Apple Store Upper West Side Opens Saturday!

Ok, The Brand of the Moment is a giant... Apple !!!


The Upper West Side Apple store opens on November 14th!!! My neighborhood just got even more amazing. Alice Tully's incredible space on 66th and now the Apple store...the neighborhood is full of light from these two amazing shimmering palaces of bright light. Apple wants to open 50-70 new retail stores this year...I LOVE it...if it's 24 hours I may never sleep!!!

Brand Lessons: MADmen Principals Brand a Better School Culture from the Inside Out

If you've been listening, you are getting the sense of why BRANDING, a MADmen Principle from MAD MADison Avenue, should be part of every administrator's vision for sustaining or restoring a school culture. Branding is about building relationships, knowing what you stand for, and agreement to deliver on that promise.

Doesn't sound too crazy to me. Doesn't sound like "adspeak". It sounds genuine and it sounds necessary for leaders to act upon.

Still I talk with people who think BRANDING is MARKETING, and the feel uncomfortable with that sales concept. I tell them not to worry, educators are great at marketing...selling education to the masses, standards and testing...it's all about marketing

So briefly, and if you are trying to get your head around using this branding model as part of your professional toolbox, schools need a branding model today to invigorate culture quickly. Spending time brainstorming about branding, facilitating thinking and finally clarifying a school brand is time well spent. The language and attitude that shifts positively in the process of understanding and building a brand is an end in itself. And if that's all that happens on the inside of a school organization, fine. People will recognize themselves as part of something and that impacts behavior positively from new hires to "lifers". Now when you want to Sell your built BRAND to the community...that's marketing!

BRANDING is....
an audit about what you stand for

BRANDING is ...
defining the total experience of your customer, consumer, client with your service

BRANDING is...
an action item that goes to what you promise to deliver, and people's expectations

BRANDING is...
a visual image of positive signals and your effort to make them pervasive


MARKETING is something else. When you bring your brand to the audience to sell, to the bigger stage...you are marketing. Another worthwhile endeavor. But one step at a time folks!

Branded Love...Rumi

Well..For the Brand of the Moment...what I found on he wall of MAMA Mexico...a brand of love and devotion for the ancients..and at home on the Upper West side...Rumi.

BRANDING LESSONS: The " IGNORATION NATION" and BUILDING A BRAND

As a former middle school teacher, I am keenly aware of the "Turn Off "factor. The challenge of keeping a 13 year old's attention...a room full of 13 year olds, in fact, has been a training ground to me as a presenter, a consultant, a writer. Add in three experiences with my own kids going through their teens, and I will set myself up, a la Lucy in Peanuts with My sign: The Doctor is in! That's why this post is here.
It's not just 13 year olds who ignore; the new age of media has shortened our attention.

So who's my niche market in my "doctor's office/blog "? The Ignoration Nation, that means anyone who feels bombarded my the" too much information age", and has tried to sift, to select, to discipline themselves in receiving information, but still comes up feeling bewildered by the proliferation of stuff to know, see, and process.

As the visual suggests, you may feel you just have had enough and are in information free fall or flight!

Well, just being a blogger smacks of contributing to the internet rabbit hole that any Alice or Alan can fall into on any day of the week, so I will point to the idea of being relevant . No this isn't a Goodle Adsence driven site.There is good content for branding here. As consumers of information we must manage the knowledge, the content, that is available. It presents a time drain, and we are time poor in the 21st Century .On the other hand, creating the best content is another challenge. How do we as brand developers get our brand message across to those who are part of the IGNORATION NATION, and could benefit from our service?

As you work toward Understanding Branding and Building a Better Brand for your Organization, here's a few touchpoints:

KNOW WHY YOU ARE BRANDING---It should be based on your need to build relationships. Don't become part of an internet "Echo Chamber" by putting out stuff that is only relevant to you or the people with whom you are working . Branding is about touching people. Marketing research says it takes, on average, 8 touchpoints to deliver brand loyalty.


CREATE A SIMPLE MESSAGE THAT HOLDS POWER---The KISS principle here. And think of the superficial trappings like LOGOS and COLORS and TAGLINES as visuals that can get people's attention. I've included the powerful MADMEN image in this posting. It's a version of he original shadow figure. Powerful visual.

CREATE VEHICLES THAT SUPPORT THE BRAND--- A short relevant newsletter, not endless text, can continue to bring the brand home to clients or customers. The direct email that gives value, a link to good information, a partner offering a discount or service. Make sure any content you use is the result of educated research, make the information irresitible in your branding campaign and your brand with ring with credibility.

