.
I am in Victoria, BC. I am in my mid-50’s. I grew up in Saskatchewan, and am fairly well-educated. I know absolutely nothing about Windsor except that it is a city in Ontario, somewhere. Southern Ontario, perhaps. It brings to mind Windsor Castle, which brings to mind our monarchy/commonwealth, leading to thoughts about Kingston (Ontario) and the infamous women’s prison. I have to say I know more about Kingston than Windsor, even though it is only one thing! The name Windsor “feels” like the color gray. Like a dull, cloudy day, not very warm. I can’t think of anyone famous who is from Windsor. I have no interest in visiting Windsor, because it is not known for anything, as far as I know. There you have it!
Thanks for your opinion. Even not knowing Windsor really helps a lot. FYI: Windsor is Canada’s automotive capital with the Big 3 here. Hiram Walker also makes Canadian Club here. Windsor has about a 300k market, we are right across from Detroit.
I have heard of Windsor, Ontario. Honestly though I know very little of it other than that it is in Southern Ontario.
I lived in Sudbury for 8 years when I was in Elementary and Jr. High School. Before moving to Burlington for a year in High School. Currently I am back in Halifax where i have lived since leaving Burlington 8 years ago.
Many moons ago I spent some time touring on the east coast of Canada (after living in Vancouver for 8 months) but can’t honestly remember Windsor!
A few years earlier I vaguely recall driving from Detroit (or somewhere around there) up to Canada into what I thought was a peaceful, almost quaint but lonely looking town. Can’t remember the name of it though.
I don’t know how that could possible help you, but there you go.
Of course, the Queen of England is from the House of Windsor!! Do you guys have a sister city in the UK perhaps? 🙂
I live in Brisbane, Australia. And boy we could sure do with a bit of your wind chill at the moment! Sweating like anything here!!
Btw, just a bit of feedback… I find your blog really difficult to read (because of the black background), particularly the comments section. Gave me a bit of a headache actually.
Danielle, thanks for the feedback on Windsor. Even your vague recollections are helpful, because unawareness is an issue the brand must address.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. You are the second comment on the black background – white text. I am considering changing to something more black on white. I plan to post the question to my readers. The look is consistent with everything I do with regard to my brand. But I take the headaches of my readers seriously.
I am a US citizen who has lived in the Windsor area for 30 years. The area is certainly perceived to be blue collar and the manufacturing economy is currently in a rough state for sure. Windsor does have a lot to offer I believe. Part of it is here now (small town atmosphere across from Detroit), some decent restaurants, long parkway along the waterfront and a new coming complex for local hockey folks (pretty much the whole town is seems). The other part is the huge potential given the 4 million people within 50 miles.
There is a difference in Canada from the States and the “international” atmosphere presents an opportunity for any who have not been to “another country”. I personally believe that the area has huge potential with a few major attractions and the “proper” supporting infrastructure. The new border crossing coming up will be a huge part of the success of the area and hopefully the governments smarten up on this one. Disrupting the daily lives of thousands for years with an above the ground approach to the bridge or tunnel seems horrible to me. I hope the government does not cheap out on this one as the consequences will be for many years to come. Border crossing aside I do believe Windsor is a decent city and it has great possibilities.
Thanks for participating in my question Kent. I suppose like most places, you have to know them to appreciate them. The only shame with Windsor is that if you are not familiar, then it’s brand tends to be negative.
For instance I’ve never been to Paris France, but I imagine a romantic cultural city. Rich in history and art. Who knows what it is really like, but for me that is its brand image. It’s what makes me hope to one day go there.
I too see sports and the motor industry reflected in their logo. It’s a nice mark. I’m not too keen on the italics for their web address but would like to see how it ties in with their other brand elements.
By the way, I like your change to black body text on a white background. It’s much easier on the eye so well done.
It is an odd choice of font considering their new logo. I’m guessing they are trying on some retro-effect with a bit of a 50’s flare. I think it takes away from the effectiveness of their new image.
Thanks to the compliment on my change to a white field. From my stats, I noticed a lot of visitors didn’t stick around to read anything, so with the few comments I got regarding white text, I thought I would switch to see if the stats improve. I recognized it as a classic design rule, but I was always partial to the look.
I had a look at the website. To be honest I don’t think they did themselves any favours with the top left display. The logo shown on the right of the page, a little further down from the top, is much more aesthetically pleasing (even with the chosen typeface for the URL).
There’s far too tight a crop on the main logo display for my liking.
I hope your change of text background works out for you. One thing I’d like to see in a prominent position is a group of categories, or recent posts. That’d give your readers an immediate snapshot of what info you’re offering up.
I imagine you’ll also agree that the logo looks out of place in that design. It looks like an add-on. If they don’t change the entire culture around the new brand it is obvious they view brand as spin only. I hope it is in transition although I would not have recommended launching the new brand logo without the website to support it. (At least.)
I completely agree Ed. It’s not a great website and there’s far too much happening at once. I didn’t know where to look!
I notice you’ve moved your archives to the top of the page. That’s an improvement in my opinion. Now you need to make your text links more legible. Blue on black isn’t easy to scan through.
Ed, I think you’re right on, but then I’m “in the business.” I’ve studied both Tony Robbins and Dan Kennedy for years and believe them both to be geniuses, and to tell the truth, I’m actually more drawn to Kennedy’s processes — but I did have to force myself to get past the “snake oil” feeling.
Kennedy teaches process, while I feel Robbins is a lot of hype and show, and that may be why Kennedy doesn’t feel the need to “dress up” with a great looking brand. A lot of people love Robbins and are energized by him, he’s just not for me, but I do admire his personal brand and his ability to influence people.
As much as we in the branding business hate to admit it, sometimes the message speaks louder than the first impression, and people somehow are influenced. These businesses make it more difficult on themselves with a poorly presented brand, though, and I agree that Dan Kennedy and Gerry Weinberg could definitely benefit from brand overhauls.
Windsor… a diamond in the rough, a real city with real people who work and play real hard! It is simple to say, recognition or fame never comes easy in a positive way for Windsor. Windsor is either the gateway to or the escape from Canada, through our very important border crossings, neglected and ignored.
Canadians can either ignore us or hail us for our continuing existence and our survival. We will prevail, re-invent and surprise you with real Canadian hospitality, everyday!
A brand and identity is needed, and it must be embraced by the people of Windsor. We are not iconic. If Detroit is cool, Windsor is real. Real, Safe, Fun and Friendly!
Thats a pretty interesting question you’ve asked. I haven’t really sold anything online except affiliate’s products (I only sell the ones I’ve actually used).
I think the web is an amazing application to sell all kinds of products. I’ve heard the best way of going about selling your book is to setup a list for people to subscribe to – much like John Reese. Yaro Starak the guy who owns SmallBusinessBranding.com is currently building an email list so he can create buzz about his new product called Blog Traffic School.
Basically, what he does is talks about problems which bloggers face when building traffic to their blogs and gives them tips in each newsletter as well as an indication of what the product will be like when he releases it. You could do much the same thing he’s doing, with your branding process. You could even quote articles from your blog in your email newsletters so you can deliver a richer experience than you could through a plain text email.
This was a pretty rushed comment, so I hope I’ve explained it OK. Have a good night, Ed.
Excellent point. It honestly amazes me how some businesses sell anything with the tacky image they offer – but I guess it proves that “copy” sells.
As a customer I personally am persuaded by good presentation, and generally steer clear of tacky looking ‘images’. However, I’m also sometimes wary of anything that looks too slick. I’m not entirely sure why – perhaps I think it means I’m about to be ripped off! Not sure, but it makes me wary.
As for Dan & Tony, I’m not familiar with Dan’s work, but I am a big fan of Tony Robbins. Apart from personally getting a great deal from his work, he comes across as a very genuine, truly decent person who lives his messages. And I really admire that.
Anyone who calls Windsor a diamond in the rough hasn’t traveled much.
Ed, I know Windsor very well so please don’t associate my negative brand perception with a lack of familiarity with the city.
Though Windsor has improved on some aspects in the past decade (Detroit Riverfront bike trail and variety of stores now established in the Windsor area due to the high disposable income), Windsor remains a largely a blue collar town.
Despite the ever growing diverse society, the city itself has little culture to sell. There are 3 main reasons to live in Windsor: 1. Local Automotive employment though it is shrinking at a very rapid rate. Highest unemployment rate (tied with the Saguenay area in Quebec) in the whole country 2. Detroit area employment for Professionals (Engineers, Doctors, Nurses) 3. Warmer Canadian climate
It is an absolute shame the city riverfront doesn’t have restaurants or terraces to enjoy the riverfront and Detroit view. It would go a long way to give an identity to the city other than the current (and not deserved) sin city reputation (Casino and Sex trade) or blue collar town.
Local politics haven’t helped the city’s reputation either. From being scammed into a loan shark type deal for city equipment to ending up with secretly sponsored leases in a 12-13 story building that was originally going to be 30+ stories, city council has run its affairs like it was a high school reunion until a couple of years ago.
I suspect your creative blog is related to a city contract. Windsor still needs to change a few things before its brand image can be changed: revitalize the city core with restaurants and small boutiques on the riverfront, diversify the local economy in anything else but Automotive Business, and find a way to make the local unions realize threatening buyers of non-domestic vehicles will only deter new investments in the community.
Marcia Hoeck and I happen to belong to a business group who met in Kentucky this past Friday and we discussed this issue. From the discussion emerged a recognition of the so called “million dollar” sales letter approach. You might recognize it as a never-ending scroll of bad design.
I think that the style and copy are certainly working together to break down the resistance in the sale. What I recognize is that it is essentially a classic retail approach with bursts, bullets, call-outs etc. I just think it could be designed more effectively.
I plan on selling a branding product soon and I am going to try the never-ending scroll with a retail sales approach – my style.
Now, we all might be wrong, and crass, bad design is what the world needs to buy, but I hope not. I hold up the Tony Robbins approach – I would suspect he makes more loot than any of the others. He exudes trust in his brand with the help of good design.
You’ve explained it just fine. As a matter of fact I have been teasing my newsletter readers for the past few issues. I have also (as you noticed) started mentioning it in my posts and comments.
I would love for you to become an affiliate when I am prepared to launch. I am taking the Long Tail approach on pricing. My affiliate rate will be 50%. This is going to be an interesting exercise – I have it beta testing with one client right now, if you are interested I will email you a copy to test and critique. Contact me off this blog if you are interested.
When I started blogging, sales was not a target. As weeks and months went by it became apparent that the benefits of blogging were multi-faceted. I’ve received project opportunities, press coverage, requests for e-interviews and joint blogging events. My initial intent was to simply built my “expert” profile and maybe in several years sell ads on my site. That goal now seems almost silly, based on what I have learned in such a short time – considering I started in late December during Christmas week.
I’m hoping to launch my “DIY BRAND BUILDER™” by mid to late spring.
Ed
P.S. As far as selling books goes – an interesting technique I discovered was to track everytime you reference someone in your text, to later contact them and get their permission to quote them. (Who is going to say no?) and they will in turn promote you since they are mentioned in your book. This is especially effective with e-books since you can make their links active. With them commenting on your book, you can also utilize their testimonials also.
I think you were a litle hard on Anonymous’s “Diamond in the Rough” comment. Windsor has potential, but is mired in off-brand thinking.
I couldn’t agree more regarding the waterfront. My home town of Halifax has a teeming waterfront, with shops, cafes, restaurants, world-class museums and galleries, water tours etc. The Halifax market is exactly the same size as Windsor.
The last paragraph of your comment – “Windsor still needs to change a few things before its brand image can be changed:” is right on the money. My biggest fear in re-branding efforts with the city is that they address brand as ONLY BRAND IMAGE – with a new logo and tag line. Years of decisions made without regard to their brand is the reason so many of the answers to my question here are so negative. The current administration appears ready to recognize this error and have expressed a desire to address it.
Read my post – Are You Up To Re-Branding? All of us here in Essex County have to live the brand and make necessary changes to start the ball rolling to implement a change in attitude toward Windsor. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen fast. But if the seeds aren’t planted and fertilized with the proper strategy nothing will grow from it. It will be more money wasted on a lofty ideal.
Thanks for your insight.
Ed
P.S. What does it also say about the Windsor brand when some feel the need to post anonymously and others to apologize for their comments? I have received approx. 150 responses to this question to date, and it clearly shows Windsor needs to step up to the plate and change it’s culture or continue along this most unflattering path.
First, I want to say that I agree with you on your position that Windsor needs to fix it’s image.
However, what I would like to know is how Colbert came upon Windsor as one of the worst places on earth? I’m not naive enough to think that he took a map of Canada, tossed a dart and it landed on Windsor… and I also don’t entirely believe in coincidence so sure, let’s say he found out Windsor maybe wasn’t a “great city” or even a “middle-of-the-pack” city, but what source (whether credible or not) is telling him it’s the worst?
I agree that this is a big blow to the city, and that the media has a huge sway on public opinion… but let’s not start believing everything we see on TV. After all, Tucker Carlson referred to Canada as the US’s retarded cousin and we all knew better than to trust his judgement…
I’d suspect that Colbert has a lot more viewers than 1.5M, too. A couple of my friends watch it here, down under.
I’m not sure how much of an impact it’d have on the city’s reputation but depending on what he said about it, it’s probably not good for anything except for creating awareness about the city.
Apparently Colbert has made the remark before. It’s hard to say what impact it has other than at the moment it’s delivered. Since it’s the second time he’s said it, and given today’s audience’s short memories it is not doubt water under the bridge. But it does encourage discussion on Windsor’s brand. I find it timely in discussions I’m inspiring here and on other blogs. Especially the impending blog workshop on the topic I’m launching with Derrick Daye from the Blake Project.
Perhaps we’ve all missed the secondary intention of the joke. The joke has a question mark – it actually IS a question; Is Windsor the worst place on Earth?
Everyone is tired of “Detroit is hellhole” jokes. Do you remember the last Superbowl? They needed Windsor’s help with hospitality issues. How many American cities have such a problem with hosting a major event that they need aid from a tiny neighbour to their south? Maybe the U.S. should ask for help from Mexico to fix its image? (That, is also a question.)
Also, it should be evident to any true Colbert fanatic that Windsor has an OHL team. The Spitfires? Ask that same Colbert fan what the team for Saginaw is, and he’ll know that it’s the Spirit. Oshawa? The Generals. What affect does that have? Saginaw Spirit merchandise (which accounts for the lion’s share of junior hockey team revenues) has been flying off the shelves at an unprecedented rate. And what about Oshawa? I actually found a reason to go there just last tuesday. A little celebration called “Stephen Colbert Day.” I ate at a local café, and supported local businesses. I bought into the Oshawa brand. I just might find myself buying into the Windsor brand soon enough.
Review that joke again, and remember – Stephen Colbert makes his living on turning our preconceptions on the media upside down, and along with that, the traditional way of marketing.
Another question: Is Tucker Carlson the retarded MSNBC cousin of Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart?
Thanks for the insightful feed back NoFact. The OHL reference puts an interesting spin on it and I also like your comments regarding Windsor as Detroit’s hospitality coach.
Usually when Colbert picks on something, it’s time to fix the image, rather than laugh along about it. There’s too much “laughing along with Bush and crew” going on in the world for example.
You make a wise point. I think Colbert is very astute. I particularly enjoy the way he appears to support something but using tongue in cheek takes a jab at it. Regardless of what his intention was with Windsor that evening, his mention of the city in such negative context underscores some serious brand problems.
The problem is that Colbert thinks he’s far wittier than he actually is. He’s a typical media “elitist” who thinks that because he lives in a more cosmopolitan city, he’s a more cosmopolitan person. That’s a flawed ideology, and if it can’t be proven by idiots like Al Franken, there’s no proving it to the person who doesn’t accept that dimwits’ inability to analyze anything as evidence.
Let’s face it – Colbert, Franken, Jon Stewart are all entertainers, comedians, clowns, jesters, idiots – whatever you wish to label them. The Windsor point is, if we are the brunt of jokes what is the under lying motivation? Why wasn’t Virginia City the “worst place on earth”. In the (unscientific) survey I have going on, on blogs, the overall result might substantiate the Colbert comment.
Even Windsor itself knows that that it’s brand is in trouble. Colbert is not the problem. Anonymous, if you are familiar with Ontario, you’ll remember how bad Sudbury’s brand was years ago, and it was also the brunt of jokes by idiots of the day. Now it is a leader in renewable environment. That’s a great case history for re-building your brand.
I really don’t think Colbert hates Windsor, no more than he thinks Oshawa has a bad hockey team. With his brand of humour he must stay relevant. He must stir the waters. For a political satirist, he must appear like an elitist otherwise he might as well tell knock-knock jokes. At the end of the day, none of the clowns on air really take themselves that seriously, and the last laugh is at those of us who do.
I know the recall only affects the wet food, but I lost my faith in the Iams brand quite a few years ago. I fed their adult weight-loss dry product to my cat for about 2 years, following the recommended serving sizes, etc. – saw no results. Switched to another, more common brand (which costed half the price) and he dropped 3 pounds within about 6 months.
It seems like the same old story that we’re just “paying for the name on the box”… but I guess that’s what branding is all about, isn’t it? (That is, until their secret get outs.)
Actually Dante, ‘that same old story’ is what advertising is all about. Branding is your over all relationship with the brand. In this case it was not a very positive one. You felt that the promise of a healthier pet went unfulfilled. You moved on. If a company positions itself as the healthier alternative then you have every right to expect that your pet is better off with it. If the product is no better than anything else, it will suffer as wisdom to this truth grows.
I’ve recommended so many people to start blogging. Not only does it position you as an expert in your field – you can also benefit from customers seeing you as a seethrough salesman.
With 70 Million Blogs out there at the moment (and a significant number of businesses embracing them), there’s a lot of people backing this strategy too.
Thanks for jumping in there Karin. Two great resources in the sites you recommended. I especially like Conscience Cooperation. This is going to be a fun project. I posted my “request for help” over at Marketing Profs. com in the forum area and have some nice tips there also.
Ed, You might also ask your readers and on Marketing Profs if any introverts have found success by enrolling in expensive sales schools like Sandler. It would be interesting to find out if those techniques help people to become more extroverted about sales, or require a bit of extroversion to be successful in the first place.
One of the best things which has helped me in the past when I had to do simple sales promos over the counter was a thorough product knowledge and deep understanding of the benefits customers received from buying the product/service. Although this wasn’t as serious as selling a house or car, it made me appreciate the minor things like my state, non-verbals and basic use of NLP.
When will this ebook be ready? I’m really keen to check it out when it’s done…
I’ve just started it Rob, but I hope to have something by fall. I have about 15 to 20 tips to date. I posted it on Marketing Profs.com in the forum area much like I did with the Windsor question. Ideally 101 sounds like fun. Marketing wise it is the old “101 handy tips to blah, blah, blah”.
I know it would have been the one book I could have used when I started to take selling more seriously. As it is I’m learning quite a bit from this exercise.
I got the idea to move forward from Marcia Hoeck of Brands That Connect, who is also writing a book of her own. She was encouraged by Nettie Harstock who has written a few books herself and who’s blog has some great resources on publishing and book writtin’.
I’ve had the same experience Rob. Have you had people wanting to hire you as a consultant to show them how to enter blogging? I had two requests last week alone. I don’t have sufficient experience under my belt, (I’m no Yaro) but I think I will assemble a short “how to” get you started document that I can use as reference and offer that. It will at least get you up and running, allow you to check stats and take subscribers. From there, everyone within my sphere can grow together.
Henry, Thanks a bunch for the podcast. I really enjoyed it, I think I’ll pass it on to the Mayor as well. He asked that I pass along anything of interest.
Also, loved the art connection. War art has a great heritage. There is a lot of talent over there. Let’s hope they bring their work home safely. I imagine it helps to keep them sane amidst all the reality there.
Thanks again for dropping by and contributing to the discussion.
Chomsky began the modern field of ‘linguistics’ in the 1960s, but he is known today for his leftist political writings: criticism of Western imperialism, American foreign policy, and propaganda .
1. largest border crossing between the united states and canada? ya, that would be the Windsor/Detroit crossing. 2. Ever hear of Hiram Walkers? You know the company that produces the whiskey most of you drink when you order a CC and coke? from Windsor. 3. Ever used Salt on your food such as WINDSOR SALT? ya, from a salt mine in Windsor. 4. What about Seagram’s? Ya, from a town just outside of Windsor. 5. Ever hear of the OHL? Windsor has a team called Windsor Spitfires. 6. Do you know where the largest fireworks display is in the world? ya, that would be put on by Windsor/Detroit freedom festival. 7. Know of Shania Twain? ya, born in Windsor. 8. DiamlerChrysler Canada has its headquarters in Windsor!!
OMG!!!
Windsor is a fantastic place that you should visit!!!
Thanks for the invitation, Ed. This is one of only two or three posts which I have “Starred” in my Google Reader account. You’ll no doubt find a question from me soon…
I wish you luck, too, Ed. Maybe you’d find the book more enlightening, as you wouldn’t have the personalities of the people in the film to distract you. I found the book to be very thought provoking.
You know I never considered that. I suspect you might be right, as I felt some of the personalities a little flaky and they may have clouded my view of the message. I do find the Secret’s message enlightening, and I’ve been getting great feed back off-line from Danielle a writer at Small Business Branding, It is quite a topic that inspires a lot of conversation.
In considering impressions and branding of Windsor, the city should not be assessed in isolation. My mixed feelings about Windsor are closely linked to mixed feelings about the surrounding area.
From Windsor about a dozen wineries are easily accessable. There are many decent golf courses across the regions, as well as within Windsor. The climate is warmer than the rest of Canada as the region is the most southerly mainland area – in line with Northern California. In addition the region around Windsor has 100s of kms of shoreline offering opportunity to live on or near the lakes within easy reach of all the conveniences downtown. Plus of course its a boater’s playground. Detroit River has so many interesting islands to explore, such as Peche Island.
An easy drive from Windsor is Point Pelee National Park, a beautiful recreational and environmental gem and one of the major tourism draws to the region. For birders internationally it is known as a significant location for observing feathered friends as the birds funnel across the lake at one of its narrowest points. In addition to Point Pelee there are about 18 conservation areas in and near to Windsor including the Chrysler Canada Geenway – 50kms of trail.
On the downside, Windsor is surrounded by flat, virtually treeless farmland rather than majestic, lush countryside. Pesticide used by many farms, municipalities and individuals flows from the land to the rivers and then the Lk St Clair and Lk Erie, mixing with the high quantities of raw sewage also flowing into the lakes, leaving them far from aqua blue. The industrial, vehicular and other airborne pollution floating across Windsor and the region is leading to increasing asthma problems and the fast food at every corner is leading to overweight citizens.
I think if people are born in Windsor and stay it is because their family is here. If they come from elsewhere they don’t imagine staying here for long. But once here realise that property prices are more reasonable, decent incomes are possible, you dont have to drive far for anything, you don’t have to sit in traffic for long, and French immersion schools could be a good thing. Either that, or they just get tied down with responsibilities and can’t escape.
It is notable that ‘Windsor’ has been associated with the Monarchy. The influence of the English, French and other settlers can be seen in the names of the streets, towns, rivers and even the county name. The brand should certainly include an element of the fascinating historic connections of the area
Windsor itself is tainted by characterless malls, restaurants with names like Crabby Dicks, and with strip clubs; the city’s Canadian identity is lost in the proximity of the American influence and there are so many pointlessly large SUVs on the road, not to mention ugly Hummers. And yet there is a spirit of community and generosity with organizations such as rotary and united way and big brother; and the city is welcoming to newcommers.
Sorry to go on, I guess I’m just trying to figure out why I am still here. I live in the county and am in Windsor fairly regularly.
Thanks for your input Phil. From what I understand, Windsor plans to brand itself in partnership with all of Essex County. From your comments I’d say Windsor has a positive brand in your eyes. Tell me, what one thing tangible or intangible makes Essex County as a whole “absolutely different” than anywhere in North America?
Grew up in Windsor… left 30 years ago for major cities in US and Canada.
When I come back it’s like being in the old Christmas classic – “It’s a Wonderful Life”. After wishing he had never been born – Jimmy Stewart’s quaint old town of Bedford Falls had turned into Pottersville – full of bars and a seedy downtown.
Windsor was never “Bedford Falls” but it sure is alot more like “Pottersville” now. Sold it’s soul for some quick money from 19 year olds in Detroit who wanted to come across to drink and party. Now the downtown is dead.
The other brand Windsor has is big (read here LOUD) labour. They are sure to keep all the potential new jobs going elsewhere while they continue to believe that they deserve $30 an hour with no education and no risk. But the labour leaders will shout until they are the last ones shouting and collecting dues from themselves. How many jobs does Windsor have to lose before it get’s it?
In short… Beautiful geography. Nice and friendly older community. Great access to the US. Warm climate.
Windsor needs to either become like Chicago (Mayors Daley -senior and junior et al knew how to “deal” with the unions to get things done…) and celebrate both the ethnic diversity and develop a mixed economic base. The other positive alternative is for Windsor/Essex County to become a Florida for Canada – a quiet and nice place (not the seedy downtown) where people come to retire where it’s warmer and cheaper than other places in Canada.
Otherwise – it is various shades of Pottersville with dithering city councils, loud labour unions and disappearing jobs.
Anything you say and do will be accounted for in your brand. My phrase is “it’s what you do that makes you who you are and how you project that to others that makes you memorable.”
Fantastic input. I can’t get over how Windsor never seems to change. My hometown of Halifax is constantly progressing. Windsor consistently goes for short term gain. Since moving here more than 25 years ago I can’t tell you how many riverfront plans had huge dollars put to develop them and they never seem to be followed. Windsor enjoys the process of planning more than the actual fulfilment.
I think you will agree that we need a leader with a vision that has the guts to carry it out. Not someone who worrys about the next election or what biased parties will think. I think the talent is there today, but time is running out before we start to lose all the young talent we need to make a positive difference.
Windsor is a place where nothing ever seems to get done. A slow ineffectual municipal government that never has a stance on any idea or project that doesn’t benefit themselves. It is known to be hard to deal with by many companies or people with vision (to which the city lacks). Any action or progress made is by the hard working local population. I believe that Windsor gov’t is it’s own worst enemy and has little vision as to where it wants Windsor to go or what it wants it to be. The city has a great history base but it has all but been destroyed by short-sighted gains. High taxes and very little “quality of life” perks are available to the citizens who reside in the city; other than the waterfront park. That is a jewel that many cities would be envious about. The citizens are hard working people but their ties to unions blind them by today’s reality. A great multi-cultural population offers what most large city’s offer but high class areas are lacking. The city’s downtown is nothing short of a joke that caters to a downtown business association that is mired in bars that cater to 19 year olds. There is no retail! (Where is the urban village that has been planned for 4 years that we were told developers from the USA were interested in?). In all, Windsor COULD be a great place that offers more than most cities could today…if only it had vision and the will to proceed.
I could have written your comment myself – we of like minds here. Your frustration is no doubt equalied by your passion for Windsor. We both seem to wish so much more for this city. What is your opinion of last night’s decision to give Docherty YET ANOTHER extension to fill that engineered hole of his?
“Windsor enjoys the process of planning more than the actual fulfilment.”
That about sums up Windsor from a political point-of-view. I work for the City of Windsor, and 10 years later, I’m still astounded by the lack of direction, conviction and long-term thinking from the Mayor and councillors.
All it takes is a few vocal people to oppose something, be it connecting a new residential development to an existing development or a proposed truck route over a rail corridor, for Council to turn the matter down. Long-term benefits be damned.
There is no political will to change things – only to make it look like things are being changed.
Vincent, it must be Politics 101 today, when you said,
“All it takes is a few vocal people to oppose something, be it connecting a new residential development to an existing development or a proposed truck route over a rail corridor, for Council to turn the matter down.”
My home is on Highway 18 in Leamington. Home owners living along that route voted in the majority to have a sidewalk built from Union to Seacliff Park (agreeing to pay approx. $400 each for 5 years to pay for it). When it went to council it was shouted down by a few mouths in the audience and the idea was shelfed indefinitely.
Perhaps this pervasive attitude speaks volumes why we don’t progress like the rest of the country.
Hi Ed 🙂 Your post reminds me of a talk I saw last fall hosted by the humanities research group with James Howard Kunstler– what he calls “entropy made visible”
Terrific video, this should be a must view for city planners. I know one whom I am now linking with this video. Very good sense of humor, I only wish he had of commented on what these portable signs say about us.
Some companies believe in having a corporate branding. But they forgot that the personality of the founder, CEO or the top guns of that company also played an important role. Somehow, we see Bill Gates and Microsoft or The Body Shop and Anita Roddick as one. I was so intrigued with a client I consulted. He said, “No, no, no, I don’t have a personal brand, I don’t need one. I’m not the salesman”. And he’s the founder of his company. That conversation led me to blog onDo You Have A Personal Brand
Thanks for your opinion. I wonder what that CEO you mentioned considers his company’s corporate brand to be. The interesting thing about brands, whether corporate, personal, or product – they exist and evolve whether we like it or not.
Your article on personal branding should give many business leaders reason to consider their own brands. A CEO’s personal brand if ignored can eclipse it’s corporate brand in a negative way if care isn’t taken to make sure they compliment each other in a positive way.
I have an extremely hard time thinking about article ideas. That’s part of the reason I don’t write for SBB anymore. I’d like to put some more articles up sometime but an article sparingly might confuse readers somewhat.
Something which I like in your articles is that you spot the elusive obvious and show in simple ways how it can sole problems.
David, I don’t know how you can contribute such an outstanding blog and not be full time at it – Robert I’m going to miss your opinion on SBB, but I’ve always got BracingyourBrand.com. (plug. plug)
Have a great week guys.
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August 17, 2007 at 6:48 pm - Reply
Thanks for article!
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August 18, 2007 at 5:23 am - Reply
Let’s face it, it’s a shot at Windsor’s brand. The reality is not that it is true or not, but it is what is percieved to be true – that is your brand.
For instance part of Apple’s brand is that it’s computer cost more than PC’s. But considering what comes with a MAC, this perception is untrue. But that is part of Apple’s brand.
Hi, I’m from Windsor, I live 70 yards from the Ambassador Bridge and the pollution is horrendas on certain days, but all their studies do not reflect the truth in some of their models My street was not even included in the air impact assessment and therefore not represented in their latest Environmental Air dispersion model. http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/pdf/DRAFT_AirQualityImpactAssessment_ReportAug2007.pdf
____________________________________________________________________________________ mike jacques Says: August 8th, 2007 at 6:10 pm My name is Mike Jacques and have lived on the westside of Indian Rd. since I was 10… I am 51 years old this year… I’m pretty sure I know what goes on around here. Pay Attention, pro Ambassador Bridge people who don’t live here. The past 10 years have been the worst. Really bad. What the councillors are saying about Blockbusting is true. I have tons O pics. You should see what across the street and next door on both sides of me, has looked like for 10 years. A garbage dump, property values suck, my swimming pool that my family has had since 1968 is a mess from fallout. the brick on my house is crumbling prematurely from trucks, our hearing has been affected from noise, not to mention our lungs. there’s no soundwall on the current bridge and they want to build another bridge in front of that one EVEN CLOSER… without any type of compensation for the past 15 years… give your head a shake… and after years of complaining Postma and Brown have finally hit a nerve… “BRAVO”… “BRAVO”… Why didn’t the Ambassador Bridge Company put the “greenspace” 10 years ago, if their so community oriented… What about Assumption Church? I was told they will be getting big donation from Ambassador Bridge Company for crumbling mortor… Hmmm, we should measure how far the church is from the bridge, because I am closer… The Rodents. I never saw a rat untill 4 years ago, ugly looking, it was in my herby curby, I tried to trap it but it got away. And I have counted up tp 7 Raccoons playing in and around my pool. Filthy things, make a big mess, not covered in my insurance, they come every night, and Possoms, mean looking critters with a pointed mouth and razor blade teeth sneaking around all the time, and skunks comming out of my you know what… ALL FROM GARBAGE ON INDIAN RD. What’s next Coyotes? It was not like this when I was a kid when families lived here. Come and sit on my front porch any time at night during the week and see if you can hold a decent conversation with the jake brakes being applied less than 70 meters away(soon to be 40 meters). ALL NIGHT LONG… Just go to the bridge on a hot day when the trucks are doing their thing and get out of your car and walk around and take a whiff… Imagine that your whole life. Yes everyone has a different opinion cencerning the councillors, mostly because they are sick of it by now. Personally, I hope they chase any underhanded wrong doers down like dogs and hold them accountable for more than just a greenspace. And I’m sure all of the west side of Indian Rd. will agree. PS… the Ambassador Bridge Company in the last 2 weeks have cleaned up and boarded their houses up on the East side of Indian Rd. and it looks a lot better than it did, although still not accectable. Why did they choose now to clean up after all these years??? Because the councillors are doing what they are paid for. Listening to the people they represent. ThankYou Mj.
Your comments speak volumes. Thanks for joining this discussion. If it make you feel any better, a few local media folks monitor this discussion. Hopefully your comments will be heard and acted on.
1.2 Area of Investigation Since air quality does not respect local boundaries, a relatively broad area was included in the Air Quality Assessment. This comprised an approximate 10 km x 10 km area in West Windsor, from just south of the present Highway 401 terminus at Highway 3, 10 km north and 10 km west to the Detroit River. This is approximately the area depicted in Figure 1.1 that was presented earlier. Potential air quality effects from roadways decrease with increasing distance from the roadway. Therefore the greatest effects will occur immediately adjacent to the roadway. For assessment of the potential affects on air quality of the Access Road Alternatives and Crossing Alternatives, an area located within 250 m on either side of the Right of Way (ROW) of each proposed Alternative was studied. Similar to the connecting route alternatives, the Plaza Alternatives were assessed within 250 m of the proposed facility property lines.
2.2 Assessment Criteria Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) have set air quality objectives, and air quality standards and criteria, respectively for various air pollutants. Ontario Regulation 419 (O.Reg.419) of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act (EPA) defines maximum concentration levels for various air contaminants at a Point of Impingement (POI), arising from an industrial facility or similar operation. The POI is generally defined as the off property location where the maximum concentration resulting from a facility emission occurs. However, if there is a child care facility, health care facility, senior’s home or educational facility on the property in question these locations become the designated POI location.
In addition, Section 14 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act (EPA) prohibits a facility or operation to cause an adverse effect. The definition of “adverse effect” in the EPA includes: 1. impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it; and, 2. loss of enjoyment of normal use of property.
3.2.3.1 Roadway Segments Considered in the Assessment The dispersion modeling analysis considered a large number of existing roads and roadway segments, in addition to new, or modified roads that will be constructed through implementation of the alternatives. These are as follows: Roads North of EC Row Expressway Huron Church Road and all major intersecting roads along Huron Church were considered from the EC Row Expressway up to Riverside Drive. This includes the existing Ambassador Plaza, and local roads in the immediate vicinity of the Plaza. The roads that were included in the assessment are listed below: • Riverside Dr. • University Ave. • Wyandotte St. • Patricia Rd. / Union St. / Sunset Ave. • College Ave. • Millen St. • Girardot St. • Tecumseh Rd. • Dorchester Rd. • Prince / Totten Rd. • Malden Rd. • Industrial Dr. In addition, all traffic on the Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge and through the Ambassador Plaza was included in the assessment. I Do Not See Indian Rd. anywhere on there…. It runs parallel to the existing bridge, 70 meters out on the west side… from the plaza to the river… It’s hard to see from erial photo’s because my street seems to always appear to be under the bridge from erial photo’s I’ve seen… I guess if your in their blockbusting area they don’t count you. now for some numbers, from them, as to how safe it is within 250 meters of the bridge or plaza or ROW (right of way)… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.2.1 PM2.5 Concentrations As can be seen in Table 5.2, the maximum predicted PM2.5 concentrations at 50 m away from the property boundary increase by a factor of 2X to more than 3X the No Build concentrations in each of the horizon years for all four plaza options. The changes at all distance intervals from the boundary were shown earlier in Table 4.11, and are significant at 250 m for all Plaza Alternatives and all horizon years. Similarly, all of the Plaza Alternatives result in a significant increase the number of days predicted to exceed the CWS at 100 m away, in comparison to No Build. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.2.2 NOX Concentrations All of the plaza alternatives have a significant impact on the air quality in the immediate vicinity of the property boundaries. The maximum predicted 1-hour NOX concentrations at 50 m away from the property boundary increase by as much as a factor of 6X in 2015, 9X in 2025 and almost 11X in 2035, in comparison to the No Build concentrations for all four plaza options. The increases in concentration are significant at distances up to 250 m from the property boundary, for all Plaza Alternatives, and all horizon years. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The results from the Crossing Alternatives / Connecting Roadways are similar to those seen for the Access Road Alternatives. However, the Crossings and connecting roads are elevated, and thus the emissions behave a little differently than ground level sources.
5.3.1 PM2.5 Concentrations As can be seen in Table 5.2, the maximum predicted PM2.5 concentrations at 50 m away from the ROW of the Crossings and connecting roadways increase by a factor of 1.5 – 2X the No Build concentrations in each of the horizon years for the three crossing options. Table 4.13 presented the changes at all distance intervals from the boundary, and are significant at 250 m for all Crossing Alternatives and all horizon years. All of the Crossing Alternatives result in a significant increase the number of days predicted to exceed the CWS at 100 m away, in comparison to No Build. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.3.2 NOX Concentrations The maximum predicted 1-hour NOX concentrations increase by more than a factor of 2X in comparison to the No Build concentrations at 50 m away from the ROW by 2035. The increases in concentration are significant (> 10%) at distances up to 250 m away, for all Alternatives, and all horizon years. Similar to the results of the Access Road Alternatives, there are no exceedances of the MOE 1-hour NOx criterion in the vicinity of the Crossings / Connecting Roadway. ___________________________________
Windsor is a fantastic place that you should visit!!! ______________________________________________________________________
above was a good post and true, Windsor is a GREAT place. We have some problems though…
Our current city council sounds like they got caught with their hands in our cookie jar over at the ” should we fix their sewers department” Sounds like they made it so they can manipulate the audit they were forced to call. Oh well, We shall see… ___________________________________
We also have some beautiful beaches,,, can’t swim in them though… Something about fecal count is to high and you will die… ___________________________________
We had a beautiful downtown till the city turned it into a strip with a bar at every doorway to service the 19 year old Ohio people that can’t drink till their 21… On Saturday nights there are lineups everywhere and a cop in a fight at every doorway it seems… ___________________________________
We have been called “Sin City” cause of the multitude of “massage parlors. The Brand I see is not good… ___________________________________
Back to the question at hand…
After seeing the DRIC report on air quality within 250 meters of the ROW, I am very worried about the new bridge going up in front of this one. I will be under (or at) 50 meters. Is there anyone out there who reads what I read above think it is dangerous? Would you buy a house that was 50 meters from a noisy smelly bridge?? The Ambassador Bridge company is trying to sweep us under the rug.. and making the neighborhood a disaster for the past 15 years so they can buy us out cheap… Lot’s of people have left already and guess who owns their house?
thankyou mj
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September 6, 2007 at 11:26 am - Reply
Very interesting article, I have long sought. It is in front of me. I agree with you!
Interesting post. I guess most dealerships face a branding problem because their employees don’t really identify with the brand of cars they carry. For example, I saw one owner of a Vauxhall dealership driving a Jaguar. That somehow feels wrong to me.
Just imagine how their employees feel. Where is the confidence in their product? If asked about it they’d probably say it’s their spouses car – like that would make it better. Many businesses think brand is nothing but advertising spin.
