Network Down

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Adam

If you want to be a global brand with longevity you must continue to find new audiences to reach out to and do so tastefully. Jay Z is the master of this – collaborating with rock music acts that exposed his brand/music to new audiences. Here, Pharrell is adding to his legacy by going after the kids. Tweens of today are the most connected most discerning customers who will be the backbone of consumer behavior in the next decade. So establishing a presence in the world can pay dividends in keeping your name alive and your brand healthy. Networking down to the kids – that’s how you create more than a flash in a generation.

Action Ratner

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

While all film exec and filmmakers have their passion projects– they are also on the lookout for a great business model as a steady stream of revenue. Brett Ratner has always been at the forefront of finding lucrative business models to match with his interests. Here he is taking aim at the reasonably priced action thriller. Sam Raimi does it for horror, Peter Jackson for sci-fi and now Ratner for action. Its smart – they become producers and factory owners for burgeoning talent.

Go Over and Around

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Many times the establishment keeps out the most innovative thinking. Most people are only interested in not getting fired. Agencies – from advertising to talent are finding themselves ill equipped to handle not being the center of the universe. Consumers and brands are circumventing this ‘Grand Central’ mentality. No longer do you need to go through agencies. Go around it. Make your own marketplace. Of course technology can help– here is The Idea Lists – which connects talent and brands…without agencies. Here comes the future.

Olivia Wilde’s Better Half

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Yes – Olivia Wilde is important – gorgeously important. But just because she is married does not mean you should be angry. Her husband made a cool series of videos about political artists.

It’s the type of art that will not be seen by many but I am damn happy that someone makes. What is more important – that your art is seen or that it was made with purpose and drive?

Too many people think of distribution and the end goal instead of the process. Focus on making something great and the ends will take care of themselves. Also, her husband is the son of an Italian prince…

The House That MIT Built

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

The MIT Media Lab is the equivalent to the UCONN Women Huskies Basketball squad. Both are the most dominant, hardest working, most decorated programs in their respective fields.

MIT’s Media Lab is the school’s most famous program and contains the deepest collection of talent relating to interactive telecommunications. Its design, wrapped up in technology and theory and anything else cutting edge. And now they have a beautiful facility.

You want to know where the next big thing in social media and interactive is coming from? Take a look.

The Idea Vs. The Execution

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT –

An idea is virtually worthless. In an era of crowd sourcing and futuristic collaboration tools – most likely someone else has your idea as well. What matters is execution – turning midnight ideas into day time realities. Stop talking – start doing. Talk is cheap. Stop worrying about someone ‘stealing’ your idea and get it made/produced/created. The idea is only one part of the process – important but it’s how you make it and market it and distribute it.

Don’t Play by the Rules

Posted on February 26, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

When you are the upstart – you can’t play by the rules established by the party in power because those rules are designed to keep that party in power.

Be unconventional and work harder – those are your two advantages.

I love this article.

Gladwell points out that most people are unwilling to win because as the underdog its too hard and sometimes it can be socially horrifying.

Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.

The Expectations of Greatness

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Expectations are a tricky thing. For some they can be crushing – for others they can inspire. And for a select few – it comes with the territory.

Myron Rolle embraces his potential and embodies something that has been lost in our age of hyper specialized division of labor- renaissance. While there are experts in every known field there are also a set of people whose job it is to communicate between the experts to connect and translate between different groups.

Make your own expectations.

Friends ‘Til the End

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Adam

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT -

Damon and Affleck burst on the scene in 1997 and now 13 years later with plenty of bumps, bruises, paydays and projects under their respective belts – they are seeking more control over their projects. With Affleck emerging as a strong director and Damon as one of the best actors alive right now – I would bet on these guys making a lot of money and picking up another Oscar at some point. Good to see that Hollywood does not fray all relationships. In the end, its all about creative control and ownership – that’s how you turn a good living into a fortune.

Headsets & Highballs

Tag Archives: Hustle

Network Down

Action Ratner

Go Over and Around

Olivia Wilde’s Better Half

The House That MIT Built

The Idea Vs. The Execution

Don’t Play by the Rules

The Expectations of Greatness

Friends ‘Til the End