As you begin to bring your winning, connected brand to your market, understand the challenges that you face. Knowing how your market gets its information and sifts this information will inform your developing brand. The IGNORATION NATION won't stand a chance against a brand that hits the mark and delivers its brand promise over and over. Just ask GOGGLE, COKE, NIKE. Last time I checked ...most people weren't ignoring them.

BRAND OF THE MOMENT: Rockys Restaurant NOLITA!

The first time I went to Rocky's over a year ago, I sat next to the window facing Spring Street and was struck by the special feel of the restaurant..."This Moment is More Precious than you Think.", I remember thinking. It was the beautiful Nolita light that streams through the window during the lunch hour that led me to that thought.

And then I ordered lunch...and it was the BEST of Little Italy. How precious is that?

And a year later, I have had countless precious moments at Emma's restaurant..a true tiny gem of high quality, fresh, authentic Italian food. From freshly made soup, crisp salads, to entrees as varied as deliciously sinful pumpkin ravioli to fantastic salmon. From martinis of every exotic type, to desserts that make waiting for the end of dinner irresistible ...Rockys rules!

I've recommended strangers on the streets of Little Italy, customers in bath junkie, friends, business colleagues and family to Rockys at 45 Spring Street. It is my FAVORITE Italian in NOLITA...and even in NYC. I'm happy to tell the world because it's a brand that says...authentiic, reliable and classic. Head to Spring an Mulberry. If you are lucky you will dine next to an interesting vistor from anywhere in the USA, Europe or Asia...and if you are really lucky, Emma will make you an Espresso Martini to die for!

As a brand, Rocky's stands tall over the choices in Little Italy. Homey, comfortable, welcoming....that's the Rocky's brand...Enjoy! And tell Emma Trish sent you.

Trish's Most Recent Interview on Radio!

Jim Blaisingame interviews Trish Rubin about Strategic Partnering in business!

http://zaicast.smallbusinessadvocate.com:8000/media/jbsba/2009/11/20091104-B.mp3

Sliced Bread Marketing...Ted Conference with Seth Godin

Thanks to the fantastic Mike Blumquest, my former USA TODAY colleague!!!! Marketing never felt sooooo good. People who Spread ideas...WIN in business, in schools.

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBIVlM435Zg

Seth Godin: Sliced bread and other marketing delights
Source: www.youtube.com

Branding Lessons: A Logo Does Not a Brand Make

Looking at the shadowy figure in this post should create an emotional tug for anyone who is a fan of the series MADMEN. It's the logo without the words MADMEN and yet, you are "getting it". You get the message about sexy cool, competition, biz, and all that the show creates each Sunday night when it's on AMC. If I add text, and it says MADMEN, then others who are not as familiar can join the get it club in a New York MINUTE> That's what a logo does. It creates instant recognition of what a product or service is all about. I work with a national retail chain called bath junkie. It's not as well known as MADMEN, but it has its market that it meets online and in print through its brand. I've placed their brand logo in this post. It's colors are the same as MADMAN logo...but the feel of the brand is different. It suggests playfulness and beauty. Not what the shadow figure suggests.

So why should schools care about this?

Most educational entities have a logo, a mascot, a website, a newsletter. THESE ARE NOT THE BRAND. They are all necessary and important to the brand expression, but it's incorrect to assume that you can check off branding as a school leader because you have a classy website. It's a mistake to not value it as part of you responsibility to lead. The associations your customers make from the brand and what the logo stands for...and how it connects to their personal beliefs are what you mine when you take on a MADMEN Principal Personna....and as you do you are beginning to brand yourself as a leader in new ways. How cool is that?

SO let's not debate, allow me to educate.

Every forward thinking school leader needs to develop a school brand beyond the "superficial signals" to the community by going deeper into understanding the BRAND PROMISE, and working to consistently build new channels to share with the entire school community . The result, the ROI return on Investment ,will create a culture of energy, pride, responsiveness and yes,customer service, around that promise. Having the right language and a consistent attitude around the brand will smooth the way in building all sorts of relationships within the school community.

Branding isn't a logo or a tagline. Leaders need to go further to build a responsive brand in schools. You'd be crazy not to.

Bar and Books...Winning Brand of the MOMENT

My BRAND of the MOMENT Winner for today....because as De Le Vega says" This moment is more precious than you think," is...
Bar and Books, and the brand speaks of the ultimate civil spot in the city...a place for grown ups!! I have heard of this wonderful warm inviting spot...actually, they have three locations in NYC. I strolled by Beekman on Saturday night and was taken immediately by its style, elegance and yet..."un-- intimidating " feel...intelligent without being stuffy.


