Online companies like Zopa Ltd. and Prosper Marketplace Inc.  are taking the business of banking to the people.  Using sophisticated software that utilizes current credit report data, the companies match individuals with money to lend and those who need to borrow.  Lenders choose the amount of risk they’re willing to accept, and can bid against…

Following in Google’s gargantuan footsteps, a company called 1-800-Free-411 has developed an innovative new model for delivering ads.  Unlike other directory assistance options, the company charges no fee to find the number you need.  However, if you request the number for a hardware store or an Italian restaurant, you’ll need to listen to a paid…

With the near omnipresence of desktop publishing, a lot of people now have the tools to design a brochure, website or print ad.  What they often lack, though, is any real training in design fundamentals like layout, typography and color theory.  A new study says this may be hurting business.  Research conducted by England’s Cardiff…

Get ready for a new explosion of in-store TV.  Wal-Mart already has an in-store TV network, said to reach 130 million shoppers a month.  Now Target is slipping “Channel Red” into nearly 1,500 of its stores, while Kroger is launching a similar network in 2,500 locations.  Pharmacies are looking at the idea as well.  Rather…

On the drawing board at Google is a service that lets your PC monitor your TV viewing.  Currently in the R&D phase, it would work like this.  You turn on your PC while you watch a program on your regular TV.  The microphone in your PC captures the audio and compares it to a database…

For decades, Proctor & Gamble’s Crest rested comfortably atop the toothpaste heap, until it was unseated by Colgate’s Total, introduced in 1998.  Now, P&G is counting on Crest’s Pro-Health to regain the lead.  The new product is the first toothpaste accepted by the American Dental Association to fight all seven dental problems: cavities, gingivitis, tartar,…

For banks, one of the toughest marketing challenges is getting consumers to open (and keep) checking and savings accounts.  Bank of America created an effective solution with its “Keep the Change” program.  Say you use your Bank of America debit card for a purchase of $19.50.  The bank rounds that up to the nearest dollar,…

George Lois, one of the most creative people ever to work in marketing, advertising and design, was a big believer in the bottom line benefits of creativity.  “Creativity can solve almost any problem” he observed.  “The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.”  Every single product, service and marketing innovation fits into…

Every business lives or dies based on the quality of its people.  Branding begins again with each new employee.  Have you recruited them with the same attributes you present to prospects?  Are they drawn to your brand for the same strengths and values?  Too often, our recruitment efforts focus on the technical requirements of the…

Colgate doesn’t sell toothpaste.  They sell whiter teeth.  Women don’t buy makeup.  They buy a new look.  Tide doesn’t sell detergent.  They sell clean, fresh-smelling clothes.  Doctors don’t sell exams or diagnoses.  They sell relief.  Are you marketing the right thing?  Stop promoting the product or service, and start selling the result.  More importantly, focus…