Leadership
Tech companies buy other tech companies. Today we can expect mergers and acquisitions to only accelerate as our industry looks to consolidate. But companies buy much more than just technology when making an acquisition. Company and product names, visual identities, logos, brand experience, culture, trust, perception of maturity—all valuable
Positioning
Humans are both intelligent and irrational. On the outside, we analyze every situation logically. We decide without emotion. We put the B in B2B. On the inside, we’re still a bit mammal. Hardwired for survival and the search for mates and social connection. Just like we were a thousand
naming
Your company needs a name. Or the current name needs to change. Or maybe you’re launching a new product. Early in the naming process optimism is high. Ideas come easy. We don’t judge, just generate. But then the time comes. You have to choose. Here even the bravest
Company Culture
11 Simple Suggestions to Bring Your Mission to Life Writing your mission can be one of the most important activities for any organization. But it’s not often easy. We want to rally people around a common purpose! To give direction and guide effort! To inspire people to join the
Identity Design
One Friday morning recently, I walked into the office and, on my way to pouring my first coffee of the day, stopped by Matt Muñoz’ desk as he opened a package. He had received an email from Milieu Grotesque, the digital type foundry that created the Maison Neue typeface of
Brand Community
These days, passionate brand advocates are hard won and easily lost. One of my favorite brands is learning this lesson right now.For writers, designers, or anyone in a creative field, notebooks are your place to record inspiration and craft ideas. I’m rarely without one. My notebook collecting has
Uncategorized
We were very excited that New Kind was featured in Sunday’s News & Observer. The article profiled New Kind’s non-traditional approach to branding and strategy. We were especially proud of the very kind words from some wonderful people and organizations we work with: Kevin Trapani, CEO of Redwoods,
Uncategorized
Companies need talented, creative people to compete. And more than ever, companies need the right culture, mission, and meaningful work to attract and retain that talent. On Tuesday local business leaders met at the North Carolina Museum of History for a panel titled, “The Great Talent Search: Creating a Culture
Uncategorized
March madness and the spirit of the NCAA basketball tournament are everywhere. But there’s one particular bracket no one wants to be on. For the past six years, the website Consumerist has held a tournament for readers to decide the Worst Company in America.The site takes nominations to
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Last week the time had come for me to say goodbye to Red Hat. I joined the company on the third day of the year 2000. Red Hat was 350 people then. Today the company is over 3500 and is the largest and most recognized open source company in the