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September 9, 2007 at 5:33 pm - Reply
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This neighbourhood has gone downhill so fast it’s mind-boggling. Binational Great Lakes Urban Regions (Detroit-Windsor, Port Huron-Sarnia, and Sault Ste. Maries) A Report from the International Air Quality Advisory Board to the International Joint Commission February 2004 ISBN 1-894280-44-X Findings i) While the data reviewed were not the most current nor comprehensive, it is clear that, in all three regions, during episodes that occur with some frequency, particularly in the summer months, smog (ozone and fine particulate) achieves levels that would affect the well being of the entire population and have an immediate, pronounced negative impact on the most sensitive elements of the populations – youth and the elderly. Similar conditions are evident in the past few years and appear to persist to this day.
Interesting. I was trying to find out the hours of the garbage dump (located on central ave) and ended up here.
I was born and lived in Windsor most of my life. I’m almost 32, so that’s a lot of time spent in this… place.
Windsor is hard to describe, because it has it’s good and it’s bad. I’ve been to places I like a lot better, such as London and Mississauga, but Windsor just feels like home. Kinda of annoying actually.
The bad is that it’s next to Detroit, and we get their pollution. We are ignored by the government, we have horrible traffic problems (especially north/south), and the job market is very poor. It’s a city on the decline, I feel. Although Windsor has always felt like it was dying. Without Windsor though, what would happen to the most traveled border?
Some of the good though outweighs the bad. Beind next to Detroit is great when it comes to shopping (especially with our dollar being stronger now), sporting events and concerts. We get mostly American television, which is better than pathetic Canadian television. We often get new stores before other parts of the country, as we are a test bed and easy access. We have some great little restaurants, gotta love Terra Cotta, best pizza ever. We also have a very diverse city, when it comes to racial diversity.
I think a major issue with Windsor is that it lacks the white collar jobs and the city was designed very poorly. It’s hard to rebuild a city when it’s already been established. When you look at cities like London and Mississauga and compare their city layout to Windsor’s, it’s obvious the flaws in Windsor design and layout. No one in their right minds would design a layout like Windsor’s, it’s just doomed for disaster.
But describing Windsor is very hard. If I was to describe it, I would have to say it’s like a small Detroit, but cleaner, less crime, and a lot more white people.
My finance and I would love to move, but it’s hard when you have roots in the city and can’t easily just pull up and move. If I could have a job lined up in London, I’d go in a heartbeat though. I’m dying to get out of Windsor.
Hi, well Ive been to most parts of Canada, including Windsor. My impression was that the location is good, long history, with French Settlement, good climate, the air quality is brutal (sorry) that yellow line of smog in the sky is a little scary. Great agricultural and manufacturing area, very very flat..friendly..’The’ big border crossing….anyway, I just came across your site while looking for some info on Windsor for a geography project, I need to analyse your contemporary urban form. Know any good sites?
Richard, thanks for your comment. I’m afraid that I don’t know of any sites that could help you. If you send me your email, I will forward it on to a friend who is the city planner for Windsor. Maybe LeeAnn will be able to pass on some information to you.
Oi, achei seu blog pelo google está bem interessante gostei desse post. Gostaria de falar sobre o CresceNet. O CresceNet é um provedor de internet discada que remunera seus usuários pelo tempo conectado. Exatamente isso que você leu, estão pagando para você conectar. O provedor paga 20 centavos por hora de conexão discada com ligação local para mais de 2100 cidades do Brasil. O CresceNet tem um acelerador de conexão, que deixa sua conexão até 10 vezes mais rápida. Quem utiliza banda larga pode lucrar também, basta se cadastrar no CresceNet e quando for dormir conectar por discada, é possível pagar a ADSL só com o dinheiro da discada. Nos horários de minuto único o gasto com telefone é mínimo e a remuneração do CresceNet generosa. Se você quiser linkar o Cresce.Net(www.provedorcrescenet.com) no seu blog eu ficaria agradecido, até mais e sucesso. (If he will be possible add the CresceNet(www.provedorcrescenet.com) in your blogroll I thankful, bye friend).
it’s me again, but I changed my tune a little to something that is positive, Check this out… The powers that be are turning my hood into a particulate matter deathtrap but that’s neither here nor there right now…
Windsor has a chance to Re Brand BIG TIME. right now…
The words were “WORLD CLASS” and that only means one thing to me.
Sooooo we gotta get on their ass and hold their noses to the grindstone and don’t ever let em’ forget the words they used “World Class”. Windsor has the chance right now… to become THE World Class Entrance to Canada. Up till now we been treated like the backdoor and even feel that way. Since Greenlink can’t pass the Environmental Assessment for air quality, they offer world class. Well I guess it isn’t world class enough yet. But they are trying… They just need us to kick em’.
Thank you for returning. I will agree that the gateway will no doubt be world class. My only concern is two-fold. How do any of the 2 leading proposals address pollution and truck backing up? I thought these were the issues, no window dressing.
If after spending Billion$ these two issues are still with us, what will that reflect on our brand? I think our Mayor is doing a good job with what he has to deal with. I don’t envy him that’s for sure.
I’m very interested to see how they are going to handle 10K trucks while they build this “solution”.
Well It’s nice to see someone else also has certain desires when it comes to the words “World Class”.
I think the 2 proposals you spoke of are #1. DRIC, an American/Canadian government task force. #2. GreenLink,DRIC opposition,essentially the same plan only much more resident oriented. There is a third option on the table, the Canadian Transit Company,CTC, and the Detroit International Bridge Company,DIBC, owners of the Ambassador Bridge.
I think it has became clear that none of these proposals will ever pass air quality assessment. Unless you consider 9 to 11 times the the amount of undesirable air in 2035 within 250 meters of any suggested plaza location is a passing grade. So instead of a diesel ditch running through the city(the DRIC proposal)the mayor is trying to squeeze “GreenLink” through by using more tunnels and better landscape with portals and/or towers collecting all the pollutants and expelling them into the atmosphere at a remote location. I hope your not a resident downwind of any remote locations.
“I’m very interested to see how they are going to handle 10K trucks while they build this “solution”.”
I am quite positive that whatever crossing and method, or methods of approach they use,They will be able to do the above quite easily. Plus more… That’s what this is all about, transportation of goods. not about people, that is why they will fail the world class status in everyones eyes except the billionaires. But it’s not over yet and the fact is I’m not quite sure how this will turn out.
I cannot imagine the powers that be not recognizing the fact this is it. Windsor will be “Branded” forever. So the way I see it, they can’t get out of it that easy, having used the words “World Class”. They, the DRIC told us that cost will be the last thing considered in their hunt for a safe resident oriented crossing. Ha. Did you know, it’s not “feasable” to clean a tunnels air with Electronic Air Cleaners. Guess Why? To Expensive. In order to have a “World Class” Border Infrastructure Program, first you must have people capable of making world class decisions. I would never consider the crossing to be “World Class” if 1 person(bar none)isn’t happy.
You can’t make everyone happy, right? In this case there are 1000 households all in the same position, to leave any out, for 1 reason or another would be unaccectable.
I still believe that Canada Transport might do the right thing. They know what Canadians want and are starting to demand. Clean Air or at least some light in the tunnel. Not redirection of toxic fumes in an area that allready fails air quality, to some hidden spot, so our lungs and the ozone layer can eventually filter it. This is not World Class, is it? Now if they bored a tunnel, since cost has no meaning, from Toronto to Detroit to New York, It would be a corridoor unlike any. Clean the air in that tunnel and you pass all EA tests. People above remain uneffected, Underground reverse customs with staging, inspection and xray, the ultamate in safety, very fast and reliable shipping can be achieved, it would be world class to remove that much air pollution from the planet.
Great observations. I cross over into Detroit several times a week via the bridge. I can tell you I’d hate to be boxed in, when the trucks back up in there. Jet fans or not, I can just imagine the fumes.
I like this idea quite a bit Ed. I give out a fair amount of free advice and free support so I think I may just start doing it.
My only concern would be that clients may be offended or put-off by this sort of thing, perhaps thinking “yeah so what, do you want my pity?, joke’s on you because you’ve been working for free!”…
I guess my question is how would you go about doing this without making the client feel like they owe you something or, on the other hand, that they took advantage of you? Do you attach a note to it? Explain what it is…?
I’ve often thought about how I could bring cutomers’ attention to the extra little perks and things I do out of goodwill for them. I’m thinking that a combination of this idea and another could make it unobtrusive and also enough to let clients identify with what you’ve done to help them.
If you send out a newsletter or blog, you could try saying a thankyou to them once in a while. Something in the order of: “We’re very happy to have such great customers who we love working for. In fact we’re so happy with our clients, it makes the easy tasks we do, like x, y and z seem like we’re working with friends and the big tasks like a, b and c a breeze to work through.”
It’d be something really simple but the wording would have to be just right and refined to communicate it in such a way so as not to push a guilt trip.
I think it’s a great idea to keep track of all the good things you can do for clients. I mean if you have an understanding about what you’re providing them, then it could make re-selling/up-selling/cross-selling much more simple in the future.
I think it boils down to respect. Since I use your services, I know how professional you are, so I would see this as a sign of your respect for my loyalty to you.
When my client told me of this idea, I thought – what a great way to increase loyalty to me. I know I would appreciate knowing the extra effort. It would give me one more thing to brag about when I refer you. It adds to your value.
I will go back though, and ask my client for more details on how they approach it so that it doesn’t sound like sour grapes. When I get more details and what their customer’s reactions are, I will report back.
Ed, what bulk email program/website do you use? I’ve been using a piece of code I wrote myself to send newsletters out however I am beginning to have issues with it. The mailing list is growing so I need something more robust.
I have read some of the blog accounts on Windsor and thought I would pass along my comments as well. I work for a fortune 500 company in a senior level position. I was fortunate enough to move to Europe for 3 years and run European operations for this company. I have travelled (for business) to every Western European country and most cities. Also is spent a considerable amount of time in Eastern Europe, Turkey, India, Korea, China, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. There are my beautiful places to visit but I was fortunate enough to call Italy home.
After my family’s 3 years in Italy we had a chance to come back to North America and live either in Michigan or Windsor. We decided to come back to Windsor – YES WINDSOR. People ask me why and I tell them you do not appreciate what you have until you left. I hear people talking about congestion from traffic but these people do not sit on the QEW near Toronto for 2 hours each day in traffic getting back home and to work. Even during busy times it is 20 minutes anywhere in this city.
Simple things like the radio. There are not many cities the size of Windsor who have as many radio stations that we have in this city. Basically we have a big city at our doorsteps and can use it anytime we want (unfortunately the border issue is a major problem and I have put manufacturing operations in the states just for this reason).
Also – Windsor is a safe city. People just need to see the statistics on line that are kept by the windsor police department (If they do not believe me on this fact).
Also, our waterfront with the park front properties is a big plus within the last 15 years that I do not think we exploit enough.
I also read some people indicate that the University of Windsor is not a good university. Many business leaders have gone through this university. Its Law school is recognized as one of the best in Canada, Some major senior level executives have graduated from this school – FIAT CEO got his MBA from Windsor. It’s engineering school is getting known for its creativity in solving problems.
Also, St. Clair College is well known as well for its part in education. This area has many skilled tradesmen that I know Alberta would love to have due to the shortage in that province. Bottom line is that Windsor has very competent and good people who are dedicated, provide a quality product and are hard working.
Some negatives are the polution and these are things that have to be dealt with by the city, province, and great lakes states in general.
Some other negatives is the downtown area. This should be something that is addressed – we have more “kiddie” bars on our main street Ouellette and not to forget the massage parlours on the main street as well. I do not have problems with these places but why not get a “red light district” for them? Our city is getting known for this and it is a little embarrasing. Who is going to invest money in a downtown next store to a massage parlour or Kiddie bar??
Also – the city is known for being a union town. I do not have problems with unions but it is hard to get people to put their money into a town when someone else wants to run their business. All this city needs to look at is cities like London Ontario who are getting manufacturing operations from Europe. Why is this happening. Because these companies are afraid of what is going to happen to their operations if they put it in Windsor. I tried to convince some investors to put business in Windsor and they thought I had “three heads”. The statement made to me is why would we want to do something stupid like that?? All we are going to have is a fight with the unions – we do not need that – we are fighting our competition to stay alive!!
I know the union leadership in Windsor does want to work with the comapanies as partners but allot of dammage from the past has been done and we need more progressive thinking for changes to be made (not statements from Buzz about Chrysler like he did today – this scares investment out of Detroit 3 manufacturing towns – they need to be more progressive like the UAW).
I think I said allot in this blog – but in summary – Windsor is a great place to live – beautiful coastline on great lakes, access to major city entertainment and opportunities, good workforce, and hopefully soon – good border access.
Negatives – 1950 labour thinking, current border access, polution, and downtown.
Hats off to you sir! Thanks for the glowing recommendation for Windsor. I forwarded your comment on to Mayor Francis. I only hope the unions wake up as perception is reality. They can deny the reputation, but only actions can change things, rhetoric changes nothing.
I think that a problem with Windsor is the way that things are run. I think the downtown is a shame. It caters to a wasted youth on friday and saturday nights.
Downtown needs more life in the daytime. One problem I hear among TONS of people living here is Parking. If the parking situation wasn’t so ridiculous, and ruthless more people would feel welcome to stay and check out shops that should be there, and dine at the restaurants already there.
With bringing life to the downtown, I think culture would come with it. I think a strong downtown makes a city a city.
For me, what makes Windsor is the people. I’ve been out west, and I actually found it to be pretty lonely, and a lot of the people I met were nice…but the same. In Windsor though there is such a large diversity of really great people that makes sitting in our gray depressing city unemployed really enjoyable.
I read a few of these comments before posting and I’ve never heard ANYONE claiming hockey came from windsor, ontario. Secondly someone famous from windsor would be former Prime minister Paul Martin.
Fabulous blog – have every single one of the comments at Marketing Profs as well as SmallBusinessBranding.com and this one….
Fascinating. And very telling – the most negative comments about our fair city (I’m from the county but work in the city) come from within. I won’t argue with a single one – as you said it best – perception is reality. That being said…
We as a community need to get over the negativity. If we want new business here – we’d better start acting like it. We all need to stop whining about the unemployment rate, stop waiting for politicians to fix the situation for us. I include myself in this – please don’t think I am pointing fingers or picking on anyone in particular. It’s more of a pervasive toxic feeling that we breed here – and it’s easy to get caught up in. Why is negativity so much easier to spread that positivity? Is it a culture thing? Is it a Windsor-Essex county thing? Is it a human nature thing?
Dennis Desrosiers (who if you are from Windsor Essex county, you’ll know his name!!) told us that we have an unearned sense of entitlement and a victim mentality. This is certainly clear in some of the posts – to paraphrase – “our unions suck, our pollution sucks, our air quality sucks, our downtown sucks, the dollar sucks, our local leadership (or lack thereof) sucks and that’s why we don’t have jobs – that’s why we don’t have prosperity – that’s why we can’t find a solution to the problems that face us every day”.
It’s so much easier to blame the external factors, the government, policies, international trade, or whatever we want to put up as our reason for not moving forward on any given day.
I am sympathetic to the plight of so many of our workers who are laid off from great paying jobs that didn’t require education – just a family member that already worked at the “big 3” to get you in. I am empathetic to those workers who did not need to (and therefore chose not to) keep up with their techincal training and ability for companies who have now gone out of business – and they can’t find jobs with the innovative scrappy survivors who are still here doing incredible work in the mold, tool and die sector that is such a rich piece of Windsor’s history and future.
At some point – we have to take responsibility for ourselves. We have to say, as citizens of this community, this region, we’re survivors. We’ve always been survivors. I’m not going to allow myself to be painted with a brush that is tainted, untrue, overblown…I’m not waiting for the shiny knight on his white horse to show up and rescue me for my happily ever after. We don’t have the luxury of living in a fairy tale – not any more.
Interestingly – in this region, we often blame the unions for why business won’t come here. But the only posts that mentioned the union – were people that are from here. Like another of your readers I have travelled broadly and lived elsewhere. I chose to come back. I choose to stay.
However – rather than continue a diatribe – you asked where we were from and what our perceptions are: I’m from Maidstone and have lived in Windsor, Essex, McGregor and Harrow in this area. A county kid really. What do we have?
– more greenhouses than anywhere in Canada, 2nd largest greenhouse growers in the world (Leamington) – world-class research and development facilities at the college and university with billions of dollars of investment – rich & interesting history with Hiram Walkers & rum runnersin the days of prohibition, Willistead Manor, Walkerville itself, interesting historical buildings and museums (Fort Malden, the underground railroad ended here, keep going we have so many!), a beautiful art gallery, symphony, local arts and drama groups, music, theatre, local brewery, pubs, restaurants, bars… – trails, conservation areas and provincial parks, beaches, boating, fishing (perch and pickerel!!), hunting, cross country skiing – safety and security – a sense of community – cultural diversity – freedom, equality, and we are fortunate enough to have services for people who are down on their luck, out of a job – for all of our bashing about unions, public sectors, the ‘rich’ who piss off us working class folk – if you need a turkey for Christmas, fresh food on your table or a warm coat for your kid – you can get one courtesy of fundraising, tireless efforts of many of these groups. Usually free of charge. Not every community has that. – generous community spirit – WE as a community did an amazing amount of work to help the people stricken by the hurricane in New Orleans, the Tsunami, how many other natural disasters in parts of the world where people lost everything – their homes, their jobs, sometimes their kids and loved ones – somehow or another events like that allow us to snap out of our depression and spring into action as a community – united we are strong, we are powerful, we are capable – my hope is that as a community we can find it in ourselves to save ourselves from drowning and snap us out of our own depression, come to our own rescue….
Sorry to have gone on Ed – as you can see I too am passionate about this region. Our area is not without it’s problems – but let’s not kid ourselves – no place on earth is without problems. It’s all in how we address them. We elect our politicians – we live in a free democratic society – they work for us. If we let our voices be heard to our leaders they must act. If they don’t…we have to vote them out.
“The worst mistake you can make is to tire of your brand image and “update” it way before your market has even come to value it. You have to give it time to make an imapct and work to your favor. … Have patience and soldier on.”
… is one of the best pieces of brand advice I’ve heard in a LONG time. I think it’s one of the most frequent mistakes made — especially by small business owners.
Thanks for the insight. Kevin Skarritt Chief Nut – Acorn Creative
It reminds me of a situation I was involved in around 25 years ago. We had just began our business and we were chosen to develop Windsor’s image etc. We had a nice logo and the slogan was Windsor – Talk it up! Oddly the logo is still on some of our ambulances.
Back then we recognized that Windsor residentts were their own worst enemies. We felt nothing would change if we ourselves didn’t change our attitudes. That still holds true today. We’ve still got to Talk it up! It failed back then because the city failed to put a realistic enough budget towards the effort.
Bureaucrats always want quick fixes. Sometimes I think Windsor enjoys being the victim. It reminds me of a book I read some time ago called The Fear of Success. It’s main premise was that we are groomed for failure so we are used to it – we know how to deal with it. Success on the other hand is elusive and thus we do not have much experience with it. Failure is the devil we know.
It’s funny how ordeals like this often strengthen our ties to these people. Maybe it’s got something to do with empathy.
I hope for David’s sake that he’s kept some backups. He’s posted a lot of quality content and it’d be a pain for him to manually strip his content off Google/Yahoo/MSN cache ever so slowly.
Here is a cool site called MoDazzle. It’s about accessing Salesforce on your mobile via SMS and email without internet and GPRS. You can also access other online services like Linkedin, Facebook, Google maps and Starbucks etc with MoDazzle on you mobile.
This story sort of contradicts the fact that you list a know link spammer CresceNet in your ‘recommended links’ (unless you have a second house in Brazil or so).
Initially Robert I look at words for their denotation. If I’m trying to be especially clever their connotation kicks in. I don’t have any particular rule on this as it boils down to inspiration.
As far as a world view – my first consideration is the target market. If it is strickly a local skew, then I consider cultural barriers if I must translate the text for local ethnic consumption. If it is English only, not so much.
I totally agree using emails is most of the times a really cold approach. My question to you is how exactly to build a relationship when selling to different customers on 4 different continents 🙂 Up to now, I’ve come to believe is easier to work with local partners and have them make the appointments. As an alternative, try to engage them more on the phone and instant messaging application and only then use emails. And the third step would be to take part in all industry events of relevance to get to meet more of your potential customers. Of course, when it comes down to key customers a business trip is the best approach.
I am not directly involved in the sales process, but am I close to a solution? 🙂
Another way is video conferencing. The whole point is to get face time. If you are working on 4 continents, I think we all agree that email must play a role. But to try to minimize the fact that eventually you may become just an @something and easily replaced, physically speaking with via video would be a viable alternative, especially if you took the initiative and set them up as part of your service.
And as you last comment outlined – if they are key customers, regularly scheduled business trips would round it out nicely. Overall it is the relationship we are all trying to build with our customers. Showing effort impresses everyone.
Hi. An interesting question you have here. I think this website is pretty good to give people a general discussion platform for windsor, ontario, including how come no one has heard about this city, or heard little of it. http://canadawindsor.com
Those graphics you get for your articles are great… Do you get them done specially?
The nature of the web is fantastic for networking and I can only see it improving in terms of how we connect with people in our industries in the future. Google is working with technology at the moment that determines people’s relationships based on how they link to each other on the web. With that sort of technology and the minerals to adopt it in your sites and business, you can expect many more smiles brought by referrals.
Just boils down to how effectively you can connect with someone online – there are limits. Lately, I’ve found the phone to be a great tool, especially when people call after stumbling across your website.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve dragged my butt to an event that I was reluctant to attend only to get into a passionate discussion…”
I have no idea why this happens but it’s so true.
Though you don’t need it, goodluck riding the recession, Ed. Hopefully Canada isn’t affected too badly.
I do the graphics myself Rob. It’s sort of the last thing I do. A bit of fun.
Yes, what is it about low expectations that reverses itself. Any psychologists out there?
Canada isn’t in recession, but I am located in the industrial heartland which is heavily dependant on the domestic auto industry. It is in a down cycle at the moment. I’m busy though.
I lived in Windsor for over 40 years. It took me 10 years of trying but finally escaped from there!
Taxes are extremely high for what you services you get. City hall is overemployed, and top heavy.
City has been going downhill for years, and elected officials didn’t care, as long as Walkerville, South Windsor and Riverside were well cared for…the hell with the rest of the city.
Simple minded, auto and related industries seemed to be the only one wooed. Now look at where it is at. Everyday more and more people out of work, yet politicians are hailing the “new” $9/hour jobs as the second comming. With taxes as high as they are, most can’t afford to keep their homes. Sad really.
The fellow who remembered Windsor as cold, dark, and gray, had the perfect discription.
Thank you for responding. Your criticism is obvoiusly from the heart. Do you feel that the city’s problem brand lies entirely with City Hall’s past and present? As you’ve probably noticed here, your sentiment is shared by many. I have to add that I posted this question else where and got the same responses. What one thing could WIndsor do that would at least make you believe that Windsor has a fighting chance at returning to a former glory?
I haven’t had a lot of experience with designers personally, but I have had a few websites designed and you definitely get what you pay for. Especially when you outsource through freelancing sites. I’ve never had the budget to go to a full-service agency. In my opinion I think it’s not worth it for most businesses
I frequently tell people to go the extra mile and spend a little more on their design stuff but they don’t see the connect (if any), between making money and spending thousands on design.
Would you believe a company asked me to make a banner graphic for them? I made it in Paint and was expecting that they’d reject it, but they shrugged it on board and still use the ad on our site today. They get roughly the same amount of clickthroughs on our site as the other non-flash banners which leads me to believe that design isn’t all that important. In fact it almost communicates that they’re saving money by not hiring a designer and hence they can afford to sell items more cheaply.
Then again, that’s for a biker’s store. For a professional service provider like accountants, engineers or lawyers I think it’d be a big issue. Good design to me equates to the success of the business. If they can afford a good design, they must be doing something right.
I do see professionals as having an advantage over your average joe but you certainly pay through the nose for it and it’s frequently out of the question for a lot of small businesses to hire them.
You may not have much experience with Graphic designers Robert, but is aapears that your view of their industry brand is that their value is over rated.
As for the biker’s store example, check out Harley and tell me that if their brand image was just text on a page, they would be getting the same market share.
I think what you must appreciate is that Graphic Design is not just a pretty graphic. It also communicates with a relevant message. GD is visual selling. Your banner example I would submit, does well because the message is valid to the viewer. How much money are they leaving on the table by not raising the bar, and having the banner design work for them as well?
I would turn your last staement around and say: “They are doing something right, because they understand good design.”
I used to live in Windsor when I was younger. I remember as a child, looking up at the bridge and asking my mother if I could slide down from the highest point. During high school I enjoyed reading poetry at the Eclectic Cafe, volunteering for theater groups, and walking along the Detroit river. I live in Toronto now, but when I think of Windsor, I think of the wonderful atmosphere and the great people that make Windsor such a magical city.
i have relatives in windsor and lived there for a while, though i am a us citizen and lived in the suburbs of detroit most of my life. i dont know much about windsors history as a quiet lovely town, but i have experienced otherwise on many occasions. despite how many people in windsor are scared to death of the mention of detroit, my car was stolen in windsor and later my new car broken into. near downtown too. i went to a gym there and my locker was broken into and everything stolen. there is a lot of crime and drugs, i can assume fueled by the strip clubs and the people they attract. no it isnt a pristine small town. its rather like detroit on a smaller scale. it has some glitzy trappings like the casino and a few nice restaurants, and for the most part the people are very nice, but someone is committing all those crimes, and i have a feeling they arent so nice.
Hi Ed, Interesting blog. Some of the posts are eye-opening since I’m moving to Windsor next week. After 20+ years in Halifax, I’m taking a job in Windsor. Hopefully, the climate, the housing market, and the friendly people will make up for the negatives I’ve read here. I’ve never had any negative impressions of Windsor. I grew up in Sarnia with family friends who enjoyed living in Windsor. I guess I’ll find out soon enough!
Well, welcome to Windsor. I myself am a Haligonian. My family still live there. The summers are definitely longer here. Spring actually starts in March/April as opposed to home. It is still warm in October here. 2″ is considered a big snowfall and the lightening storms should charge admission. For all the negatives – Windsor’s biggest plus for me is it’s location. 4 hours drive from almost anything you could want. Halifax is where my roots are and it is definitely more modern than Windsor and VERY white collar. I never met a union person until I moved here. I hope that you enjoy Windsor.
My problem with graphic designers is that in my opinion there are thre tiers of them in this city.
There are what I call the institutional type – the ones that are technically capable, nothing wrong with them other than they just don’t have the eye for it.
There are the absent minded professors – the ones who are quite talented but completely unprofessional, undependable etc.. but when you see their work, there is an ahhhh factor, unless they abandon the project 90% of the way through due to some emergency.
The third group the ones who can combine the talent with the professionalism are simply so few and far between that they are pretty much unaffordable to the masses.
What happens to them is they usually are so busy and expensive that they put someone under them in charge of your account and you’re back to type 1 above which turns this conversation into an abbott and costello “who’s on first” routine.
There are definitely more of tiers one and two in this market. Not a lot of talent, just a lot of technique, thanks to software. The crop of genuine talent are unappreciated and are as such unvalued. With graphic design viewed as a commodity, professionals have a hard time competing with cheap.
Anonymous – I can appreciate your positions on your local scene.
Hey Ed, My 5 years in Windsor Summary Referring back to a comment about”the scrappy tool and mold industry being part of the future of the city” from Tracy I have few more comments to add on our city’s industrial/political situation. First off that ship has sailed, our once glorious mold industry has been reduced To handful of key players. As for our actions to say we play the victims and should take action instead of focusing on the negative may be partly true but it ignores the fact that we as a community have little say in the matter, sure we blindly elect and re-elect our officials and hope they represent us accordingly but through pressure from sources of influence in business, usually the same lot, who have had a strangle hold on this city for along time agendas are meet and the community feels its impacts in one shape or form. If its not from that direction its from lack of motivation from our Ontario Government. In turn, we the citizens of Windsor pay the price. This city has been under attack politically and economically for a long time. Unfortunately the people with the most influence and power in this city do not sit in office. How could a city with such a strategic locale be in such poor health, it amazes me. For big business to turn its back and head else where should be a huge indication that obvious “local” organizations are to blame. Some might argue that our workforce is not skilled enough to handle change or new avenues, I highly doubt that. The people in Windsor are hard workers, sure some make a very good income with little education, yet other skilled workers are at the mercy of temp agencies, which in my opinion is slowly feeding on our economy. If the majority (excluding the sectors not involved with the manufacturing and automotive industries)of this city’s income is $10 an hour how will this city survive? If your city is ridden with poverty, unemployment, depression, it will definitely reflect in the over all first impression and reputation of the city. Branding the city is not going to be easy. Solutions might include awakening those involved with certain organizations that there leaders do not have there best interest in mind and only serve to fill there owns needs as well as other power figures in the community. Perhaps to evoke thought s and questions to this exact matter in more detail might cause some change for the better.
When people visit this city I often hear some say its dirty, cold, hard, but the people are friendly. From others that move here from larger cities they say there is nothing to do, which to me indicates that they couldn’t be bothered or have any desire to find something to do. I often reply to such a statement with…well theres always Detroit. But usually the most often response when asked what they think of Windsor is …”its ok”. Theres hope. Please don’t assume I have nothing good to say about Windsor I do love this town, how could one not, I just think the change required is complex its source is a hydra and some in our city council only have sticks to defend themselves.
Anonymous – why do you post as Anonymous – you’ve got great opinions? I curious as to whom I speaking with. I agree wholeheartedly with you. I have my own personal beefs and from the marketing perspective have dealt for years with the fact that one firm in this city has a lock on ALL the city business for almost 30 years now. (another story)
Windsor is a frustrating story. I also agree with you that our strategic location is awesome but we are treated like a pariah. Branding will indeed be VERY difficult – but I do like France’s comment on changing the conversation, it is a great first start. The sad thing is it is exactly what we recommended almost 25 years ago to the city and it was never taken seriously. We were handling the account at the time (part of the other story).
My only concern with branding is whether the city has the determination to do it right or will they move for a short term spin solution. I fear the latter. Even recently in the address, his comments on telling our story is more advertising. We are going to put more slogans to work. It flies in the face of what branding is all about.
Ed, to be honest I stumbled upon your site by sheer luck, started reading from the top. Sometimes its liberating speaking your mind in anonymity. It seems your fully aware of the multi layers to an almost corrupt city. I agree fully with what you replied with, and a spin on a Brand is almost guaranteed, but it wont fool anyone. It would be a romantic notion that maybe a brand stating “we need help” might cause some national attention and spark some change, who knows. It sounds desperate, and a bit exaggerated but Im sure you get my point. I also forgot to mention that my conclusion on the cities economic status is that it will have to be completely drained or used and abandoned by implied “firms” and organizations before it can rebuild itself, and only then at this rate can it start fresh without influence which contradicts the best interest of the people of Windsor. This may be a horrifying and delusional concept, but in hope of airing out the real roots of the cities problems, can we truly understand the rebuilding process. Allot of people in Windsor do not think the situation is entirely that bad.
What a great way to get people to talk Ed. There are some great comments on here and even the ones that haven’t heard about Windsor are positive, in one way or another. Good Luck BL
Anonymity is enviable in some cases I will agree. There are times when I would love to expose a few things I am aware of, but, politics being what it is – there isn’t much point. I enjoy reading Halberstadt’s blog as well as the Windsor City Blog. On the latter I don’t wear this guy finds the time to write such in depth opinion. I write for my sit and another Branding site and it is enough for me to stay on top of that.
This Windsor question certainly has caused quite a passionate conversation so far. The Mayor used to follow the thread here, but I don’t know if he still does.
I think what you’re doing here makes for an extremely interesting read!
I’ve been a “Windsorite” all of my 42 years, and my frustration with the direction in which this city has gone, and continues to go – has just increased as I grow older and become a lot less tolerant.
It seems to me, that regardless of the Enwin Utilities fiasco, the border crossing deliberations, taxpayers getting slapped over and over again with useless city spending, etc. etc. The powers that be at city hall consistently overlook the bigger picture, and to me – this picture is huge.
Now that the automotive industry is in trouble, is it not safe to say that our current branding as a lunch bucket, union heavy, blue collar city is poised for a total 180 re-brand?
My feeling? Location, location, location! Can we not promote the hell out of that? We are the most southern city in the country. Our climate is wonderful, and we have a breathtaking waterfront. We border a major U.S. city and are surrounded on 3 sides by lakes and rivers.
The senior population in this country is growing, and more and more are moving here to retire because of our desireable climate. We’re becoming Canada’s Florida!
The casino is great if you’re retired, or young enough to enjoy a night out or a weekend away without worrying about your kids. Downtown is great if you’re under 30 – or a drunk underage American looking for a good time at a strip club, or are looking for a good fight.
These “attractions” appeal to a very select few, and leave out an entire demographic of huge spenders looking for somewhere to bring their kids, and their wallets for more than just an overnight visit. These are the same kinds of big earning, mid age professionals who frequent festival Epicure and the Erie Shores Wine Festival. More people make it a point to venture to those events for one night, than those who frequent the downtown area all year long.
The city desperately needs to recognize it’s potential as a family vacation destination. Can you say Disney? These people are looking for theme parks, water parks, drive-ins, camp grounds and unique, whimsical, fun places to shop – and interesting places to eat, where they don’t have to fight to find a place to park.
Base this branding on our great climate, our proximity to water – and eventually, if city planners finally get a clue,… an amazing (and warm) family vacation destination.
Therein lies the solution to the city’s growing unemployment.
Your not wrong about seniors moving here. I live in Leamington. My new next door neighbour is a 60 year old woman from Vancouver who researched climate in canada and found this area to be the shortest winters and very cost efficient.
As far as Windsor’s branding goes, my biggest fear is that they are not going to address branding seriously and we will be cursed with another round of new slogans, new logos and advertising that has a very professional look but but spins a tale that is not real. Windsor has spent roughly 25 million over the last 25- 30 with the convention bureau. If it wasn’t for the casino, we really can’t brag at what that has gotten us. Same old faces and same old ideas run the show in Windsor.
Let’s wait and see if we are wrong. As they say, history repeats itself.
I only knew Windsor as a polluted union town prior to visiting it for a couple of days. I visited in winter and found the waterfront and Erie Street restaurants to be fabulous. The people were very friendly. Downtown was the red light district. For such a short visit, there wasn’t much to do other than the casino so I just went back to my hotel room. I’m sure there are some really nice museums and art galleries somewhere. Oregon has a really nice museum in Baker City and Alberta has the Remington Museum in Cardston. Duluth has a wonderful Great Lakes aquarium to visit. Cafes and restaurants along the waterfront would have caught my attention, especially if they had live music like those cool bars in Chicago. Or a big theatre district, like Niagara on the Lake. Does Windsor only have car manufacturers or are there other types of businesses there? Do people who move there have to sell their foreign cars first?
I also just wanted to add that the current plan to put more money into already existing local “tourist attractions” such as Fort Malden, or the wine tour, or Heritage Village,…although great places, they are in my opinion just not the places that are going to bring the tourists in in droves. These things just do not have that “mass appeal”. Adults may love the wine and gambling, but – lets be honest – most kids are not going to beg their parents for a history lesson/field trip – much like those they’d have in school.
How about a Science Centre, a zoo, or an Aquarium? Why not put all of these attractions into one amazing area. There’s just so much unused land out past the airport, or off Hwy 3 or the 401.
There is a science centre but it’s not world class. All Windsor seems concerned with is Downtown. They seem intent on forcing the populous downtown, although there is only things there for the youth. It is a frustrating place to live at times.
I disagree with the poster who says “existing local “tourist attractions” such as Fort Malden, or the wine tour, or Heritage Village,…although great places, they are in my opinion just not the places that are going to bring the tourists in in droves. … – lets be honest – most kids are not going to beg their parents for a history lesson/field trip – much like those they’d have in school.”
This person has not been to some of the more impressive museums and historical attractions in North America. Fort Malden is just as cool as the Halifax Citadel. People travel for miles to attend wine tours in Niagara, Napa Valley, Kelowna, Oregon and Washington – why not Essex County? How would people respond to a three hour adventure tour where they “become” part of the underground railway, including river boat ride, possibly ending in a dinner theatre style history “lesson”. Why couldn’t Colasanti’s become the local version of Butchart Gardens?
Windsor is steeped in history and it has a great location surrounded by water. There is no reason why Windsor can’t transform itself into the southern jewel of Canada.
If you need a test case for what tourists think of Windsor, here I am!
I’m a 28 year-old Brit who’s never been to Windsor before, and will be there for a week at the beginning of May!
I must confess that it wouldn’t be on my destination list were it not for other factors!
My main reason for coming to Windsor is some of my ancestors emigrated from England to Windsor to work at the Ford factory in the early 1900s. My great, great grandmother is buried in Windsor too. So one of my goals whilst I’m there is to track down my family’s history.
It’s ironic reading the comments about the polution in Windsor today. My relatives moved to Canada to start a new life away from the poor health and squalor of daily life in industrial Lancashire. Today, Lancashire’s got some of the cleanest air in Britain, whereas it would seem Windsor’s gone the other way!
But apart from my family history stuff, what is there for a tourist to do? I must confess that I’m getting very scared I’m making a big mistake reading many of these comments!
So come on all you Windsorites, tell us some more of the positives? What is there for us tourists to do (aside from gambling and massage parlors)?
Even if there aren’t so many tourist attractions, what’s the best way of meeting the warm, friendly people you all refer to?
Chris
PS: None of my friends have heard of Windsor, Ontario, but everyone’s heard of Detroit. If I say I’m going to Detroit, I get a universally bad reaction from my British friends who enjoy travelling. When I say I’m going to Windsor, I don’t! Is it good or bad that the two get linked together in every travel guidebook??!
Windsor isn’t too bad. The people are genuine here. The weather should be much better the week you’re here. Detroit has plenty to do and see. It isn’t too bad. I think it’s bad reputation is way over- blown. If you’re a sports fan you’ll be in heaven.
Windsor is definitely industrial. It’s waterfront is very pleasant. It’s the best view of downtown Detroit. When my family from Nova Scotia visit, there isn’t much to take them to in Windsor. If you are coming alone, downtown Windsor has an active bar scene. I don’t think you have any reason to regret your decision to visit. The area has a great climate. Windsorites are probably more Americanized than any other part of Canada.
We view Detroit as family – a cousin lets say. I don’t think you’ll notice the pollution or any of the negatives in your short visit.
I’d love to see you check back in here after your visit and give us your feedback.
As a 28 year old Brit, it’s hard to know what you’re into from a social scene. Are you coming alone or with friends? Where are you staying – down town or elsewhere? I’m sure that you’ll find loads of friendly people – especially with a British accent!
I’d be happy to help you by identifying some activities or things you can do if you’d like!
Thanks for the kind offer and for the link! I had actually been to the site before, but must have completely forgotten about it. I’ve found some great stuff to look at this evening.
I’ll be travelling alone and I’m staying at the Days Inn on Goyeau Street.
I guess I’d describe myself as a hisory and travel-loving vegetarian who enjoys meeting new people, eating at great restaurants and generally having fun in the evenings. This trip will be an odd one though, as I don’t usually travel on my own. I guess I’m scared of ending up in my hotel room bored in the evenings!
Is there anything I shouldn’t miss whilst I’m there?
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There are a lot of companies that invest in professional presence for their representatives. Coaches abound. The best I know is Voice-Pro out of Cleveland. Top notch folks. Your comments on brand and logo strike a nerve. Logo should scream brand. In turm the brand should bleed value to the outside world. Logos focused largely on identities known best by employees are ho hum to cutomers and are often talked down by the company’s own personnel for fear the logo appears self gratifying outside the gates.
