Guru

Simon Whitfield on 2012 Olympics and Triton Triathlon Training

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:29:47 +0000

Getting into racing form

admin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:31:11 +0000

Getting into racing form.

We may not understand why folks voluntarily choose to run, but we do understand that branding a club is the same as branding a business. One needs to create an identity that resonates with the public. When the Ottawa Running Club decided it needed a new image that reflected the club’s character, we stepped up to the starting line.

Off to a good start.

The Ottawa Running Club has many members, and an even longer history. We thought their brand should communicate these attributes, so we designed a new logo with a retro look. To ensure the club’s purpose is easily gleaned from the logo, we used the flying foot symbol. Together these elements give the Ottawa Running Club and established presence.

Crossing the finish line.

The new logo is original, fun and strategic—and looks great on a T-shirt. The president of the Ottawa Running Club was delighted with it. He said the logo fit his brand like a glove—make that a running shoe.

A Brand Casting Call

admin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:11:57 +0000

A brand casting call.
Christi Talent, the largest talent agency in Alberta and one of the biggest in Canada, was in need of a brand makeover to reflect its mover and shaker status. Though the agency is responsible for casting major films, TV series and TV commercials, their corporate identity didn’t convey the company’s clout. They called on Guru and we stepped into the familiar role of brand strategist.

Lights, camera, logo.
We couldn’t change the company name, but everything else was up for consideration. We started with the logo. Our goal was to make a significant visual impact by creating the impression that Christi Talent is a substantial creative force–because that’s exactly what Christi Talent is. The new logo would coincide with Christi Talent’s new brand image.

Ready for their close up.
New logo in place, Christi Talent now boasts a polished and professional brand image that dovetails nicely with the agency’s achievements. They were thrilled with our strategic performance. We were happy to be in the lead.

Richard Branson and the Key to Success

admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:33:34 +0000

A few years ago I was sitting in an audience listening to Richard Branson being interviewed live on stage. Richard was asked the question, “What is the most important factor in business success?” In the split second that it took him to answer, I thought to myself, “Here is a man worth billions of dollars, who enjoys building air crafts that can fly into outer space. I wonder how he will position his answer to such a question?” Turns out, his answer was outstanding. To paraphrase, he said, “You have to care about people. If you don’t know the name of the secretary and the name of the guy in the back of the shop, you don’t deserve to be in business.” WOW! Strong statement. Personally, I’m always amazed when meeting highly successful business people who share this same outward focused approach to business. And I’ve spent a lot of years researching how focusing outward creates success. What I learned is that this philosophy is fairly common among the world’s most successful companies. Branson was right. When you turn outward, you attract positive things towards you. Putting others first is just plain good business.

For more information on this subject and my research, request a copy of my book, Kickback. I’ll send it to you FREE. Just send me an e-mail to Robert@guru-minds.com with the Subject: “Free Book” in the headline.

Guru Announces a Fitness Industry Revolution

admin — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:10 +0000

Guru is currently working with some of the world’s top Olympic athletes developing a program that will revolutionize the fitness industry. While the project remains highly confidential, watch for more details on this web site, and national television, near the … Continue reading »

It’s easy to do. But easier not to do.

admin — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:52:50 +0000

Do you have a defined marketing strategy? If we look at the world’s top companies, we’ll find successful brands across a variety of industries all implement the same fundamental marketing strategies—strategies that have been proven to work regardless of product, service or industry. Yet few companies take the time to understand and apply these fundamental strategies. Every year budgets are consumed with employees, equipment, facilities, and processes. Marketing strategy falls by the wayside. What’s your marketing strategy?

If it’s not working, it’s probably broken.

admin — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:48:01 +0000

If your marketing isn’t growing your business, chances are it needs repair. As the late Jim Rohn said, “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” If we apply this thought to your marketing, then success requires us to understand and apply basic marketing strategy fundamentals that have been proven to work. Makes sense, but we often forget this crucial step when we find ourselves in the throws of creativity. But creativity without strategy is just art. And while we like art, art will rarely fix your marketing problem. What’s your marketing strategy?