Ronnie Frankowski

You remember this Spider-Man drawing meme from a few years back? https://lnkd.in/gXwXApdd You know, the one that shows the level of quality you get when you give an artist 10 minutes vs. 1 minute vs. 10 seconds? I remember when it started doing the rounds, a lot of creative types used it as an example of how much worse their work is when it's rushed vs. when they get enough time to truly ideate. What's funny is, this isn't even the best depiction of that. Imagine instead if you started by giving someone 10 seconds to draw a *brand new* superhero — one that doesn't already exist. My guess is the result would go something like "Uhhhmmmmm.... I dunnnoo.... (hastily scribbles rough silhouette with a cape)". Then give them 1 min and watch more detail get added. And then 10 and watch really rich character and story elements emerge. I see this a lot in organizations that put a premium on sprints and MVPs. It's one thing to put time constraints on refinement, evolution and optimization of an idea. It's another to rush the ideation itself. That's typically not a good recipe for innovation, since (as my example illustrates) when people are rushed, they tend to regurgitate/replicate the familiar. There is something to be said for putting some time constraints on ideation as a generative exercise. And when facilitated with a focus on lateral connections sparking new combinations, there is a way to hack novelty at pace. But often the main value is in getting all the obvious ideas out of the way, and getting the gears turning in the back of brains to let time do its work of mental marination. Then the real gems that team members can't stop thinking about can be prototyped/MVP'd/etc. Have you seen rapid ideation produce novel concepts (in product, comms, org design, etc.)? Or has it tended to churn out ideas that feel like replications/regurgitations, logical/linear progressions and slight incremental improvements on what already exists? #innovation #creativity #ideation #agile #mvp #prototyping #poc

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This year's Major League Baseball (MLB) #playoffs have been a wild ride for fans – and STRAUSS is reaping the benefits. The German-based workwear brand is a new sponsor of MLB’s postseason gear, starting with a 5-inch tall logo on both sides of the league’s playoff helmets. While some fans may grouse about additional advertising — as The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay does in his new column — many more have been interested to learn more about the brand. According to EDO data, searches for Strauss were up 33.5x during the first week of the MLB playoffs, as compared to the previous week, proving that savvy, in-game sponsorships can pay massive dividends for brands looking to gain mindshare during high-stakes sports events. We see brands generate similar engagement when they invest in new ad opportunities from leagues, including the WNBA, NBA, and MLB’s recent expansion into jersey patches. https://lnkd.in/etMp64K7

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This month, my Foundry Management & Technology focuses on apologies. How they happen in business (or don't) can impact your brand. #branding #communications #marketingstrategy https://lnkd.in/gQP4J9Gb

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Stepping into the world of witches’ markets is like entering a hidden realm where the mystical meets the mundane. These markets, found in various corners of the world, are troves of occult items, from herbs and potions to talismans and amulets. Whether you’re a practitioner of the craft, a curious onlooker, or a collector of unique cultural artifacts, witches’ markets offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the esoteric and the enchanted. But one question remains — where to find them? To make this as easy for you as possible, we’ve created a list of some of the best witches’ markets on earth.

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One of the most fun categories to work on involves vehicles performing amazing feats of derring-do! Toy Stories Chapter 13: Tyco RC Feature Vehicles! Kudos to the brilliant creative minds behind my 3 favorite RC toys: Joseph Moll, Vlad Leonov, carmen ezzio, David Bowen and many others! Shell Shocker!: I had just taken over as GM of the Tyco RC group. Half of the team had just moved from Philly to LA, and most of their time had been allocated to packing up, so the fall line was missing its TV driver. Joe Moll led a brainstorm that included a ball that transformed into RC vehicle, but mechanically it was not quite yet viable, and visually & thematically it needed more. Our mechanical genius, Vlad Leonov, then created a rotating panel transformation that also delivered multi-terrain propulsion! Designer Dave Bowen then gave it an Alien-like monster look and added a tail for balance. It was a cool toy and a big hit at the fall toy show. A great first joint effort by the newly formed team, that won Boys Toy of the Year at the following year’s TIA TOTY’s at New York Toy Fair. Alas, I was not at the ceremony to accept the award, as my twin girls elected to be born a bit earlier than expected. It’s OK, I forgive them…sort of. Terrain Twister!: This all-surface RC was already in production by the time I came on board, so but Vlad Leonov told me that he created the prototype and it sat on his shelf for 10 years, before it was submitted into child testing, where it dazzled kids just as it would in market. Once in production, we had a big argument with management over the media plan. Our President said that sales in early fall wouldn’t justify a September flight. I argued that we would be advertising early to get re-orders for a big late push. Surprisingly, he agreed, we got the media, we got the reorders, and Terrain Twister was the #1 feature RC that year. So popular, in fact, that when I went to Hong Kong Toy Fair the following January, Chinese companies had already knocked it off and were pitching it (to me! Weird!), often even keeping the original name. NSECT!: We knew following up our hit Shell Shocker was going to be tough, so I asked Vlad Leonov for something robotic, which was coming trend. He showed me a cool bug-walking mechanism that was creepily lifelike. I loved It! But it needed more….Just then, Ken Ong sent into my office an RC car driven with the aid of a camera with can of silly string pointed right at me. What a scary feeling! Who was doing this?! We added the camera and silly string to the walking mechanism and the first NSECT was born. Later, we cost-reduced out the camera, and kid-testing told us they preferred darts over silly string. That was fine with me, and Carmen Ezzio did a fantastic job presenting at NYTF, firing the darts so that they would hit and stick on the news camera lens! We added the pincers in front because I always wanted a robot that could bring me a Diet Coke, and I KNEW I wasn’t alone on that! #mattel #tycorc