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Wow! Put your logo on the bottom of every page says it all. You have to get the logo out there to remind the customer who you are, what you offer, etc. To find such a logo or dream one up of your own can be difficult, so I would like to suggest checking out the following website.. Pixel Logo Design They have logos for every need.
I grew up in a small town on the edge of Essex county and visited Windsor regurlarly throughout my lifetime. The University of Windsor is my Alma Mater and I lived in Windsor for 4 years while attending it. In the last 25 years I have lived in Toronto, Missisauga, Ottawa, Cambridge, Victoria BC and now Chatham, ON. I have also travelled to many cities and regions across North America.
I have always felt like Windsor was a second home town to me. Because of my fondness for it, I really do feel badly for how it has evolved (or not) over the last 30 years or so. As many guests have mentioned, it has great potential because of it’s location at the heart of the American Midwest, Canada and the Great Lakes. Yet despite this great potential, I believe that Windsor’s politicians and even many of it’s citizens are it’s own worst enemy. I currently live in Chatham, ON (although not for much longer) and it too suffers from the same wound licking attitude as Windsor. I think the only thing that can save Windsor from being the armpit of Ontario, is for it’s politicians and citizens to finally realize that they must step up to the plate and start behaving like a mid-sized growing city, not like a shrinking small town. They need to look at other mid to large sized cities such as London, Ottawa or Toronto and learn from them. What did those cities do to make themselves great places to visit? Your politicians have failed you so badly over the years. The Chrysler building, the Sports Arena, the alternate river crossing, the riverfront Holiday Inn, all unmitigated disasters inflicted on the city by its own poliiticans. And yet the citizens never seemed to much notice or care. Each and every one of these disasters could instead have resulted in a building icon that saved Windsor from it’s ‘armpit’ fate. And yet Windsor continues to repeat these mistakes.
Having lived in other cities and travelled across the country, I have grown weary of trying to defend Windsor, when it refuses to recognize it’s own short comings and deal with them.
My advice to Windsor would be first to elect poiliticians, regardles of their political stripe, that want to create world class facilities in Windsor, and who want to make it happen now, not 30 years down the road. Secondly make Windsor a place where people from the county and city would want to live, rather than escape from. And finally, Windsor needs to realize that if it can’t make itself a welcoming place to the communities that surround it, how can it ever expect to be seen as a welcoming place to visitors from afar?
I do hope that Windsor can somehow pull itself out of it’s languishing navel gazing and someday be seen as a beautiful gateway city to Ontario and Canada. But if that is ever going to happen, it must start with the proactive and forward thinking actions of both it’s politicians and citizens.
A new Brand and clever letterhead isn’t going to help. Sorry Ed, I know your business is based on that but really, I get tired of hearing about the city and many of the government orgs getting new logos.
You can’t change something by giving it a new logo and mission statement. The change needs to come from within and the powers providing support to local companies that are doing something not related to Automotive.
The city wanted to be a tourist destination but they still don’t have a real attraction. A Casino? Thats it? Give me a break. Oh wait we have a park as well. I’m sure people all over the world are looking at Windsor with the casino and park to spend their summer vacation.
I’m sure once we have the new logo things will change…
You can’t offend me – thick skin. Just for your education. A brand is not a logo. That is a common misconception about branding. What you say that is needed is more to do with the brand. An easy explanation is to take the word brand and replace it with reputation. In order for the city to change it’s brand IT must fundamentally change what it is. I’m with you in regards to logos. How many logos has downtown Windsor had? I have been involved with at least two of them, one was last year, now this year they are the mosaic, I wonder what they will be by fall. A pretty face changes nothing, the mess is still there.
I think we agree. But do me a favour and don’t call it branding – it’s far from it.
Don’t you think the city itself has to change before its “reputation” will? We all know what Windsor could and should be, but what it currently is – I don’t feel reflects the kind of place most citizens feel it should be promoted as. Give us something NEW to brag about….other than the casino and the waterfront.
Right now, it’s sort of like putting the cart before the horse isn’t it?
Hmmm…. bragging rights. Ties right into branding and positioning. Precipitated by brainstorming:
Canada’s southermost playground Canada’s freshwater playground Ontario’s newest metropolis Ontario’s undiscovered gem Canada’s secret getaway Canada’s California The affordable alternative Vegas North Your metroponexus (futuristic sounding, non?)- not to be confused with metroponext2us Canada’s happiest city (friendliest, prettiest, warmest) Open for business Live where there’s more to life (than working) The lost (navel gazing) city
Silliness is allowed when brainstorming!
Ideally, a positiong statement would evoke pride, a feeling that Windsor is the place to be for economic growth and for pleasurable living.
If you look at any of those statements, Windsor could not actually lay claim to them. Even southern most playground would fall to Pelee Island.
Branding commands that you try to choose a differentiator that is just that – absolutely different. At the very least be the first to market with the statement. So you could adopt one of your suggestions, but next is the hurdle to make it real and next is putting it out there and living up to it.
But as Anonymous states, we must fix our reputation or that is going to trump any efforts we try.
Perhaps I view branding statements differently. I don’t think they have to reflect where you have been. Rather they need to paint a picture for where you want to be. They don’t have to be real in the moment or in the past. What you want is a vision that people can latch on to and say “yes, we really can be that!” or “Hey, look at us. We are the …. (put visionary branding statement here.)”
To me, targeting your brand to where you want to go does not require originality and it does not require you to be first. Technically, Pelee Island is southernmost in Canada. Practically, Windsor is the place that can handle the most visitors with ease of access and I don’t think that someone from anywhere further than a few hours distant will quibble much over the terminology. You only have to look as far as Alberta to see that what is advertised is definitely not what you get when you arrive. There you can find tourist guides that bill mediocre sites found several hours drive away as “local” so they can have a promo piece thicker than a single page. That’s misleading. A visionary statement of what you want to become is not.
What you are referring to is a slogan. Which is like a general theme. BUT they still must reflect reality or they will (like Alberta did with you) put a bad taste in your mouth. That will then reflect on your brand – negatively. When selling with your brand it is important to be unique or first to market.
With Pelee VS Windsor what you said was “southern most playground” not “southern most playground that can handle tourists efficiently”. When I listen to what you are saying I see a traditional marketing campaign based on a hope. You know what they say – “The fastest way to kill a bad product is with great advertising.” They will try it once, but if the experience is bad, NEVER again.
What is the point of marketing yourself as something you wish to be only to disappoint your audience when they bite and are exposed to something entirely different. You gain nothing and in turn damage your brand with that person.
The thing is, have the vision of what you want your brand to become – work on the vision – and market honestly to achieve that vision. BUT it does have to be real. And being unique creates that compelling reason to visit Windsor.
How did you feel the last time you bought a product based on a compelling claim, only to be disappointed with its reality? Would you buy it again?
If your brand is bad, you’ve got to fix it first – no amount of spin is going to make it better. You are only left with emptier pockets and the same problem, all be it with a pretty bit of window dressing. Brand goes deeper than that – you can’t fool the public in the long run.
It’s said that perception (perhaps created by marketing spin) is everything. Perception and brand go hand in hand. Does Windsor’s reality match the perception/brand? Do we need to ajust how Windsor is perceived? Or is it already perceived the way it really is? In which case, the brand/position already reflects the reality and there’s nothing to fix. Ed, what is Windsor’s reality?
I live in Windsor, Ontario. Its a city that is going through bad times economy wise. There are not many jobs and it has the highest rate of vacancy in Canada.I wouldn’t suggest moving here anytime soon. We are across the river from Detroit Michigan, but Windsor is much more calm then Detroit.
Ed: It appears that the focus here is from a service business perspective. In an industrial setting unless the business is highly seasonal there may not be as much “cat’s away” time.
It is still useful to spend time re-evaluating strategies for growing the business, strenthening relations with current key customers and perhaps exploring new oportunities to diversify.
Many times business owners are too involved in day to day operations and fail to take the time needed to project future expectations and adapt to changing market conditions.
Today’s economy forces continuous reviews of the business and I spend significant time with owners restaging strategic positions.
It’s always good to look for better mouse traps and the innovative entrepreneur wins.
Great idea Ed! Very useful and practical! Everyone who reads this, whether in sales or not, can take something away from it that can help them increase their ability to control their own success.
I’m nothing if I’m not practical Jeffrey. Like yourself I enjoy great straight forward information that I can use. One of the complaints I have with some blog articles is – the promise in the headline doesn’t deliver in the body of the article.
Classic bait and switch. Thanks for your endorsement of the book, means a lot.
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I am from Windsor, Ontario. While I would not say it is a great city (right now), there is certainly huge opportunity and potential, especially for small business. The rich in Windsor are getting richer, while everyone else is frightened to take risks. There is a respectable market here.
Comparing Windsor vs. Toronto: – Toronto: High Income and High Cost of living results in a decent amount of disposable income. However most of the population works from 9am-5pm BUT including traveling time is busy from 7am-7pm. This leaves little time to actually spend money in the city.
– Windsor: Average Income and Low Cost of living results in a similar disposable income as Toronto. Most of the population works from 7am-3pm, or 9am-5pm and travel time is not a concern. This leaves much more time to enjoy life and spend money.
Based on this general comparison there is advantages to living in Windsor.
The recent attraction of Ceasers to Windsor, along with the many events to follow is a positive sign for Windsor.
I personally and working on with businesses as a management consultant in Windsor to help the economy. Also, I am working on developing a strong Angel Investor network and prepare start-up businesses. The goal is to facilitate deals in Windsor.
I may be overly positive on Windsor, but this is how things get moving.
Anyone who wishes to contact me for more insight or information is welcome to do so: Email: adamg@uwindsor.ca
House prices very low in Windsor, probably due to the hard economic times the city is experiencing. I live in Calgary — I could sell my house in Calgary and buy a dozen houses in Windsor!
Windsor should be promoted as a retirement haven. Affordable houses, milder climate than other areas in Canada, nice riverfront for strolling. For a pensioner, mortgage payments would be half what one pays for rent in Toronto.
I have family in Windsor and because of that lived there at two points in my life – thankfully less than a year both times. The first time, I was a child; what I remember of that wasn’t too unpleasant but I do remember there being nothing to do and the weather being very uncomfortable (heat in summer). The second time, as an adult, helped me solidify the impressions I gained from subsequent family visits. In a word, Windsor is BLEAK. My brother and sister-in-law barely get by because they’ve both got lousy jobs (two apiece) – casual labour, because nobody hires full-time anymore. No security, no benefits, frequent layoffs. Eventually the factory my sis-in-law worked in closed for good and now she struggles with casual work in the “tourism” industry. Their children suffer for it, because the low income is unpredictable yet they’re always working so don’t have time or money to offer them any advantages. It doesn’t end.
But my own experience living there: bleak, desolate. I tried in vain to find some semblance of culture (having lived in places where it actually existed) or entertainment. There’s nothing to do and no money to do it. People keep losing their jobs, employers keep leaving. It’s a dying town. A dying, filthy, polluted, ugly town offering nothing to anyone. I really hate it when I have to visit family, which is an awful thing because I love them but the location is that off-putting.
My grandmother lived there for sixty years and hated every minute of it, as did my father until he left home. Why my brother chose to move back is beyond me. I feel very sorry for his kids.
Something positive to balance all that, hmm: it’s less scary than Detroit.
One of the problems with Windsor is the amount of people like the above poster who are nothing but negative. You link Windsor as a dying “town” (it is a city) to the poor experience of your family members. Well guess what…I will tell you that there are also people struggling in every other city in the world. I am fairly confident that there is more money in Windsor on a per capita basis than there is in most other Canadian cities.
Seeing as the last post is filled with bias and many flaws I can see why the “perception” of Windsor is negative.
Great post Ed. The value of your own brand is something I had to grasp quickly when I started my business. Making sure you charge the right fees and then keeping time sheets of projects to check you’re quoting correctly at the outset.
If you are cheap, you attract cheap. Charge the right fees and you will attract the right sort of client. Naturally you have to balance bringing in the cash and setting a benchmark to prospective clients but in time I’ve learned to manage this gaining respect for my work in the process.
omg! I left Windsor 20 yrs. ago and have never looked back. I still vist since I have family there but I would nver live there again. Yes it does have great whether… you rarely see people enjoying your California whether. I always hear them saying “It’s too hot , it’s too humid etc. etc. There are almost no restaurants with terrases(too hot) With all the water they have, not too many people are out enjoying it. Now don’t get me started about the unemploypment problem they have. They know from the past that the automotive industry is cyclical, so why not dyversify. When there is a down turn in the auto industry those tool and die plants could manufacture other products. But NO the OVER PAID and UNDER EDUCATED and EXTRERMLY unionized workforce goes crying to the government for help. Why don’t the people of Windsor help themselves. If you see that things are not looking good then do something. MOVE, GO BACK TO SCHOOL,CHANGE JOBS etc. etc. Don’t just complain about it . Windsor and the surrounding area has great possabilaties but small minded people who are only looking for someone else to rescue them. Too bad. Good whether, suckey attitude.
I have to agree some what about not enjoying the weather. We live along the lake (Erie) and we eat outside alot of the time and never see our neighbours except when they water their flowers. They spend most of their time inside.
For some businesses, building your business with cheap fees may be beneficial in the sense that it may POSSIBLY provide experience, testimonials, clientele, customer loyalty, and brand image more easily than with a initially expensive fees.
Having a high cost (high value) strategy during the business launch MAY not be the most effective. Certainly consider which strategy will help provide your business with a long-term strategic competitive advantage by building the above mentioned strengths.
Take a good look at your product and see how it fits in the current market and potential customers perception. If it provides great value, then yes immediately a higher price is justified. If it is perceived as providing low to medium value compared with the competition a lower price may attract customers which will then improve the perception of the brand and ultimately justify a price increase.
Andrew, I think you hit the nail on the head when you recommend looking at your marketplace. The worst thing about starting too low, is it is very difficult to move up plus the perception of value is terrible. When I started out I found the more I charged for (logos) for instance the more business I got.
I’m sure part of that equation was also an increased confidence, which helped in my selling.
To Andrew:: Hmmm you must be oblivious to your surroundings- Windsor is going downhill big 3 pulling out and unions- losing strength.. The casino wants all p.t. so they won’t have to pay benefits.. used to work there and that is there ideas with Caesars and it will happen…. maybe take a buyout live in the real world and go back to school – no one is beating down the door to open a business in Windsor!!!! I just moved to London and all I miss about Windsor is its proximaty to DETROIT!!!
Hi Ed, I work in the area of teaching people about their numbers which is a very boring and uninteresting area. In 2002 I wrote a book called ‘where’s the money gone?’ which outlined a tool called The Financial Fence which was a way of showing people visually how their numbers worked. As an accountant at the time I never realized that colour was important at all but since then we have used colour extensively in the producta and now in our brand One Sherpa. Having had a personal experience of the power of colour I’m a true convert. Your comments on colour struck a real chord with me.
I appreciate your comment Andee. It’s heartening to see someone in your industry who pays attention to colour. As part of your differentiation strategy, it will set you apart subliminally. Your audience isn’t conscience to it’s power, but because it is visually powerful, it is so much easier to register than the written word. It will also compliment your positioning.
So in your instance, is the slogan “Future Confident” strengthened by your colour palette? Blue being a soothing colour, it no doubt plays an important role.
Hi Ed, My comments on colour relate to our product called The Financial Fence. In it we have a colour that represents each of the overall categories of the numbers. i.e. Capital is Green, Debt is Red and Equity is Dark Blue, Income is Sky Blue, expenses are Orange. We also carry that through our game called Where’s the money gone and through a whole methodology that can work for an individual as well as a business. I have recently also taken a planning package which we used as part of the soporate group I was in for 12 years and adapted it so that the key analysis is a separate colour and people can read the sections more easily. What we’ve found is that it is easier to read the shape of the numbers rather than the individual numbers themselves. It helps people not get stuck seeing the wood for the trees!!!
Spot on – Jeffrey. Customers are comforted by surrounding themselves with successful people. It generates positive energy they can draw from and provides expert guidance that is proven.
My goodness!!! You look for the negative and you’ll find it!!!! I was born and raised in Windsor (well, as far as I’m concerned, by the time you’re 13, you’re raised). Then moved to a little town outside of Detroit in Michigan, lived in the US for 20+ years. I’m one of those lucky ones that have dual citizenship. I just recently moved back to Windsor March of this year because I plan to be married this year and we decided that is where we want to raise our family. I love the small town feel with the big town benefits. I love that you don’t need a car to get around town. Sure, the bus takes awhile, but it saves time, gas, insurance, etc. Things we took for granted not too many years ago. I love to be able to just walk down to the river and walk along the river. Any time day or nite and have a beautiful view, not aware of a need to be somewhat concerned for my safety. I love the fireworks. Freedom Festival events. The Santa Claus Parade. The U. the quaint little restaurants and communities. The many many cultures. I love driving along the drive, just to see what there is to see. The Peace Fountain. All the parks along the river. Peche Island. Boblo Island. Amherstburg. Ganatchio trail. Beach. I love the REAL people. Instant friends. I love the fact that I can just show up on someone’s doorstep that I haven’t talked to in 5 or 10 years, and be greeted with a warm hug and a “come on in!” and just sit and talk for hours!! I like the bulk food store, the color of my drivers license. The trillium on it. I love the fact that my Dad was born here, and I was born here, so was my sister and my favourite aunt. I love the great memories of just being with my extended family, my grandparents, holidays, any day!!! Did I say I love the people? I love the people. The economy will rise and fall. Jobs will come and go. Open your minds, get creative!! There’s always a need for commerce – you just need to go with the flow, change with the times!! Hudson Bay Trading Company. I think they were really successful at one time. I don’t think there’s a need for their services anymore but I think there’ve been some successful companies since then. What can YOU do to change YOUR town?? WE WANT YOU to want to make a difference and make your mark. YOUR BRAND here. Instead of criticizing all the problems, what can YOU do to fix them? Be proactive. Maybe you’ll start a new trend and maybe when you do you’ll find it can also pay your bills. Yes, I’ve heard of Windsor , Ontario Canada, and I LOVE IT!!!!
I do not have any knowledge on ‘branding’. However the following is my response to your question “Have you heard of Windsor, Canada?”.
I moved to Windsor in mid 2006. In fact, I with one of my friends attended a seminar at the UWindsor in the summer of 2003. Since we were little early for the seminar we walked along Sunset avenue and by chance we hit the riverside. That moment I told my friend that I would be lucky if I could get a position in Windsor. That worked for me in 2006.
Few of my friends were discouraging my decision on selecting Windsor. However, I moved to Windsor and rented a house close to the University on the way towards Downtown. Though I found a very friendly neighbourhood, I started feeling I made a wrong choice. I felt the city was not clean, there was high rate of unemployment and houses were very old. And one day when I was walking along Wyandotte Road towards downtown between (I did not pass Church street) I found many small and/or old stores. I was able to see “For Lease” in few old buildings suitable for small stores. In fact, I did not feel bad about it because one could expect these in a small city. But when I saw a banner saying “Hot girls from Toronto” at one building, I was puzzled… The stores and houses show the city is small but a place with such banner does not represent a small city. I was really upset that day. After that I was not sure whether to live in Windsor or not.
In my second year (2007) I needed to decide whether to buy a house and settle down in Windsor or stay at a rented house till I move to a new city. I started searching for good neighbourhood. During that time I started discussing with my colleagues about good areas to buy houses…. Based on my colleagues’ suggestions I drove around the city and I found many very quite, friendly and neat in South Windsor. Finally I bought a house in Southwood Lake area….. Now I am really happy about my choice to live in Windsor.
There were few negative comments about the city in the blog. I found many of them are from people who have never been to Windsor or just stayed in Windsor for few days. It took me more than six months to see the cleanness of Windsor. Any one looking for quite and cleaner neighbourhood cannot enjoy living in downtown of any city. When I was studying at the University of Toronto (downtown campus), I did not live in downtown. One is the expensive rent and the other issue is too busy…. Every city has its own pros and cons and Windsor cannot be an exemption.
Positive aspects: Not very expensive houses, river side, parks, friendly people, US border.
Negative aspects: We cannot ignore negative aspects if we want improvements. As I told you I am new to the city. So I am still researching how the city evolved… What is the pattern of its economical change over the past ten years….
I think the main issue on the city’s economic condition is due to its reliance on big-3 auto manufacturers. If one types “Windsor Ontario” in google, (s)he will be overwhelmed by sites talking about auto manufacturing. The city needs a diversified economic portfolio.
Even though there are farms, no importance is given to agriculture. Farmers need to be educated on using information technology to optimize their decisions.
Some people consider Windsor Casino now called “Caesars” as a positive aspect. It may bring cash flow from US. However, we need to check its impact on teens who will be our leaders in the future.
BTW: Thank you for the blog. It helped me learn more about Windsor.
I noticed you .mobi the other day, Ed. Very interesting stuff…
Always a good idea to secure your brandname in domains. A lot of sites these days also use “m.domainname.com” or “mobile.domainname.com” to redirect to their mobile site.
Hi Ed. This makes good reading. I work for a non-profit enterprise agency here in the UK and we are looking at re-branding ourselves. Any special advice for this sector? Thanks, Barry
Nice tips for small businessmen. Utilizing or cashing our past client list and database and being always with a drive to promote our products/service would definetly yield good business. Free online classes are offered for new businessmen at http://www.revenueblitz.com. Utilize the free courses. Thanks.
Appraisal systems take the brand out of the equation because brands are hard to valuate. It is not tangible and are not located on a typical spread sheet.
In order for appraisal systems to incorporate brand they would have to establish a value on reputation. Your brand’s strength helps determine future potential. Appraisals deal with the here and now.
If the appraisal systems incorporated brand as part of the valuation, they would be more accurate. By not including it, the brand would be viewed as having less value – a diminished potential.
Some brands are worth more simply because of their reputation. It is this reputation that carries them through the tough times. Take away brand and you are lessening a company’s potential to survive and profit.
Great post. I think that targeted email lists are similar to Networking. You don’t go to a Social Network event and pass out your business card to everyone in hopes someone will call. You align yourself with those that have the same target market and build relationships. Those are the same people you could share your email list with as well.
Also, ‘savings’ should not be plural and neither should ‘comprehensives’. That sentence also doesn’t make sense, it should read, “Between the two comprehensive volumes there are over 100 articles aimed… ” or
“There are over 100 articles across 2 volumes that are aimed…”
Does your personal brand consist of the ability to make typos when you’re trying to sell articles written by you?
My personal brand consists of the ability to not be perfect.
I purchased a grammar/spelling program recently, but sometimes in my haste I forget to run it. (depends how late in the day I post)
I never say that I’m a professional writer. I consider myself an opinionator. I am of value to my customers based on what I say, not how I say it.
I appreciate your criticism though, and if you’ve noticed, I’ve corrected my post. I’ve rephrased the 66% comment, but in another way. ‘…66% saving’ just doesn’t sound right to me.
In fairness to another of my personal values, I will never edit out your comments. I learn from each and every one of them. By the way are you the same ‘Anonymous’ who checks in here from time to time?
P.S. If any of the above has grammar errors – it is because Grammarian is not installed here yet due to a hard drive crash about a week ago 🙂
I’ve been here a few times before because I find your opinions interesting and yes, I understand that you are not a professional writer but an opinionator, as most bloggers are.
However, I simply don’t find the excuse “I didn’t have time to spell check” or “I don’t have a grammar tool installed yet” a sufficient explanation for incorrect use of the english language as this also says something of your brand.
I wouldn’t expect everyone to be perfect but I believe that attention to detail and a good level of communication is essential in any small business and it reflects poorly on one’s brand if it is not read and re-read before being communicated to current of potential clients.
For example, If I were to engage a business in some level of work that requires a quote and I get an estimate of $100.00 rather than $1000.00, not only does it reflect negatively on a business but the client could then hold that business to it – a potential $900.00 mistake. No grammar tool or spell check tool would pick that.
I believe your blog and associated posts across the internet communicates your passion and willing to help others succeed which is great, but unless it’s done correctly it may harm you more than help you.
I live in Windsor and it’s a great community on the Detroit River with awesome summertime festivals and the newly acquired Casino and it’s stellar renovation.
I go to the Bluesfest International every summer and now in it’s 15th year. Great venue on the river with the GM Center as a backdrop across the river.
The auto industry has taken a hit here recently with the third shift at the Chrysler minivan plant being layed off indefinately.
Ed, we have used this previously and the writer actually was upbraided by the advertising department for the article. It gave us a great start but they said don’t expect us to print anything more as you are competing with our classified section. Well worth the press we got tho!
I’m surprised that editorial gave a damn “what” advertising thought. Years ago they had a code at the Star which meant that interference from advertising was considered trying to control the news.
Hi Ed, I love this! I wrote a similar article entitled 5 Myths about Branding that’s available on my website (http://www.BrightPointeInfo.com). There are SO many misconceptions about working with Brand building and its effects on the bottom line. Glad you’re out there educating too, as entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from this activity!
My best friend lives in Windsor ON…. And I’m encouraging her to get out quickly. With the car companies going under… your little city is sure to experience an economic depression for several years to come. What it can boast (warm weather, Point Pelee not too far) is not really advertised…. London ON…your close neighbour.. brings to mind lush green neighbourhoods, university town… why not Windsor? Seems very industrial…. May want to revision the city and play up waterfront activities…
Do you agree Lans, that many people don’t realize that they have expertise that has an audience. I was having this exact discussion the other day with a small group of people who were losing their jobs.
My point to them was to embrace blogging to build their expert profiles that would aid in their getting a new job. But I also mentioned that they could also leverage their knowledge into edocuments that could either help them to build a marketable list or further strengthen their expert profiles.
Towards the end, a few were noticeably spinning this concept in their heads.
these tools are all GREAT tools and what’s absolutely necessary is to have a plan – targeted at your audience – otherwise it’s overwhelming to any small business person. You must ask yourself – who’s my audience, what do they want to hear and then slowly start implementing these tools with a minimum of time each day.
Thanks for the link Anonymous, it was a great article. Opt-in is best because I certainly don’t want to speak to people who don’t want to listen. It wastes both of our time.
I’ve been to Windsor several times to look at “cheap” real estate.
While it is a bargain to buy a very nice house in Windsor it most certainly is also a dying town.
Windsor needs to replenish their residents. The Union job mentality is overwhelming. I found it hard to talk to people many times as the fat, uneducated and entitlement atmosphere is to much.
Since I visited during the recent and very long garbage strike, Perhaps Windsor looks a little better normally.
A positive is the Riverwalk. A very nice stroll looking at Detroit. Since moving to Toronto from Vancouver I miss the water and find Windsors riverwalk quite nice. The Casino is also very nice. The neighborhood behind the casino – OH MY GOD. What a ghetto dump from hell. Terrible.
The downtown “Oulette” is actually a decent little hood as well for a town of Windsors size. However I wouldnt wint to stay around late at night when the Americans come in for drinks. While I didnt see it I would see plenty evidence of what a cesspool it must become. I also read of somebody being stabbed with a sword during my last visit. Residents tell me that happens alot downtown. Drunks fight and someone gets stabbed. Thats just not normal people. How do these people get over the border? Are the booze sales really worth it?
I wouldnt call Windsor an Armpit but Real Estate is cheap for a reason. More people have reason to leave than enter. Personally I think all the union workers should be canned and tossed aside. I dont care if you have a house and 4 kids. The world has changed. YOu want more money – get better skills. If you drive bolts on an assembly line you shouldnt expect to live like a brain surgeon. Its unrealistic and the party is over.
That said I’ve been to worse places. I found it very easy to get around Windsor and despite the uglyiness of some heighborhoods and the rough looking residents I found it safe.
Like many smaller towns restaurants are sub par and people do not seem to notice.
All in all one can have a pretty good standard of life in Windsor. 200k buys alot of house. Of course you have to make your own work and the city is rather isolated from teh rest of the province. No real airport makes it a bit of a downer as well. I guess people use Detroits.
One certainly can do worse – like Toronto. Much of Toronto looks way worse than Windsor these days.
Wow! All I need now are instructions to do those wonderful activities.
Seriously, you bring to light the need to establish a business foundation and direction by which all employees and representatives can conduct themselves, and on which customers and prospects can come to rely.
Differentiation, or positioning if you will, is all fine and good on paper, but actually fulfilling the promice of the brand is critical – and hard to do.
Hi, I would brand Windsor Ontario, as a place of Indulgence. A place where Canadian Whisky is king. A place with one of the best wine regions in Canada, a place with a World-Class Casino, waterfront parks, excellent climate. Oh, and did I mention it was affordable too?
I never considered targeting. I imagine it would be rather difficult to do. This idea is great for service oriented businesses like roofing, pet grooming – general public needs. I can’t imagine a lawyer doing it BUT never under estimate a simple concept. Nobody says you have to spend thousands for effective advertising. If the itch is there someone has to sratch it.
The best way to rouse the interest of your target market is to make your domain name as short and concise as possible without muddling up the demand of your customers with fancy words.
Great article. The most particular factor that intrigues me about this article is that it is applicable to a wide range of companies, small to large.
The ‘Brand Viruses’ pointed out by you are very much applicable to those at Yahoo, that probably prompted them to implement the $100 million dollar branding campaign.
I am sure many of the entrepreneurs and other small businesses would benefit from this article.
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This is so true. I think that making complaints is valuable to business. The one accountable for the success or failure of teh business is probably interested to hear what you have to say. I usually only make complaints in businesses that I like and value for their products or services.
I recently dealt with three “bad service” situations in one day. The first was a 2 hour wait at the doctor even though I had an appointment. I don’t get it! If this was any other business in the world I would simply walk out but it was for my knee so it hurt to walk out. I complained and all I was told was oh sorry, it’s been busy. Number 2 was at the Department of Motor Vehicles where they suggested to my sister to fly 2500 miles just to obtain a piece of paper they screwed up on. The last was receiving bad service at Swiss Chalet (a first btw). The third one I didn’t complain but should have — simply because on the first two probs of the day I sort of expected bad service but the third, I did not.
In my business I work with a lot of entrepreneurs that haven’t quite got on board with technology. I know it seems unbelievable, but a lot of business owners don’t have websites, no social media presence, and generic emails.
When I speak to these people it sometimes amazes me at how they are so resistant to making small changes that can have a big impact. I read a post on entrepreneur.com’s blog that reported that 46% of small business owners didn’t have websites.
It is all amazing to me. Don’t they know that Google is the new Yellow Pages.
I read that article as well. Frankly I found it hard to believe that 46% don’t have websites. I would have thought it to be around 20% or so.
It’s as though they are afraid of success. Interesting you mention the yellow pages. I haven’t been in the yellow pages in years and it hasn’t affected me at all.
I have been on both sides of this subject and can say from observing fellow entrepreneurs that they likely dont have an online presence because they are too busy to think about it or are so afraid at what the costs may be (especially in my area at least) that they do not want to listen.
I think once they the direct advantages and reasonable costs, they are onboard.
Now on the other side of this (webdesigner/internet marketer) I see a huge problem dealing with these types of businesses as that 46% is likely “opportunistic customers” to me that I will have nothing but trouble. Lesson? Don’t try to sell people on the idea. If they are not already spending money on Internet Marketing, you will likely lose money/time trying to convince them.
John don’t you find that small business is generally way behind the curve? The interest is there, not the motivation at this time. They certainly are not “early adopters.” From my experience there are certainly more followers than leaders.
Ed, I find that they just don’t know what it can actually do. For instance, I am trying to show them how to use their current print ads to drive customers to a squeeze page to build a list and then build the relationship via email until they are a buying customer. This is a VERY hard sell especially in the Essex area. I don’t know if the concept of “customer building” instead of one-time ads is to alien to them or if it is the area because many people are doing well with this concept all over US and CAN.
I would actually love to build a brand or “franchise” of local internet marketing but cant seem to see a market for it in essex. I know it would have worked in my previous area of Toronto. Any ideas?
The comments about a lack of focus were dead on. I think that many small business owners are scared to focus because they don’t want to miss out on other customers. I can admit that this was a bit of a struggle with me when I first started my business.
What I think some business owners fail to realize is that just because you set your brand focus, you dont have to only offer one thing. McDonald’s is known for burgers and fries but they sell really good salads. They didnt include salads in their brand, but they still offer them and people buy them.
Your brand should definitely have a focus, but I don’t think it has to be a big limiter.
I’m with you guy. Essex County is a strange brew. I find the same reluctance even with tech savy clients. They are often fascinated by the success I’ve had, promoting myself online. The first thing they typically say after a discussion on the issue is, “that sounds like a lot of effort.”
You mention your old markets – why can’t you still service that area. The web is awesome for that.
Ed, I have talked a lot about this problem on my blog. I work with a lot of people that are, in fact, the business and haven’t considered hiring anyone else.
I suggest that people in these situations, especially if they want to grow their business substantially, hire a key employee. Not only does it help in succession planning, it takes some of the pressure for success of the business off of the owner. Many business owners find that without a key employee they stop generating income unless they are actually working. What about vacations or unforseen problems. I hadn’t even related it to more long-term strategies such as succession.
I think you are dead on. Small business owners definitely need to consider having a key employee. The benefits are innumerable.
I would say what is just as important is to have a documented system in place. This prevents the eventual standoff that a “key employee” may eventually have with management.
I remember one key guy I worked with was asked by management to not ride his motorcycle because he was the only one that knew how certain code worked. Can you imagine being told you can no longer have fun just because you are the key guy/gal?
Btw, I do not think a brand that is independent of the originator is not always possible. Think Apple (what comes to mind?). Same with Microsoft, Ford, etc.
Ed, this post really got me thinking. I do appreciate it. I think the other thing it does is to bring a bit of newness to the brand otherwise known as ATTENTION. Do you see a great risk in doing this though, Ed? Can there be a possibility of alienating your existing customers by changing their perception of you?
No I don’t think there is any risk in doing it John. As a matter of fact, it would be because of your existing customers that you’re doing it. You are growing with them.
I’m not suggesting a wholesale change, but tweaking your brand image – giving it a new suit so to speak. The three icons in my example are essentially the same as before. You still see their heritage in the re-do.
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Ed, you are so right. We brand ourselves even when we dont try to brand ourselves. And to be honest, everyone has a pesonal brand. My goal is to elevate mine so that more people know about it.
You touched on the key to this,though. In order to grow your brand, you have to be aware of it. You have know that it exists to shape it a polish it. You also have to go places so that other people can see your brand, even if going places is just on the internet.
I think the largest change I have seen is as described here – companies do not want to try new things. Yet the ones that are trying, refining, trying, refining are surviving thru these times. Human nature I guess.
You are absolutely correct Brandi. For instance I have a speaking opportunity coming up where the entire audience is made up of CEO’s. This is the perfect audience for my message.
I once worked for a company that renamed the company after its main product simply because they were more known for that brand than their own name! I think the problem was, the CEO named the company after the direction he first thought the company would go, but when the market decided they wanted an off product they made, it became popular for that product only.
For all our best intentions it is always the marketplace that charts our true course. I would pat that CEO on the back for having the fortitude to recognizing the benefit of focusing on the product’s cache.
Cache or pent up value. So a product with cache would be one which has delivered effectively over time and built a powerful reputation. For example: DeWalt power tools. It was taken off the market for a few years when it was purchased by a competing firm. When it was put back on the market a few years later, DeWalt users were never aware that it had even left.
Ed, WOW! This is dead on! I work with small business owners and many of them don’t want to pay for assistance because they want automatic results. However, advisers, consultants, and coaches can play a tremendous part in a business becoming more successful, however, the business owner is going to have to implement the strategies. In the end, we still all have to get up and do something.
i actually adore your writing way, very helpful, don’t quit as well as keep penning because it simply just that is worth to look through it. excited to browse through more of your own articles, good bye 🙂
Thank you for the compliment on my writing. I’ve been blogging for going on 4 years now, so I don’t see myself stopping. As a matter of fact it is my number one channel for getting new business.
Hi Ed. I do think that design can play a role in whether or not you are trusted; especially on the internet. Those sales letters are terrible. Even if I know that the person is credible, something about that long letter just makes me feel like I am being scammed.
I couldn’t have said it better myself Brandi. They leave a bad taste in my mouth. I keep wondering “why do they make me scroll so far to get to the fee?” What are they afraid of?
i absolutely enjoy your own posting taste, very useful. don’t quit and also keep creating considering it just that is worth to follow it. looking forward to look at more of your posts, enjoy your day 😉
Ed, this is so true and every business owner that I know takes calls after they leave the office. I think that in today’s business world, you have to be more accessible than less. When competition is fierce, being available to your customers can be the edge that gets you the work over someone else.
The very unfortunate part of trying to maintain open comments. Most of those type are bot postings. The ones to watch are those that go after your older posts. Many times people don’t notice and the links stay up there, accomplishing their goal.
Just a comment ed but when I searched “the branding corral” (which was your brand I knew you by), it comes up with no title on the beginning of the search.
This problem has all but shut down the comments sections on two of my blogs. I turned on the moderation feature but sometimes cannot get to them for days. The result is almost always the same as you mentioned. I wonder if blogger can build a blog spam component so people can report just the same way hotmail does.
Ed, this is one of my hot topics lately (yeh it heats me up when I think of it). In all my previous businesses I had to be accessible literally 24 hours a day but it just did not fit my lifestyle whatsoever. I actually wrote a blog post about it here: http://basicriches.blogspot.com/2009/04/be-yourself-in-business-be-successful.html In it I comment about being sure not to start a business that does not fit your lifestyle. In my case I would rather deal with clients via email on my own time and can easily do that now.
Thanks for the comments. Your preference for email John, got me to thinking… most of my client contact today is by email. The phone rings alot less than it used to.
Ed, I am now 99% phone free. It serves no purpose now that I have gone to almost all Internet Marketing. I still have a few offline clients but ALL through email. Occasionally they just want to know there is a real person on the other end of the business equation but it is for minutes. I can’t remember the last time my cell rang where before I would get upwards of 200 calls/mn in peak times. The reason I like email is its asynchronous form where before I never knew what to do when I was with a client and would receive 2 or 3 calls in the middle of it. I just didn’t like to be interrupted but if I didn’t take those calls I would be throwing money away.
Ed, it was so hard going from Toronto where I had many mentors in business to Essex where I could not find a business mentor (for a business in the mid-growth stage) whatsoever. I tried many City resources and was merely referred to a “Junior Entrepreneurs” talk. I had a booming business and no one to talk to about how to take it to the next level.
How do you suggest finding mentors in your area that are at an advanced level instead of beginner level?
John, the reason for that is an odd one. But for some reason when i designed my blog. If I were to type in the title, it would appear right over my graphics. As it is, I couldn’t just leave it blank because it wouldn’t work without something. So I put a period in. You will see it on my ear in the photo of me.
Until i find a solution, that’s the way it is I’m afraid.
The 5c per plastic bag is hardly greed. The cost of these bags is put in as a deterrent measure for consumers to force them to think twice about carrying home their purchases in a device that contributes to the problem of unbiodegradable landfill.
Even if, as you suggest, that’s not what these business have at their heart – perhaps their greed shoud be considered as a useful step towards less waste in our consumer-centric society.
“Cost” has been proven time and time again to be a strong influence on human behaviour so it makes sense to charge people if they refuse to take a step in the right direction for the environment.
If you have a problem paying 5c for a plastic bag, invest $5 dollars in 5 degradable cotton or other degradable material bags that’ll last you longer and will breakdown in our lifetime, or better yet, take a backpack when you go grocery shopping and re-use it. The $30 or so you spend on a backpack will last you years, create less landfill and save you money in the long run.
Obviously I can’t speak for every one but most of the plastic containers that fast food outlets use are in fact recyclable – manufacturing has finally caught up with the need for recyclable takeaway containers – the typical plastic bags you get at a grocery store are not recyclable and so we as consumers need to create a demand for a better alternative.