And check out their website for details of a far away location to dream of visiting...the website is so coooollll. Anyone who puts Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 rendition of Mas que Nada on a site has my VOTE!!!!! www.barandbooks.com

I'm gather a group to go after Thanksgiving...I am writing my second book on Branding and need a LAUNCH...a pre pub launch!! Who wants to join?

Personal Branding: Body Image

In my thinking as I write my second book about branding, I'm interested in the elements of personal branding.Body image seems to be a major part. The positive buzz of feeling good..of living life in a healthy and attractive package is an instant connection to confidence for the most part.

This UK article from Fit map strikes a chord for me on the topic of being Healthy, Comfortable in your skin, with a beautiful result.
http://www.thefitmap.co.uk/weight/diets/start/body-image.htm

Monday Madness "Go to "Song

Check out my book, Trish Rubin's New York MINUTE for Networking for more connected Monday Morning Tips, like the Go To Song!!!

Monday Monday

OK New York...it's MONDAY...and yes, the Giants lost again last night...But we did have a PARADE here on Friday...and think of the poor Philly fans...spanked by the Yanks and paddled last night on National TV by the COWBOYS...aaarrrggghhh! Philly is a much worse place to wake up today than NYC.

So start your MAD MAD Monday off with a few tips....

Monday mornings are a bear. Going to bed early on Sunday night doesn't always help because most people will remain awake until their usual bedtime. I watched MAdmen, the NFL game...and was depressed enough to crash!!!

Hop out of bed the moment you wake up on Monday morning.It helps to set an alarm all the way across the room for Mondays!

End your shower with a jolt of cold water to tear yourself out of your grogginess...and great for the hair, ladies...helps the shine!
Use a bath junkie walnut scrub fragranced with SNOWSTORM to help with the wake up call.


Get out in the sunlight. Walk instead of subway when you can... Bright light tells your body that it is indeed the morning and helps reset your internal clock.


Drink coffee or another caffeine beverage. Although it's not healthy to drink caffeine to the point of addiction, caffeine, when used in moderation, can give your Monday mornings . Do not stop at Spring Lounge in Nolita for an Irish Coffee...that doesn't count.

Use the Power of Music...charge the Ipod...create a Mad Monday Morning Mix!!! A New York MINUTE BAthroom Boogie will get you goin!

Branding Lessons: Mining the Emotional Trigger to Define School Identity

Say Disney. Say NIke. Say Tiffany. Say Godiva. Now sit back and feel the magic. One of those brands or more than one has immediaely created an emotion in you.

Say Enron. Say Bernie Madoff.Say Bear Sterns .See the difference?

So If you are still wondering why you should care about understanding branding as a school leader, repeat the above exercise. See if the result doesn't lead you into valuing the power of branding and learning more about MADmen principles. See if you can think of brands, business or personal brands, that carry split second emotional response. They hold brand triggers. research says it takes about 9 seconds to know whether we want to engage with someone in face to face situations. Knowing if we want to engage with a brand though logo recognition is even quicker.

Say Paris Hilton. See what I mean?

If a school organization becomes more attuned to the market that it serves, it can use that awareness to create the school brand as an emotional trigger that promotes brand loyalty. Your chosen brand therefore, must not be taken on lightly. It must be a genuine match to the organization. It must be more than the logo. It must go immediately to a promise. The development of the brand should be intentionally mined over at least three months, so that when the process of BUILDING the brand is begun, the implied promise that the brand suggests will be easier to demonstrate, especially around key decision making times in a school calendar.

Branding is an implied promise. Getting the buy in from the community of teachers, students parents and administrators as they brand in developed is key. Going beyond the commercialization of schools, the emotional connection each of the groups has to the brand can make the promise easier to deliver. In schools, even more than in business, I think a key to finding a trigger is to mine the question, "Why do I like being here?" As a student, as an employee, as a homeowner...the question gets to emotional connection that can be the foundation of early talks on building the school brand.

MADMEN Closer

It was a particularly wrenching closer. The sight of the Sterling Cooper phoenix in the luxury hotel room where their new madmen world is being born as Drapper's world is in meltdown...I'm not sure I can watch this one again...even for research purposes.

Outliers.... Success Stories from Malcom Gladwell

What is an ''outlier''? According to Malcom Gladwell, it's a superachiever, He focuses on Bill Gates, The Beatles, and other super successes. What makes them different?It's not just mere talent,.Gladwell makes interesting and compelling reasons for success....I loved the 10,000 hour rule myself! His investigation of birthdates and legacy and opportunity goes from simplest to complex...why are Asians good at math? He offers a persuasive reasoning...

His writing is storylike yet with teeth of fact and data. It's a great read from the author of Blink and the Tipping Point...I couldn't put it down!

