Not long after they endured a stinging public relations firestorm over apparent discrimination by an employee that ended up being national news, Starbucks is back in the news, this time for unleashing what’s been called a “scathing criticism” of the Seattle City Council. The reason for the company’s ire? A recent tax increase on “big business” that has been earmarked to pay for “affordable housing” and to help house the homeless. But Starbucks, a company that has long been known for taking strong … READ MORE »
According to experts, it could be time for banking companies to sound the alarm. Big technology companies like Apple, and Amazon could be on their way to change the way we look at finance forever. In fact, the research group “McKinsey” has warned numerous organisations that while the latest launch of fintech startups might seem manageable enough – the more big technology groups get involved, the more banks will have to worry about. Apparently, some of the biggest players in the technology world have … READ MORE »
Creating a buzz on your Instagram feed isn’t always easy. There are countless other brands out there trying to earn the attention of the same audience, making it incredibly difficult for companies to establish any kind of sustainable buzz. Fortunately, Instagram influencer marketing could be the answer for those who want to build their presence fast. While it’s difficult to find official numbers for the amount marketers spend on Instagram followings each year, some studies suggest that companies spent as much … READ MORE »
Social media connects in a way nothing else before ever has. It takes the basic tools of the internet and creates a communal immediacy to a headline or an allegation with an alacrity that belies anything else in the history of communication.
From the very beginning, U2 has always proven unpredictable and entertaining in their live shows. This reputation goes back to the band’s first foray into the major spotlight, back in 1985 at the Live Aid show. At the time, U2 had released a few albums and had a decent fan following, but they were overshadowed by the major star power at the concert, including pop royalty like Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, among others. Live Aid, apart from being something the band … READ MORE »
When two black men were arrested and forcibly removed from a Philadelphia Starbucks coffee shop for the offense of not ordering coffee, a single decision by a single manager thrust the entire brand into a national PR crisis.
No one wants their brand connected with a tragedy. But it could happen. In fact, it does happen, a lot more than we would like. Think about these recent headlines…
Americans are drinking less soda, and that’s cutting into the bottom line for the two biggest soft drink brands, Coke and Pepsi, making sales of other products in their line that much more important. You could say the modern-day “Cola Wars” are actually “Water Wars,” because the real battle seems to be coming down to which water, tea or other non-cola beverage consumers are choosing… and there appears to be more similar products coming soon.
The transition back to a ‘normal’ life can be tough for many former professional athletes. They go from the highly-regimented workouts and schedules, the constant stress and competition, the emotional highs and lows, and the adoring fans, to… well … to, what? That’s often the hardest question to answer. Some transition into coaching or commentary, staying close to the sport that brought them wealth and fame. Others find success in other industries or just choose to spend time with their families. Some, though, they … READ MORE »
As Wells Fargo waited to find out how much it would have to pay for past transgressions, an Australian bank hit the headlines for admitting to billing clients for fees. The catch: those clients had been dead for years, and at least some people at the bank knew it. Commonwealth Bank of Australia admitted as much during a government investigation, saying the practice of billing dead customers for “financial advice” went back years, in one case at least a decade.
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