Yes, there has been a movement in chains switching to biodegradable plastic bags as an alternative and these business should be applauded. If everyone stopped paying 5c for plastic bags offered at point of sale by grocery stores, then the demand of these bags by stores would slowly diminish and one would imagine shift – either to biodegradable options or even no plastic bags at all. The flow on effect will mean that manufacturers of plastic bags will need to change their processes to cater for the greener demands of the population which essentially means less waste and I really don’t believe that would be considered a bad thing.
CA, don’t you find it odd that these supposedly environmentally conscience grocery stores are picking on the least of the problem – namely the plastic bags? How about the plastic packaging of the products they sell. Why are they not demanding that they (their suppliers) clean up their act. They do have that power you know? Why don’t grocers exercise this power if they really care. What a super green story that would be!
I suggest that there’s no money to be made. 5¢ is not a deterrent but a shrug. If it were a dollar a bag then I think you’d have a point. When I forget to bring in my bags, I’d rather pay 20¢ than go back out to the trunk to get them.
Have the stores in your area also stopping packing as mine have? More productivity equals more profit.
Don’t forget most of the reusable bags they sell to us are made from petrolium products- and so their carbon footprint isn’t so minimal as one might expect.
At the risk of sounding politically incorrect, I think it’s a money grab. My fear is that every store is going to cash in and service is also going to the landfill as well!
For the record, a great example of a company that really talks a green story is McDonald’s. Years ago, before everybody, they tossed out all their styrofoam packaging and replaced it with paper and cardboard. And guess what, they didn’t suck 5¢ out of your pocket to do it. They did it because it was the right thing to do. To me that is a great brand story. They could have gotten greedy and raised the prices to offset the additional cost BUT they didn’t. What was awesome was ALL their competition followed them.
Apparently my comment is too long so i’ll split it in two: Ed, regarding the plastic packaging stores sell as an argument for a truly ‘green store’ – isn’t that a bit like a child saying, “well, my parents are cigarette smokers so I may as well become a smoker too because i’m probably going to get lung cancer anyway.” Surely a small step in the right direction is better than no step at all.
If consumers were charged a higher amount for goods sold in non-biodegradable packaging then i would put money on it they would choose the biodegradable packaging everytime – whether it’s a conscience ‘green-move’ or not.
It’s just a shame that it’s more expensive at this point for manufacturers to change their processes that were setup up in the industrial revolution where the focus on the environmental impacts of over-production was simply not factored in to the business model.
I’m not saying cost isn’t the driving factor now but I would argue that stores themselves don’t have the power to change a manufacturers processes, but consumers do, *we* do. If consumers stop buying a product, the grocery store begins to lose money on that product meaning they are less likely to order so much of it next time around. This then obviously filters down the supply/demand chain and forces manufacturers to bring their processes more inline with consumer demand if they still want to keep selling units and making profits. If consumer demand means biodegradable packaging – then manufacturers and grocery stores will obey otherwise they don’t make a living.
Of course, this issue is much larger then the “consumer > store > manufacturer” chain. Governments need to play a larger role here too but that is opening up a whole new kettle of fish.
You suggest that upping the price to $1 would change consumer habits more quickly? I agree! Of course, the downside is that it would simply add more fuel to the fire for blogs like yours to comment on the ‘greed’ of stores – if you complain about 5c for a bag then imagine the uproar of going straight to $1. Again, it’s about baby steps.
I fully understand that we aren’t going to change baby-boomer’s habits in one day; behaviours that have now become expectations because it’s been the same for their entire life, it’s also what their parents did so it must be ok right? Is it safe to assume you may be part of this generation? The fact that you’d rather pay 20c for a bag at point of sale then go back to the car is part of the problem. We as humans are willing to sacrifice a bit of landfill so we don’t have to walk 100m. And of course if you do this sort of thing in front of children, then it provides them with the same model, just as your parents may have influenced you. It’s this core human behaviour that needs addressing. Cost will definitely play a part in that. A quick example of governmental influcence is in my neighbouring state in Australia who have actually banned plastic bags – you can read about how it here: http://tinyurl.com/y7x3sg8. Perhaps if plastic bags *were* $1 at point of sale this would make you remember the bag – or would it allow you to simply complain a little more fervently about the grocery stores ripping you off?
I agree with your last point about McDonalds, it was a very progressive move to reduce non-biodegradable landfill – of course, what you fail to mention here is that McDonalds has had many many years of profit-making, many many billions of dollars to allow them to change their manufacturing processes/demands overnight. You say they don’t pass on that cost? I remember the days when a Big Mac was $2- and a lot larger compared to the ones that you get for $3.45 now. Yes inflation and a whole bunch of other economical factors play a part but to suggest they did it “without charging it on to the customer” seems a litte naive given your background.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m no environmental evangelist. I’ve come to your blog many times to scan your articles which I find very useful and most insightful and relative to the industry I work in. The only reason I commented really is because of my surprise that your opinion is so one-sided here. If only a few more people could see how powerful our decisions as consumers are in affecting the way ‘the big companies’ provide their products and services it might actually lead to change.
In response to the actual point of your article, I truly don’t believe that adding 5c for a plastic bag is hurting a brand at all. Like you said yourself, you’d pay 20c for a bag providing that, when you weigh it up in your mind, the value of it outweighs the inconvenience of the alternative. Are you saying that the decisions about where you shop will now be made based on how much a grocery store charges you for bag? Would you drive an extra 2km to a shop where they don’t charge for plastic bags?
You make very good points. No I won’t go where they don’t charge for plastic bags just because of the nickel. I also think baby steps are important. I’d rather they ban plastic bags, because then you could believe the rhetoric on green. McDonald’s didn’t give you a choice. The landfills thank them for it.
My whole point is that by charging a nickel they are insulting my intelligence and their brand because (I believe) their motives are not true.
The fact that they added the reduced service to the equation adds to my argument.
I could be wrong sure. Their leger sheets would tell the story.
Your point on manufacturers not being able to change now is (respectfully) not true.
Case in point: A customer of mine is a supplier to Costco in the US and Canada. They (Costco) absolutely tell them how the packaging is designed AND manufactured if they want to sell there. All national and international chains have this kind of clout. Sears for instance stopped taking a suppliers products for 6 months because they failed to fill out their paperwork properly.
So if they “really” cared …
I think we both agree on reducing what goes to our landfills, where we disagree is whether or not the 5¢ is a deterrent or money grab.
Ed, good points. You’re right, we could argue company motives for charging for plastic bags all day long. I think the reality is it’s a bit of both.
It also seems clear to me now that we had slightly different interpretations of a ‘grocery store’ – i was certainly not thinking of scales as big as costco but more “Joe’s family fruit market”… I have no doubt that the Costco’s of the world could take bigger steps to being green – just like McDonalds did.
The reduction in service is also a point that rings true here. In Australia there are some large supermarkets that no longer do the bagging for you. To be honest, if it can be avoided I do my groceries with local, small business people – the local, “mom’n’pop” service (and lower prices for fresh produce) is a win win for me.
Thanks a lot for the discussion. Yours is one of many blogs I respect for your willingness to simply help people and to engage with their readers.
Funny, I wasn’t even taking the smaller Ma and Pa stores into my argument. I typically don’t have issue with that size of operation as they seem to understand that customer relationships are key to their survival.
Thank you for your compliments about my blog. What you picked up on is what I think my brand stands for on AND off line – helping people. When I do get a lead they typically start the email with Deard “Ed” not Mr. Roach. This tells me they are comfortable with me already. I work very hard at this.
I must also add that you win the award for the longest comment. I didn’t even know there was a limit. I hope you comment again. A different perspective is healthy 🙂
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OMG, I am so with you on this one Ed. We have about 20 of the supposed green bags (made mostly of plastic themselves) and ALWAYS forget them in the car or at home.
I really thought about this the other day at Zehrs. I watched the customers and bag people fumbling with the bags and thought this must actually be costing the store more money than it is saving them by a long run in customer loyalty and simply having to pay more bagging people.
My spouse is getting tired of me complaining about this but at least she understands why.
Sorry Ed, we took some time to ourselves this last week during my spouses shutdown (green giant). I would love to talk it over once I get caught up here. I have all but stopped/sold my “offline” operations though. I was simply curious as to how to find REAL mentors in general. Most of the people I was referred to, I ended up mentoring (usually in marketing).
Ed, are you finding more and more large companies are actually doing the reverse? My mother-in-law recently have a problem with a sears lawnmower and we took it to them with the understanding that there was a 2 year unlimited warranty on it. After 2 weeks of now being able to cut the grass, she finally got a call to pick it up. When we got there is was not fixed and had a $40 bill attached to it!
Now, I have NEVER had a service problem with sears previous to this.
I am finding this more and more on high ticket items.
The analogy of comparing personal values to corporate brand values, is a recent phonomenon that the design industry has been using. I think that there are intersting learnings from this parallel. For example; would we be more mindful of what we do if we looked at every decision as personal brand building? From a corporate point of view, would we make the same decisions on ethical issues if we didn’t have the corporate safety net behind us? I found that answering three basic questions always helps on the way to defining a brand (individual or commercial): 1. What are you good at? 2. What are you passionate about? 3. Is it financially viable?
Not everyone has the liberty of having thier personal values be aligned with thier professional values. I think that people who do are happier, but to think that everyone can would be idealistic.
For some reason all the comments are not posting, I’m checking this out,
Readers: You’re not being removed. There is a glitch somewhere. I believe it has to do with “Anonymous”. Because all spam uses anonymous, blogger appears to paint everyone with the same brush.
Hey, just passing by from Italy. Single mother, enjoys most things, and enjoys talking (sometimes a little to much).
Just wanted to make a hey there thread as most of you have done, so here it is :O)
Well now I have you, I’m not quite sure that this is the apropiate forum for this, but please move my thread if thats the case.
But here it goes, I have been working on a new arcade gaming website, but due to that I’m new to all this internet thing, I would like a respons or two, so could you please check it out, play a few games or just look around, and then post you feeling / experience here? 🙂
It would really help me improving the site, thanx in advance 🙂
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This article hits the nail on the head. I am currently advising a start-up business and have stressed the points made in the article. Right on, Ed. Thanks for the reinforcement. Gerry
I’ve been to windsor a few times, its warmer than most of Canada, and near detroit. The Windsor spitfires of the ohl play there, and Ceasars has a casino there.
And how about when you are on the receiving end of this type of unsolicited testimonial – but you do not want to return the favor because you’d rather not appear to endorse their particular business practices? This has happened to me twice in as many weeks.
Then of course you wouldn’t return the gesture. If you didn’t really want their testimonial, I would suggest you remove it. Myself, I’ve only ever got kind words when i volunteer a testimonial.
I have always gotten one in return. Of course I’m choosing very carefully those whom I recommend.
I’m curious Marquita, do you find Linkedin helpful in doing business?
Patients should ideally receive their own blood or type-specific blood products to minimize the chance of a transfusion reaction. Risks can be further reduced by cross-matching blood, Cross-matching involves mixing a sample of the recipient’s serum with a sample of the donor’s red blood cells and checking if the mixture agglutinates, or forms clumps. If agglutination occurs, that particular donor’s blood cannot be transfused to that particular recipient. In a blood bank it is vital that all specimens are correctly identified – so labeling has been standardized using a barcode system known as ISBT 128. The incompatible blood types of Mother and child can mix and cause antigens…who is guilty of transfusing…Mother or child…neither is at fault as Christ has donated his BLOOD for us all…..IMPORTANT reference: Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. BY MAKING PEACE THROUGH HIS BLOOD SHED ON THE CROSS.
Graphic designers produce design solutions to communicate client messages with high visual impact. They develop creative ideas and concepts choosing te appropriate media and style to meet the client’s objectives. Thanks.
As a one person entrepreneur I utilize all aspects; e-mails, etc. to open a door and face-to-face to close the deal. A question – Has the social media philosophy superseded the personal cold calling process?
I was born in the era where you train yourself to watch body language and adjust your sales/marketing call accordingly. Now I tend to analysis more when it is appearing in black and white on the screen as perceptions, cultures and language nuances can be so different.
Graphic design is used to make the viewer effortlessly understand the message and it is provided as an addition to the description given in words, thereby making them understand the concept with crystal clarity using various designs and visuals. Thanks a lot.
I never could do cold calling. I even got training and it just wasn’t a fit for me. On-line marketing especially blogging has been successful for me. I also enjoy live networking.
Don’t you wish we had the web when we started out?
Build a brand by providing customers an opportunity to try your product for free or for a dramatically reduced price. By encouraging trials, you increase the chances that customers will become regular users of the product. Thanks a lot.
I know we’re biased Mike, but we both understand that inconsistencies like this cost the company money due to confusion. I see it as sloppy. I would never do something like this to myself.
Live there. 2 years now and I despise the place. The location isnt bad but the people .. oh my god. DUmbest yokel population in existance. HIghest property taxes in Canada. My monthly water bill is $135. Its just obscene and city council is corrupt. The police are corrupt (a little google will prove this).
Houses are cheap in WIndsor but by the time you pay taxes and the water bill – you might as well rent in Toronto. No kidding. I pay $1000 in taxes and utilites and I own the house outright – no mortgage. Thats just carrying costs. Its insane.
restaurants all seem to shop at Costco. Very frozen entree type food everywhere you go. And its expensive. Frozen M&M meat/Costco dinners will be 20 bucks easy. If you can force it down.
THe average Windsorite smoke a pack a day, is drunk most of the time and seems half asleep except for when in a violent rage. THey are union and if you hire one good luck firing them. Thats the way they like it. They have no understanding of worth so Subway clerks think they deserve a doctors salary cuz “we’re all equals eh” …. thats Windsor.
IF one of these yokels scrapes together enough $ to buy my house I’d really appreciate the chance to get out today.
Great article!! by the way I am looking for good rates on annuities any thoughts – my next door neighbor is an agent with bankers life and casualty he claims to they have the best rates but don’t know if anyone here had any experience with them please give me your feedback
Great article, Ed! So true. I’ve been reading through your archived posts as I work on developing my new brand. Everything is so helpful, including your book!
Thanks for all the great advice and keep it coming! 🙂
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no back up.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
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Libraries too, yield piles of outdoor magazines containing articles on all types
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When I reached the neck end of the 19th century, are finding it difficult to fish the lower end.
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to
everything. Do you have any points for rookie blog writers?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Thanks for the compliment. I can’t explain why your first comment didn’t appear.
Blogging can be rewarding. I’ve gotten great leads, met new friends, and have landed some nice publicity. I would have to say to keep up consistency in posting. Also to gain wider audiences write for other blogs with greater audiences to help draw them back to you. I also write for “smalllbusnessbranding.com, smallbizclub.com and a new one meincmagazine.com”
Try to include pictures with every post. I think everybody has a hard time looking for content. I’m always taking notes to inspire. I enjoy guest writers and sometimes I send out 5 questions to a favorite author or blogger to make up an interview. Also going on other blogs and leaving comments draws audience back to you. Blogging and email marketing are my two favorite plaforms for promoting myself.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
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I couldn’t agree more, Ed. Thanks for such a terrific post. What I would like to inject is the additional value that can be defined when a business uncovers and understands not only their own intrinsic, authentic values, but also the “shared values” they have in common with their target market. Since humans by nature have a strong tendency to personify products, businesses and organizations in order to see how they might fit in or align with their own belief systems, identifying these shared values can not only make a brand that much more trustworthy, but it helps with differentiation, and a positioning strategy can be laid into place that much more organically.
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I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
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I have been in Windsor all my life. 40 years I have seen a lot of changes. As a kid my family would shop in the USA side. Not anymore. The border is power tripping and we don’t cross it anymore even though we have no criminal records. You don’t need one to get hassled and even denied entry. Also it is hard to get any local news. They Kidney Foundation of Canada has a kidney health kidney walk every year and the majority of Windsor does not even know about it. We push Organ Donation education every April and no one has heard about http://beadonor.ca/WEgiftofLife even though WE stands for Windsor Essex and has been in the Windsor Star. Many businesses have been closed especially on the riverfront and it is now common to see boarded up buildings. Getting used to that… Also the roads, despite the government spending lots of money on their repairs, are terrible. Also now it is extremely common for people to run red lights. Accidents are increasing but this keeps happening. To rectify this they are putting “Round about” turns instead of intersections? So many find this confusing while others figure it out. Still not listed in Drivers Education manuals though. Not the ones I have seen anyway. Are they in the 2014 ones? Cell phones (Mobiles) many times you get charged roaming while sitting in your own bedroom making calls. This is because we are a border city. We are literally the most southern CITY in Canada. Our cars rust badly due to all the salt used in snowy times of the year and there are job layoffs left and right. When they Casino came it was “jobs jobs jobs!” but since they got rid of smoking and the American dollar is not as high and the border is harsher there have been less patrons and more layoffs of employees at the Casino. The Casino wants more part timers instead of full timers but people can’t live on part time wages. Jobs are hard and many now work out West in Sask and Alberta. I know a few people who have done that and said it is highly recommended. They came back happier, healthier, and richer. And then they go back out there as there are not a lot of good job opportunities in Windsor, Ontario. It is extremely humid in the summer due to the Great Lakes and in homes in the Winter with electric heat it is really dry in homes. Need A/C in the summer and a Humidifier in the Winter.
Over all I am used to living here but get frustrated at how Windsor, Ontario seems forgotten about many times in Provincial news. Even the weather .. we get more accurate weather watching the American channels of Detroit Michigan. Many go by Fahrenheit instead of Celsius because of this.
I really wish to be able to travel across the border to the USA again but with what has happened to so many people I know I get extremely nervous and even sick to my stomach (yes actually vomited on my last trip in a cab over to the airport in Michigan last time I went). The border has torn about vehicles that have had no drugs or anything in them .. where are those drug sniffing dogs? I have never seen one. Then the people cannot drive and have to pay for towing .. even though they did nothing wrong in the first place. The border seems to have their own law and there is nothing anyone can do. People don’t believe the stories until it happens to them. Another case is of an ambulance who had to take a patient to the States side for his heart and the border would not let him go. Windsor, Ontario hospitals are not that great. I go to London myself due to Hotel Dieu almost killed me (yes even London said those words to me when they put me into emergency surgery and said it was a good thing I came to London, Ontario when I did). I personally know of an American Fugitive Recovery Agent who the border would not let across simply because he had his badge in his trunk. He is retired but was told by his are to keep it on him incase they ever need him. He has went through police clearance through the FBI and everything yet the border still won’t let him across because they say “what if you are trying to bring over an illegal bounty” what?? You have to have the proper paper work to do that. You can’t just sneak an illegal bounty across the border. It is impossible. Everyone is checked! It is not like it used to be over a decade ago where people would get waved through because you smiled at them. The border is power tripping and treats everyone like criminals. And once you get “red flagged” even if you did nothing wrong and never have had a criminal record .. it does not matter .. this can happen to ANYONE .. you might as well give up ever crossing the border again. I know someone who is close to me who stopped trying and has to now go to New York just to get a special police clearance even though he already had one before for his job locally. But no the border says northern New York (Buffalo?). He is from Philadelphia.
A lot of things can be complained about anywhere though. It is not just Windsor. It is a good place to visit (if you can). People are nice even though there isn’t really a lot of places to visit (unless it is your first time and you want to see the Casino or parks and see the American skyline). Not as good of a place to live though. I eventually want to move up to London but can’t afford to move anywhere right now. I currently live in subsidized housing.
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Good morning. I just noticed your note. I’m afraid I don’t know how to do what you ask. I moved my site to WordPress from HTML and find it quite cumbersome to update and navigate. I assumed WordPress would be simple but alas it is not. I will try to solve what you are experiencing so bare with me please.
I liked the article, Ed. Very simple and straightforward. Starting up with a new startup company in Tilbury. Will pass this on to the owner. Who knows, he may want to get one strong branding voice going out there for his organic products that I plan to sell.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Roby. If you would like a brochure to pass on let me know. If they are interested I have a 40 minute presentation they would find enlightening. All the best with your new opportunity.
Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any ideas? Cheers!
I am from Windsor. It has the largest protected Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem in the whole Province of Ontario and boasts a number of species of plants and animals found nowhere else in Canada. Windsor is the “City of [Prairie] Roses”.
Windsor is the most underrated city in the country. I’ve lived all over in multiple countries, most recently moving back to Windsor after a stint of nearly half a decade in Ottawa. Windsor has small town friendliness and charm, but Windsor-Essex has around 300,000 people. Yet all the resources of a large city like Detroit are just across the river, including major concerts, sporting events, cultural activities, and even a zoo. Windsor is the southernmost city in the country, and the quantity of vineyards are a testament to the wonderful weather. People in Windsor who haven’t lived elsewhere in Canada have no idea how good they have it. Detroit’s riverwalk was recently named the best in the USA, and yet it was modelled after Windsor’s, which is far superior to Detroit’s. Phog in downtown Windsor was named the best bar in the country for live music a few years back, which is a testament to the lively music and pub scene in this city. Busiest border crossing in North America. Biggest fireworks in the world. I could go on and on.
In terms of branding, Windsor is essentially a diamond in the rough. It’s truly is Canada’s best kept secret.
And now it’s 2016. I just discovered your blog and want you to know that although his post was from 2007 I whole heartedly agree with Dante’s take on Windsor.and twosticks57 in 2009. Raised my children in Essex County and lived and worked in Windsor and I love this city. I feel we get a bad rap and certainly need to diversify as far as moving forward………………but the people are good people, there are great things to see and do for most of the year that also happen to be quite family friendly and safe. It’s home. thanks for asking!
Great story about Ted Cruz and his faulty brand name as used in his campaign.. I am basically a communications person. You make a great point in how not to communicate.
Branding is for losers that do not offer actual superiority vs the rest of available products. Its used to create the perception of superiority to compete other similar products.
Branding takes advantage of positioning – something that most products DONOT take advantage of. So I think labeling them as losers is an odd way of looking at it, considering that it works only if the trait is authentic. I would sggest that using positioning takes balls, as you have to make a stand oand own it. .
I wanted to retire in Windsor Ontario so I flew there last week. The realtor took my friend and I to see many houses. Although many of the houses were suitable I just couldn’t seem to get a good vibe from the town. The people were super friendly. But the streets looked tired, shabby and run down. Every neighbourhood had a defunct factory and a strip mall in it. I really wanted to love this place because I don’t drive but I travel a lot and it has the airport, train station and a city transit system. We drove around and walked around trying to find the pretty parts but sadly we didn’t. Not till we went out to Lasalle and Sand Point Beach where housing is much more expensive. Please, if anyone can tell me an area that I missed id love to know because I’m still searching for a place to retire. Friendly people are a huge plus to me and Windsorites certainly are.
Dear Mr. Roach,
I live in a town no one has ever heard about, either: Bolzano in Northern Italy, in the province of South Tyrol, near the Italian-Austrian border. The first and only time I heard about Windsor, Ontario, was when we participated in a contemporary art action where we had to write our favorite word on a T-Shirt, must have been more than twenty years ago. I shamefully don’t even recall the artist’s name. On the shirt it says: A Public Work from The Art Collections of:
Museion, Bolzano (=Italy), Kunsthalle zu Kiel (=Germany), Sonderjyllands Kunstmuseum, Tonder (=Denmark) and not least: The Art Gallery of Windsor, Ontario. 😁 Maybe somebody remembers that event?
I am just testing out how sign in occurs.
Looks good, Ed. I’m interested to see what responses you get from this.
Marcia Toledo
Ed, This blog looks great… I’ve already subscribed!
Feel free to drop by SBB for another debate anytime.
Cheers,
Rob
Thanks Rob. I’m glad I tripped over SBB – a valuable place to visit. I’m passing the link to my peers in the States.
And for anyone browsing here, SBB is ‘Small Business Branding’ at http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com.
Here’s to a prosperous ’07,
Ed
Thanks Moopy. I’ve made some connections at other blogs. Namely smallbusinessbranding.com and a guy named Rob who speaks our language down under in Australia.
This is very interesting.
One of the best things I’ve seen so far for networking has to be http://www.linkedin.com. I’ve just recently joined and by inviting/linking a few people, my extended network has ~130,000 members in it. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your knowledge as well as it allows people to post and answer questions.
Great idea Robert I just signed up. I noticed a few exisitng friends were already there. I like how they are organized and the site is very nice to look at.
Let’s see how many people make it back to my website or blog. I use statcounter for these types of stats.
Thanks.
Consistency along different media was probably one of the first things I learned from you Ed…
I think it was a couple years back the Malibu rum label launched a series of new flavoured rums, like Pineapple, Mango, etc. Each of the new bottles of flavoured rums had a different design/colour palette than the original white. I don’t have any details on how this might have affected sales, but they recently launched a press release indicating that starting March 2007, they will be using the “white bottle” across the full line.
“Developed by Malibu-Kahlúa International – the Pernod Ricard-owned company that shapes the brand’s global strategy – the new packaging leverages the iconic Malibu Coconut white bottle, one of the most recognized packages in the spirits industry.”
I immediately thought of your branding process and this “Consistency. Say it 3 times.” post, so I thought I’d share.
Old Product Family
New Product Family
Outstanding how those new bottles look. Now for all their packaging, you just have to look for the white bottle – very simple for the consumer. Consistency in action. Now a bottle across all products nicely strengthens their white bottle as a visual icon.
Ed
Hi Ed,
Though I use LinkedIn, it’s mostly for research.
Of course, blogging is a key in extending your voice and building relationships – you’re traveling a great path here.
In another post, you mention the opportunity you seized by connecting two people. You made valuable deposits to both parties, and cemented yourself as a resource.
I believe the same holds true in the blogosphere. By linking out to sites you find valuable, your readers (and the one receiving the link) look to you as a valuable resource.
Keep up the great work here…and I’ll keep reading:-)
Mike,
Yesterday I had a lunch with a networking contact to better ubderstand what each of us brings to the table. Naturally in today’s environment, web resources were widely discussed. Myself, I am always looking for great places to benefit from and also to add then to my monthly newsletter. In every issue I add an interesting place to check out.
I use http://www.EzineArticles.com to assemble articles my subscribers can use to get more business.
It was a fruitful meeting, my essential consulting product intrigued him. Being tapped into the Detroit Media Market, he has terrific connections and insight. So I think seeds to a mutually beneficial relationship were planted.
Networking is an interesting dynamic, the moment you recognize that instant gratification is not the path. Even linking is a gradual process in building valuable resources. I only link to value not just link to build audience. In cyberspace or on Main Street the practice with regards to building relationships are the same – build solid relationships with careful thought to quality and integrity and of course forget the “what’s in it for me” attitude.
Thanks for dropping by Mike.
Hello Ed,
Many thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. It’s very much appreciated.
I have updated my post in response to your contribution and welcome you to take another look.
Kind regards,
David
Ed, many thanks for your kind words, and for generating discussion on my blog.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.
David
– LinkedIn is a great tool, and anyone who isn’t on it yet is missing out.
– Blogs create conversations between like-minded Marketing professionals with something to say or share.
– Business organizations that focus on business and economic development in your area or region can be helpful too. We have Innoventures and Pulse. What are yours?
– Forming collaborative networks with consultants, freelancers and other talented folks can be very rewarding as well. I routinely find excuses to work and share ideas with creative directors, web designers and Brand consultants.
Thanks for your input Olivier. Linkedin seems a great model for everyone. All these suggestions and referrances are helping a lot in my devlopment of one of the networking organizations I belong to.
Have a great week.
I took your poll Ed.
Unfortunately it seems that no-one wants to hire…
…yet 🙂
David, You’re right ‘yet’ , but just watch.
But you know – since I started begging last night I’ve doubled the poll input. All be it from 2 to 4, but if I use conventional marketing spin, that represents a 100% INCREASE IN ONLY 15 HOURS!
Unbelieveable.
To Ed’s readers: Ed is responsible for me dipping my toe into the blogging waters, with a passionate discourse over a glass of wine one rainy night in January. (Our spouses tried gamely to enter the conversation and ultimately gave up — I think they ended up talking about the food or something. Maybe they were complaining about us always talking business!) I think he has the right idea, so we’re keeping each other hopping trading resources.
Thanks, Ed — I look forward to entering the discussion.
Marcia
I took your poll, too Ed.
Great poll… The “subscribe” script didn’t work for me. But you are in my bookmarks anyway, so no pronlem. 🙂
Ed, thank you for your support. You are one of the first voices to join in. 🙂 http://bloggerpower.wordpress.com/bloggers/
You can beat figures like that!
I thought you’d give an interesting answer, so tagged you on my blog:
http://www.davidairey.com/blog/why-do-i-blog/
Ciao for now.
Hey Ed,
Personally, I’ve never seen photos of or heard anything about Windsor, Ontario (at least from memory anyway). However, where I live (Brisbane, Australia), we’re just a stones throw away from a suburb called Windsor. It’s a decent suburb and has a lot of old houses which have been renovated on the inside. Property prices around that area are moderately higher than other areas too.
I wish I could help you out a little more but thats about all the name Windsor brings up for me.
Nice project you have going on though, I’ll make a post on mine for you.
Rob
That’s great Robert, your reply is also helpful as it shows the fact you are unaware of the city’s existence.
Would you mind if I posted my question on your site? I’m getting some great responses from MarketingProfs.com. I may have already out it in a post as I couldn’t find your email to ask permission.
Sharp blogging here Ed.
To your question, I have never been to Windsor. I have been to the province many times and love it.
What I know of Windsor it seems to be a sharp contrast to its neighbor, Detroit. Windsor seems pure & wholesome. Am I right?
If you decide to be involved in helping Windsor define its brand, let me know. I’ll be happy to share what we learned branding a few U.S. cities.
Seems Windsor is still undefined for many.
I am writing from Tampa.
Hey Ed,
I just shot you an email. WordPress saved your email from your comments.
Cheers,
Rob
Hi Ed,
Pamil mentioned I should come post on here. I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Have seen a lot of the country through the windows of a Greyhound bus but Windsor is one city I can’t say I have been. I have heard of the city through The Weather Network, sports casts, even the news. Though I don’t remember what was said. When someone mentions the name of that city I get the words unclean and dirty come to my mind. Not sure why though.. might be that I’m confusing Windsor with Sudbury. 🙂
Tina
I’d like to thank everyone for replying. So far the responses have been great.
Ed, great way to get feedback. I’ve spent some time in Toronto, but not Windsor. I find most Canadians to be very friendly, intelligent and progressive. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent there over the years.
I know that the state of Kentucky went through this exercise about two years ago, the firm discovered that surrounding states really didn’t have an impression of Kentucky – neither positive or negative.
The funny part is that most Kentuckians surveyed assumed the state had a negative “brand” image. So the firm ended up spending more money re-framing internal mindsets than external visitor impressions.
Once realized, it gave the state the freedom to develop a platform from scratch by not having to overcome anything negative. They’ve seen very measurable positive improvements in overall brand impression, recognition and visitor spending during the last two years.
Hope you see the same!
It was a cold, gray winter day about 20 years ago, but I did drive into Windsor, from Detroit, just to look around and pick up a trinket from Windsor University (I was a cap collector and wanted something nobody else I knew would have). I remember distinctively that it was a nasty looking place, but know fully well that it was because of the coldness of the day, the grayness of the sky and the dirtiness of the snow.
I was in my early twenties, and I remember another distinctive feeling: I was in another country. As a lightly travelled American of just 23 or 24 years old, it was a neat feeling being in another country. I couldn’t imagine that it was as bad as I felt it was.
This is not necessarily the positive review you might want to see, but it was what I saw and felt at the time. To be fair, I then went up to Port Huron in Michigan and it was still very cold and very gray and not too welcoming because of it! 🙂
I love the idea of getting input from your readers. Incredibly effective and amazingly inexpensive!
I’ll try to check back and see how off my observations were!
-Mark
Mark,
I’m not looking to skew any data, I just want your honest opinion which is what you gave me – thanks.
Ed
Lunch-bucket city of blue collar workers. The Big 3 dominate the industry sector with many spin-off companies in tool and die and plastics for car manufacturers. Unemployment at 10% now with a decline in sales of gas-guzzler cars.
Hard working, hard drinking, hard playing. The provincial cash-cow Casino was a large draw for American visitors when their U.S. dollar had a rate advantage. However, federal and provincial governments mainly ignore any issues that are 5 minutes west of London, Ontario, despite the additional dollars to the coffers.
Serious traffic problems and pollution problems. Windsor has the highest rate of lung problems in Canada. So high, in fact, the government took out our air monitoring equipment. What we don’t know will hurt (kill)us.
Windsor has difficulties moving forward to higher social status. We don’t have the art/culture and top of the line restaurants or entertainment, despite the casino.
Since I live in the county, I avoid Windsor like the plague. Too much… noise, pollution, traffic.
Anonymous,
I appreciate your candor. All opinions help.
Ed
Wow, Anonymous, very harsh, however very true. I agree with many of your statements – namely the workforce. There was an article in the Windsor Star today about the people who were worried for their jobs at Chrysler after they announced the job cuts. One person said, “What am I going to do, go back to school? I left a good job to come here. Who knows what’s going to happen?”
Ironic that this person left a “good job” to work at Chrysler… Unfortunately that is the mindset of many in this city, even university graduates… and that very mindset is what rubs off on anyone that hears about Windsor and probably why the government won’t give us the time of day.
Ed – I hope what I say doesn’t influence future comments… but here goes…
Windsor to me has always been a great place to live (save the pollution and awful roads). I find people are extremely friendly and not pretentious. It’s very diverse and has a small-city feel to it no matter where you go. There are some great venues and areas like old Walkerville and Sandwich Towne – gems that don’t get the attention they deserve. Crime is low and although we don’t have any big entertainment venues, I feel the wide range of eclectic cafes & bars downtown with live music/patios make up for it. It’s easy to get down on this city but it does have a lot to offer and I personally wouldn’t consider moving – I sell this city any chance I get. Erie Street, the Art Gallery and the beautiful riverfront are all major attractions – but the problem is they are taken for granted by many.
Finally the University – it gets a lot of flak, and it should, their standards are low and I feel that reflects poorly on the entire city. They are however moving forward with the medical building and taking some big steps forward, and I think these steps in addition to raising the standards at the U can have a direct impact on the city as it is seen by the rest of Canada.
Improving our own opinion of our own city is what I think is the challenge. Let’s get our own people excited, get them going out and spending money at local venues (instead of just at the Casino) – then the rest will take care of itself.
Dante,
Your input is very insightful. As far as influencing future comments- well what I have discovered is that all comments usually inspire discussion, and tat’s great. It’s why we’re here. This question is getting responses world-wide and that is what I hoped for. In marketing typically it is the negatives that give us something to build on as it identifies areas of opportunity. The positive reinforces what we have accomplished.
Ed
This comment has been removed by the author.
Windsor often gets a bad rap from out of towners who play off of unfair stereotypes. Those who put down our city are ignorant of what Windsor has to offer.
I’m originally from Windsor and have lived here for a good part of my life. I’ve also lived in other cities and can say…believe it or not…that I LOVE WINDSOR. I’ve had a number of opportunities to move elsewhere but I’m very happy living in Windsor. Although I work in Michigan, I commute back to my home in Windsor. I won’t get into the details but I would brand Windsor as the “Real city”. When I say real, I am referring to the mindset which is as unpretentious and self-deprecating as it gets. We are not a Toronto that thinks it’s a New York. We’re not a Vancouver that has to keep referring to Economist surveys to make sure that everyone knows that it’s the best place in the world to live (there are at least 50 other cities that I would live in over Vancouver). We’re not an Ottawa, a city with no soul (city goes to sleep at 6 PM). And we’re not a Calgary with new money and plastic tits popping up everywhere, constantly comparing itself to Toronto. Windsor is Windsor and everyone here knows it. We are not trying to be something we’re not which is why I think people are so friendly and so real. So branding Windsor as a “Real city” is right on the mark.
SP,
Your Real City comment is very much like the comments put forward over at MarketingProfs from Tony Wanless. Tony felt Windsor was like one big family. Thanks for dropping by and chiming in.
Ed
You’re not naive at all Ed.
This is precisely why MLM schemes have such a bad name – the deception that initiates a meeting. If the people selling were 100% up-front about how things work then there’d be no misleading or confusion along the way.
It’s interesting, I’ve been living in the UK for most of my life, and have come across one person trying to sell me an MLM scheme. I lived in the US for three months and found two. Perhaps the market is a lot larger over your side for this type of business?
David I personally don’t have much of a problem with MLM as a concept in generating income – so long as t’s honest. You are certainly correct in regards to the initial meeting – it needs work. It baffles me as to why deception is considered the best way to go. The meeting I attended was a little under-handed. Greed makes you blind I guess.
When I was younger and got that lead feeling in my gut that there was some deceit in a situation — like when the cool girls wanted to play with me because I had the new toy — I didn’t know what to do with that feeling, and I swallowed it.
Now, when I get that gut feeling of something not quite right, I walk away. I’m with you, Ed — let’s do business on the up and up.
I am in Victoria, BC. I am in my mid-50’s. I grew up in Saskatchewan, and am fairly well-educated. I know absolutely nothing about Windsor except that it is a city in Ontario, somewhere. Southern Ontario, perhaps. It brings to mind Windsor Castle, which brings to mind our monarchy/commonwealth, leading to thoughts about Kingston (Ontario) and the infamous women’s prison. I have to say I know more about Kingston than Windsor, even though it is only one thing! The name Windsor “feels” like the color gray. Like a dull, cloudy day, not very warm. I can’t think of anyone famous who is from Windsor. I have no interest in visiting Windsor, because it is not known for anything, as far as I know. There you have it!
Anonymous,
Thanks for your opinion. Even not knowing Windsor really helps a lot. FYI: Windsor is Canada’s automotive capital with the Big 3 here. Hiram Walker also makes Canadian Club here. Windsor has about a 300k market, we are right across from Detroit.
Ed
I have heard of Windsor, Ontario. Honestly though I know very little of it other than that it is in Southern Ontario.
I lived in Sudbury for 8 years when I was in Elementary and Jr. High School. Before moving to Burlington for a year in High School. Currently I am back in Halifax where i have lived since leaving Burlington 8 years ago.
Oh, I know one other thing about Windsor Ontario. They claim to be the birth place of hockey — when it is REALLY Windsor, Nova Scotia!!
Hi Ed,
Many moons ago I spent some time touring on the east coast of Canada (after living in Vancouver for 8 months) but can’t honestly remember Windsor!
A few years earlier I vaguely recall driving from Detroit (or somewhere around there) up to Canada into what I thought was a peaceful, almost quaint but lonely looking town. Can’t remember the name of it though.
I don’t know how that could possible help you, but there you go.
Of course, the Queen of England is from the House of Windsor!! Do you guys have a sister city in the UK perhaps? 🙂
I live in Brisbane, Australia. And boy we could sure do with a bit of your wind chill at the moment! Sweating like anything here!!
Btw, just a bit of feedback… I find your blog really difficult to read (because of the black background), particularly the comments section. Gave me a bit of a headache actually.
Anyway, great project. I love the concept.
Best wishes,
Danielle
Danielle, thanks for the feedback on Windsor. Even your vague recollections are helpful, because unawareness is an issue the brand must address.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. You are the second comment on the black background – white text. I am considering changing to something more black on white. I plan to post the question to my readers. The look is consistent with everything I do with regard to my brand. But I take the headaches of my readers seriously.
Did you check http://bloggerpower.wordpress.com/bloggers/ lately? Take a look. I think you’ll like it!
I am a US citizen who has lived in the Windsor area for 30 years. The area is certainly perceived to be blue collar and the manufacturing economy is currently in a rough state for sure. Windsor does have a lot to offer I believe. Part of it is here now (small town atmosphere across from Detroit), some decent restaurants, long parkway along the waterfront and a new coming complex for local hockey folks (pretty much the whole town is seems). The other part is the huge potential given the 4 million people within 50 miles.