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Take Stock Take a hard look at this chart of 2Q Media Earnings Results and tell me who YOU think had a good market reaction to these results and who had bad (taking into account the big selloff yesterday). Click to expand. Read the numbers. I’ll wait… In normal times, we could look at this scorecard and know instinctively the state of most of the companies covered - the health of each and the relative value of its shares. But these are NOT normal times. This is SILLY SEASON. If you look at the actual results of these companies, then read the analysis, you have to question if those COVERING these companies actually READ the actual results. Yesterday I was quoted in a great piece in The Ankler by Claire Atkinson called “Dead Wrong But Never in Doubt: How Analysts Plague Hollywood.” https://lnkd.in/ecC_VM5R In the article, Jessica Reif Ehrlich & Rich Greenfield show, with numerous direct quotes, how much of the analysis of the Media industry is pure guesswork - regardless of how hard they sell Media C-Suites to follow what they profess. It’s a good, fascinating read. To be clear: Most Media analysts know a total of fuck-all about running Media or Tech companies. Which explains how they can react to Apple’s shitty results with golf claps while looking at Microsoft’s earnings with gasps. Or how they can CAMPAIGN HARD to merge Disco Bros, then, just two years later, boldly proclaim it’s time to break up Warner Bros. Discovery - like goldfish who forgot what they said on the last lap around the bowl. If yesterday’s market shitstorm rattled you; if the state of the Media Universe gives you agita; if YOU want to find your way out of Silly Season; then follow this edict: First, ignore all the analysts. At this link, for your reading pleasure, using just data and my keyboard, I debunk the current conventional analysis about the most important companies in Media & Tech. https://lnkd.in/eYu9raqY Before you react to an analyst report or take action based on yesterday’s market storm… remember to take a breath. Don’t be a part of the silliness. #earningseason #stockmarket #earnings #dow #nasdaq #GenAI

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This is probably the closest I’ll ever be to becoming a sportscaster. This conversation with long-time sports radio host Ari Temkin (Dallas Cowboys, Big 12 Conference) was a blast. We discussed the changing game of sports and media, and here were the top takeaways: ♦️ Live sports power: The enduring influence of live sports in an on-demand world. ♦️ Nonlinear investments from companies like Amazon: How tech giants are shaking up traditional broadcasting with massive media deals. ♦️ The future of media consumption: What AI, streaming, and subscriptions mean for the fan experience. See the highlights below and listen now on your favorite platform🎧: - Substack: https://lnkd.in/exWd_GYD - Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eaiWRmKa - Apple: https://lnkd.in/eYjfGTyw - Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eK3RCWDM - MarketScale: https://lnkd.in/eK3RCWDM

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Ready to dust off your jack-o-lanterns? Liquid Death and Yeti team up on a "Casket Cooler"—a spooky, (literally) chilling addition to any holiday party. This adds to the list of bold statements released by Liquid Death this year, excited to see how the upcoming season introduces more themed collabs! #ConsumerTrends #BrandCollab #BrandStrategy

