I’m not saying another sport will surpass the NFL anytime soon in popularity, but I am seeing chinks in the armor of what is supposed to be the most dominant sport in America.

It seems to me the NFL has lost touch with its fans. From not being able to pay to watch my team out of state unless I have DirecTV to the outrageous blackout rule – I don’t see the NFL valuing the common fan. Access to the sport is crucial to keep a fan base satisfied, even those of us that won’t spend 10k a piece on seat licenses.

I find it interesting that in Pittsburgh, one of the most fervent football towns on the planet, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the favorite team for many < 30. I’m not saying that Heinz Field is going to close anytime soon, but I think the NFL needs to make more fan friendly decisions. Instead of shutting fans out the Penguins have people camp outside the arena and watch the games on large projectors. Even after becoming popular they continue to offer the student rush program where college students get in an hour before game time at $20.

With the potential of playing a year without the salary cap and tv executives looking for more creative ways to pay for their billion dollar investments, I think we’ll see an end of the ALL NFL era.

Something to remember when being on top – there is always someone waiting in the wings with better ideas and a more aggressive stance to acquire your customers.

I drive 45 miles one way to work each day. It’s mostly highway as I travel from wealthy suburbs in the south to wealthy suburbs in the north.

I have a game I play on most days to keep my mind occupied and it’s stirred an interesting question. Do we buy cars for our existing identity or do we conform to the image portrayed by our cars? I guess what each person in a car looks like before they pass me and then steal a quick glance to answer the question.

Is there such a thing as a transition car? Or do they all carry an identity? Cars like the Nissan Altima seem to lack an identity for their owners. Can a brand survive long-term without an identity?

What about the old Saturns? Used to be only women drove a Saturn, now that they’ve aged I see people driving them because it’s all they could afford. Newer Saturns seem to be like the Nissan Altima.

Is a mid-level sedan the worst car to own? Very few reflect anything other then a generic taste and lack of creativity to purchase something more exciting.

I work primarily for a service company that pays the bill with products. We’re in the medical field which is filled with good intention individuals that take a cautious look at any new innovations. This approach works well to protect patients and medical professionals from pre-maturely jumping on bandwagons lead by manufacturers.

Growth has come quickly and consistently with our company. We’re reaching unprecedented levels of profitability and penetration in our markets. But we’re beginning to explore other markets to extend our brand. We’re designing products, creating new service models and dreaming of ways to further improve patient care. Some of it is related to orthopaedics, but many ideas would take us outside of our current market. It’s an exciting and challenging point in my career.

AdAge has an insightful article on brand extensions that helps me process and articulate our emerging strategy. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Eat 'n Park Smiley Cookie

We’ve recently relocated back to Pittsburgh and in our absence the two largest local family restaurant chains have upped the competition. For years kids have enjoyed a free smiley face cookie with each visit to Eat ‘n Park. It’s a pleasant way to end the meal. In our experience the employees have worked for the company for many years, know their clientelle and do a great job at dispensing of drinks and getting your food order correct.

King’s has been the red headed stepchild. Their restaurants have a cold feel and are little more like a diner then a restaurant. King’s prides itself on desserts, but lacked a mascot.

Frownie Brownie

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We’re astounded to discover their new mascot on a large billboard outisde of the restaurant – the marketing geniuses at King’s unleashed the Frownie Brownie. It’s a direct jab at Eat ‘n Park, it’s irreveerant and may appeal to those teenagers looking for an alternative to their parents E & P.

To me it’s stupid, copycat, look at me too…This is not an effective way to differentiate myself from the incumbent. Everytime I see it I’m reminded of Eat ‘n Park instead of King’s. I’m reminded that their agency lacked the creativity to find a new pitch.

BTW, we stopped in, tried the desserts, and they aren’t very good.

With the current credit crunch affecting consumers, small and large businesses many are re-evaluating current spending practices. 

I believe protecting the investment in a brand positions a company for growth when we emerge from the current economic funk. Numerous studies show the ROI on brand development over the long haul with higher margins and customer loyalty. 

Growing a brand needs to be a protected investment, like R&D. It touches every part of the company: from customers to employees. My ability to create a unique culture within my business drives my messaging, product/service offerings, and engagement among employees. It’s the reason ‘WE’ exist. 

Premium  brands don’t shrivel under economic uncertainty – there is consistent investment. This article in Business Week re-thinks the idea of brand development as another expense.

Business Week Article