There is a difference in Canada from the States and the “international” atmosphere presents an opportunity for any who have not been to “another country”. I personally believe that the area has huge potential with a few major attractions and the “proper” supporting infrastructure. The new border crossing coming up will be a huge part of the success of the area and hopefully the governments smarten up on this one. Disrupting the daily lives of thousands for years with an above the ground approach to the bridge or tunnel seems horrible to me. I hope the government does not cheap out on this one as the consequences will be for many years to come. Border crossing aside I do believe Windsor is a decent city and it has great possibilities.
Thanks for participating in my question Kent. I suppose like most places, you have to know them to appreciate them. The only shame with Windsor is that if you are not familiar, then it’s brand tends to be negative.
For instance I’ve never been to Paris France, but I imagine a romantic cultural city. Rich in history and art. Who knows what it is really like, but for me that is its brand image. It’s what makes me hope to one day go there.
Hi Ed,
I too see sports and the motor industry reflected in their logo. It’s a nice mark. I’m not too keen on the italics for their web address but would like to see how it ties in with their other brand elements.
By the way, I like your change to black body text on a white background. It’s much easier on the eye so well done.
David
David.
It is an odd choice of font considering their new logo. I’m guessing they are trying on some retro-effect with a bit of a 50’s flare. I think it takes away from the effectiveness of their new image.
Check out their site at: Visit Detroit.
Thanks to the compliment on my change to a white field. From my stats, I noticed a lot of visitors didn’t stick around to read anything, so with the few comments I got regarding white text, I thought I would switch to see if the stats improve. I recognized it as a classic design rule, but I was always partial to the look.
I had a look at the website. To be honest I don’t think they did themselves any favours with the top left display. The logo shown on the right of the page, a little further down from the top, is much more aesthetically pleasing (even with the chosen typeface for the URL).
There’s far too tight a crop on the main logo display for my liking.
I hope your change of text background works out for you. One thing I’d like to see in a prominent position is a group of categories, or recent posts. That’d give your readers an immediate snapshot of what info you’re offering up.
Just a thought.
David,
I imagine you’ll also agree that the logo looks out of place in that design. It looks like an add-on. If they don’t change the entire culture around the new brand it is obvious they view brand as spin only. I hope it is in transition although I would not have recommended launching the new brand logo without the website to support it. (At least.)
So I’m hoping for better things to come.
I completely agree Ed. It’s not a great website and there’s far too much happening at once. I didn’t know where to look!
I notice you’ve moved your archives to the top of the page. That’s an improvement in my opinion. Now you need to make your text links more legible. Blue on black isn’t easy to scan through.
Good luck.
Ed,
I think you’re right on, but then I’m “in the business.” I’ve studied both Tony Robbins and Dan Kennedy for years and believe them both to be geniuses, and to tell the truth, I’m actually more drawn to Kennedy’s processes — but I did have to force myself to get past the “snake oil” feeling.
Kennedy teaches process, while I feel Robbins is a lot of hype and show, and that may be why Kennedy doesn’t feel the need to “dress up” with a great looking brand. A lot of people love Robbins and are energized by him, he’s just not for me, but I do admire his personal brand and his ability to influence people.
As much as we in the branding business hate to admit it, sometimes the message speaks louder than the first impression, and people somehow are influenced. These businesses make it more difficult on themselves with a poorly presented brand, though, and I agree that Dan Kennedy and Gerry Weinberg could definitely benefit from brand overhauls.
P.S.
THANK YOU for taking your blog to black type on a white background. This makes it much easier for me to read, and probably for others as well.
Windsor… a diamond in the rough, a real city with real people who work and play real hard! It is simple to say, recognition or fame never comes easy in a positive way for Windsor.
Windsor is either the gateway to or the escape from Canada, through our very important border crossings, neglected and ignored.
Canadians can either ignore us or hail us for our continuing existence and our survival. We will prevail, re-invent and surprise you with real Canadian hospitality, everyday!
A brand and identity is needed, and it must be embraced by the people of Windsor. We are not iconic. If Detroit is cool, Windsor is real.
Real, Safe, Fun and Friendly!
Hey Ed,
Thats a pretty interesting question you’ve asked. I haven’t really sold anything online except affiliate’s products (I only sell the ones I’ve actually used).
I think the web is an amazing application to sell all kinds of products. I’ve heard the best way of going about selling your book is to setup a list for people to subscribe to – much like John Reese. Yaro Starak the guy who owns SmallBusinessBranding.com is currently building an email list so he can create buzz about his new product called Blog Traffic School.
Basically, what he does is talks about problems which bloggers face when building traffic to their blogs and gives them tips in each newsletter as well as an indication of what the product will be like when he releases it. You could do much the same thing he’s doing, with your branding process. You could even quote articles from your blog in your email newsletters so you can deliver a richer experience than you could through a plain text email.
This was a pretty rushed comment, so I hope I’ve explained it OK. Have a good night, Ed.
Rob.
Also, let me know when you’re launching it – I’ll make some posts to help you out.
Hi Ed,
Excellent point. It honestly amazes me how some businesses sell anything with the tacky image they offer – but I guess it proves that “copy” sells.
As a customer I personally am persuaded by good presentation, and generally steer clear of tacky looking ‘images’. However, I’m also sometimes wary of anything that looks too slick. I’m not entirely sure why – perhaps I think it means I’m about to be ripped off! Not sure, but it makes me wary.
As for Dan & Tony, I’m not familiar with Dan’s work, but I am a big fan of Tony Robbins. Apart from personally getting a great deal from his work, he comes across as a very genuine, truly decent person who lives his messages. And I really admire that.
btw… LOVE the white background. Heaven 🙂
Cheers, Danielle
Anyone who calls Windsor a diamond in the rough hasn’t traveled much.
Ed, I know Windsor very well so please don’t associate my negative brand perception with a lack of familiarity with the city.
Though Windsor has improved on some aspects in the past decade (Detroit Riverfront bike trail and variety of stores now established in the Windsor area due to the high disposable income), Windsor remains a largely a blue collar town.
Despite the ever growing diverse society, the city itself has little culture to sell. There are 3 main reasons to live in Windsor:
1. Local Automotive employment though it is shrinking at a very rapid rate. Highest unemployment rate (tied with the Saguenay area in Quebec) in the whole country
2. Detroit area employment for Professionals (Engineers, Doctors, Nurses)
3. Warmer Canadian climate
It is an absolute shame the city riverfront doesn’t have restaurants or terraces to enjoy the riverfront and Detroit view. It would go a long way to give an identity to the city other than the current (and not deserved) sin city reputation (Casino and Sex trade) or blue collar town.
Local politics haven’t helped the city’s reputation either. From being scammed into a loan shark type deal for city equipment to ending up with secretly sponsored leases in a 12-13 story building that was originally going to be 30+ stories, city council has run its affairs like it was a high school reunion until a couple of years ago.
I suspect your creative blog is related to a city contract. Windsor still needs to change a few things before its brand image can be changed: revitalize the city core with restaurants and small boutiques on the riverfront, diversify the local economy in anything else but Automotive Business, and find a way to make the local unions realize threatening buyers of non-domestic vehicles will only deter new investments in the community.
Danielle,
Marcia Hoeck and I happen to belong to a business group who met in Kentucky this past Friday and we discussed this issue. From the discussion emerged a recognition of the so called “million dollar” sales letter approach. You might recognize it as a never-ending scroll of bad design.
I think that the style and copy are certainly working together to break down the resistance in the sale. What I recognize is that it is essentially a classic retail approach with bursts, bullets, call-outs etc. I just think it could be designed more effectively.
I plan on selling a branding product soon and I am going to try the never-ending scroll with a retail sales approach – my style.
Check out Marcia’s interpretation of this technique. It compliments her brand nicely.
Now, we all might be wrong, and crass, bad design is what the world needs to buy, but I hope not. I hold up the Tony Robbins approach – I would suspect he makes more loot than any of the others. He exudes trust in his brand with the help of good design.
Rob,
You’ve explained it just fine. As a matter of fact I have been teasing my newsletter readers for the past few issues. I have also (as you noticed) started mentioning it in my posts and comments.
I would love for you to become an affiliate when I am prepared to launch. I am taking the Long Tail approach on pricing. My affiliate rate will be 50%. This is going to be an interesting exercise – I have it beta testing with one client right now, if you are interested I will email you a copy to test and critique. Contact me off this blog if you are interested.
When I started blogging, sales was not a target. As weeks and months went by it became apparent that the benefits of blogging were multi-faceted. I’ve received project opportunities, press coverage, requests for e-interviews and joint blogging events. My initial intent was to simply built my “expert” profile and maybe in several years sell ads on my site. That goal now seems almost silly, based on what I have learned in such a short time – considering I started in late December during Christmas week.
I’m hoping to launch my “DIY BRAND BUILDER™” by mid to late spring.
Ed
P.S. As far as selling books goes – an interesting technique I discovered was to track everytime you reference someone in your text, to later contact them and get their permission to quote them. (Who is going to say no?) and they will in turn promote you since they are mentioned in your book. This is especially effective with e-books since you can make their links active. With them commenting on your book, you can also utilize their testimonials also.
David,
Yes, I forgot about those links. You’re going to shame me into it. Please stand by.
Ed
Chris,
I think you were a litle hard on Anonymous’s “Diamond in the Rough” comment. Windsor has potential, but is mired in off-brand thinking.
I couldn’t agree more regarding the waterfront. My home town of Halifax has a teeming waterfront, with shops, cafes, restaurants, world-class museums and galleries, water tours etc. The Halifax market is exactly the same size as Windsor.
The last paragraph of your comment – “Windsor still needs to change a few things before its brand image can be changed:” is right on the money. My biggest fear in re-branding efforts with the city is that they address brand as ONLY BRAND IMAGE – with a new logo and tag line. Years of decisions made without regard to their brand is the reason so many of the answers to my question here are so negative. The current administration appears ready to recognize this error and have expressed a desire to address it.
Read my post – Are You Up To Re-Branding? All of us here in Essex County have to live the brand and make necessary changes to start the ball rolling to implement a change in attitude toward Windsor. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen fast. But if the seeds aren’t planted and fertilized with the proper strategy nothing will grow from it. It will be more money wasted on a lofty ideal.
Thanks for your insight.
Ed
P.S. What does it also say about the Windsor brand when some feel the need to post anonymously and others to apologize for their comments? I have received approx. 150 responses to this question to date, and it clearly shows Windsor needs to step up to the plate and change it’s culture or continue along this most unflattering path.
First, I want to say that I agree with you on your position that Windsor needs to fix it’s image.
However, what I would like to know is how Colbert came upon Windsor as one of the worst places on earth? I’m not naive enough to think that he took a map of Canada, tossed a dart and it landed on Windsor… and I also don’t entirely believe in coincidence so sure, let’s say he found out Windsor maybe wasn’t a “great city” or even a “middle-of-the-pack” city, but what source (whether credible or not) is telling him it’s the worst?
I agree that this is a big blow to the city, and that the media has a huge sway on public opinion… but let’s not start believing everything we see on TV. After all, Tucker Carlson referred to Canada as the US’s retarded cousin and we all knew better than to trust his judgement…
Ouch… that is harsh.
I’d suspect that Colbert has a lot more viewers than 1.5M, too. A couple of my friends watch it here, down under.
I’m not sure how much of an impact it’d have on the city’s reputation but depending on what he said about it, it’s probably not good for anything except for creating awareness about the city.
Apparently Colbert has made the remark before. It’s hard to say what impact it has other than at the moment it’s delivered. Since it’s the second time he’s said it, and given today’s audience’s short memories it is not doubt water under the bridge. But it does encourage discussion on Windsor’s brand. I find it timely in discussions I’m inspiring here and on other blogs. Especially the impending blog workshop on the topic I’m launching with Derrick Daye from the Blake Project.
Perhaps we’ve all missed the secondary intention of the joke. The joke has a question mark – it actually IS a question; Is Windsor the worst place on Earth?
Everyone is tired of “Detroit is hellhole” jokes. Do you remember the last Superbowl? They needed Windsor’s help with hospitality issues. How many American cities have such a problem with hosting a major event that they need aid from a tiny neighbour to their south? Maybe the U.S. should ask for help from Mexico to fix its image? (That, is also a question.)
Also, it should be evident to any true Colbert fanatic that Windsor has an OHL team. The Spitfires? Ask that same Colbert fan what the team for Saginaw is, and he’ll know that it’s the Spirit. Oshawa? The Generals. What affect does that have? Saginaw Spirit merchandise (which accounts for the lion’s share of junior hockey team revenues) has been flying off the shelves at an unprecedented rate. And what about Oshawa? I actually found a reason to go there just last tuesday. A little celebration called “Stephen Colbert Day.” I ate at a local café, and supported local businesses. I bought into the Oshawa brand. I just might find myself buying into the Windsor brand soon enough.
Review that joke again, and remember – Stephen Colbert makes his living on turning our preconceptions on the media upside down, and along with that, the traditional way of marketing.
Another question: Is Tucker Carlson the retarded MSNBC cousin of Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart?
Thanks for the insightful feed back NoFact. The OHL reference puts an interesting spin on it and I also like your comments regarding Windsor as Detroit’s hospitality coach.
Love your blog N0 Fact Zone by the way.
Ed
Usually when Colbert picks on something, it’s time to fix the image, rather than laugh along about it. There’s too much “laughing along with Bush and crew” going on in the world for example.
SASKBOY,
You make a wise point. I think Colbert is very astute. I particularly enjoy the way he appears to support something but using tongue in cheek takes a jab at it. Regardless of what his intention was with Windsor that evening, his mention of the city in such negative context underscores some serious brand problems.
Thank you for your opinion.
Ed
The problem is that Colbert thinks he’s far wittier than he actually is. He’s a typical media “elitist” who thinks that because he lives in a more cosmopolitan city, he’s a more cosmopolitan person. That’s a flawed ideology, and if it can’t be proven by idiots like Al Franken, there’s no proving it to the person who doesn’t accept that dimwits’ inability to analyze anything as evidence.
Anonymous,
Let’s face it – Colbert, Franken, Jon Stewart are all entertainers, comedians, clowns, jesters, idiots – whatever you wish to label them. The Windsor point is, if we are the brunt of jokes what is the under lying motivation? Why wasn’t Virginia City the “worst place on earth”. In the (unscientific) survey I have going on, on blogs, the overall result might substantiate the Colbert comment.
Even Windsor itself knows that that it’s brand is in trouble. Colbert is not the problem. Anonymous, if you are familiar with Ontario, you’ll remember how bad Sudbury’s brand was years ago, and it was also the brunt of jokes by idiots of the day. Now it is a leader in renewable environment. That’s a great case history for re-building your brand.
I really don’t think Colbert hates Windsor, no more than he thinks Oshawa has a bad hockey team. With his brand of humour he must stay relevant. He must stir the waters. For a political satirist, he must appear like an elitist otherwise he might as well tell knock-knock jokes. At the end of the day,
none of the clowns on air really take themselves that seriously, and the last laugh is at those of us who do.
Ed
I know the recall only affects the wet food, but I lost my faith in the Iams brand quite a few years ago. I fed their adult weight-loss dry product to my cat for about 2 years, following the recommended serving sizes, etc. – saw no results. Switched to another, more common brand (which costed half the price) and he dropped 3 pounds within about 6 months.
It seems like the same old story that we’re just “paying for the name on the box”… but I guess that’s what branding is all about, isn’t it? (That is, until their secret get outs.)
Actually Dante, ‘that same old story’ is what advertising is all about. Branding is your over all relationship with the brand. In this case it was not a very positive one. You felt that the promise of a healthier pet went unfulfilled. You moved on. If a company positions itself as the healthier alternative then you have every right to expect that your pet is better off with it. If the product is no better than anything else, it will suffer as wisdom to this truth grows.
Ed
I’ve recommended so many people to start blogging. Not only does it position you as an expert in your field – you can also benefit from customers seeing you as a seethrough salesman.
With 70 Million Blogs out there at the moment (and a significant number of businesses embracing them), there’s a lot of people backing this strategy too.
Hi Ed
Came across your post from my google blog search and saw your ‘call for help’
Can I direct you to two blogs that at this moment cover most of this item?
http://dmiracle.com/
(you might have to scroll to some posts of last week)
and
http://consciouscooperation.com/blog/
Not what you might have expected as ‘helpful’ stories, but still think worthwhile for your research.
Thanks for jumping in there Karin. Two great resources in the sites you recommended. I especially like Conscience Cooperation. This is going to be a fun project. I posted my “request for help” over at Marketing Profs. com in the forum area and have some nice tips there also.
Have a great week!
Ed,
You might also ask your readers and on Marketing Profs if any introverts have found success by enrolling in expensive sales schools like Sandler. It would be interesting to find out if those techniques help people to become more extroverted about sales, or require a bit of extroversion to be successful in the first place.
-from Marcia Hoeck
Hey Ed,
One of the best things which has helped me in the past when I had to do simple sales promos over the counter was a thorough product knowledge and deep understanding of the benefits customers received from buying the product/service. Although this wasn’t as serious as selling a house or car, it made me appreciate the minor things like my state, non-verbals and basic use of NLP.
When will this ebook be ready? I’m really keen to check it out when it’s done…
I’ve just started it Rob, but I hope to have something by fall. I have about 15 to 20 tips to date. I posted it on Marketing Profs.com in the forum area much like I did with the Windsor question. Ideally 101 sounds like fun. Marketing wise it is the old “101 handy tips to blah, blah, blah”.
I know it would have been the one book I could have used when I started to take selling more seriously. As it is I’m learning quite a bit from this exercise.
I got the idea to move forward from Marcia Hoeck of Brands That Connect, who is also writing a book of her own. She was encouraged by Nettie Harstock who has written a few books herself and who’s blog has some great resources on publishing and book writtin’.
I’ve had the same experience Rob. Have you had people wanting to hire you as a consultant to show them how to enter blogging? I had two requests last week alone. I don’t have sufficient experience under my belt, (I’m no Yaro) but I think I will assemble a short “how to” get you started document that I can use as reference and offer that. It will at least get you up and running, allow you to check stats and take subscribers. From there, everyone within my sphere can grow together.
Hi Ed,
for another outsider’s look at Windsor-Detroit:
CBC’s Definitely Not The Opera with Sook-Yin Lee … Download DNTO does Windsor-Detroit (02/04/07)
Henry, Thanks a bunch for the podcast. I really enjoyed it, I think I’ll pass it on to the Mayor as well. He asked that I pass along anything of interest.
Also, loved the art connection. War art has a great heritage. There is a lot of talent over there. Let’s hope they bring their work home safely. I imagine it helps to keep them sane amidst all the reality there.
Thanks again for dropping by and contributing to the discussion.
Ed
… Noam Chomsky is visiting Windsor in May, talking about his propaganda model at the University and at the Cleary — the 17th …
Henry, why do I know the name Noam Chomsky?
Chomsky began the modern field of ‘linguistics’ in the 1960s, but he is known today for his leftist political writings: criticism of Western imperialism, American foreign policy, and propaganda .
Ever hear of the following:
1. largest border crossing between the united states and canada? ya, that would be the Windsor/Detroit crossing.
2. Ever hear of Hiram Walkers? You know the company that produces the whiskey most of you drink when you order a CC and coke? from Windsor.
3. Ever used Salt on your food such as WINDSOR SALT? ya, from a salt mine in Windsor.
4. What about Seagram’s? Ya, from a town just outside of Windsor.
5. Ever hear of the OHL? Windsor has a team called Windsor Spitfires.
6. Do you know where the largest fireworks display is in the world? ya, that would be put on by Windsor/Detroit freedom festival.
7. Know of Shania Twain? ya, born in Windsor.
8. DiamlerChrysler Canada has its headquarters in Windsor!!
OMG!!!
Windsor is a fantastic place that you should visit!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor,_Ontario
Anonymous,
Let’s not forget that Tums were invented here as well as the zipper!
Thanks for the invitation, Ed. This is one of only two or three posts which I have “Starred” in my Google Reader account. You’ll no doubt find a question from me soon…
I wish you luck, too, Ed. Maybe you’d find the book more enlightening, as you wouldn’t have the personalities of the people in the film to distract you. I found the book to be very thought provoking.
Thanks Robert. I’m looking forward to seeing you here.
You know I never considered that. I suspect you might be right, as I felt some of the personalities a little flaky and they may have clouded my view of the message. I do find the Secret’s message enlightening, and I’ve been getting great feed back off-line from Danielle a writer at Small Business Branding, It is quite a topic that inspires a lot of conversation.
In considering impressions and branding of Windsor, the city should not be assessed in isolation. My mixed feelings about Windsor are closely linked to mixed feelings about the surrounding area.
From Windsor about a dozen wineries are easily accessable. There are many decent golf courses across the regions, as well as within Windsor. The climate is warmer than the rest of Canada as the region is the most southerly mainland area – in line with Northern California. In addition the region around Windsor has 100s of kms of shoreline offering opportunity to live on or near the lakes within easy reach of all the conveniences downtown. Plus of course its a boater’s playground. Detroit River has so many interesting islands to explore, such as Peche Island.
An easy drive from Windsor is Point Pelee National Park, a beautiful recreational and environmental gem and one of the major tourism draws to the region. For birders internationally it is known as a significant location for observing feathered friends as the birds funnel across the lake at one of its narrowest points. In addition to Point Pelee there are about 18 conservation areas in and near to Windsor including the Chrysler Canada Geenway – 50kms of trail.
On the downside, Windsor is surrounded by flat, virtually treeless farmland rather than majestic, lush countryside. Pesticide used by many farms, municipalities and individuals flows from the land to the rivers and then the Lk St Clair and Lk Erie, mixing with the high quantities of raw sewage also flowing into the lakes, leaving them far from aqua blue. The industrial, vehicular and other airborne pollution floating across Windsor and the region is leading to increasing asthma problems and the fast food at every corner is leading to overweight citizens.
I think if people are born in Windsor and stay it is because their family is here. If they come from elsewhere they don’t imagine staying here for long. But once here realise that property prices are more reasonable, decent incomes are possible, you dont have to drive far for anything, you don’t have to sit in traffic for long, and French immersion schools could be a good thing. Either that, or they just get tied down with responsibilities and can’t escape.
It is notable that ‘Windsor’ has been associated with the Monarchy. The influence of the English, French and other settlers can be seen in the names of the streets, towns, rivers and even the county name. The brand should certainly include an element of the fascinating historic connections of the area
Windsor itself is tainted by characterless malls, restaurants with names like Crabby Dicks, and with strip clubs; the city’s Canadian identity is lost in the proximity of the American influence and there are so many pointlessly large SUVs on the road, not to mention ugly Hummers. And yet there is a spirit of community and generosity with organizations such as rotary and united way and big brother; and the city is welcoming to newcommers.
Sorry to go on, I guess I’m just trying to figure out why I am still here. I live in the county and am in Windsor fairly regularly.
Thanks for your input Phil. From what I understand, Windsor plans to brand itself in partnership with all of Essex County. From your comments I’d say Windsor has a positive brand in your eyes. Tell me, what one thing tangible or intangible makes Essex County as a whole “absolutely different” than anywhere in North America?
Grew up in Windsor… left 30 years ago for major cities in US and Canada.
When I come back it’s like being in the old Christmas classic – “It’s a Wonderful Life”. After wishing he had never been born – Jimmy Stewart’s quaint old town of Bedford Falls had turned into Pottersville – full of bars and a seedy downtown.
Windsor was never “Bedford Falls” but it sure is alot more like “Pottersville” now. Sold it’s soul for some quick money from 19 year olds in Detroit who wanted to come across to drink and party. Now the downtown is dead.
The other brand Windsor has is big (read here LOUD) labour. They are sure to keep all the potential new jobs going elsewhere while they continue to believe that they deserve $30 an hour with no education and no risk. But the labour leaders will shout until they are the last ones shouting and collecting dues from themselves. How many jobs does Windsor have to lose before it get’s it?
In short… Beautiful geography. Nice and friendly older community. Great access to the US. Warm climate.
Windsor needs to either become like Chicago (Mayors Daley -senior and junior et al knew how to “deal” with the unions to get things done…) and celebrate both the ethnic diversity and develop a mixed economic base. The other positive alternative is for Windsor/Essex County to become a Florida for Canada – a quiet and nice place (not the seedy downtown) where people come to retire where it’s warmer and cheaper than other places in Canada.
Otherwise – it is various shades of Pottersville with dithering city councils, loud labour unions and disappearing jobs.
Thanks for the blog spot!
Anything you say and do will be accounted for in your brand. My phrase is “it’s what you do that makes you who you are and how you project that to others that makes you memorable.”
Dan Schawbel
Personal Branding Spokesman
http://www.personalbrandingblog.com
Nice one Dan. Mind if I quote you from time to time?
Anonymous,
Fantastic input. I can’t get over how Windsor never seems to change. My hometown of Halifax is constantly progressing. Windsor consistently goes for short term gain. Since moving here more than 25 years ago I can’t tell you how many riverfront plans had huge dollars put to develop them and they never seem to be followed. Windsor enjoys the process of planning more than the actual fulfilment.
I think you will agree that we need a leader with a vision that has the guts to carry it out. Not someone who worrys about the next election or what biased parties will think. I think the talent is there today, but time is running out before we start to lose all the young talent we need to make a positive difference.
You can always quote me.
Windsor is a place where nothing ever seems to get done. A slow ineffectual municipal government that never has a stance on any idea or project that doesn’t benefit themselves. It is known to be hard to deal with by many companies or people with vision (to which the city lacks). Any action or progress made is by the hard working local population. I believe that Windsor gov’t is it’s own worst enemy and has little vision as to where it wants Windsor to go or what it wants it to be.
The city has a great history base but it has all but been destroyed by short-sighted gains. High taxes and very little “quality of life” perks are available to the citizens who reside in the city; other than the waterfront park. That is a jewel that many cities would be envious about.
The citizens are hard working people but their ties to unions blind them by today’s reality. A great multi-cultural population offers what most large city’s offer but high class areas are lacking.
The city’s downtown is nothing short of a joke that caters to a downtown business association that is mired in bars that cater to 19 year olds. There is no retail! (Where is the urban village that has been planned for 4 years that we were told developers from the USA were interested in?).
In all, Windsor COULD be a great place that offers more than most cities could today…if only it had vision and the will to proceed.
I could have written your comment myself – we of like minds here. Your frustration is no doubt equalied by your passion for Windsor. We both seem to wish so much more for this city. What is your opinion of last night’s decision to give Docherty YET ANOTHER extension to fill that engineered hole of his?
“Windsor enjoys the process of planning more than the actual fulfilment.”
That about sums up Windsor from a political point-of-view. I work for the City of Windsor, and 10 years later, I’m still astounded by the lack of direction, conviction and long-term thinking from the Mayor and councillors.
All it takes is a few vocal people to oppose something, be it connecting a new residential development to an existing development or a proposed truck route over a rail corridor, for Council to turn the matter down. Long-term benefits be damned.
There is no political will to change things – only to make it look like things are being changed.
Vincent, it must be Politics 101 today, when you said,
“All it takes is a few vocal people to oppose something, be it connecting a new residential development to an existing development or a proposed truck route over a rail corridor, for Council to turn the matter down.”
My home is on Highway 18 in Leamington. Home owners living along that route voted in the majority to have a sidewalk built from Union to Seacliff Park (agreeing to pay approx. $400 each for 5 years to pay for it). When it went to council it was shouted down by a few mouths in the audience and the idea was shelfed indefinitely.
Perhaps this pervasive attitude speaks volumes why we don’t progress like the rest of the country.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Hi Ed 🙂 Your post reminds me of a talk I saw last fall hosted by the humanities research group with James Howard Kunstler– what he calls “entropy made visible”
TED conference Suburbia:: ‘the greatest misallocation of resources in the history of the world’– ‘the national automobile slum’– “places not worth caring about…” Check out the video…
Terrific video, this should be a must view for city planners. I know one whom I am now linking with this video. Very good sense of humor, I only wish he had of commented on what these portable signs say about us.
Thanks again.
Some companies believe in having a corporate branding. But they forgot that the personality of the founder, CEO or the top guns of that company also played an important role. Somehow, we see Bill Gates and Microsoft or The Body Shop and Anita Roddick as one. I was so intrigued with a client I consulted. He said, “No, no, no, I don’t have a personal brand, I don’t need one. I’m not the salesman”. And he’s the founder of his company. That conversation led me to blog onDo You Have A Personal Brand
Sure enjoyed your article.
Vivienne,
Thanks for your opinion. I wonder what that CEO you mentioned considers his company’s corporate brand to be. The interesting thing about brands, whether corporate, personal, or product – they exist and evolve whether we like it or not.
Your article on personal branding should give many business leaders reason to consider their own brands. A CEO’s personal brand if ignored can eclipse it’s corporate brand in a negative way if care isn’t taken to make sure they compliment each other in a positive way.
there is a lot to consider in our brands.
Ah, so you’re addicted to Donny now too, huh? I can’t go to bed at 10 anymore, now that I’ve started watching The Big Idea regularly.
Marcia
He’s a pretty passionate guy. I love his range of guests. I wish there was a business channel.
Hi Ed,
Much respect for your guest blogging efforts. I know how much time it takes to run your own blog, let alone contribute to others too.
It’s also an honour to read your kind compliment about me and my blog. It really is.
I hope you have (had) a great weekend. All the best.
I know Exactly what you mean!
I have an extremely hard time thinking about article ideas. That’s part of the reason I don’t write for SBB anymore. I’d like to put some more articles up sometime but an article sparingly might confuse readers somewhat.
Something which I like in your articles is that you spot the elusive obvious and show in simple ways how it can sole problems.
Have a good weekend, Ed.
David, I don’t know how you can contribute such an outstanding blog and not be full time at it – Robert I’m going to miss your opinion on SBB, but I’ve always got BracingyourBrand.com. (plug. plug)
Have a great week guys.
Thanks for article!
Thanks for interesting article.
Ok i live in windsor and i thought that the segment was funny and true but not about the part with windsor it is a great city with lots to offer
here is a link to the video http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/index.jhtml?ml_video=83553
Anonymous,
Let’s face it, it’s a shot at Windsor’s brand. The reality is not that it is true or not, but it is what is percieved to be true – that is your brand.
For instance part of Apple’s brand is that it’s computer cost more than PC’s. But considering what comes with a MAC, this perception is untrue. But that is part of Apple’s brand.
Hi, I’m from Windsor, I live 70 yards from the Ambassador Bridge and the pollution is horrendas on certain days, but all their studies do not reflect the truth in some of their models My street was not even included in the air impact assessment and therefore not represented in their latest Environmental Air dispersion model.
http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/pdf/DRAFT_AirQualityImpactAssessment_ReportAug2007.pdf
Below is a cut and paste from another blog…
http://chrisschnurr.wordpress.com/2007/08/07/interim-control-bylaw-affects-quality-of-life/#comment-2391
this is only the tip of the iceburg I fear, the more I investigate and read, the worse it looks for all involved including me…
and the rich get richer…. possibly more to come.
thankyou for the space
mj
____________________________________________________________________________________
mike jacques Says:
August 8th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
My name is Mike Jacques and have lived on the westside of Indian Rd. since I was 10… I am 51 years old this year… I’m pretty sure I know what goes on around here. Pay Attention, pro Ambassador Bridge people who don’t live here. The past 10 years have been the worst. Really bad. What the councillors are saying about Blockbusting is true. I have tons O pics. You should see what across the street and next door on both sides of me, has looked like for 10 years. A garbage dump, property values suck, my swimming pool that my family has had since 1968 is a mess from fallout. the brick on my house is crumbling prematurely from trucks, our hearing has been affected from noise, not to mention our lungs. there’s no soundwall on the current bridge and they want to build another bridge in front of that one EVEN CLOSER… without any type of compensation for the past 15 years… give your head a shake… and after years of complaining Postma and Brown have finally hit a nerve… “BRAVO”… “BRAVO”…
Why didn’t the Ambassador Bridge Company put the “greenspace” 10 years ago, if their so community oriented… What about Assumption Church? I was told they will be getting big donation from Ambassador Bridge Company for crumbling mortor… Hmmm, we should measure how far the church is from the bridge, because I am closer…
The Rodents. I never saw a rat untill 4 years ago, ugly looking, it was in my herby curby, I tried to trap it but it got away. And I have counted up tp 7 Raccoons playing in and around my pool. Filthy things, make a big mess, not covered in my insurance, they come every night, and Possoms, mean looking critters with a pointed mouth and razor blade teeth sneaking around all the time, and skunks comming out of my you know what… ALL FROM GARBAGE ON INDIAN RD. What’s next Coyotes? It was not like this when I was a kid when families lived here. Come and sit on my front porch any time at night during the week and see if you can hold a decent conversation with the jake brakes being applied less than 70 meters away(soon to be 40 meters). ALL NIGHT LONG…
Just go to the bridge on a hot day when the trucks are doing their thing and get out of your car and walk around and take a whiff… Imagine that your whole life.
Yes everyone has a different opinion cencerning the councillors, mostly because they are sick of it by now. Personally, I hope they chase any underhanded wrong doers down like dogs and hold them accountable for more than just a greenspace. And I’m sure all of the west side of Indian Rd. will agree.
PS… the Ambassador Bridge Company in the last 2 weeks have cleaned up and boarded their houses up on the East side of Indian Rd. and it looks a lot better than it did, although still not accectable. Why did they choose now to clean up after all these years???
Because the councillors are doing what they are paid for.
Listening to the people they represent.
ThankYou
Mj.
Anonymous and Mike,
Your comments speak volumes. Thanks for joining this discussion. If it make you feel any better, a few local media folks monitor this discussion. Hopefully your comments will be heard and acted on.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Glad to read articles like this. Thanks to author!
Thank you. This subject gets regular comments. Also try my other post: http://brandcorral.blogspot.com/2007/02/have-you-ever-heard-of-windsor-ontario.html for more interesting comments on Windsor.
Enjoy
1.2 Area of Investigation
Since air quality does not respect local boundaries, a relatively broad area was
included in the Air Quality Assessment. This comprised an approximate 10 km
x 10 km area in West Windsor, from just south of the present Highway 401
terminus at Highway 3, 10 km north and 10 km west to the Detroit River. This
is approximately the area depicted in Figure 1.1 that was presented earlier.
Potential air quality effects from roadways decrease with increasing distance
from the roadway. Therefore the greatest effects will occur immediately
adjacent to the roadway. For assessment of the potential affects on air quality of
the Access Road Alternatives and Crossing Alternatives, an area located within
250 m on either side of the Right of Way (ROW) of each proposed Alternative
was studied. Similar to the connecting route alternatives, the Plaza Alternatives
were assessed within 250 m of the proposed facility property lines.
2.2 Assessment Criteria
Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) have
set air quality objectives, and air quality standards and criteria, respectively for
various air pollutants.
Ontario Regulation 419 (O.Reg.419) of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act
(EPA) defines maximum concentration levels for various air contaminants at a
Point of Impingement (POI), arising from an industrial facility or similar
operation. The POI is generally defined as the off property location where the
maximum concentration resulting from a facility emission occurs. However, if
there is a child care facility, health care facility, senior’s home or educational
facility on the property in question these locations become the designated POI
location.
In addition, Section 14 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act (EPA)
prohibits a facility or operation to cause an adverse effect. The definition of
“adverse effect” in the EPA includes:
1. impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can
be made of it; and,
2. loss of enjoyment of normal use of property.
3.2.3.1 Roadway Segments Considered in the Assessment
The dispersion modeling analysis considered a large number of existing roads
and roadway segments, in addition to new, or modified roads that will be
constructed through implementation of the alternatives. These are as follows:
Roads North of EC Row Expressway
Huron Church Road and all major intersecting roads along Huron Church were
considered from the EC Row Expressway up to Riverside Drive. This includes the existing Ambassador Plaza, and local roads in the immediate vicinity of the
Plaza. The roads that were included in the assessment are listed below:
• Riverside Dr.
• University
Ave.
• Wyandotte St.
• Patricia Rd. /
Union St. /
Sunset Ave.
• College Ave.
• Millen St.
• Girardot St.
• Tecumseh Rd.
• Dorchester Rd.
• Prince / Totten
Rd.
• Malden Rd.
• Industrial Dr.
In addition, all traffic on the Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge and
through the Ambassador Plaza was included in the assessment.
I Do Not See Indian Rd. anywhere on there…. It runs parallel to the existing bridge, 70 meters out on the west side… from the plaza to the river… It’s hard to see from erial photo’s because my street seems to always appear to be under the bridge from erial photo’s I’ve seen…
I guess if your in their blockbusting area they don’t count you.
now for some numbers, from them, as to how safe it is within 250 meters of the bridge or plaza or ROW (right of way)…
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.2.1 PM2.5 Concentrations
As can be seen in Table 5.2, the maximum predicted PM2.5 concentrations at 50 m
away from the property boundary increase by a factor of 2X to more than 3X the
No Build concentrations in each of the horizon years for all four plaza options.
The changes at all distance intervals from the boundary were shown earlier in
Table 4.11, and are significant at 250 m for all Plaza Alternatives and all horizon
years. Similarly, all of the Plaza Alternatives result in a significant increase the
number of days predicted to exceed the CWS at 100 m away, in comparison to
No Build.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.2.2 NOX Concentrations
All of the plaza alternatives have a significant impact on the air quality in the
immediate vicinity of the property boundaries. The maximum predicted 1-hour
NOX concentrations at 50 m away from the property boundary increase by as
much as a factor of 6X in 2015, 9X in 2025 and almost 11X in 2035, in
comparison to the No Build concentrations for all four plaza options. The
increases in concentration are significant at distances up to 250 m from the
property boundary, for all Plaza Alternatives, and all horizon years.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The results from the Crossing Alternatives / Connecting Roadways are similar to
those seen for the Access Road Alternatives. However, the Crossings and
connecting roads are elevated, and thus the emissions behave a little differently
than ground level sources.
5.3.1 PM2.5 Concentrations
As can be seen in Table 5.2, the maximum predicted PM2.5 concentrations at 50 m
away from the ROW of the Crossings and connecting roadways increase by a
factor of 1.5 – 2X the No Build concentrations in each of the horizon years for the
three crossing options. Table 4.13 presented the changes at all distance intervals
from the boundary, and are significant at 250 m for all Crossing Alternatives and
all horizon years. All of the Crossing Alternatives result in a significant increase
the number of days predicted to exceed the CWS at 100 m away, in comparison
to No Build.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.3.2 NOX Concentrations
The maximum predicted 1-hour NOX concentrations increase by more than a
factor of 2X in comparison to the No Build concentrations at 50 m away from the
ROW by 2035. The increases in concentration are significant (> 10%) at
distances up to 250 m away, for all Alternatives, and all horizon years. Similar to
the results of the Access Road Alternatives, there are no exceedances of the MOE
1-hour NOx criterion in the vicinity of the Crossings / Connecting Roadway.
___________________________________
OMG!!!
Windsor is a fantastic place that you should visit!!!
______________________________________________________________________
above was a good post and true, Windsor is a GREAT place. We have some problems though…
Our current city council sounds like they got caught with their hands in our cookie jar over at the ” should we fix their sewers department” Sounds like they made it so they can manipulate the audit they were forced to call.
Oh well, We shall see…
___________________________________
We also have some beautiful beaches,,, can’t swim in them though… Something about fecal count is to high and you will die…
___________________________________
We had a beautiful downtown till the city turned it into a strip with a bar at every doorway to service the 19 year old Ohio people that can’t drink till their 21… On Saturday nights there are lineups everywhere and a cop in a fight at every doorway it seems…
___________________________________
We have been called “Sin City”
cause of the multitude of “massage parlors.
