Author Archives: markkolier

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About markkolier

Futurist, entrepreneur, left lane driver, baseball lover

How Pro Sports teams act like startups

Posted on September 20, 2017 by markkolier

I’ve written that even start-up companies need to have a revenue generation model.  The idea that ‘If you build it, they will come” is rarely successful outside of Facebook and LinkedIn.  Startups need to show how their future success prospects … Continue reading →

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Marketing and Podcasts

Posted on September 12, 2017 by markkolier

Had the iPod not been developed what would we call recorded audio programs today? I went to Wikipedia: Podcasting, first known as “audioblogging”, has its roots dating back to the 1980s. With the advent of broadband internet and portable digital … Continue reading →

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If you want to work with or for a company try asking them

Posted on August 31, 2017 by markkolier

Throughout my professional career much of my most important work has been done in winning engagements with clients. Yep, I am and always will be a sales guy. Did a chill just go up your spine? “Being in sales is … Continue reading →

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Stopping my mental pricing bias

Posted on August 21, 2017 by markkolier

Many years ago (ok it was 1983), before he was a big-time star, I saw Jerry Seinfeld do a stand-up routine in Boston. He did a bit that went something like “I can’t compete with my father’s stories about the … Continue reading →

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When it comes to clients who should deliver the bad news?

Posted on August 10, 2017 by markkolier

When you’re involved in a service business it’s no secret that not everything goes right all the time. Making the client aware of the bad news is probably one of the least pleasant things we professionals experience. But in that … Continue reading →

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‘Please don’t litter’ – a marketing success story

Posted on July 26, 2017 by markkolier

Back in the day (that is when I was much younger), littering was a notable problem in the United States. There were seemingly constant campaigns delivered under the ‘Keep America Beautiful’ organization banner. The crying American Indian “Iron Eyes Cody”: … Continue reading →

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Smartphone prices are not based on their utility

Posted on July 20, 2017 by markkolier

My Samsung Android phone is 19 months into its two-year contract-life and of course the battery is losing its ability to hold a charge.   And before you iPhone acolytes speak out, I’ve heard first-hand that iPhone’s batteries are no better … Continue reading →

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AARP – does it have a long-term future?

Posted on July 6, 2017 by markkolier

In April of 2012 I wrote a post on what I felt was the need for AARP to change its messaging and to re-brand. Some of the recent television spots feature AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins in which she promotes AARP … Continue reading →

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Alibaba still wants to win in the United States

Posted on June 29, 2017 by markkolier

Last week Alibaba and Jack Ma, (Chairman Jack Ma that is) arranged to host a Gateway 17 conference in Detroit, Michigan. It was the first time Alibaba has hosted such a conference outside of China. ‘Gateway ’17 is Alibaba’s road … Continue reading →

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How Spotify looks like Amazon once did

Posted on June 19, 2017 by markkolier

As I thought about writing this post Amazon.com announced last Friday morning that it was making an offer to buy Whole Foods for more than $13B. I am thinking a lot about as to what kinds of changes Amazon might … Continue reading →

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