In a City of 26,000 Places to eat...Vesailles!!!

As Danny Meyer, restauranteur star says...26,000 place to eat in NYC...!

But if you want new, elegant catering for One or 100, check out Pierre Lion's new effort Versailles1983. He adds a touch of affordable class to your dining experience! And they deliver throughout most of Manhattan.

I'm writing book two, so I'm at home more..I need a Pierre plan!!!

http://stores.versaillesdelivery.com/-strse-template/hoursanddeliveryoptions/Page.bok

Danny Meyer, Dr. Bob and Trish

That's right, 26,000 restaurants...and I'm with the boss at Tabla!

Versailles1983 is Paris in Soho

In a city with 26,000 options for eating according to Danny Meyer, restauranteur to NYC's most educated palates, we now have a wonderful new choice. Pierre Lion's Versailles1983 catering company....if you want to feel pampered without spending LOTS of money in the process, check this newcomer out:http://stores.versaillesdelivery.com/-strse-template/hoursanddeliveryoptions/Page.bok

And he delivers throughout most of Manhattan!!! Welcome to NYC Pierre!

Branding Lessons: Build School Culture and Identity with Branding

You're an educator and you are starting to think about branding. Of course, you can't help but do this. When I am asked in business settings about my ability to work within the business community, since my perspective is informed by education, I simply smile and say..."I've been in the business sales all my life. I've sold "education" to a diverse marketplace: students, teachers, parents, administrators, school board members and the community."
So today, with my sales perspective, I'm traveling the country speaking to educators about the common ground of educators and business people. The ground of selling and living a BRAND for ROI in education.
Let's capture one Branding definition to work with. Branding is a total experience for the user that is based on relationship. It's more than a logo or a tagline.
If we lead with that principle, then as educators, we should feel a good fit. Education is about building relationships. Educators work hard to do honor that, and have their own tools that make this harmony of relationship building happen everyday in schools. SO with that in mind, can a school culture be created through strategic understanding and a champaign to advance a brand? Can this result in brand loyalty among students, teachers, parents, administrators, board members and the community?
To define what education is today is as challenging as defining what a brand is. There are many ways people try to define both, and branding is in essence solid and changing at the same time. That is true for education as well.
The way to make connections right off the bat is through CULTURE. Branding tenets that are from Madison Avenue's hallowed halls are perfect tools to develop language and attitude for building CULTURE across the diverse market for education. The beginning of the work lies in the understanding that branding is based in an implied promise. In schools, the promise is achievement. Savvy principals today can be Madmen...or women leaders by applying Madison Avenue tools to include branding, some marketing and a dash of social media to create culture that feeds a loyalty to the organization. Madman Principles? They work. And you'd be crazy not to try.

About the Author
Ms. Rubin is the president of the Edventures group, a NYC based consultancy that helps individuals and organizations grow though marketing, branding and networking services.

Branding Lessons: Build School Culture and Identity with Branding

You're an educator and you are starting to think about branding. Of course, you can't help but do this. When I am asked in business settings about my ability to work within the business community, since my perspective is informed by education, I simply smile and say..."I've been in the business sales all my life. I've sold "education" to a diverse marketplace: students, teachers, parents, administrators, school board members and the community."
So today, with my sales perspective, I'm traveling the country speaking to educators about the common ground of educators and business people. The ground of selling and living a BRAND for ROI in education.
Let's capture one Branding definition to work with. Branding is a total experience for the user that is based on relationship. It's more than a logo or a tagline.
If we lead with that principle, then as educators, we should feel a good fit. Education is about building relationships. Educators work hard to do honor that, and have their own tools that make this harmony of relationship building happen everyday in schools. SO with that in mind, can a school culture be created through strategic understanding and a champaign to advance a brand? Can this result in brand loyalty among students, teachers, parents, administrators, board members and the community?
To define what education is today is as challenging as defining what a brand is. There are many ways people try to define both, and branding is in essence solid and changing at the same time. That is true for education as well.
The way to make connections right off the bat is through CULTURE. Branding tenets that are from Madison Avenue's hallowed halls are perfect tools to develop language and attitude for building CULTURE across the diverse market for education. The beginning of the work lies in the understanding that branding is based in an implied promise. In schools, the promise is achievement. Savvy principals today can be Madmen...or women leaders by applying Madison Avenue tools to include branding, some marketing and a dash of social media to create culture that feeds a loyalty to the organization. Madman Principles? They work. And you'd be crazy not to try.

About the Author
Ms. Rubin is the president of the Edventures group, a NYC based consultancy that helps individuals and organizations grow though marketing, branding and networking services.