The Brand I see is not good…
___________________________________
Back to the question at hand…
After seeing the DRIC report on air quality within 250 meters of the ROW, I am very worried about the new bridge going up in front of this one. I will be under (or at) 50 meters. Is there anyone out there who reads what I read above think it is dangerous? Would you buy a house that was 50 meters from a noisy smelly bridge?? The Ambassador Bridge company is trying to sweep us under the rug..
and making the neighborhood a disaster for the past 15 years so they can buy us out cheap… Lot’s of people have left already and guess who owns their house?
thankyou
mj
Very interesting article, I have long sought. It is in front of me. I agree with you!
Interesting post. I guess most dealerships face a branding problem because their employees don’t really identify with the brand of cars they carry. For example, I saw one owner of a Vauxhall dealership driving a Jaguar. That somehow feels wrong to me.
Just imagine how their employees feel. Where is the confidence in their product? If asked about it they’d probably say it’s their spouses car – like that would make it better. Many businesses think brand is nothing but advertising spin.
Excellent website. Good work. Very useful. I will bookmark!
Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment.
Hello! Interesting article, thanks to author!
This neighbourhood has gone downhill so fast it’s mind-boggling.
Binational Great Lakes
Urban Regions
(Detroit-Windsor, Port Huron-Sarnia,
and Sault Ste. Maries)
A Report from the
International Air Quality Advisory Board
to the
International Joint Commission
February 2004
ISBN 1-894280-44-X
Findings
i) While the data reviewed were not the most current
nor comprehensive, it is clear that, in all three
regions, during episodes that occur with some
frequency, particularly in the summer months, smog
(ozone and fine particulate) achieves levels that
would affect the well being of the entire population
and have an immediate, pronounced negative impact
on the most sensitive elements of the populations –
youth and the elderly. Similar conditions are evident
in the past few years and appear to persist to this
day.
Interesting. I was trying to find out the hours of the garbage dump (located on central ave) and ended up here.
I was born and lived in Windsor most of my life. I’m almost 32, so that’s a lot of time spent in this… place.
Windsor is hard to describe, because it has it’s good and it’s bad. I’ve been to places I like a lot better, such as London and Mississauga, but Windsor just feels like home. Kinda of annoying actually.
The bad is that it’s next to Detroit, and we get their pollution. We are ignored by the government, we have horrible traffic problems (especially north/south), and the job market is very poor. It’s a city on the decline, I feel. Although Windsor has always felt like it was dying. Without Windsor though, what would happen to the most traveled border?
Some of the good though outweighs the bad. Beind next to Detroit is great when it comes to shopping (especially with our dollar being stronger now), sporting events and concerts. We get mostly American television, which is better than pathetic Canadian television. We often get new stores before other parts of the country, as we are a test bed and easy access. We have some great little restaurants, gotta love Terra Cotta, best pizza ever. We also have a very diverse city, when it comes to racial diversity.
I think a major issue with Windsor is that it lacks the white collar jobs and the city was designed very poorly. It’s hard to rebuild a city when it’s already been established. When you look at cities like London and Mississauga and compare their city layout to Windsor’s, it’s obvious the flaws in Windsor design and layout. No one in their right minds would design a layout like Windsor’s, it’s just doomed for disaster.
But describing Windsor is very hard. If I was to describe it, I would have to say it’s like a small Detroit, but cleaner, less crime, and a lot more white people.
My finance and I would love to move, but it’s hard when you have roots in the city and can’t easily just pull up and move. If I could have a job lined up in London, I’d go in a heartbeat though. I’m dying to get out of Windsor.
Nice website. Hopefully you’ll find something away from Windsor. But like you said, it’s still home.
Ed
Hi, well Ive been to most parts of Canada, including Windsor. My impression was that the location is good, long history, with French Settlement, good climate, the air quality is brutal (sorry) that yellow line of smog in the sky is a little scary. Great agricultural and manufacturing area, very very flat..friendly..’The’ big border crossing….anyway, I just came across your site while looking for some info on Windsor for a geography project, I need to analyse your contemporary urban form. Know any good sites?
Richard, thanks for your comment. I’m afraid that I don’t know of any sites that could help you. If you send me your email, I will forward it on to a friend who is the city planner for Windsor. Maybe LeeAnn will be able to pass on some information to you.
Ed
Oi, achei seu blog pelo google está bem interessante gostei desse post. Gostaria de falar sobre o CresceNet. O CresceNet é um provedor de internet discada que remunera seus usuários pelo tempo conectado. Exatamente isso que você leu, estão pagando para você conectar. O provedor paga 20 centavos por hora de conexão discada com ligação local para mais de 2100 cidades do Brasil. O CresceNet tem um acelerador de conexão, que deixa sua conexão até 10 vezes mais rápida. Quem utiliza banda larga pode lucrar também, basta se cadastrar no CresceNet e quando for dormir conectar por discada, é possível pagar a ADSL só com o dinheiro da discada. Nos horários de minuto único o gasto com telefone é mínimo e a remuneração do CresceNet generosa. Se você quiser linkar o Cresce.Net(www.provedorcrescenet.com) no seu blog eu ficaria agradecido, até mais e sucesso. (If he will be possible add the CresceNet(www.provedorcrescenet.com) in your blogroll I thankful, bye friend).
Crescenet,
I am at a disadvantage here as I canot understand your language. But I will have it translated and I will reply to your comment as soon as I can.
In the mean time I have placed you link on my blogroll. Would you mine adding mine to yours?
Ed
it’s me again, but I changed my tune a little to something that is positive, Check this out… The powers that be are turning my hood into a particulate matter deathtrap but that’s neither here nor there right now…
Windsor has a chance to Re Brand BIG TIME. right now…
The words were “WORLD CLASS” and that only means one thing to me.
Sooooo we gotta get on their ass and hold their noses to the grindstone and don’t ever let em’ forget the words they used “World Class”.
Windsor has the chance right now… to become THE World Class Entrance to Canada. Up till now we been treated like the backdoor and even feel that way.
Since Greenlink can’t pass the Environmental Assessment for air quality, they offer world class.
Well I guess it isn’t world class enough yet. But they are trying…
They just need us to kick em’.
mjaccq2u,
Thank you for returning. I will agree that the gateway will no doubt be world class. My only concern is two-fold. How do any of the 2 leading proposals address pollution and truck backing up? I thought these were the issues, no window dressing.
If after spending Billion$ these two issues are still with us, what will that reflect on our brand? I think our Mayor is doing a good job with what he has to deal with. I don’t envy him that’s for sure.
I’m very interested to see how they are going to handle 10K trucks while they build this “solution”.
Well It’s nice to see someone else also has certain desires when it comes to the words “World Class”.
I think the 2 proposals you spoke of are #1. DRIC, an American/Canadian government task force. #2. GreenLink,DRIC opposition,essentially the same plan only much more resident oriented.
There is a third option on the table, the Canadian Transit Company,CTC, and the Detroit International Bridge Company,DIBC, owners of the Ambassador Bridge.
I think it has became clear that none of these proposals will ever pass air quality assessment. Unless you consider 9 to 11 times the the amount of undesirable air in 2035 within 250 meters of any suggested plaza location is a passing grade.
So instead of a diesel ditch running through the city(the DRIC proposal)the mayor is trying to squeeze “GreenLink” through by using more tunnels and better landscape with portals and/or towers collecting all the pollutants and expelling them into the atmosphere at a remote location. I hope your not a resident downwind of any remote locations.
“I’m very interested to see how they are going to handle 10K trucks while they build this “solution”.”
I am quite positive that whatever crossing and method, or methods of approach they use,They will be able to do the above quite easily. Plus more… That’s what this is all about, transportation of goods. not about people, that is why they will fail the world class status in everyones eyes except the billionaires. But it’s not over yet and the fact is I’m not quite sure how this will turn out.
I cannot imagine the powers that be not recognizing the fact this is it. Windsor will be “Branded” forever. So the way I see it, they can’t get out of it that easy, having used the words “World Class”.
They, the DRIC told us that cost will be the last thing considered in their hunt for a safe resident oriented crossing. Ha.
Did you know, it’s not “feasable” to clean a tunnels air with Electronic Air Cleaners. Guess Why? To Expensive.
In order to have a “World Class” Border Infrastructure Program, first you must have people capable of making world class decisions.
I would never consider the crossing to be “World Class” if 1 person(bar none)isn’t happy.
You can’t make everyone happy, right? In this case there are 1000 households all in the same position, to leave any out, for 1 reason or another would be unaccectable.
I still believe that Canada Transport might do the right thing. They know what Canadians want and are starting to demand. Clean Air or at least some light in the tunnel. Not redirection of toxic fumes in an area that allready fails air quality, to some hidden spot, so our lungs and the ozone layer can eventually filter it. This is not World Class, is it?
Now if they bored a tunnel, since cost has no meaning, from Toronto to Detroit to New York, It would be a corridoor unlike any. Clean the air in that tunnel and you pass all EA tests. People above remain uneffected, Underground reverse customs with staging, inspection and xray, the ultamate in safety, very fast and reliable shipping can be achieved, it would be world class to remove that much air pollution from the planet.
Great observations. I cross over into Detroit several times a week via the bridge. I can tell you I’d hate to be boxed in, when the trucks back up in there. Jet fans or not, I can just imagine the fumes.
I like this idea quite a bit Ed. I give out a fair amount of free advice and free support so I think I may just start doing it.
My only concern would be that clients may be offended or put-off by this sort of thing, perhaps thinking “yeah so what, do you want my pity?, joke’s on you because you’ve been working for free!”…
I guess my question is how would you go about doing this without making the client feel like they owe you something or, on the other hand, that they took advantage of you? Do you attach a note to it? Explain what it is…?
I’ve often thought about how I could bring cutomers’ attention to the extra little perks and things I do out of goodwill for them. I’m thinking that a combination of this idea and another could make it unobtrusive and also enough to let clients identify with what you’ve done to help them.
If you send out a newsletter or blog, you could try saying a thankyou to them once in a while. Something in the order of: “We’re very happy to have such great customers who we love working for. In fact we’re so happy with our clients, it makes the easy tasks we do, like x, y and z seem like we’re working with friends and the big tasks like a, b and c a breeze to work through.”
It’d be something really simple but the wording would have to be just right and refined to communicate it in such a way so as not to push a guilt trip.
I think it’s a great idea to keep track of all the good things you can do for clients. I mean if you have an understanding about what you’re providing them, then it could make re-selling/up-selling/cross-selling much more simple in the future.
Dante,
I think it boils down to respect. Since I use your services, I know how professional you are, so I would see this as a sign of your respect for my loyalty to you.
When my client told me of this idea, I thought – what a great way to increase loyalty to me. I know I would appreciate knowing the extra effort. It would give me one more thing to brag about when I refer you. It adds to your value.
I will go back though, and ask my client for more details on how they approach it so that it doesn’t sound like sour grapes. When I get more details and what their customer’s reactions are, I will report back.
Hi Ed,
What a great idea! I’m going to start billing immediately.
Hey did you see this post I made? http://www.brandidentityguru.com/wordpress/?p=403
Ed, what bulk email program/website do you use? I’ve been using a piece of code I wrote myself to send newsletters out however I am beginning to have issues with it. The mailing list is growing so I need something more robust.
I use MaxBulk mailer. It it reasonably priced and works nicely.
I have read some of the blog accounts on Windsor and thought I would pass along my comments as well. I work for a fortune 500 company in a senior level position. I was fortunate enough to move to Europe for 3 years and run European operations for this company. I have travelled (for business) to every Western European country and most cities. Also is spent a considerable amount of time in Eastern Europe, Turkey, India, Korea, China, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. There are my beautiful places to visit but I was fortunate enough to call Italy home.
After my family’s 3 years in Italy we had a chance to come back to North America and live either in Michigan or Windsor. We decided to come back to Windsor – YES WINDSOR. People ask me why and I tell them you do not appreciate what you have until you left. I hear people talking about congestion from traffic but these people do not sit on the QEW near Toronto for 2 hours each day in traffic getting back home and to work. Even during busy times it is 20 minutes anywhere in this city.
Simple things like the radio. There are not many cities the size of Windsor who have as many radio stations that we have in this city. Basically we have a big city at our doorsteps and can use it anytime we want (unfortunately the border issue is a major problem and I have put manufacturing operations in the states just for this reason).
Also – Windsor is a safe city. People just need to see the statistics on line that are kept by the windsor police department (If they do not believe me on this fact).
Also, our waterfront with the park front properties is a big plus within the last 15 years that I do not think we exploit enough.
I also read some people indicate that the University of Windsor is not a good university. Many business leaders have gone through this university. Its Law school is recognized as one of the best in Canada, Some major senior level executives have graduated from this school – FIAT CEO got his MBA from Windsor. It’s engineering school is getting known for its creativity in solving problems.
Also, St. Clair College is well known as well for its part in education. This area has many skilled tradesmen that I know Alberta would love to have due to the shortage in that province. Bottom line is that Windsor has very competent and good people who are dedicated, provide a quality product and are hard working.
Some negatives are the polution and these are things that have to be dealt with by the city, province, and great lakes states in general.
Some other negatives is the downtown area. This should be something that is addressed – we have more “kiddie” bars on our main street Ouellette and not to forget the massage parlours on the main street as well. I do not have problems with these places but why not get a “red light district” for them? Our city is getting known for this and it is a little embarrasing. Who is going to invest money in a downtown next store to a massage parlour or Kiddie bar??
Also – the city is known for being a union town. I do not have problems with unions but it is hard to get people to put their money into a town when someone else wants to run their business. All this city needs to look at is cities like London Ontario who are getting manufacturing operations from Europe. Why is this happening. Because these companies are afraid of what is going to happen to their operations if they put it in Windsor. I tried to convince some investors to put business in Windsor and they thought I had “three heads”. The statement made to me is why would we want to do something stupid like that?? All we are going to have is a fight with the unions – we do not need that – we are fighting our competition to stay alive!!
I know the union leadership in Windsor does want to work with the comapanies as partners but allot of dammage from the past has been done and we need more progressive thinking for changes to be made (not statements from Buzz about Chrysler like he did today – this scares investment out of Detroit 3 manufacturing towns – they need to be more progressive like the UAW).
I think I said allot in this blog – but in summary – Windsor is a great place to live – beautiful coastline on great lakes, access to major city entertainment and opportunities, good workforce, and hopefully soon – good border access.
Negatives – 1950 labour thinking, current border access, polution, and downtown.
Anonymous,
Hats off to you sir! Thanks for the glowing recommendation for Windsor. I forwarded your comment on to Mayor Francis. I only hope the unions
wake up as perception is reality. They can deny the reputation, but only actions can change things, rhetoric changes nothing.
Ed
I think that a problem with Windsor is the way that things are run. I think the downtown is a shame. It caters to a wasted youth on friday and saturday nights.
Downtown needs more life in the daytime. One problem I hear among TONS of people living here is Parking. If the parking situation wasn’t so ridiculous, and ruthless more people would feel welcome to stay and check out shops that should be there, and dine at the restaurants already there.
With bringing life to the downtown, I think culture would come with it. I think a strong downtown makes a city a city.
For me, what makes Windsor is the people. I’ve been out west, and I actually found it to be pretty lonely, and a lot of the people I met were nice…but the same. In Windsor though there is such a large diversity of really great people that makes sitting in our gray depressing city unemployed really enjoyable.
I read a few of these comments before posting and I’ve never heard ANYONE claiming hockey came from windsor, ontario. Secondly someone famous from windsor would be former Prime minister Paul Martin.
Let’s face it Paul Martin is barely from Windsor – even he claims Quebec is his child hood home. The guy who invented the Blackberry is a Windsorite.
Dear Ed,
Fabulous blog – have every single one of the comments at Marketing Profs as well as SmallBusinessBranding.com and this one….
Fascinating. And very telling – the most negative comments about our fair city (I’m from the county but work in the city) come from within. I won’t argue with a single one – as you said it best – perception is reality. That being said…
We as a community need to get over the negativity. If we want new business here – we’d better start acting like it. We all need to stop whining about the unemployment rate, stop waiting for politicians to fix the situation for us. I include myself in this – please don’t think I am pointing fingers or picking on anyone in particular. It’s more of a pervasive toxic feeling that we breed here – and it’s easy to get caught up in. Why is negativity so much easier to spread that positivity? Is it a culture thing? Is it a Windsor-Essex county thing? Is it a human nature thing?
Dennis Desrosiers (who if you are from Windsor Essex county, you’ll know his name!!) told us that we have an unearned sense of entitlement and a victim mentality. This is certainly clear in some of the posts – to paraphrase – “our unions suck, our pollution sucks, our air quality sucks, our downtown sucks, the dollar sucks, our local leadership (or lack thereof) sucks and that’s why we don’t have jobs – that’s why we don’t have prosperity – that’s why we can’t find a solution to the problems that face us every day”.
It’s so much easier to blame the external factors, the government, policies, international trade, or whatever we want to put up as our reason for not moving forward on any given day.
I am sympathetic to the plight of so many of our workers who are laid off from great paying jobs that didn’t require education – just a family member that already worked at the “big 3” to get you in. I am empathetic to those workers who did not need to (and therefore chose not to) keep up with their techincal training and ability for companies who have now gone out of business – and they can’t find jobs with the innovative scrappy survivors who are still here doing incredible work in the mold, tool and die sector that is such a rich piece of Windsor’s history and future.
At some point – we have to take responsibility for ourselves. We have to say, as citizens of this community, this region, we’re survivors. We’ve always been survivors. I’m not going to allow myself to be painted with a brush that is tainted, untrue, overblown…I’m not waiting for the shiny knight on his white horse to show up and rescue me for my happily ever after. We don’t have the luxury of living in a fairy tale – not any more.
Interestingly – in this region, we often blame the unions for why business won’t come here. But the only posts that mentioned the union – were people that are from here. Like another of your readers I have travelled broadly and lived elsewhere. I chose to come back. I choose to stay.
However – rather than continue a diatribe – you asked where we were from and what our perceptions are:
I’m from Maidstone and have lived in Windsor, Essex, McGregor and Harrow in this area. A county kid really. What do we have?
– more greenhouses than anywhere in Canada, 2nd largest greenhouse growers in the world (Leamington)
– world-class research and development facilities at the college and university with billions of dollars of investment
– rich & interesting history with Hiram Walkers & rum runnersin the days of prohibition, Willistead Manor, Walkerville itself, interesting historical buildings and museums (Fort Malden, the underground railroad ended here, keep going we have so many!), a beautiful art gallery, symphony, local arts and drama groups, music, theatre, local brewery, pubs, restaurants, bars…
– trails, conservation areas and provincial parks, beaches, boating, fishing (perch and pickerel!!), hunting, cross country skiing
– safety and security
– a sense of community
– cultural diversity
– freedom, equality, and we are fortunate enough to have services for people who are down on their luck, out of a job – for all of our bashing about unions, public sectors, the ‘rich’ who piss off us working class folk – if you need a turkey for Christmas, fresh food on your table or a warm coat for your kid – you can get one courtesy of fundraising, tireless efforts of many of these groups. Usually free of charge. Not every community has that.
– generous community spirit – WE as a community did an amazing amount of work to help the people stricken by the hurricane in New Orleans, the Tsunami, how many other natural disasters in parts of the world where people lost everything – their homes, their jobs, sometimes their kids and loved ones – somehow or another events like that allow us to snap out of our depression and spring into action as a community – united we are strong, we are powerful, we are capable – my hope is that as a community we can find it in ourselves to save ourselves from drowning and snap us out of our own depression, come to our own rescue….
Sorry to have gone on Ed – as you can see I too am passionate about this region. Our area is not without it’s problems – but let’s not kid ourselves – no place on earth is without problems. It’s all in how we address them. We elect our politicians – we live in a free democratic society – they work for us. If we let our voices be heard to our leaders they must act. If they don’t…we have to vote them out.
Greetings Ed,
Your suggestion;
“The worst mistake you can make is to tire of your brand image and “update” it way before your market has even come to value it. You have to give it time to make an imapct and work to your favor. … Have patience and soldier on.”
… is one of the best pieces of brand advice I’ve heard in a LONG time. I think it’s one of the most frequent mistakes made — especially by small business owners.
Thanks for the insight.
Kevin Skarritt
Chief Nut – Acorn Creative
Hey there Chief,
What I typically tell business leaders who are itching to change, is to use this benchmark as a start:
“When you are getting tired of your brand image and marketing – this is when your target audience is only BEGINNING to see it.”
Good to hear from you, have a great Christmas Chief Nut!
Nice post Tracy, I forwarded it to the Mayor.
It reminds me of a situation I was involved in around 25 years ago. We had just began our business and we were chosen to develop Windsor’s image etc. We had a nice logo and the slogan was Windsor – Talk it up! Oddly the logo is still on some of our ambulances.
Back then we recognized that Windsor residentts were their own worst enemies. We felt nothing would change if we ourselves didn’t change our attitudes. That still holds true today. We’ve still got to Talk it up! It failed back then because the city failed to put a realistic enough budget towards the effort.
Bureaucrats always want quick fixes. Sometimes I think Windsor enjoys being the victim. It reminds me of a book I read some time ago called The Fear of Success. It’s main premise was that we are groomed for failure so we are used to it – we know how to deal with it. Success on the other hand is elusive and thus we do not have much experience with it. Failure is the devil we know.
It’s funny how ordeals like this often strengthen our ties to these people. Maybe it’s got something to do with empathy.
I hope for David’s sake that he’s kept some backups. He’s posted a lot of quality content and it’d be a pain for him to manually strip his content off Google/Yahoo/MSN cache ever so slowly.
Hi Ed,
Thanks so much for helping to spread the word!
It’s a pain, but you’re right that these things can make you stronger. I’m certainly learning valuable lessons.
Rob, your sentiments are also very much appreciated.
Thank you both!
Hi,
You have an interesting blog.
Here is a cool site called MoDazzle. It’s about accessing Salesforce on your mobile via SMS and email without internet and GPRS. You can also access other online services like Linkedin, Facebook, Google maps and Starbucks etc with MoDazzle on you mobile.
Check this site for free registration.
http://modazzle.com/cms/modazzleLp2.html?channel=CM&camp=SalesForceceev
This wouldn’t be an ad would it Jesni?
Hello Rob,
This story sort of contradicts the fact that you list a know link spammer CresceNet in your ‘recommended links’ (unless you have a second house in Brazil or so).
Ha, bout time I thought of a question. Here goes:
When writing naming a brand, writing a slogan or something important, do you look at words for their denotation or connotation?
If you use the connotation, how do you determine what people from around the world associate with that word?
Initially Robert I look at words for their denotation. If I’m trying to be especially clever their connotation kicks in. I don’t have any particular rule on this as it boils down to inspiration.
As far as a world view – my first consideration is the target market. If it is strickly a local skew, then I consider cultural barriers if I must translate the text for local ethnic consumption. If it is English only, not so much.
Thanks Ed, that was pretty straight forward…
I totally agree using emails is most of the times a really cold approach. My question to you is how exactly to build a relationship when selling to different customers on 4 different continents 🙂 Up to now, I’ve come to believe is easier to work with local partners and have them make the appointments. As an alternative, try to engage them more on the phone and instant messaging application and only then use emails. And the third step would be to take part in all industry events of relevance to get to meet more of your potential customers. Of course, when it comes down to key customers a business trip is the best approach.
I am not directly involved in the sales process, but am I close to a solution? 🙂
Alina,
Another way is video conferencing. The whole point is to get face time. If you are working on 4 continents, I think we all agree that email must play a role. But to try to minimize the fact that eventually you may become just an @something and easily replaced, physically speaking with via video would be a viable alternative, especially if you took the initiative and set them up as part of your service.
And as you last comment outlined – if they are key customers, regularly scheduled business trips would round it out nicely. Overall it is the relationship we are all trying to build with our customers. Showing effort impresses everyone.
Hi. An interesting question you have here. I think this website is pretty good to give people a general discussion platform for windsor, ontario, including how come no one has heard about this city, or heard little of it. http://canadawindsor.com
Thanks for the compliment Troi. There is quite an insight into Windsor’s brand here.
Hi Ed,
Those graphics you get for your articles are great… Do you get them done specially?
The nature of the web is fantastic for networking and I can only see it improving in terms of how we connect with people in our industries in the future. Google is working with technology at the moment that determines people’s relationships based on how they link to each other on the web. With that sort of technology and the minerals to adopt it in your sites and business, you can expect many more smiles brought by referrals.
Just boils down to how effectively you can connect with someone online – there are limits. Lately, I’ve found the phone to be a great tool, especially when people call after stumbling across your website.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve dragged my butt to an event that I was reluctant to attend only to get into a passionate discussion…”
I have no idea why this happens but it’s so true.
Though you don’t need it, goodluck riding the recession, Ed. Hopefully Canada isn’t affected too badly.
Cheers,
Rob
I do the graphics myself Rob. It’s sort of the last thing I do. A bit of fun.
Yes, what is it about low expectations that reverses itself. Any psychologists out there?
Canada isn’t in recession, but I am located in the industrial heartland which is heavily dependant on the domestic auto industry. It is in a down cycle at the moment. I’m busy though.
I lived in Windsor for over 40 years. It took me 10 years of trying but finally escaped from there!
Taxes are extremely high for what you services you get. City hall is overemployed, and top heavy.
City has been going downhill for years, and elected officials didn’t care, as long as Walkerville, South Windsor and Riverside were well cared for…the hell with the rest of the city.
Simple minded, auto and related industries seemed to be the only one wooed. Now look at where it is at. Everyday more and more people out of work, yet politicians are hailing the “new” $9/hour jobs as the second comming. With taxes as high as they are, most can’t afford to keep their homes. Sad really.
The fellow who remembered Windsor as cold, dark, and gray, had the perfect discription.
Anonymous,
Thank you for responding. Your criticism is obvoiusly from the heart. Do you feel that the city’s problem brand lies entirely with City Hall’s past and present? As you’ve probably noticed here, your sentiment is shared by many. I have to add that I posted this question else where and got the same responses. What one thing could WIndsor do that would at least make you believe that Windsor has a fighting chance at returning to a former glory?
I haven’t had a lot of experience with designers personally, but I have had a few websites designed and you definitely get what you pay for. Especially when you outsource through freelancing sites. I’ve never had the budget to go to a full-service agency. In my opinion I think it’s not worth it for most businesses
I frequently tell people to go the extra mile and spend a little more on their design stuff but they don’t see the connect (if any), between making money and spending thousands on design.
Would you believe a company asked me to make a banner graphic for them? I made it in Paint and was expecting that they’d reject it, but they shrugged it on board and still use the ad on our site today. They get roughly the same amount of clickthroughs on our site as the other non-flash banners which leads me to believe that design isn’t all that important. In fact it almost communicates that they’re saving money by not hiring a designer and hence they can afford to sell items more cheaply.
Then again, that’s for a biker’s store. For a professional service provider like accountants, engineers or lawyers I think it’d be a big issue. Good design to me equates to the success of the business. If they can afford a good design, they must be doing something right.
I do see professionals as having an advantage over your average joe but you certainly pay through the nose for it and it’s frequently out of the question for a lot of small businesses to hire them.
You may not have much experience with Graphic designers Robert, but is aapears that your view of their industry brand is that their value is over rated.
As for the biker’s store example, check out Harley and tell me that if their brand image was just text on a page, they would be getting the same market share.
I think what you must appreciate is that Graphic Design is not just a pretty graphic. It also communicates with a relevant message. GD is visual selling. Your banner example I would submit, does well because the message is valid to the viewer. How much money are they leaving on the table by not raising the bar, and having the banner design work for them as well?
I would turn your last staement around and say:
“They are doing something right, because they understand good design.”
I used to live in Windsor when I was younger. I remember as a child, looking up at the bridge and asking my mother if I could slide down from the highest point. During high school I enjoyed reading poetry at the Eclectic Cafe, volunteering for theater groups, and walking along the Detroit river. I live in Toronto now, but when I think of Windsor, I think of the wonderful atmosphere and the great people that make Windsor such a magical city.
i have relatives in windsor and lived there for a while, though i am a us citizen and lived in the suburbs of detroit most of my life. i dont know much about windsors history as a quiet lovely town, but i have experienced otherwise on many occasions. despite how many people in windsor are scared to death of the mention of detroit, my car was stolen in windsor and later my new car broken into. near downtown too. i went to a gym there and my locker was broken into and everything stolen. there is a lot of crime and drugs, i can assume fueled by the strip clubs and the people they attract. no it isnt a pristine small town. its rather like detroit on a smaller scale. it has some glitzy trappings like the casino and a few nice restaurants, and for the most part the people are very nice, but someone is committing all those crimes, and i have a feeling they arent so nice.
Hi Ed,
Interesting blog. Some of the posts are eye-opening since I’m moving to Windsor next week. After 20+ years in Halifax, I’m taking a job in Windsor. Hopefully, the climate, the housing market, and the friendly people will make up for the negatives I’ve read here. I’ve never had any negative impressions of Windsor. I grew up in Sarnia with family friends who enjoyed living in Windsor. I guess I’ll find out soon enough!
anonymous,
Well, welcome to Windsor. I myself am a Haligonian. My family still live there. The summers are definitely longer here. Spring actually starts in March/April as opposed to home. It is still warm in October here. 2″ is considered a big snowfall and the lightening storms should charge admission. For all the negatives – Windsor’s biggest plus for me is it’s location. 4 hours drive from almost anything you could want. Halifax is where my roots are and it is definitely more modern than Windsor and VERY white collar. I never met a union person until I moved here. I hope that you enjoy Windsor.
Ed
My problem with graphic designers is that in my opinion there are thre tiers of them in this city.
There are what I call the institutional type – the ones that are technically capable, nothing wrong with them other than they just don’t have the eye for it.
There are the absent minded professors – the ones who are quite talented but completely unprofessional, undependable etc.. but when you see their work, there is an ahhhh factor, unless they abandon the project 90% of the way through due to some emergency.
The third group the ones who can combine the talent with the professionalism are simply so few and far between that they are pretty much unaffordable to the masses.
What happens to them is they usually are so busy and expensive that they put someone under them in charge of your account and you’re back to type 1 above which turns this conversation into an abbott and costello “who’s on first” routine.
There are definitely more of tiers one and two in this market. Not a lot of talent, just a lot of technique, thanks to software. The crop of genuine talent are unappreciated and are as such unvalued. With graphic design viewed as a commodity, professionals have a hard time competing with cheap.
Anonymous – I can appreciate your positions on your local scene.
Hey Ed,
My 5 years in Windsor Summary
Referring back to a comment about”the scrappy tool and mold industry being part of the future of the city” from Tracy I have few more comments to add on our city’s industrial/political situation. First off that ship has sailed, our once glorious mold industry has been reduced To handful of key players.
As for our actions to say we play the victims and should take action instead of focusing on the negative may be partly true but it ignores the fact that we as a community have little say in the matter, sure we blindly elect and re-elect our officials and hope they represent us accordingly but through pressure from sources of influence in business, usually the same lot, who have had a strangle hold on this city for along time agendas are meet and the community feels its impacts in one shape or form. If its not from that direction its from lack of motivation from our Ontario Government. In turn, we the citizens of Windsor pay the price. This city has been under attack politically and economically for a long time. Unfortunately the people with the most influence and power in this city do not sit in office.
How could a city with such a strategic locale be in such poor health, it amazes me. For big business to turn its back and head else where should be a huge indication that obvious “local” organizations are to blame. Some might argue that our workforce is not skilled enough to handle change or new avenues, I highly doubt that. The people in Windsor are hard workers, sure some make a very good income with little education, yet other skilled workers are at the mercy of temp agencies, which in my opinion is slowly feeding on our economy. If the majority (excluding the sectors not involved with the manufacturing and automotive industries)of this city’s income is $10 an hour how will this city survive? If your city is ridden with poverty, unemployment, depression, it will definitely reflect in the over all first impression and reputation of the city. Branding the city is not going to be easy. Solutions might include awakening those involved with certain organizations that there leaders do not have there best interest in mind and only serve to fill there owns needs as well as other power figures in the community. Perhaps to evoke thought s and questions to this exact matter in more detail might cause some change for the better.
When people visit this city I often hear some say its dirty, cold, hard, but the people are friendly. From others that move here from larger cities they say there is nothing to do, which to me indicates that they couldn’t be bothered or have any desire to find something to do. I often reply to such a statement with…well theres always Detroit.
But usually the most often response when asked what they think of Windsor is …”its ok”. Theres hope. Please don’t assume I have nothing good to say about Windsor I do love this town, how could one not, I just think the change required is complex its source is a hydra and some in our city council only have sticks to defend themselves.
Anonymous – why do you post as Anonymous – you’ve got great opinions? I curious as to whom I speaking with. I agree wholeheartedly with you. I have my own personal beefs and from the marketing perspective have dealt for years with the fact that one firm in this city has a lock on ALL the city business for almost 30 years now. (another story)
Windsor is a frustrating story. I also agree with you that our strategic location is awesome but we are treated like a pariah. Branding will indeed be VERY difficult – but I do like France’s comment on changing the conversation, it is a great first start. The sad thing is it is exactly what we recommended almost 25 years ago to the city and it was never taken seriously. We were handling the account at the time (part of the other story).
My only concern with branding is whether the city has the determination to do it right or will they move for a short term spin solution. I fear the latter. Even recently in the address, his comments on telling our story is more advertising. We are going to put more slogans to work. It flies in the face of what branding is all about.
Ed, to be honest I stumbled upon your site by sheer luck, started reading from the top. Sometimes its liberating speaking your mind in anonymity. It seems your fully aware of the multi layers to an almost corrupt city. I agree fully with what you replied with, and a spin on a Brand is almost guaranteed, but it wont fool anyone. It would be a romantic notion that maybe a brand stating “we need help” might cause some national attention and spark some change, who knows. It sounds desperate, and a bit exaggerated but Im sure you get my point. I also forgot to mention that my conclusion on the cities economic status is that it will have to be completely drained or used and abandoned by implied “firms” and organizations before it can rebuild itself, and only then at this rate can it start fresh without influence which contradicts the best interest of the people of Windsor. This may be a horrifying and delusional concept, but in hope of airing out the real roots of the cities problems, can we truly understand the rebuilding process. Allot of people in Windsor do not think the situation is entirely that bad.
What a great way to get people to talk Ed. There are some great comments on here and even the ones that haven’t heard about Windsor are positive, in one way or another.
Good Luck
BL
BL eh?
Anonymity is enviable in some cases I will agree. There are times when I would love to expose a few things I am aware of, but, politics being what it is – there isn’t much point. I enjoy reading Halberstadt’s blog as well as the Windsor City Blog. On the latter I don’t wear this guy finds the time to write such in depth opinion. I write for my sit and another Branding site and it is enough for me to stay on top of that.
This Windsor question certainly has caused quite a passionate conversation so far. The Mayor used to follow the thread here, but I don’t know if he still does.
Hi Ed:
I think what you’re doing here makes for an extremely interesting read!
I’ve been a “Windsorite” all of my 42 years, and my frustration with the direction in which this city has gone, and continues to go – has just increased as I grow older and become a lot less tolerant.
It seems to me, that regardless of the Enwin Utilities fiasco, the border crossing deliberations, taxpayers getting slapped over and over again with useless city spending, etc. etc. The powers that be at city hall consistently overlook the bigger picture, and to me – this picture is huge.
Now that the automotive industry is in trouble, is it not safe to say that our current branding as a lunch bucket, union heavy, blue collar city is poised for a total 180 re-brand?
My feeling? Location, location, location! Can we not promote the hell out of that? We are the most southern city in the country. Our climate is wonderful, and we have a breathtaking waterfront. We border a major U.S. city and are surrounded on 3 sides by lakes and rivers.
The senior population in this country is growing, and more and more are moving here to retire because of our desireable climate. We’re becoming Canada’s Florida!
The casino is great if you’re retired, or young enough to enjoy a night out or a weekend away without worrying about your kids. Downtown is great if you’re under 30 – or a drunk underage American looking for a good time at a strip club, or are looking for a good fight.
These “attractions” appeal to a very select few, and leave out an entire demographic of huge spenders looking for somewhere to bring their kids, and their wallets for more than just an overnight visit. These are the same kinds of big earning, mid age professionals who frequent festival Epicure and the Erie Shores Wine Festival. More people make it a point to venture to those events for one night, than those who frequent the downtown area all year long.
The city desperately needs to recognize it’s potential as a family vacation destination. Can you say Disney? These people are looking for theme parks, water parks, drive-ins, camp grounds and unique, whimsical, fun places to shop – and interesting places to eat, where they don’t have to fight to find a place to park.
Base this branding on our great climate, our proximity to water – and eventually, if city planners finally get a clue,… an amazing (and warm) family vacation destination.
Therein lies the solution to the city’s growing unemployment.
Kate
Kate,
Your not wrong about seniors moving here. I live in Leamington. My new next door neighbour is a 60 year old woman from Vancouver who researched climate in canada and found this area to be the shortest winters and very cost efficient.
As far as Windsor’s branding goes, my biggest fear is that they are not going to address branding seriously and we will be cursed with another round of new slogans, new logos and advertising that has a very professional look but but spins a tale that is not real. Windsor has spent roughly 25 million over the last 25- 30 with the convention bureau. If it wasn’t for the casino, we really can’t brag at what that has gotten us. Same old faces and same old ideas run the show in Windsor.
Let’s wait and see if we are wrong. As they say, history repeats itself.
Thanks for commenting Kate,
Ed
I only knew Windsor as a polluted union town prior to visiting it for a couple of days. I visited in winter and found the waterfront and Erie Street restaurants to be fabulous. The people were very friendly. Downtown was the red light district. For such a short visit, there wasn’t much to do other than the casino so I just went back to my hotel room. I’m sure there are some really nice museums and art galleries somewhere. Oregon has a really nice museum in Baker City and Alberta has the Remington Museum in Cardston. Duluth has a wonderful Great Lakes aquarium to visit. Cafes and restaurants along the waterfront would have caught my attention, especially if they had live music like those cool bars in Chicago. Or a big theatre district, like Niagara on the Lake. Does Windsor only have car manufacturers or are there other types of businesses there? Do people who move there have to sell their foreign cars first?
I also just wanted to add that the current plan to put more money into already existing local “tourist attractions” such as Fort Malden, or the wine tour, or Heritage Village,…although great places, they are in my opinion just not the places that are going to bring the tourists in in droves. These things just do not have that “mass appeal”. Adults may love the wine and gambling, but – lets be honest – most kids are not going to beg their parents for a history lesson/field trip – much like those they’d have in school.
How about a Science Centre, a zoo, or an Aquarium? Why not put all of these attractions into one amazing area. There’s just so much unused land out past the airport, or off Hwy 3 or the 401.
So, so much potential – and money just wasted.
There is a science centre but it’s not world class. All Windsor seems concerned with is Downtown. They seem intent on forcing the populous downtown, although there is only things there for the youth. It is a frustrating place to live at times.
I disagree with the poster who says “existing local “tourist attractions” such as Fort Malden, or the wine tour, or Heritage Village,…although great places, they are in my opinion just not the places that are going to bring the tourists in in droves. … – lets be honest – most kids are not going to beg their parents for a history lesson/field trip – much like those they’d have in school.”
This person has not been to some of the more impressive museums and historical attractions in North America. Fort Malden is just as cool as the Halifax Citadel. People travel for miles to attend wine tours in Niagara, Napa Valley, Kelowna, Oregon and Washington – why not Essex County? How would people respond to a three hour adventure tour where they “become” part of the underground railway, including river boat ride, possibly ending in a dinner theatre style history “lesson”. Why couldn’t Colasanti’s become the local version of Butchart Gardens?
