This article previously appeared in the Grand Rapids Business Journal on September 29, 2017. Peanut butter. Jam. Bread. Besides a craving for a sandwich, do you think of certain brands when you think of these products? Does Jif or Smuckers pop into your head? Companies invest millions into advertising, so their brand is top of […]
My favoritist (I know it isn’t a word), time of the year is Christmas. I love everything about the holiday season – the gift wrapping, decorations, parties, food, gift-giving and more. While everyone around me is super irritated that retailers are rolling out the holiday marketing, I could not be more excited. As a small […]
Recently Anheuser-Busch released a statement on the NFL ‘kneeling’ controversy and in 110 or so words said absolutely nothing. At Anheuser-Busch we have a long heritage of supporting the institutions and values that have made America so strong. That includes our armed forces and the national anthem as well as diversity, equality and freedom of […]
Phew…this weather…am I right? I am beginning to think sweating is my new way of life. The weather certainly seems to be symbolic of where we are as a country right now – chaotic, confused and heated. Business & Brand Activism 8THIRTYFOUR is a progressive agency, that is something we have never shied away from, […]
The definition of core values according to dictionary.com is the below: Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. … Core values also help companies to determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their goals by creating an unwavering guide. Just this week we rolled out 8THIRTYFOUR core values. As we move […]
Is it too easy to land a job? And I am not talking about those companies that do 6 hour interviews – that is ridiculous and I am not sure how it is legal. When you first meet someone they say first impressions are everything, however I really think the second, third, fourth and so […]
I’m sure I have written on this before, but I don’t care. It’s my blog and I’ll write if I want to. My firm of 10 years just moved into a new office space, launched a new logo and is undergoing a restructure as it relates to how we operate. It is scary as shit. […]
I made the decision to go see a business coach/counselor/therapist – whatever you want to call it….and it was the best. Granted, I’ve gone once but I’m clearly already cured. Jokes aside, I’ve written plenty of times about feeling alone as a business owner. It took a swift kick in the ass by my managing […]
Is gratitude lost in todays society, never to be found again? Am I jaded in thinking that younger professionals want things handed to them without first working for it? It would seem the self-worth of millennials is much higher than others perceive it to be. Is this anyone else’s experience? I want to share a […]
Behind closed doors and in private we are constantly thinking, worrying, fretting and planning. This is what business owners don’t tell you: The termination of an employee is not a shotgun decision and is never a surprise to the employee. We have constant conversations, write up plans for improvement, give warnings, give feedback, set milestones, […]
