Biz Community reports that Vodacom in South Africa is producing the first soap exclusively for mobile phones. ... read more

I’ve written before the “culture is more important than vision,” and it’s proven prophetic when it comes to the amazing success of Pixar’s animated movies.  Check out this article from 37 Signals about how Pixar works from the inside.  What can you take from this to help transform your organization? ... read more

Are we losing our moral authority in the culture, by trying to reach a larger audience?  In my book “Branding Faith” I talk about what I call the “Marketing Conflict.”.  We can plead a life of poverty, until we realize that reaching a mass audience through the media costs millions of dollars.  We can make a hard stand for an issue, until we ... read more

Dunham + Company has just released this new survey on consumer use of Christian radio.  I'd be curious to know if you would agree based on your personal experience, or if it surprised you. ... read more

The lawsuit involving a Michigan gay man suing two Bible publishers and the California court ruling on same-sex marriage has really made me mourn the loss of two important aspects of our culture: ... read more

Here's a peek at the feature story in the August edition of Conde Nast's Portfolio business magazine on pastor Joel Osteen. ... read more

On this issues of "boycotts," a lot has been said about "compromise."  I really think the dreaded "C" word freaks people out way too much these days.  It might be informative to note that in the book, Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism: Living in a Three Storied Universe, theologian Walter Brueggemann comments on the Old Testament nation of Israel’s accommodation:
      “In the disciplines of fasting and sackcloth, the Israelites “separated themselves from all foreigners” and confessed their sin (Nehemiah 9:1-2).  This act in the drama needs to ... read more

Newmax reports that a Michigan man is seeking $70 million from two Christian publishers for emotional distress and mental instability he received during the past 20 years from versions of the Bible that refer to homosexuality as a sin.  Bradley LaShawn Fowler, a gay man, claims his constitutional rights were infringed upon by Zondervan Publishing Co. and Thomas Nelson Publishing, both of which, he claims, deliberately caused homosexuals to suffer by misinterpretation of the Bible. Fowler, 39, is seeking $60 million from Zondervan and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson. ... read more

This article in World Magazine on Tom Strobhar has some interesting implications when it comes to impacting corporate culture - particularly when it comes to their non-profit giving.  This seems to be a much better approach from a perception point of view to creating change in the culture.   ... read more

Yesterday I posted that The American Family Association has called for a boycott against McDonald’s Corporation.  AFA has called for various boycotts over the years, and I was curious to see the reactions of readers to the issue.  When it comes to boycotts, there are a few different perspectives on the strategy.  In my experience, a boycott is never off the table.  As one of my readers mentioned yesterday with Rosa Parks and the civil rights boycott in Montgomery -  that boycott worked because it showed just how much the African-American community could impact the city.  But personally, I view it as the nuclear option only.  Because if it doesn’t work, ... read more

The American Family Association, founded by Donald Wildmon, has launched a boycott of McDonald's Corporation.  The reason, as the organization says on it's website is: "It is about McDonald's, as a corporation, refusing to remain neutral in the culture wars.  McDonald's has chosen not to remain neutral but to give the full weight of their corporation to promoting the homosexual agen ... read more

If you’ve ever been in a branding meeting or workshop with me, you’ve heard me talk about “unifying the brand.”  My contention is that with 90% of major (and minor) organizations, if you look at the website, print advertising, TV promotions and programming, podcasts, and more, they could all be coming from five or six different organizations.  None look similar, often are completely different looking, and only occasionally ... read more

1) Know your priorities.  You don’t need fancy furniture, but an expensive espresso machine or occasional free lunch is worth every penny.  Employees will adore you for that.

2) Get to know Google Docs.  For your people who are online all the time, why waste money on Microsoft Office?   Save the copies of MS office for those who travel or work from different locations.  Although with Google Gears, that might not be a problem. ... read more

I started to call this “Why Nepotism Kills Organization” because I feel so strongly about it.  First, let me get this out of the way:  Everyone wants to hire their family.  Especially in a small, close knit operation – or a family business – it’s completely natural.  There’s nothing wrong with the desire to help your own family out in the business.  There’s nothing I would like better than to be able to help my own children through my work.  ... read more

Tyson GayHere's a rather funny example of why Internet filtering has to be tweaked. ... read more

Change happens.  Because culture, media, trends, and styles change, we need to be able to respond to those changes.  Besides, as new information and research gives us more insight into management, leadership, motivation, sales, and more, we need to create organizations that allow growth to happen.  For some, it’s the transition to a second generation leader, for others it’s moving from a publically known or famous leader to an unknown leader, and for others, it’s simply the desire to re-brand.  Whatever transition you face, it’s important that you pull off the change without interrupting or disrupting your organization.  Here are some thoughts to keep in mind: ... read more

Ageism happens – especially in the media.  If you’re moving into your fifties, you’ve probably seen it firsthand.   Perhaps the easy job or sales interviews you used to get are harder to come by now.  Maybe it’s fewer auditions or business presentations.  Some have see outright discrimination working in a culture that worships youth.  Whatever your experience (and you’re bound to have one sooner or later) here’s a few ideas that will keep your resume – and you – looking younger: ... read more