Windsor is steeped in history and it has a great location surrounded by water. There is no reason why Windsor can’t transform itself into the southern jewel of Canada.
Hi Ed (and fellow readers)!
If you need a test case for what tourists think of Windsor, here I am!
I’m a 28 year-old Brit who’s never been to Windsor before, and will be there for a week at the beginning of May!
I must confess that it wouldn’t be on my destination list were it not for other factors!
My main reason for coming to Windsor is some of my ancestors emigrated from England to Windsor to work at the Ford factory in the early 1900s. My great, great grandmother is buried in Windsor too. So one of my goals whilst I’m there is to track down my family’s history.
It’s ironic reading the comments about the polution in Windsor today. My relatives moved to Canada to start a new life away from the poor health and squalor of daily life in industrial Lancashire. Today, Lancashire’s got some of the cleanest air in Britain, whereas it would seem Windsor’s gone the other way!
But apart from my family history stuff, what is there for a tourist to do? I must confess that I’m getting very scared I’m making a big mistake reading many of these comments!
So come on all you Windsorites, tell us some more of the positives? What is there for us tourists to do (aside from gambling and massage parlors)?
Even if there aren’t so many tourist attractions, what’s the best way of meeting the warm, friendly people you all refer to?
Chris
PS: None of my friends have heard of Windsor, Ontario, but everyone’s heard of Detroit. If I say I’m going to Detroit, I get a universally bad reaction from my British friends who enjoy travelling. When I say I’m going to Windsor, I don’t! Is it good or bad that the two get linked together in every travel guidebook??!
Well Chris,
Windsor isn’t too bad. The people are genuine here. The weather should be much better the week you’re here. Detroit has plenty to do and see. It isn’t too bad. I think it’s bad reputation is way over- blown. If you’re a sports fan you’ll be in heaven.
Windsor is definitely industrial. It’s waterfront is very pleasant. It’s the best view of downtown Detroit. When my family from Nova Scotia visit, there isn’t much to take them to in Windsor. If you are coming alone, downtown Windsor has an active bar scene. I don’t think you have any reason to regret your decision to visit. The area has a great climate. Windsorites are probably more Americanized than any other part of Canada.
We view Detroit as family – a cousin lets say. I don’t think you’ll notice the pollution or any of the negatives in your short visit.
I’d love to see you check back in here after your visit and give us your feedback.
Ed
Message to our UK friend – Chris!
First, let me welcome you to Windsor Essex county. If you check out the link below you’ll see some of the things we have to offer.
http://www.visitwindsor.com/main.htm
As a 28 year old Brit, it’s hard to know what you’re into from a social scene. Are you coming alone or with friends? Where are you staying – down town or elsewhere? I’m sure that you’ll find loads of friendly people – especially with a British accent!
I’d be happy to help you by identifying some activities or things you can do if you’d like!
Best regards,
Tracy
Chris, Tracy would be better qualified than most to help you find activities in Windsor.
And friendly too!
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the kind offer and for the link! I had actually been to the site before, but must have completely forgotten about it. I’ve found some great stuff to look at this evening.
I’ll be travelling alone and I’m staying at the Days Inn on Goyeau Street.
I guess I’d describe myself as a hisory and travel-loving vegetarian who enjoys meeting new people, eating at great restaurants and generally having fun in the evenings. This trip will be an odd one though, as I don’t usually travel on my own. I guess I’m scared of ending up in my hotel room bored in the evenings!
Is there anything I shouldn’t miss whilst I’m there?
Chris
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Ed,
There are a lot of companies that invest in professional presence for their representatives. Coaches abound. The best I know is Voice-Pro out of Cleveland. Top notch folks. Your comments on brand and logo strike a nerve. Logo should scream brand. In turm the brand should bleed value to the outside world. Logos focused largely on identities known best by employees are ho hum to cutomers and are often talked down by the company’s own personnel for fear the logo appears self gratifying outside the gates.
Aside from the complex physical connections that make up its infrastructure, the Internet is facilitated by bi- or multi-lateral commercial contracts (e.g., peering agreements), and by technical specifications or protocols that describe how to exchange data over the network. Indeed, the Internet is essentially defined by its interconnections and routing policies.
As of December 30, 2007, 1.319 billion people use the Internet according to Internet World Stats. Writing in the Harvard International Review, philosopher N.J. Slabbert, a writer on policy issues for the Washington, D.C.–based Urban Land Institute, has asserted that the Internet is fast becoming a basic feature of global civilization, so that what has traditionally been called “civil society” is now becoming identical with information technology society as defined by Internet use. – web design company, web designer, web design india
Wow! Put your logo on the bottom of every page says it all. You have to get the logo out there to remind the customer who you are, what you offer, etc.
To find such a logo or dream one up of your own can be difficult, so I would like to suggest checking out the following website.. Pixel Logo Design
They have logos for every need.
Calcio nuoto Tennis -europei 2008
dietro le quinte
http://sport-italia.blogspot.com
Hi Ed,
I grew up in a small town on the edge of Essex county and visited Windsor regurlarly throughout my lifetime. The University of Windsor is my Alma Mater and I lived in Windsor for 4 years while attending it. In the last 25 years I have lived in Toronto, Missisauga, Ottawa, Cambridge, Victoria BC and now Chatham, ON. I have also travelled to many cities and regions across North America.
I have always felt like Windsor was a second home town to me. Because of my fondness for it, I really do feel badly for how it has evolved (or not) over the last 30 years or so. As many guests have mentioned, it has great potential because of it’s location at the heart of the American Midwest, Canada and the Great Lakes. Yet despite this great potential, I believe that Windsor’s politicians and even many of it’s citizens are it’s own worst enemy. I currently live in Chatham, ON (although not for much longer) and it too suffers from the same wound licking attitude as Windsor. I think the only thing that can save Windsor from being the armpit of Ontario, is for it’s politicians and citizens to finally realize that they must step up to the plate and start behaving like a mid-sized growing city, not like a shrinking small town. They need to look at other mid to large sized cities such as London, Ottawa or Toronto and learn from them. What did those cities do to make themselves great places to visit? Your politicians have failed you so badly over the years. The Chrysler building, the Sports Arena, the alternate river crossing, the riverfront Holiday Inn, all unmitigated disasters inflicted on the city by its own poliiticans. And yet the citizens never seemed to much notice or care. Each and every one of these disasters could instead have resulted in a building icon that saved Windsor from it’s ‘armpit’ fate. And yet Windsor continues to repeat these mistakes.
Having lived in other cities and travelled across the country, I have grown weary of trying to defend Windsor, when it refuses to recognize it’s own short comings and deal with them.
My advice to Windsor would be first to elect poiliticians, regardles of their political stripe, that want to create world class facilities in Windsor, and who want to make it happen now, not 30 years down the road. Secondly make Windsor a place where people from the county and city would want to live, rather than escape from. And finally, Windsor needs to realize that if it can’t make itself a welcoming place to the communities that surround it, how can it ever expect to be seen as a welcoming place to visitors from afar?
I do hope that Windsor can somehow pull itself out of it’s languishing navel gazing and someday be seen as a beautiful gateway city to Ontario and Canada. But if that is ever going to happen, it must start with the proactive and forward thinking actions of both it’s politicians and citizens.
Excellent observation and suggestions. One of best responses of the lot. Thanks for your input.
A new Brand and clever letterhead isn’t going to help. Sorry Ed, I know your business is based on that but really, I get tired of hearing about the city and many of the government orgs getting new logos.
You can’t change something by giving it a new logo and mission statement. The change needs to come from within and the powers providing support to local companies that are doing something not related to Automotive.
The city wanted to be a tourist destination but they still don’t have a real attraction. A Casino? Thats it? Give me a break. Oh wait we have a park as well. I’m sure people all over the world are looking at Windsor with the casino and park to spend their summer vacation.
I’m sure once we have the new logo things will change…
Anonymous,
You can’t offend me – thick skin. Just for your education. A brand is not a logo. That is a common misconception about branding. What you say that is needed is more to do with the brand. An easy explanation is to take the word brand and replace it with reputation. In order for the city to change it’s brand IT must fundamentally change what it is. I’m with you in regards to logos. How many logos has downtown Windsor had? I have been involved with at least two of them, one was last year, now this year they are the mosaic, I wonder what they will be by fall. A pretty face changes nothing, the mess is still there.
I think we agree. But do me a favour and don’t call it branding – it’s far from it.
Don’t you think the city itself has to change before its “reputation” will? We all know what Windsor could and should be, but what it currently is – I don’t feel reflects the kind of place most citizens feel it should be promoted as. Give us something NEW to brag about….other than the casino and the waterfront.
Right now, it’s sort of like putting the cart before the horse isn’t it?
Hmmm…. bragging rights. Ties right into branding and positioning. Precipitated by brainstorming:
Canada’s southermost playground
Canada’s freshwater playground
Ontario’s newest metropolis
Ontario’s undiscovered gem
Canada’s secret getaway
Canada’s California
The affordable alternative
Vegas North
Your metroponexus (futuristic sounding, non?)- not to be confused with metroponext2us
Canada’s happiest city (friendliest, prettiest, warmest)
Open for business
Live where there’s more to life (than working)
The lost (navel gazing) city
Silliness is allowed when brainstorming!
Ideally, a positiong statement would evoke pride, a feeling that Windsor is the place to be for economic growth and for pleasurable living.
Upon reflection, I rather like a line from a previous post “the southern jewel of Canada”. Now that evokes pride and is timeless.
RN,
If you look at any of those statements, Windsor could not actually lay claim to them. Even southern most playground would fall to Pelee Island.
Branding commands that you try to choose a differentiator that is just that – absolutely different.
At the very least be the first to market with the statement. So you could adopt one of your suggestions, but next is the hurdle to make it real and next is putting it out there and living up to it.
But as Anonymous states, we must fix our reputation or that is going to trump any efforts we try.
Perhaps I view branding statements differently. I don’t think they have to reflect where you have been. Rather they need to paint a picture for where you want to be. They don’t have to be real in the moment or in the past. What you want is a vision that people can latch on to and say “yes, we really can be that!” or “Hey, look at us. We are the …. (put visionary branding statement here.)”
To me, targeting your brand to where you want to go does not require originality and it does not require you to be first. Technically, Pelee Island is southernmost in Canada. Practically, Windsor is the place that can handle the most visitors with ease of access and I don’t think that someone from anywhere further than a few hours distant will quibble much over the terminology. You only have to look as far as Alberta to see that what is advertised is definitely not what you get when you arrive. There you can find tourist guides that bill mediocre sites found several hours drive away as “local” so they can have a promo piece thicker than a single page. That’s misleading. A visionary statement of what you want to become is not.
RN,
What you are referring to is a slogan. Which is like a general theme. BUT they still must reflect reality or they will (like Alberta did with you) put a bad taste in your mouth. That will then reflect on your brand – negatively. When selling with your brand it is important to be unique or first to market.
With Pelee VS Windsor what you said was “southern most playground” not “southern most playground that can handle tourists efficiently”. When I listen to what you are saying I see a traditional marketing campaign based on a hope. You know what they say – “The fastest way to kill a bad product is with great advertising.” They will try it once, but if the experience is bad, NEVER again.
What is the point of marketing yourself as something you wish to be only to disappoint your audience when they bite and are exposed to something entirely different. You gain nothing and in turn damage your brand with that person.
The thing is, have the vision of what you want your brand to become – work on the vision – and market honestly to achieve that vision. BUT it does have to be real. And being unique creates that compelling reason to visit Windsor.
How did you feel the last time you bought a product based on a compelling claim, only to be disappointed with its reality? Would you buy it again?
If your brand is bad, you’ve got to fix it first – no amount of spin is going to make it better. You are only left with emptier pockets and the same problem, all be it with a pretty bit of window dressing. Brand goes deeper than that – you can’t fool the public in the long run.
It’s said that perception (perhaps created by marketing spin) is everything. Perception and brand go hand in hand. Does Windsor’s reality match the perception/brand? Do we need to ajust how Windsor is perceived? Or is it already perceived the way it really is? In which case, the brand/position already reflects the reality and there’s nothing to fix. Ed, what is Windsor’s reality?
Amen Ed!
I think the Transplant Olympic Games are held there.
Sometimes the design of the trade show displays are just as interesting as the product being displayed.
I live in Windsor, Ontario. Its a city that is going through bad times economy wise. There are not many jobs and it has the highest rate of vacancy in Canada.I wouldn’t suggest moving here anytime soon. We are across the river from Detroit Michigan, but Windsor is much more calm then Detroit.
Ed: It appears that the focus here is from a service business perspective. In an industrial setting unless the business is highly seasonal there may not be as much “cat’s away” time.
It is still useful to spend time re-evaluating strategies for growing the business, strenthening relations with current key customers and perhaps exploring new oportunities to diversify.
Many times business owners are too involved in day to day operations and fail to take the time needed to project future expectations and adapt to changing market conditions.
Today’s economy forces continuous reviews of the business and I spend significant time with owners restaging strategic positions.
It’s always good to look for better mouse traps and the innovative entrepreneur wins.
Gerry
Ed,
Congrats. Just downloaded my copy – looking forward to reading it.
Best,
Derrick
Thanks for dropping by Derrick. We must catch up again soon. I trust you’ve been well?
Great idea Ed! Very useful and practical! Everyone who reads this, whether in sales or not, can take something away from it that can help them increase their ability to control their own success.
I’m nothing if I’m not practical Jeffrey. Like yourself I enjoy great straight forward information that I can use. One of the complaints I have with some blog articles is – the promise in the headline doesn’t deliver in the body of the article.
Classic bait and switch. Thanks for your endorsement of the book, means a lot.
Fantastic ideas and tips you offer.
Thanks,
JR
Thanks JR. Have you taken a gander at my FREE eBook yet? More great information there as well.
All the best,
Ed
Hi,
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Cheers!
I am from Windsor, Ontario. While I would not say it is a great city (right now), there is certainly huge opportunity and potential, especially for small business. The rich in Windsor are getting richer, while everyone else is frightened to take risks. There is a respectable market here.
Comparing Windsor vs. Toronto:
– Toronto: High Income and High Cost of living results in a decent amount of disposable income. However most of the population works from 9am-5pm BUT including traveling time is busy from 7am-7pm. This leaves little time to actually spend money in the city.
– Windsor: Average Income and Low Cost of living results in a similar disposable income as Toronto. Most of the population works from 7am-3pm, or 9am-5pm and travel time is not a concern. This leaves much more time to enjoy life and spend money.
Based on this general comparison there is advantages to living in Windsor.
The recent attraction of Ceasers to Windsor, along with the many events to follow is a positive sign for Windsor.
I personally and working on with businesses as a management consultant in Windsor to help the economy. Also, I am working on developing a strong Angel Investor network and prepare start-up businesses. The goal is to facilitate deals in Windsor.
I may be overly positive on Windsor, but this is how things get moving.
Anyone who wishes to contact me for more insight or information is welcome to do so:
Email: adamg@uwindsor.ca
House prices very low in Windsor, probably due to the hard economic times the city is experiencing. I live in Calgary — I could sell my house in Calgary and buy a dozen houses in Windsor!
Windsor should be promoted as a retirement haven. Affordable houses, milder climate than other areas in Canada, nice riverfront for strolling. For a pensioner, mortgage payments would be half what one pays for rent in Toronto.
I have family in Windsor and because of that lived there at two points in my life – thankfully less than a year both times. The first time, I was a child; what I remember of that wasn’t too unpleasant but I do remember there being nothing to do and the weather being very uncomfortable (heat in summer). The second time, as an adult, helped me solidify the impressions I gained from subsequent family visits. In a word, Windsor is BLEAK. My brother and sister-in-law barely get by because they’ve both got lousy jobs (two apiece) – casual labour, because nobody hires full-time anymore. No security, no benefits, frequent layoffs. Eventually the factory my sis-in-law worked in closed for good and now she struggles with casual work in the “tourism” industry. Their children suffer for it, because the low income is unpredictable yet they’re always working so don’t have time or money to offer them any advantages. It doesn’t end.
But my own experience living there: bleak, desolate. I tried in vain to find some semblance of culture (having lived in places where it actually existed) or entertainment. There’s nothing to do and no money to do it. People keep losing their jobs, employers keep leaving. It’s a dying town. A dying, filthy, polluted, ugly town offering nothing to anyone. I really hate it when I have to visit family, which is an awful thing because I love them but the location is that off-putting.
My grandmother lived there for sixty years and hated every minute of it, as did my father until he left home. Why my brother chose to move back is beyond me. I feel very sorry for his kids.
Something positive to balance all that, hmm: it’s less scary than Detroit.
One of the problems with Windsor is the amount of people like the above poster who are nothing but negative. You link Windsor as a dying “town” (it is a city) to the poor experience of your family members. Well guess what…I will tell you that there are also people struggling in every other city in the world. I am fairly confident that there is more money in Windsor on a per capita basis than there is in most other Canadian cities.
Seeing as the last post is filled with bias and many flaws I can see why the “perception” of Windsor is negative.
Great post Ed. The value of your own brand is something I had to grasp quickly when I started my business. Making sure you charge the right fees and then keeping time sheets of projects to check you’re quoting correctly at the outset.
If you are cheap, you attract cheap. Charge the right fees and you will attract the right sort of client. Naturally you have to balance bringing in the cash and setting a benchmark to prospective clients but in time I’ve learned to manage this gaining respect for my work in the process.
A very important step for any new business.
Absolutely right Richard. If we don’t respect ourselves what value can we be to others?
Thanks for your input.
omg! I left Windsor 20 yrs. ago and have never looked back. I still vist since I have family there but I would nver live there again. Yes it does have great whether… you rarely see people enjoying your California whether. I always hear them saying “It’s too hot , it’s too humid etc. etc. There are almost no restaurants with terrases(too hot) With all the water they have, not too many people are out enjoying it. Now don’t get me started about the unemploypment problem they have. They know from the past that the automotive industry is cyclical, so why not dyversify. When there is a down turn in the auto industry those tool and die plants could manufacture other products. But NO the OVER PAID and UNDER EDUCATED and EXTRERMLY unionized workforce goes crying to the government for help. Why don’t the people of Windsor help themselves. If you see that things are not looking good then do something. MOVE, GO BACK TO SCHOOL,CHANGE JOBS etc. etc. Don’t just complain about it .
Windsor and the surrounding area has great possabilaties but small minded people who are only looking for someone else to rescue them.
Too bad. Good whether, suckey attitude.
Anonymous,
I have to agree some what about not enjoying the weather. We live along the lake (Erie) and we eat outside alot of the time and never see our neighbours except when they water their flowers. They spend most of their time inside.
Congratulations!
Sounds like a winner to me.
Ed, great advice with a great example.
For some businesses, building your business with cheap fees may be beneficial in the sense that it may POSSIBLY provide experience, testimonials, clientele, customer loyalty, and brand image more easily than with a initially expensive fees.
Having a high cost (high value) strategy during the business launch MAY not be the most effective. Certainly consider which strategy will help provide your business with a long-term strategic competitive advantage by building the above mentioned strengths.
Take a good look at your product and see how it fits in the current market and potential customers perception. If it provides great value, then yes immediately a higher price is justified. If it is perceived as providing low to medium value compared with the competition a lower price may attract customers which will then improve the perception of the brand and ultimately justify a price increase.
Andrew, I think you hit the nail on the head when you recommend looking at your marketplace. The worst thing about starting too low, is it is very difficult to move up plus the perception of value is terrible. When I started out I found the more I charged for (logos) for instance the more business I got.
I’m sure part of that equation was also an increased confidence, which helped in my selling.
Thanks for your opinion.
Thanks Andrew. If you’d like to join in or just follow the next challenge, go to FohBoh.com
ED
To Andrew:: Hmmm you must be oblivious to your surroundings- Windsor is going downhill big 3 pulling out and unions- losing strength.. The casino wants all p.t. so they won’t have to pay benefits.. used to work there and that is there ideas with Caesars and it will happen…. maybe take a buyout live in the real world and go back to school – no one is beating down the door to open a business in Windsor!!!! I just moved to London and all I miss about Windsor is its proximaty to DETROIT!!!
Hi Ed,
I work in the area of teaching people about their numbers which is a very boring and uninteresting area. In 2002 I wrote a book called ‘where’s the money gone?’ which outlined a tool called The Financial Fence which was a way of showing people visually how their numbers worked. As an accountant at the time I never realized that colour was important at all but since then we have used colour extensively in the producta and now in our brand One Sherpa.
Having had a personal experience of the power of colour I’m a true convert.
Your comments on colour struck a real chord with me.
I appreciate your comment Andee. It’s heartening to see someone in your industry who pays attention to colour. As part of your differentiation strategy, it will set you apart subliminally. Your audience isn’t conscience to it’s power, but because it is visually powerful, it is so much easier to register than the written word. It will also compliment your positioning.
So in your instance, is the slogan “Future Confident”
strengthened by your colour palette? Blue being a soothing colour, it no doubt plays an important role.
Hi Ed,
My comments on colour relate to our product called The Financial Fence.
In it we have a colour that represents each of the overall categories of the numbers.
i.e. Capital is Green, Debt is Red and Equity is Dark Blue, Income is Sky Blue, expenses are Orange.
We also carry that through our game called Where’s the money gone and through a whole methodology that can work for an individual as well as a business.
I have recently also taken a planning package which we used as part of the soporate group I was in for 12 years and adapted it so that the key analysis is a separate colour and people can read the sections more easily.
What we’ve found is that it is easier to read the shape of the numbers rather than the individual numbers themselves. It helps people not get stuck seeing the wood for the trees!!!
It’s more about being successful and not necessarily big.
Spot on – Jeffrey. Customers are comforted by surrounding themselves with successful people. It generates positive energy they can draw from and provides expert guidance that is proven.
My goodness!!! You look for the negative and you’ll find it!!!! I was born and raised in Windsor (well, as far as I’m concerned, by the time you’re 13, you’re raised). Then moved to a little town outside of Detroit in Michigan, lived in the US for 20+ years. I’m one of those lucky ones that have dual citizenship. I just recently moved back to Windsor March of this year because I plan to be married this year and we decided that is where we want to raise our family. I love the small town feel with the big town benefits. I love that you don’t need a car to get around town. Sure, the bus takes awhile, but it saves time, gas, insurance, etc. Things we took for granted not too many years ago. I love to be able to just walk down to the river and walk along the river. Any time day or nite and have a beautiful view, not aware of a need to be somewhat concerned for my safety. I love the fireworks. Freedom Festival events. The Santa Claus Parade. The U. the quaint little restaurants and communities. The many many cultures. I love driving along the drive, just to see what there is to see. The Peace Fountain. All the parks along the river. Peche Island. Boblo Island. Amherstburg. Ganatchio trail. Beach. I love the REAL people. Instant friends. I love the fact that I can just show up on someone’s doorstep that I haven’t talked to in 5 or 10 years, and be greeted with a warm hug and a “come on in!” and just sit and talk for hours!! I like the bulk food store, the color of my drivers license. The trillium on it. I love the fact that my Dad was born here, and I was born here, so was my sister and my favourite aunt. I love the great memories of just being with my extended family, my grandparents, holidays, any day!!! Did I say I love the people? I love the people. The economy will rise and fall. Jobs will come and go. Open your minds, get creative!! There’s always a need for commerce – you just need to go with the flow, change with the times!! Hudson Bay Trading Company. I think they were really successful at one time. I don’t think there’s a need for their services anymore but I think there’ve been some successful companies since then. What can YOU do to change YOUR town?? WE WANT YOU to want to make a difference and make your mark. YOUR BRAND here. Instead of criticizing all the problems, what can YOU do to fix them? Be proactive. Maybe you’ll start a new trend and maybe when you do you’ll find it can also pay your bills. Yes, I’ve heard of Windsor , Ontario Canada, and I LOVE IT!!!!
Terrific Katie. I very inspirational message. FYI: Hudson’s Bay Company is still active just now here in Windsor.
Thanks,
Ed
Thanks Ed, a little embarrassed to admit I wasn’t sure about their existence still or not!! 🙂
I should have said “NOT” here in Windsor Katie. Sometimes it is just too late in the evening to be blogging and the fingers are tired.
Thanks for dropping by my blog by the way.
Thanks Ed!
Good luck – let’s see if you’re next on Chuck’s list.
Good post.
Thank you for dropping by Millie – have a great week.
I do not have any knowledge on ‘branding’. However the following is my response to your question “Have you heard of Windsor, Canada?”.
I moved to Windsor in mid 2006. In fact, I with one of my friends attended a seminar at the UWindsor in the summer of 2003. Since we were little early for the seminar we walked along Sunset avenue and by chance we hit the riverside. That moment I told my friend that I would be lucky if I could get a position in Windsor. That worked for me in 2006.
Few of my friends were discouraging my decision on selecting Windsor. However, I moved to Windsor and rented a house close to the University on the way towards Downtown. Though I found a very friendly neighbourhood, I started feeling I made a wrong choice. I felt the city was not clean, there was high rate of unemployment and houses were very old. And one day when I was walking along Wyandotte Road towards downtown between (I did not pass Church street) I found many small and/or old stores. I was able to see “For Lease” in few old buildings suitable for small stores. In fact, I did not feel bad about it because one could expect these in a small city. But when I saw a banner saying “Hot girls from Toronto” at one building, I was puzzled… The stores and houses show the city is small but a place with such banner does not represent a small city. I was really upset that day. After that I was not sure whether to live in Windsor or not.
In my second year (2007) I needed to decide whether to buy a house and settle down in Windsor or stay at a rented house till I move to a new city. I started searching for good neighbourhood. During that time I started discussing with my colleagues about good areas to buy houses…. Based on my colleagues’ suggestions I drove around the city and I found many very quite, friendly and neat in South Windsor. Finally I bought a house in Southwood Lake area….. Now I am really happy about my choice to live in Windsor.
There were few negative comments about the city in the blog. I found many of them are from people who have never been to Windsor or just stayed in Windsor for few days. It took me more than six months to see the cleanness of Windsor. Any one looking for quite and cleaner neighbourhood cannot enjoy living in downtown of any city. When I was studying at the University of Toronto (downtown campus), I did not live in downtown. One is the expensive rent and the other issue is too busy…. Every city has its own pros and cons and Windsor cannot be an exemption.
Positive aspects: Not very expensive houses, river side, parks, friendly people, US border.
Negative aspects: We cannot ignore negative aspects if we want improvements. As I told you I am new to the city. So I am still researching how the city evolved… What is the pattern of its economical change over the past ten years….
I think the main issue on the city’s economic condition is due to its reliance on big-3 auto manufacturers. If one types “Windsor Ontario” in google, (s)he will be overwhelmed by sites talking about auto manufacturing. The city needs a diversified economic portfolio.
Even though there are farms, no importance is given to agriculture. Farmers need to be educated on using information technology to optimize their decisions.
Some people consider Windsor Casino now called “Caesars” as a positive aspect. It may bring cash flow from US. However, we need to check its impact on teens who will be our leaders in the future.
BTW: Thank you for the blog. It helped me learn more about Windsor.
I made http://www.probook.ca/blog work on mobile phones with a great wordpress plugin. And, as it should, it links to Brand Corral 😉
…and a great link it is Jonathon, thank you.
Thanks also for dropping by.
-Ed
Not my first visit =)
I noticed you .mobi the other day, Ed. Very interesting stuff…
Always a good idea to secure your brandname in domains. A lot of sites these days also use “m.domainname.com” or “mobile.domainname.com” to redirect to their mobile site.
That’s interesting Robert. I’ve not seen that yet.
All good points.
Thanks Uncle Stuffy – I’ve gotta million of ’em.
Hi Ed.
This makes good reading. I work for a non-profit enterprise agency here in the UK and we are looking at re-branding ourselves. Any special advice for this sector?
Thanks, Barry
Hello, I’m from The Windsor Star and am interested in doing an article on branding.
Please contact jireland@thestar.canwest.com.
Thank you!
Barry, why do you feel the need to “re-brand”? What is lacking in your existing brand?
Nice tips for small businessmen. Utilizing or cashing our past client list and database and being always with a drive to promote our products/service would definetly yield good business. Free online classes are offered for new businessmen at http://www.revenueblitz.com. Utilize the free courses. Thanks.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
You absolutely… banged the nail in the head.
I think the problem is with the appraisal systems that have conquered the Internet. They absolutely undermine.. the brands potential.
Id like to know your insights on my comment.
Appraisal systems take the brand out of the equation because brands are hard to valuate. It is not tangible and are not located on a typical spread sheet.
In order for appraisal systems to incorporate brand they would have to establish a value on reputation. Your brand’s strength helps determine future potential. Appraisals deal with the here and now.
If the appraisal systems incorporated brand as part of the valuation, they would be more accurate. By not including it, the brand would be viewed as having less value – a diminished potential.
Some brands are worth more simply because of their reputation. It is this reputation that carries them through the tough times. Take away brand and you are lessening a company’s potential to survive and profit.
– thanks for commenting Meheer.
That being said… It must also be stressed that potential brands and sometimes even established brands often take consumer’s voice rather lightly.
I’d like to talk to you about a project I am working on. Id appreciate if you could Contact me on my email associated with this account.
Do you think maybe businesses are nervous of customers? I can’t think of any peers of mine who have ever surveyed their clients.
I emailed you this evening.
Ed
Great post. I think that targeted email lists are similar to Networking. You don’t go to a Social Network event and pass out your business card to everyone in hopes someone will call. You align yourself with those that have the same target market and build relationships. Those are the same people you could share your email list with as well.
Exactly CA. It is like traditional co-op marketing. Share the costs, increase your reach.
Thanks for commenting.
You spelt ‘principles’ incorrectly 🙂
Also, ‘savings’ should not be plural and neither should ‘comprehensives’. That sentence also doesn’t make sense, it should read, “Between the two comprehensive volumes there are over 100 articles aimed… ” or
“There are over 100 articles across 2 volumes that are aimed…”
Does your personal brand consist of the ability to make typos when you’re trying to sell articles written by you?
My personal brand consists of the ability to not be perfect.
I purchased a grammar/spelling program recently, but sometimes in my haste I forget to run it. (depends how late in the day I post)
I never say that I’m a professional writer. I consider myself an opinionator. I am of value to my customers based on what I say, not how I say it.
I appreciate your criticism though, and if you’ve noticed, I’ve corrected my post. I’ve rephrased the 66% comment, but in another way. ‘…66% saving’ just doesn’t sound right to me.
In fairness to another of my personal values, I will never edit out your comments. I learn from each and every one of them. By the way are you the same ‘Anonymous’ who checks in here from time to time?
P.S. If any of the above has grammar errors – it is because Grammarian is not installed here yet due to a hard drive crash about a week ago 🙂
I’ve been here a few times before because I find your opinions interesting and yes, I understand that you are not a professional writer but an opinionator, as most bloggers are.
However, I simply don’t find the excuse “I didn’t have time to spell check” or “I don’t have a grammar tool installed yet” a sufficient explanation for incorrect use of the english language as this also says something of your brand.
I wouldn’t expect everyone to be perfect but I believe that attention to detail and a good level of communication is essential in any small business and it reflects poorly on one’s brand if it is not read and re-read before being communicated to current of potential clients.
For example, If I were to engage a business in some level of work that requires a quote and I get an estimate of $100.00 rather than $1000.00, not only does it reflect negatively on a business but the client could then hold that business to it – a potential $900.00 mistake. No grammar tool or spell check tool would pick that.
I believe your blog and associated posts across the internet communicates your passion and willing to help others succeed which is great, but unless it’s done correctly it may harm you more than help you.
Keep up the great work!
A.
Point taken.
E.
I live in Windsor and it’s a great community on the Detroit River with awesome summertime festivals and the newly acquired Casino and it’s stellar renovation.
I go to the Bluesfest International every summer and now in it’s 15th year. Great venue on the river with the GM Center as a backdrop across the river.
The auto industry has taken a hit here recently with the third shift at the Chrysler minivan plant being layed off indefinately.
Good business here (my plug) for a small web developer http://webportalcms.com
I have a friend, Debi Croucher who does some stellar marketing and event consultancy work – http://www.indabamarketing.com
See you in the summer then . . .
Thanks for the comment and plug for Debi. Nice person – your friend.
good article…i will give it a try
very helpful..thanks
You won’t regret it. Over time it WILL pay off for you.
Thank you, I’m glad that you found some useful in the article.
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Ed, we have used this previously and the writer actually was upbraided by the advertising department for the article. It gave us a great start but they said don’t expect us to print anything more as you are competing with our classified section. Well worth the press we got tho!
John Adams – Private Exchange, House and Apartments For Rent
I’m surprised that editorial gave a damn “what” advertising thought. Years ago they had a code at the Star which meant that interference from advertising was considered trying to control the news.
I’m glad it worked for you though.
Hi Ed,
I love this! I wrote a similar article entitled 5 Myths about Branding that’s available on my website (http://www.BrightPointeInfo.com). There are SO many misconceptions about working with Brand building and its effects on the bottom line. Glad you’re out there educating too, as entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from this activity!
Thank you Judy. It’s a shame that many of the misconceptions come from the advertising industry. There is no benefit to getting it wrong.
Everybody loses.
Thanks for commenting and adding your wisdom here.
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My best friend lives in Windsor ON…. And I’m encouraging her to get out quickly. With the car companies going under… your little city is sure to experience an economic depression for several years to come. What it can boast (warm weather, Point Pelee not too far) is not really advertised…. London ON…your close neighbour.. brings to mind lush green neighbourhoods, university town… why not Windsor? Seems very industrial…. May want to revision the city and play up waterfront activities…
Thanks for sharing this. This is really helpful especially for people who wants to earn from the net. This site will be helpful too.
Do you agree Lans, that many people don’t realize that they have expertise that has an audience. I was having this exact discussion the other day with a small group of people who were losing their jobs.
My point to them was to embrace blogging to build their expert profiles that would aid in their getting a new job. But I also mentioned that they could also leverage their knowledge into edocuments that could either help them to build a marketable list or further strengthen their expert profiles.
Towards the end, a few were noticeably spinning this concept in their heads.
these tools are all GREAT tools and what’s absolutely necessary is to have a plan – targeted at your audience – otherwise it’s overwhelming to any small business person. You must ask yourself – who’s my audience, what do they want to hear and then slowly start implementing these tools with a minimum of time each day.
You are right on the money Judy. Thanks for commenting.
Also — if you’re emailing in Canada there’s a new Spam law coming down the pipe. Make sure you’re on the right side of it:
http://www.nopaniccomputing.com/spammers-beware-fb.php
Thanks for the link Anonymous, it was a great article. Opt-in is best because I certainly don’t want to speak to people who don’t want to listen. It wastes both of our time.
I’ve been to Windsor several times to look at “cheap” real estate.
While it is a bargain to buy a very nice house in Windsor it most certainly is also a dying town.
Windsor needs to replenish their residents. The Union job mentality is overwhelming. I found it hard to talk to people many times as the fat, uneducated and entitlement atmosphere is to much.
Since I visited during the recent and very long garbage strike, Perhaps Windsor looks a little better normally.
A positive is the Riverwalk. A very nice stroll looking at Detroit. Since moving to Toronto from Vancouver I miss the water and find Windsors riverwalk quite nice. The Casino is also very nice. The neighborhood behind the casino – OH MY GOD. What a ghetto dump from hell. Terrible.
The downtown “Oulette” is actually a decent little hood as well for a town of Windsors size. However I wouldnt wint to stay around late at night when the Americans come in for drinks. While I didnt see it I would see plenty evidence of what a cesspool it must become. I also read of somebody being stabbed with a sword during my last visit. Residents tell me that happens alot downtown. Drunks fight and someone gets stabbed. Thats just not normal people. How do these people get over the border? Are the booze sales really worth it?
I wouldnt call Windsor an Armpit but Real Estate is cheap for a reason. More people have reason to leave than enter. Personally I think all the union workers should be canned and tossed aside. I dont care if you have a house and 4 kids. The world has changed. YOu want more money – get better skills. If you drive bolts on an assembly line you shouldnt expect to live like a brain surgeon. Its unrealistic and the party is over.
That said I’ve been to worse places. I found it very easy to get around Windsor and despite the uglyiness of some heighborhoods and the rough looking residents I found it safe.
Like many smaller towns restaurants are sub par and people do not seem to notice.
All in all one can have a pretty good standard of life in Windsor. 200k buys alot of house. Of course you have to make your own work and the city is rather isolated from teh rest of the province. No real airport makes it a bit of a downer as well. I guess people use Detroits.
One certainly can do worse – like Toronto. Much of Toronto looks way worse than Windsor these days.
Wow! All I need now are instructions to do those wonderful activities.
Seriously, you bring to light the need to establish a business foundation and direction by which all employees and representatives can conduct themselves, and on which customers and prospects can come to rely.
Differentiation, or positioning if you will, is all fine and good on paper, but actually fulfilling the promice of the brand is critical – and hard to do.
Hi,
I would brand Windsor Ontario, as a place of Indulgence. A place where Canadian Whisky is king. A place with one of the best wine regions in Canada, a place with a World-Class Casino, waterfront parks, excellent climate. Oh, and did I mention it was affordable too?
This is the most cheap way for advertising
Isn’t it though.
yeah I think so.. but how can this, i mean in what rate do it can target the audience??
It depends on how you do it. Some people find it offensive if you just tell them a little about what you did. You cant worry about them.
Dr. Letitia Wright
The Wright Place TV Show
http://wrightplacetv.com
http://www.twitter.com/drwright1
I never considered targeting. I imagine it would be rather difficult to do. This idea is great for service oriented businesses like roofing, pet grooming – general public needs. I can’t imagine a lawyer doing it BUT never under estimate a simple concept. Nobody says you have to spend thousands for effective advertising. If the itch is there someone has to sratch it.
You’re absolutely right – Dr. Wright. (could it be any other way)
You can’t be shy about your achievements. If you wait to asked, you may miss a perfect opportunity.
I totally agree.
The best way to rouse the interest of your target market is to make your domain name as short and concise as possible without muddling up the demand of your customers with fancy words.
SGA,
Thank you for your endorsement. This idea can simplify things.
Perfect example:
Recently discovered a Green cat litter company that used recycled news papers….yesterdaysnews.com
Not a cat person…but if I was…
That’s beautiful Alan. The puurrfect example of what I am talking about 🙂
Ed,
Great article. The most particular factor that intrigues me about this article is that it is applicable to a wide range of companies, small to large.
The ‘Brand Viruses’ pointed out by you are very much applicable to those at Yahoo, that probably prompted them to implement the $100 million dollar branding campaign.
I am sure many of the entrepreneurs and other small businesses would benefit from this article.
A 100 million you say? We all could use a piece of that action 🙂
Meheer, many companies suffer from a few or all of these things, mostly due to the passing of time and focus on other priorities.
Glance over your shoulder – how is your brand faring these days? Remember that perception is reality.
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Thanks for the compliment, (even off topic). I work very hard at blogging.
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thanks again for your inspiration and important reminders of great branding
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The above post was from me – I had spelled a word wrong. The comment was…
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Thanks for commenting Anonymous. I’ve noted your pictures request 🙂
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This is so true. I think that making complaints is valuable to business. The one accountable for the success or failure of teh business is probably interested to hear what you have to say. I usually only make complaints in businesses that I like and value for their products or services.
I’m the same, if I’m unhappy I’ll say something. I try to be as polite as I can.
I think that if i have no intention of returning, I don’t bother. I’ll have to think about that.
Thanks for commenting, Brandi.