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"Confidence, Creativity, and Golf Shoes: Oakley's Masterclass in Brand Differentiation" Ever wonder why some brands effortlessly dominate their industries while others fade into obscurity? At Nemo Design, we think about this daily, and Oakley's new Edge Icon golf shoe is a perfect case study in game-changing strategy. I am excited to see Oakley taking a play from Jim Jannard's innovative leadership style and constant pursuit of excellence and originality. Nemo didn’t work on this so it’s not a plug for the shop. Let's break down how the Oakley Edge Icon golf footwear embodies the five laws of extraordinary brands: 1. Give Value, Get Value: The Edge Icon isn't just a shoe; it's a conversation starter, a performance enhancer, and a fashion statement rolled into one. By delivering unique value to golfers who crave distinction, Oakley's poised for a profitable victory. 2. Confidence Trumps Cleverness: This isn't a shoe that whispers—it roars. Oakley's confidence in challenging golf fashion norms speaks volumes, inspiring customers to step out of their comfort zones too. 3. Differentiate, Don't Compete: Instead of battling in the crowded space of traditional golf footwear, Oakley created its own playing field. The Edge Icon doesn't compete; it stands alone. 4. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Oakley didn't just talk about innovation; they brought it to life. The Edge Icon's design and functionality are a physical manifestation of the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries. It feels like something Oakley would create. 5. Embrace the Fun Factor: Let's face it—these shoes are fun! They inject comfort and personality into a sport often perceived as staid. Oakley reminds us that effective strategies can (and should) be pleasurable. As brand strategists, we're fans of brands pushing innovation. Oakley core value is to "ignite the imagination through the fusion of art and science". The Edge Icon isn't just a product launch; it's a masterclass in brand differentiation and strategic thinking. The true test, will the market reward the effort? So, here's my challenge: How can you apply these principles to your brand or career? Are you giving unique value? Are your actions aligned with your strategy? Are you differentiating or just competing? And most importantly, are you having fun with it? Share your thoughts below. Let's start a conversation about how we can all bring a bit of that Oakley boldness into our strategic playbooks. #StrategicBranding #InnovationInAction #DaretoDifferentiate #BrandConfidence #oakleygolf

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📣Precise TV’s 2024 media consumption trend report among US Gen Z teens is now available! As a mom to 2 teens who love their screens and are constantly asking for products they see on YouTube, TikTok and other media platforms, this report will be super helpful to advertisers who want to reach this VERY picky audience. The 2024 Precise Advertiser Report; Teens & Youth (PARTY)  reveals: 🏆 YouTube remains the #1 platform among teens 🎵 79% of teens use YouTube to listen to music 📲 Teens' favorite apps include YouTube, YouTube Shorts & TikTok 🎮 More than 60% of teens like to play video or app games Download for free here: https://lnkd.in/e__Uz25z #GenZ #Report #YouTube #teens

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The star power that celebrity athletes like #CaitlinClark deliver for TV ad engagement is immense, but not immeasurable. For example, ads shown during NCAA women’s basketball games with Caitlin Clark were 7% more effective than those in games without her. That’s nearly as strong as NFL GOAT Tom Brady: games with Brady for the last six years of his career were 8% more effective than games without him. And not only does an appearance from Caitlin Clark lift ad engagement in TV programming she’s featured – such as the NCAA season and last week’s #WNBA Draft – but she also delivers increased engagement for brands such as State Farm or PepsiCo's Gatorade that have featured Clark in new campaigns. Just last week, ads featuring Clark from these two brands were the top 3 airings by ad impact during the Draft. That’s why Clark’s sponsorship with deal with Nike is bound to pay dividends for the brand, especially on TV. Thanks Jason Notte for speaking with me for this ADWEEK story! https://lnkd.in/eXWGGekw

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This is a great perspective on the "path to purchase." In this latest report, Mars United Commerce presents a new approach to the classic “path to purchase” that starts with shopper mindsets rather than the more traditional focus on behaviors or tactics in this latest report. Download your copy here: https://lnkd.in/gCkj6Ysz #pathtopurchase #ecommerce #commercemarketing #strategy

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Are Prime Video ads impacting Amazon's bottom line? 📺💰 In a recent earnings report, Amazon fell short of revenue expectations, sparking questions about the future of its ad revenue streams. While sponsored products remain key, the integration of ads in Prime Video reflects a broader trend in the convergence of retail media and connected TV advertising. Amazon aims to solidify brand loyalty by linking TV campaigns to e-commerce sales, leveraging advanced tracking technology for measurable results. However, as other retail media networks evolve and marketing budgets shift, the sustainability of this strategy remains uncertain. Stay tuned as Amazon navigates this evolving landscape, balancing traditional ad formats with innovative strategies to maintain its competitive edge. #Amazon #PrimeVideo #Advertising #Ecommerce #RetailMedia

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Celtics win! Check. ☘️ A nine-year-old's first NBA game? Double check. ☘️☘️ Witnessing the magic firsthand at Game 5 and an unexpected emotional breakdown? Triple check. ☘️☘️☘️ Get the full story (and maybe some tissues) in my WEEKLY HUG newsletter. Jump on the list at the link below. (Oh yeah, I also talk about swallowing bugs, declining church attendance, doubling conversion rates, and H U M A N I T Y in this upcoming newsletter, nbd or anything)

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Beware of the hyperactive hive mind.... A worthwhile listen, Cal Newports investigation into the growth of email / IM and how it has filled the gap as a tool to show we are "Working". He argues how as we have moved from farms where our measure was the crop, to factories where the measure was numbers of widgets, and now in a knowledge economy its the amount (Not efficiency) of unstructured communication. https://lnkd.in/gQSMTepG

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