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I recently dealt with three “bad service” situations in one day. The first was a 2 hour wait at the doctor even though I had an appointment. I don’t get it! If this was any other business in the world I would simply walk out but it was for my knee so it hurt to walk out. I complained and all I was told was oh sorry, it’s been busy. Number 2 was at the Department of Motor Vehicles where they suggested to my sister to fly 2500 miles just to obtain a piece of paper they screwed up on. The last was receiving bad service at Swiss Chalet (a first btw). The third one I didn’t complain but should have — simply because on the first two probs of the day I sort of expected bad service but the third, I did not.
I’m surprised about Swiss Chalet too John. My wife and I really like it there. Let’s hope they were just having a bad day as well.
In my business I work with a lot of entrepreneurs that haven’t quite got on board with technology. I know it seems unbelievable, but a lot of business owners don’t have websites, no social media presence, and generic emails.
When I speak to these people it sometimes amazes me at how they are so resistant to making small changes that can have a big impact. I read a post on entrepreneur.com’s blog that reported that 46% of small business owners didn’t have websites.
It is all amazing to me. Don’t they know that Google is the new Yellow Pages.
Brandi,
I read that article as well. Frankly I found it hard to believe that 46% don’t have websites. I would have thought it to be around 20% or so.
It’s as though they are afraid of success. Interesting you mention the yellow pages. I haven’t been in the yellow pages in years and it hasn’t affected me at all.
Brandi and Ed,
I have been on both sides of this subject and can say from observing fellow entrepreneurs that they likely dont have an online presence because they are too busy to think about it or are so afraid at what the costs may be (especially in my area at least) that they do not want to listen.
I think once they the direct advantages and reasonable costs, they are onboard.
Now on the other side of this (webdesigner/internet marketer) I see a huge problem dealing with these types of businesses as that 46% is likely “opportunistic customers” to me that I will have nothing but trouble. Lesson? Don’t try to sell people on the idea. If they are not already spending money on Internet Marketing, you will likely lose money/time trying to convince them.
John don’t you find that small business is generally way behind the curve? The interest is there, not the motivation at this time. They certainly are not “early adopters.” From my experience there are certainly more followers than leaders.
Ed, I find that they just don’t know what it can actually do. For instance, I am trying to show them how to use their current print ads to drive customers to a squeeze page to build a list and then build the relationship via email until they are a buying customer. This is a VERY hard sell especially in the Essex area. I don’t know if the concept of “customer building” instead of one-time ads is to alien to them or if it is the area because many people are doing well with this concept all over US and CAN.
I would actually love to build a brand or “franchise” of local internet marketing but cant seem to see a market for it in essex. I know it would have worked in my previous area of Toronto. Any ideas?
The comments about a lack of focus were dead on. I think that many small business owners are scared to focus because they don’t want to miss out on other customers. I can admit that this was a bit of a struggle with me when I first started my business.
What I think some business owners fail to realize is that just because you set your brand focus, you dont have to only offer one thing. McDonald’s is known for burgers and fries but they sell really good salads. They didnt include salads in their brand, but they still offer them and people buy them.
Your brand should definitely have a focus, but I don’t think it has to be a big limiter.
Brandi, Laura’s comment on lack of focus resonated with me also. It’s probably something we all encounter.
John,
I’m with you guy. Essex County is a strange brew. I find the same reluctance even with tech savy clients. They are often fascinated by the success I’ve had, promoting myself online. The first thing they typically say after a discussion on the issue is, “that sounds like a lot of effort.”
You mention your old markets – why can’t you still service that area. The web is awesome for that.
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Ed, I have talked a lot about this problem on my blog. I work with a lot of people that are, in fact, the business and haven’t considered hiring anyone else.
I suggest that people in these situations, especially if they want to grow their business substantially, hire a key employee. Not only does it help in succession planning, it takes some of the pressure for success of the business off of the owner. Many business owners find that without a key employee they stop generating income unless they are actually working. What about vacations or unforseen problems. I hadn’t even related it to more long-term strategies such as succession.
I think you are dead on. Small business owners definitely need to consider having a key employee. The benefits are innumerable.
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Brandi,
I would say what is just as important is to have a documented system in place. This prevents the eventual standoff that a “key employee” may eventually have with management.
I remember one key guy I worked with was asked by management to not ride his motorcycle because he was the only one that knew how certain code worked. Can you imagine being told you can no longer have fun just because you are the key guy/gal?
Btw, I do not think a brand that is independent of the originator is not always possible. Think Apple (what comes to mind?). Same with Microsoft, Ford, etc.
Ed, this post really got me thinking. I do appreciate it. I think the other thing it does is to bring a bit of newness to the brand otherwise known as ATTENTION. Do you see a great risk in doing this though, Ed? Can there be a possibility of alienating your existing customers by changing their perception of you?
No I don’t think there is any risk in doing it John. As a matter of fact, it would be because of your existing customers that you’re doing it. You are growing with them.
I’m not suggesting a wholesale change, but tweaking your brand image – giving it a new suit so to speak. The three icons in my example are essentially the same as before. You still see their heritage in the re-do.
Hey, just want to say hi. I’m new here.
Welcome, come back often.
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Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! 🙂
Of course that begs the question – how long have you been reading me?
-Ed
Thanks! This helped a lot! I’ve seen several
rather confusing blogs lately, this cleared up some confusion I had.
I’m glad to be of help.
Ed, you are so right. We brand ourselves even when we dont try to brand ourselves. And to be honest, everyone has a pesonal brand. My goal is to elevate mine so that more people know about it.
You touched on the key to this,though. In order to grow your brand, you have to be aware of it. You have know that it exists to shape it a polish it. You also have to go places so that other people can see your brand, even if going places is just on the internet.
Personal branding has a beginning but no ending.
Thank you for sharing your insight on peronal branding Brandi.
I think the largest change I have seen is as described here – companies do not want to try new things. Yet the ones that are trying, refining, trying, refining are surviving thru these times. Human nature I guess.
I don’t see any point in sitting still, waiting for everything to happen to me. I’m always looking for new opportunities.
Public speaking is one of the most effective and underused marketing strategies. It is also a very powerful method that is almost always free.
Besides building your personal brand, public speaking can put you in front of people that actually need your services.
You are absolutely correct Brandi. For instance I have a speaking opportunity coming up where the entire audience is made up of CEO’s. This is the perfect audience for my message.
Hello. And Bye.
Back at you Anonymous 🙂
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I once worked for a company that renamed the company after its main product simply because they were more known for that brand than their own name! I think the problem was, the CEO named the company after the direction he first thought the company would go, but when the market decided they wanted an off product they made, it became popular for that product only.
For all our best intentions it is always the marketplace that charts our true course. I would pat that CEO on the back for having the fortitude to recognizing the benefit of focusing on the product’s cache.
Ed, can you define product cache for me?
Cache or pent up value. So a product with cache would be one which has delivered effectively over time and built a powerful reputation. For example: DeWalt power tools. It was taken off the market for a few years when it was purchased by a competing firm. When it was put back on the market a few years later, DeWalt users were never aware that it had even left.
That is brand (product) cache.
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Excuse for that I interfere … To me this situation is familiar. Write here or in PM.
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Ed, WOW! This is dead on! I work with small business owners and many of them don’t want to pay for assistance because they want automatic results. However, advisers, consultants, and coaches can play a tremendous part in a business becoming more successful, however, the business owner is going to have to implement the strategies. In the end, we still all have to get up and do something.
Thanks Brandi. Let’s hope that maybe some business owners will see themselves and the damage they are doing to their own efforts.
I love the podcast addition, good tip and I am going to try that! Thanks once again.
Thank you Marlane. I think that you’ll enjoy doing them. It adds another dimension to you brand.
i actually adore your writing way, very helpful,
don’t quit as well as keep penning because it simply just that is worth to look through it.
excited to browse through more of your own articles, good bye 🙂
Anonymous,
Thank you for the compliment on my writing. I’ve been blogging for going on 4 years now, so I don’t see myself stopping. As a matter of fact it is my number one channel for getting new business.
Have a great week.
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Hi Ed. I do think that design can play a role in whether or not you are trusted; especially on the internet. Those sales letters are terrible. Even if I know that the person is credible, something about that long letter just makes me feel like I am being scammed.
I couldn’t have said it better myself Brandi. They leave a bad taste in my mouth. I keep wondering “why do they make me scroll so far to get to the fee?” What are they afraid of?
i absolutely enjoy your own posting taste, very useful.
don’t quit and also keep creating considering it just that is worth to follow it.
looking forward to look at more of your posts, enjoy your day 😉
Ed, this is so true and every business owner that I know takes calls after they leave the office. I think that in today’s business world, you have to be more accessible than less. When competition is fierce, being available to your customers can be the edge that gets you the work over someone else.
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hello all
I figured it would be a good idea to introduce myself to everyone!
Can’t wait to start some good conversations!
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Thanks again!
Welcome Anonymous 🙂
We hope you’ll share some of your opinions with us.
Ed
The very unfortunate part of trying to maintain open comments. Most of those type are bot postings. The ones to watch are those that go after your older posts. Many times people don’t notice and the links stay up there, accomplishing their goal.
You know if I used my FULL name I would be Mr. 149%, but I like your comment – it made me laugh that’s for sure.
Thank you for the compliment on my blog. It’s good to hear from time to time.
Just a comment ed but when I searched “the branding corral” (which was your brand I knew you by), it comes up with no title on the beginning of the search.
This problem has all but shut down the comments sections on two of my blogs. I turned on the moderation feature but sometimes cannot get to them for days. The result is almost always the same as you mentioned. I wonder if blogger can build a blog spam component so people can report just the same way hotmail does.
Ed, this is one of my hot topics lately (yeh it heats me up when I think of it). In all my previous businesses I had to be accessible literally 24 hours a day but it just did not fit my lifestyle whatsoever. I actually wrote a blog post about it here: http://basicriches.blogspot.com/2009/04/be-yourself-in-business-be-successful.html
In it I comment about being sure not to start a business that does not fit your lifestyle. In my case I would rather deal with clients via email on my own time and can easily do that now.
Brandi, John:
Thanks for the comments. Your preference for email John, got me to thinking… most of my client contact today is by email. The phone rings alot less than it used to.
How about you both?
It’s Blogger abuse I tell you !!
Ed, I am now 99% phone free. It serves no purpose now that I have gone to almost all Internet Marketing. I still have a few offline clients but ALL through email. Occasionally they just want to know there is a real person on the other end of the business equation but it is for minutes. I can’t remember the last time my cell rang where before I would get upwards of 200 calls/mn in peak times. The reason I like email is its asynchronous form where before I never knew what to do when I was with a client and would receive 2 or 3 calls in the middle of it. I just didn’t like to be interrupted but if I didn’t take those calls I would be throwing money away.
Ed, it was so hard going from Toronto where I had many mentors in business to Essex where I could not find a business mentor (for a business in the mid-growth stage) whatsoever. I tried many City resources and was merely referred to a “Junior Entrepreneurs” talk. I had a booming business and no one to talk to about how to take it to the next level.
How do you suggest finding mentors in your area that are at an advanced level instead of beginner level?
I could help you out there John, if you want to develop a positioning strategy and online branding.
Maybe we should have one of those “old fashioned” phone calls 🙂
John, the reason for that is an odd one. But for some reason when i designed my blog. If I were to type in the title, it would appear right over my graphics. As it is, I couldn’t just leave it blank because it wouldn’t work without something. So I put a period in. You will see it on my ear in the photo of me.
Until i find a solution, that’s the way it is I’m afraid.
Ed
The 5c per plastic bag is hardly greed. The cost of these bags is put in as a deterrent measure for consumers to force them to think twice about carrying home their purchases in a device that contributes to the problem of unbiodegradable landfill.
Even if, as you suggest, that’s not what these business have at their heart – perhaps their greed shoud be considered as a useful step towards less waste in our consumer-centric society.
“Cost” has been proven time and time again to be a strong influence on human behaviour so it makes sense to charge people if they refuse to take a step in the right direction for the environment.
If you have a problem paying 5c for a plastic bag, invest $5 dollars in 5 degradable cotton or other degradable material bags that’ll last you longer and will breakdown in our lifetime, or better yet, take a backpack when you go grocery shopping and re-use it. The $30 or so you spend on a backpack will last you years, create less landfill and save you money in the long run.
Obviously I can’t speak for every one but most of the plastic containers that fast food outlets use are in fact recyclable – manufacturing has finally caught up with the need for recyclable takeaway containers – the typical plastic bags you get at a grocery store are not recyclable and so we as consumers need to create a demand for a better alternative.
Yes, there has been a movement in chains switching to biodegradable plastic bags as an alternative and these business should be applauded. If everyone stopped paying 5c for plastic bags offered at point of sale by grocery stores, then the demand of these bags by stores would slowly diminish and one would imagine shift – either to biodegradable options or even no plastic bags at all. The flow on effect will mean that manufacturers of plastic bags will need to change their processes to cater for the greener demands of the population which essentially means less waste and I really don’t believe that would be considered a bad thing.
CA, don’t you find it odd that these supposedly environmentally conscience grocery stores are picking on the least of the problem – namely the plastic bags? How about the plastic packaging of the products they sell. Why are they not demanding that they (their suppliers) clean up their act. They do have that power you know? Why don’t grocers exercise this power if they really care. What a super green story that would be!
I suggest that there’s no money to be made. 5¢ is not a deterrent but a shrug. If it were a dollar a bag then I think you’d have a point. When I forget to bring in my bags, I’d rather pay 20¢ than go back out to the trunk to get them.
Have the stores in your area also stopping packing as mine have? More productivity equals more profit.
Don’t forget most of the reusable bags they sell to us are made from petrolium products- and so their carbon footprint isn’t so minimal as one might expect.
At the risk of sounding politically incorrect, I think it’s a money grab. My fear is that every store is going to cash in and service is also going to the landfill as well!
For the record, a great example of a company that really talks a green story is McDonald’s. Years ago, before everybody, they tossed out all their styrofoam packaging and replaced it with paper and cardboard. And guess what, they didn’t suck 5¢ out of your pocket to do it. They did it because it was the right thing to do. To me that is a great brand story. They could have gotten greedy and raised the prices to offset the additional cost BUT they didn’t. What was awesome was ALL their competition followed them.
Apparently my comment is too long so i’ll split it in two:
Ed, regarding the plastic packaging stores sell as an argument for a truly ‘green store’ – isn’t that a bit like a child saying, “well, my parents are cigarette smokers so I may as well become a smoker too because i’m probably going to get lung cancer anyway.” Surely a small step in the right direction is better than no step at all.
If consumers were charged a higher amount for goods sold in non-biodegradable packaging then i would put money on it they would choose the biodegradable packaging everytime – whether it’s a conscience ‘green-move’ or not.
It’s just a shame that it’s more expensive at this point for manufacturers to change their processes that were setup up in the industrial revolution where the focus on the environmental impacts of over-production was simply not factored in to the business model.
I’m not saying cost isn’t the driving factor now but I would argue that stores themselves don’t have the power to change a manufacturers processes, but consumers do, *we* do. If consumers stop buying a product, the grocery store begins to lose money on that product meaning they are less likely to order so much of it next time around. This then obviously filters down the supply/demand chain and forces manufacturers to bring their processes more inline with consumer demand if they still want to keep selling units and making profits. If consumer demand means biodegradable packaging – then manufacturers and grocery stores will obey otherwise they don’t make a living.
Of course, this issue is much larger then the “consumer > store > manufacturer” chain. Governments need to play a larger role here too but that is opening up a whole new kettle of fish.
You suggest that upping the price to $1 would change consumer habits more quickly? I agree! Of course, the downside is that it would simply add more fuel to the fire for blogs like yours to comment on the ‘greed’ of stores – if you complain about 5c for a bag then imagine the uproar of going straight to $1. Again, it’s about baby steps.
and continuing:
I fully understand that we aren’t going to change baby-boomer’s habits in one day; behaviours that have now become expectations because it’s been the same for their entire life, it’s also what their parents did so it must be ok right? Is it safe to assume you may be part of this generation? The fact that you’d rather pay 20c for a bag at point of sale then go back to the car is part of the problem. We as humans are willing to sacrifice a bit of landfill so we don’t have to walk 100m. And of course if you do this sort of thing in front of children, then it provides them with the same model, just as your parents may have influenced you. It’s this core human behaviour that needs addressing. Cost will definitely play a part in that. A quick example of governmental influcence is in my neighbouring state in Australia who have actually banned plastic bags – you can read about how it here: http://tinyurl.com/y7x3sg8. Perhaps if plastic bags *were* $1 at point of sale this would make you remember the bag – or would it allow you to simply complain a little more fervently about the grocery stores ripping you off?
I agree with your last point about McDonalds, it was a very progressive move to reduce non-biodegradable landfill – of course, what you fail to mention here is that McDonalds has had many many years of profit-making, many many billions of dollars to allow them to change their manufacturing processes/demands overnight. You say they don’t pass on that cost? I remember the days when a Big Mac was $2- and a lot larger compared to the ones that you get for $3.45 now. Yes inflation and a whole bunch of other economical factors play a part but to suggest they did it “without charging it on to the customer” seems a litte naive given your background.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m no environmental evangelist. I’ve come to your blog many times to scan your articles which I find very useful and most insightful and relative to the industry I work in. The only reason I commented really is because of my surprise that your opinion is so one-sided here. If only a few more people could see how powerful our decisions as consumers are in affecting the way ‘the big companies’ provide their products and services it might actually lead to change.
In response to the actual point of your article, I truly don’t believe that adding 5c for a plastic bag is hurting a brand at all. Like you said yourself, you’d pay 20c for a bag providing that, when you weigh it up in your mind, the value of it outweighs the inconvenience of the alternative. Are you saying that the decisions about where you shop will now be made based on how much a grocery store charges you for bag? Would you drive an extra 2km to a shop where they don’t charge for plastic bags?
CA,
You make very good points. No I won’t go where they don’t charge for plastic bags just because of the nickel. I also think baby steps are important. I’d rather they ban plastic bags, because then you could believe the rhetoric on green. McDonald’s didn’t give you a choice. The landfills thank them for it.
My whole point is that by charging a nickel they are insulting my intelligence and their brand because (I believe) their motives are not true.
The fact that they added the reduced service to the equation adds to my argument.
I could be wrong sure. Their leger sheets would tell the story.
Your point on manufacturers not being able to change now is (respectfully) not true.
Case in point: A customer of mine is a supplier to Costco in the US and Canada. They (Costco) absolutely tell them how the packaging is designed AND manufactured if they want to sell there. All national and international chains have this kind of clout. Sears for instance stopped taking a suppliers products for 6 months because they failed to fill out their paperwork properly.
So if they “really” cared …
I think we both agree on reducing what goes to our landfills, where we disagree is whether or not the 5¢ is a deterrent or money grab.
Ed, good points. You’re right, we could argue company motives for charging for plastic bags all day long. I think the reality is it’s a bit of both.
It also seems clear to me now that we had slightly different interpretations of a ‘grocery store’ – i was certainly not thinking of scales as big as costco but more “Joe’s family fruit market”… I have no doubt that the Costco’s of the world could take bigger steps to being green – just like McDonalds did.
The reduction in service is also a point that rings true here. In Australia there are some large supermarkets that no longer do the bagging for you. To be honest, if it can be avoided I do my groceries with local, small business people – the local, “mom’n’pop” service (and lower prices for fresh produce) is a win win for me.
Thanks a lot for the discussion. Yours is one of many blogs I respect for your willingness to simply help people and to engage with their readers.
CA,
Funny, I wasn’t even taking the smaller Ma and Pa stores into my argument. I typically don’t have issue with that size of operation as they seem to understand that customer relationships are key to their survival.
Thank you for your compliments about my blog. What you picked up on is what I think my brand stands for on AND off line – helping people. When I do get a lead they typically start the email with Deard “Ed” not Mr. Roach. This tells me they are comfortable with me already. I work very hard at this.
I must also add that you win the award for the longest comment. I didn’t even know there was a limit. I hope you comment again. A different perspective is healthy 🙂
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OMG, I am so with you on this one Ed. We have about 20 of the supposed green bags (made mostly of plastic themselves) and ALWAYS forget them in the car or at home.
I really thought about this the other day at Zehrs. I watched the customers and bag people fumbling with the bags and thought this must actually be costing the store more money than it is saving them by a long run in customer loyalty and simply having to pay more bagging people.
My spouse is getting tired of me complaining about this but at least she understands why.
Sorry Ed, we took some time to ourselves this last week during my spouses shutdown (green giant). I would love to talk it over once I get caught up here. I have all but stopped/sold my “offline” operations though. I was simply curious as to how to find REAL mentors in general. Most of the people I was referred to, I ended up mentoring (usually in marketing).
Ed, are you finding more and more large companies are actually doing the reverse? My mother-in-law recently have a problem with a sears lawnmower and we took it to them with the understanding that there was a 2 year unlimited warranty on it. After 2 weeks of now being able to cut the grass, she finally got a call to pick it up. When we got there is was not fixed and had a $40 bill attached to it!
Now, I have NEVER had a service problem with sears previous to this.
I am finding this more and more on high ticket items.
I couldn’t agree more!
Short and to the point. Thanks Rick.
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IS VERY GOOD..............................
I’m very glad to hear you are ok, and it’s great to read your thankful perspective.
“Where once there was darkness now there is light” – very good words.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”
God bless you,
Rick
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Sorry to hear there was so much damage Ed but glad you’re ok and you got lots of help from some great people.
Where would we be without our friends,eh?
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In the meantime you could try a repeater to boost the signal on the deck.
How is your landscaping recovering?
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The analogy of comparing personal values to corporate brand values, is a recent phonomenon that the design industry has been using. I think that there are intersting learnings from this parallel. For example; would we be more mindful of what we do if we looked at every decision as personal brand building? From a corporate point of view, would we make the same decisions on ethical issues if we didn’t have the corporate safety net behind us? I found that answering three basic questions always helps on the way to defining a brand (individual or commercial): 1. What are you good at? 2. What are you passionate about? 3. Is it financially viable?
Those are three very important questions we should all be asking ourselves.
I also think that we shouldn’t have two different sets of values, but adhere to common ones. It is much more authentic don’t you think?
Not everyone has the liberty of having thier personal values be aligned with thier professional values. I think that people who do are happier, but to think that everyone can would be idealistic.
Yes I agree Alex – it is idealistic. But if we say it, hopefully it will inspire folks to shoot for it. It certainky is doable.
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Very Interesting!
Thank You!
Enjoyed reading “Barriers to branding success”. Ed everything you said is so true. Thanks for sharing.
kv39@live.com
Thank you V. I appreciate your affirmation.
Thanks for updating us with the nice information.
Hi Iam Prabhu from chennai,joined today in this forum… 🙂
For some reason all the comments are not posting, I’m checking this out,
Readers: You’re not being removed. There is a glitch somewhere. I believe it has to do with “Anonymous”. Because all spam uses anonymous, blogger appears to paint everyone with the same brush.
Ed
For example here is a comment from today:
Awesome website, I hadn’t noticed brandcorral.blogspot.com earlier in my searches!
Keep up the great work!
I’d like to thank this writer and simply say “spread the word”.
Thank you
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Goodday
I’m new here and just wanted to drop by with a little “hello” message (sorry if I have posted in the wrong section!)
My name is Courtney, mom to two lovely boys, and a parttime soccer coach!
I’m here to sniff around and gather some information, so please welcome me :O)
Have a nice day!
Welcome Courtney,
You’re welcome to sniff here.
Ed
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Hey, just passing by from Italy.
Single mother, enjoys most things, and enjoys talking (sometimes a little to much).
Just wanted to make a hey there thread as most of you have done, so here it is :O)
Well now I have you, I’m not quite sure that this is the apropiate forum for this, but please move my thread if thats the case.
But here it goes, I have been working on a new arcade gaming website, but due to that I’m new to all this internet thing, I would like a respons or two, so could you please check it out, play a few games or just look around, and then post you feeling / experience here? 🙂
It would really help me improving the site, thanx in advance 🙂
[url=http://iplayfreeflashgames.com/]iplayfreeflashgames.com[/url]
Cheers!
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Thanks for sharing this link, but unfortunately it seems to be down… Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please answer to my post if you do!
I would appreciate if a staff member here at brandcorral.blogspot.com could post it.
Thanks,
Mark
Anonymous, as you say it appears to be taken down. Here is the link to their page though:
http://www.nada.org/RelatedOrganizations/AYES/
I hope this helps.
Ed
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In my opinion, spending the extra dollar on your banner display makes all the difference. It helps you stand out and your target clients WILL notice!
This article hits the nail on the head. I am currently advising a start-up business and have stressed the points made in the article.
Right on, Ed. Thanks for the reinforcement.
Gerry
Thank you for the compliment Gerry. This brief exposure to brand will help your client with their start-up strategy.
That was impressive, Ed. All those great public speaking suggestions without the name Dale Carnegie mentioned once!
I’ve been to windsor a few times, its warmer than most of Canada, and near detroit. The Windsor spitfires of the ohl play there, and Ceasars has a casino there.
Dale who Bill 😉
Was the banner across the top right corner supposed to read, “FORMERLY”, rather than “formally”?
Guilty. Thank you David.
I really love is a very successful thank you very much regards
Thanks for dropping by Organizasyon.
And how about when you are on the receiving end of this type of unsolicited testimonial – but you do not want to return the favor because you’d rather not appear to endorse their particular business practices? This has happened to me twice in as many weeks.
Then of course you wouldn’t return the gesture. If you didn’t really want their testimonial, I would suggest you remove it. Myself, I’ve only ever got kind words when i volunteer a testimonial.
I have always gotten one in return. Of course I’m choosing very carefully those whom I recommend.
I’m curious Marquita, do you find Linkedin helpful in doing business?
Patients should ideally receive their own blood or type-specific blood products to minimize the chance of a transfusion reaction. Risks can be further reduced by cross-matching blood, Cross-matching involves mixing a sample of the recipient’s serum with a sample of the donor’s red blood cells and checking if the mixture agglutinates, or forms clumps. If agglutination occurs, that particular donor’s blood cannot be transfused to that particular recipient. In a blood bank it is vital that all specimens are correctly identified – so labeling has been standardized using a barcode system known as ISBT 128.
The incompatible blood types of Mother and child can mix and cause antigens…who is guilty of transfusing…Mother or child…neither is at fault as Christ has donated his BLOOD for us all…..IMPORTANT reference:
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Thank you for the education A. What is your opinion on the brand opportunity though?
I will try to keep these tips. I know that someday I will use this. I am just so glad to have this. Now I am more prepared when this time happen.
Happy to help
Thanks for share such useful information with us.
————————
Graphic Design The Woodlands
Hello Mr. Roach. I wrote a post in response. Enjoy. If you have questions feel free… http://theocraticthoughts.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/powerful-branding-opportunity-for-jehovahs-witnesses/
Graphic designers produce design solutions to communicate client messages with high visual impact. They develop creative ideas and concepts choosing te appropriate media and style to meet the client’s objectives. Thanks.
As a one person entrepreneur I utilize all aspects; e-mails, etc. to open a door and face-to-face to close the deal. A question – Has the social media philosophy superseded the personal cold calling process?
I was born in the era where you train yourself to watch body language and adjust your sales/marketing call accordingly. Now I tend to analysis more when it is appearing in black and white on the screen as perceptions, cultures and language nuances can be so different.
Thanks, for the nice tips.
Hi Friends,
Graphic design is used to make the viewer effortlessly understand the message and it is provided as an addition to the description given in words, thereby making them understand the concept with crystal clarity using various designs and visuals. Thanks a lot.
Hi Sue,
I never could do cold calling. I even got training and it just wasn’t a fit for me. On-line marketing especially blogging has been successful for me. I also enjoy live networking.
Don’t you wish we had the web when we started out?
Build a brand by providing customers an opportunity to try your product for free or for a dramatically reduced price. By encouraging trials, you increase the chances that customers will become regular users of the product. Thanks a lot.
If the just used brand consultants they would have that problem. I see that all the time.
I know we’re biased Mike, but we both understand that inconsistencies like this cost the company money due to confusion. I see it as sloppy. I would never do something like this to myself.
Thanks for commenting.
Live there. 2 years now and I despise the place. The location isnt bad but the people .. oh my god. DUmbest yokel population in existance. HIghest property taxes in Canada. My monthly water bill is $135. Its just obscene and city council is corrupt. The police are corrupt (a little google will prove this).
Houses are cheap in WIndsor but by the time you pay taxes and the water bill – you might as well rent in Toronto. No kidding. I pay $1000 in taxes and utilites and I own the house outright – no mortgage. Thats just carrying costs. Its insane.
restaurants all seem to shop at Costco. Very frozen entree type food everywhere you go. And its expensive. Frozen M&M meat/Costco dinners will be 20 bucks easy. If you can force it down.
THe average Windsorite smoke a pack a day, is drunk most of the time and seems half asleep except for when in a violent rage. THey are union and if you hire one good luck firing them. Thats the way they like it. They have no understanding of worth so Subway clerks think they deserve a doctors salary cuz “we’re all equals eh” …. thats Windsor.
IF one of these yokels scrapes together enough $ to buy my house I’d really appreciate the chance to get out today.
Listening truly is an art, and one that can get you VERY far both in sales and in life.
Thanks for taking the time to read this book and share your thoughts on it for the tour.
Great article!! by the way I am looking for good rates on annuities any thoughts – my next door neighbor is an agent with bankers life and casualty he claims to they have the best rates but don’t know if anyone here had any experience with them please give me your feedback
Great Show mate..it was really informative over branding. Keep it up and keep posting such posts. Lots of appreciation. thanks,
Corporate Branding
Glad to help. You have a nice website.
Great Post Sir..i am going to subscribe your blog. Keep sharing the informative stuff.
Corporate Branding
Great article, Ed! So true. I’ve been reading through your archived posts as I work on developing my new brand. Everything is so helpful, including your book!
Thanks for all the great advice and keep it coming! 🙂
Thanks lauren – kind of you to drop by.
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
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Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
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Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to
everything. Do you have any points for rookie blog writers?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Thanks for the compliment. I can’t explain why your first comment didn’t appear.
Blogging can be rewarding. I’ve gotten great leads, met new friends, and have landed some nice publicity. I would have to say to keep up consistency in posting. Also to gain wider audiences write for other blogs with greater audiences to help draw them back to you. I also write for “smalllbusnessbranding.com, smallbizclub.com and a new one meincmagazine.com”
Try to include pictures with every post. I think everybody has a hard time looking for content. I’m always taking notes to inspire. I enjoy guest writers and sometimes I send out 5 questions to a favorite author or blogger to make up an interview. Also going on other blogs and leaving comments draws audience back to you. Blogging and email marketing are my two favorite plaforms for promoting myself.
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Thanks for the heads up. Can’t imagine what’s causing it.
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it
I don’t have the slightest idea Maryanne. I don’t know how I got there.
Ed
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us useful information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!
Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad you discovered some information that was of value. I hope you’ll return often.
I couldn’t agree more, Ed. Thanks for such a terrific post. What I would like to inject is the additional value that can be defined when a business uncovers and understands not only their own intrinsic, authentic values, but also the “shared values” they have in common with their target market. Since humans by nature have a strong tendency to personify products, businesses and organizations in order to see how they might fit in or align with their own belief systems, identifying these shared values can not only make a brand that much more trustworthy, but it helps with differentiation, and a positioning strategy can be laid into place that much more organically.
Great additional comment Pam. SME’s could benefit nicely when their positioning is a great fit with their audience.
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start
my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you
had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad I almost moved you 🙂
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog
platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with
hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
I use WordPress. I moved over from blogger. I’ve had no issues from WordPress.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly
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Welcome aboard GAE. I hope you find my information useful.
I have been in Windsor all my life. 40 years I have seen a lot of changes. As a kid my family would shop in the USA side. Not anymore. The border is power tripping and we don’t cross it anymore even though we have no criminal records. You don’t need one to get hassled and even denied entry. Also it is hard to get any local news. They Kidney Foundation of Canada has a kidney health kidney walk every year and the majority of Windsor does not even know about it. We push Organ Donation education every April and no one has heard about http://beadonor.ca/WEgiftofLife even though WE stands for Windsor Essex and has been in the Windsor Star. Many businesses have been closed especially on the riverfront and it is now common to see boarded up buildings. Getting used to that… Also the roads, despite the government spending lots of money on their repairs, are terrible. Also now it is extremely common for people to run red lights. Accidents are increasing but this keeps happening. To rectify this they are putting “Round about” turns instead of intersections? So many find this confusing while others figure it out. Still not listed in Drivers Education manuals though. Not the ones I have seen anyway. Are they in the 2014 ones? Cell phones (Mobiles) many times you get charged roaming while sitting in your own bedroom making calls. This is because we are a border city. We are literally the most southern CITY in Canada. Our cars rust badly due to all the salt used in snowy times of the year and there are job layoffs left and right. When they Casino came it was “jobs jobs jobs!” but since they got rid of smoking and the American dollar is not as high and the border is harsher there have been less patrons and more layoffs of employees at the Casino. The Casino wants more part timers instead of full timers but people can’t live on part time wages. Jobs are hard and many now work out West in Sask and Alberta. I know a few people who have done that and said it is highly recommended. They came back happier, healthier, and richer. And then they go back out there as there are not a lot of good job opportunities in Windsor, Ontario. It is extremely humid in the summer due to the Great Lakes and in homes in the Winter with electric heat it is really dry in homes. Need A/C in the summer and a Humidifier in the Winter.
Over all I am used to living here but get frustrated at how Windsor, Ontario seems forgotten about many times in Provincial news. Even the weather .. we get more accurate weather watching the American channels of Detroit Michigan. Many go by Fahrenheit instead of Celsius because of this.
I really wish to be able to travel across the border to the USA again but with what has happened to so many people I know I get extremely nervous and even sick to my stomach (yes actually vomited on my last trip in a cab over to the airport in Michigan last time I went). The border has torn about vehicles that have had no drugs or anything in them .. where are those drug sniffing dogs? I have never seen one. Then the people cannot drive and have to pay for towing .. even though they did nothing wrong in the first place. The border seems to have their own law and there is nothing anyone can do. People don’t believe the stories until it happens to them. Another case is of an ambulance who had to take a patient to the States side for his heart and the border would not let him go. Windsor, Ontario hospitals are not that great. I go to London myself due to Hotel Dieu almost killed me (yes even London said those words to me when they put me into emergency surgery and said it was a good thing I came to London, Ontario when I did). I personally know of an American Fugitive Recovery Agent who the border would not let across simply because he had his badge in his trunk. He is retired but was told by his are to keep it on him incase they ever need him. He has went through police clearance through the FBI and everything yet the border still won’t let him across because they say “what if you are trying to bring over an illegal bounty” what?? You have to have the proper paper work to do that. You can’t just sneak an illegal bounty across the border. It is impossible. Everyone is checked! It is not like it used to be over a decade ago where people would get waved through because you smiled at them. The border is power tripping and treats everyone like criminals. And once you get “red flagged” even if you did nothing wrong and never have had a criminal record .. it does not matter .. this can happen to ANYONE .. you might as well give up ever crossing the border again. I know someone who is close to me who stopped trying and has to now go to New York just to get a special police clearance even though he already had one before for his job locally. But no the border says northern New York (Buffalo?). He is from Philadelphia.
A lot of things can be complained about anywhere though. It is not just Windsor. It is a good place to visit (if you can). People are nice even though there isn’t really a lot of places to visit (unless it is your first time and you want to see the Casino or parks and see the American skyline). Not as good of a place to live though. I eventually want to move up to London but can’t afford to move anywhere right now. I currently live in subsidized housing.
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Thanks Winona – it’s great to get new readers.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove mee from that service?
Cheers!
Good morning. I just noticed your note. I’m afraid I don’t know how to do what you ask. I moved my site to WordPress from HTML and find it quite cumbersome to update and navigate. I assumed WordPress would be simple but alas it is not. I will try to solve what you are experiencing so bare with me please.
Do you have any vido oof that? I’d want to find out some additional information.
I liked the article, Ed. Very simple and straightforward. Starting up with a new startup company in Tilbury. Will pass this on to the owner. Who knows, he may want to get one strong branding voice going out there for his organic products that I plan to sell.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Roby. If you would like a brochure to pass on let me know. If they are interested I have a 40 minute presentation they would find enlightening. All the best with your new opportunity.
Ed
Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any ideas? Cheers!
Hi Ed,
I am from Windsor. It has the largest protected Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem in the whole Province of Ontario and boasts a number of species of plants and animals found nowhere else in Canada. Windsor is the “City of [Prairie] Roses”.
http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/climbing-prairie-rose
Windsor is the most underrated city in the country. I’ve lived all over in multiple countries, most recently moving back to Windsor after a stint of nearly half a decade in Ottawa. Windsor has small town friendliness and charm, but Windsor-Essex has around 300,000 people. Yet all the resources of a large city like Detroit are just across the river, including major concerts, sporting events, cultural activities, and even a zoo. Windsor is the southernmost city in the country, and the quantity of vineyards are a testament to the wonderful weather. People in Windsor who haven’t lived elsewhere in Canada have no idea how good they have it. Detroit’s riverwalk was recently named the best in the USA, and yet it was modelled after Windsor’s, which is far superior to Detroit’s. Phog in downtown Windsor was named the best bar in the country for live music a few years back, which is a testament to the lively music and pub scene in this city. Busiest border crossing in North America. Biggest fireworks in the world. I could go on and on.
In terms of branding, Windsor is essentially a diamond in the rough. It’s truly is Canada’s best kept secret.
And now it’s 2016. I just discovered your blog and want you to know that although his post was from 2007 I whole heartedly agree with Dante’s take on Windsor.and twosticks57 in 2009. Raised my children in Essex County and lived and worked in Windsor and I love this city. I feel we get a bad rap and certainly need to diversify as far as moving forward………………but the people are good people, there are great things to see and do for most of the year that also happen to be quite family friendly and safe. It’s home. thanks for asking!
That’s a smart answer to a diicufflt question.
Great story about Ted Cruz and his faulty brand name as used in his campaign.. I am basically a communications person. You make a great point in how not to communicate.
Bill
Branding is for losers that do not offer actual superiority vs the rest of available products. Its used to create the perception of superiority to compete other similar products.
Branding takes advantage of positioning – something that most products DONOT take advantage of. So I think labeling them as losers is an odd way of looking at it, considering that it works only if the trait is authentic. I would sggest that using positioning takes balls, as you have to make a stand oand own it. .
I wanted to retire in Windsor Ontario so I flew there last week. The realtor took my friend and I to see many houses. Although many of the houses were suitable I just couldn’t seem to get a good vibe from the town. The people were super friendly. But the streets looked tired, shabby and run down. Every neighbourhood had a defunct factory and a strip mall in it. I really wanted to love this place because I don’t drive but I travel a lot and it has the airport, train station and a city transit system. We drove around and walked around trying to find the pretty parts but sadly we didn’t. Not till we went out to Lasalle and Sand Point Beach where housing is much more expensive. Please, if anyone can tell me an area that I missed id love to know because I’m still searching for a place to retire. Friendly people are a huge plus to me and Windsorites certainly are.
Thanks Bill. I appreciate your insight.
Dear Mr. Roach,
I live in a town no one has ever heard about, either: Bolzano in Northern Italy, in the province of South Tyrol, near the Italian-Austrian border. The first and only time I heard about Windsor, Ontario, was when we participated in a contemporary art action where we had to write our favorite word on a T-Shirt, must have been more than twenty years ago. I shamefully don’t even recall the artist’s name. On the shirt it says: A Public Work from The Art Collections of:
Museion, Bolzano (=Italy), Kunsthalle zu Kiel (=Germany), Sonderjyllands Kunstmuseum, Tonder (=Denmark) and not least: The Art Gallery of Windsor, Ontario. 😁 Maybe somebody remembers that event?