Michael Jordan: a proponent of Extreme Focus (source of image)
How does one truly achieve one’s dreams? What are the secrets behind ultra-successful folks who make a “dent in the Universe”?
The answer according to NBA Orlando Magic’s Senior Vice President Pat Williams and author Jim Denney is “Extreme Focus”.
Too bad marketers don’t have growing noses like Pinnochio! (source of image)
In the world of marketing, there are three schools of thought.
The first is the school of facts. Proponents of this idea hinge much of their marketing on bread and butter issues, focusing on very tangible aspects of their products or services such as cost, value, features, utility, convenience and savings.
Disneyland provides lots of photo opportunities for kids!
Thanks to Bob Rogers, I recently learnt about the 10 rules of theme park design which were created by Disney legend Marty Sklar, Vice Chairman and Principal Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. These rules are designed to help anybody developing or designing a theme park to create memorable experiences for their guests.
So what are these precepts modelled after the “happiest place on Earth”?
Image from Mashable.com
Everybody knows Steve Jobs.
Icon, innovator, brilliant entrepreneur and creator of “insanely great” products, Jobs was the founder and CEO of Apple.
Creator of legendary products like the Macintosh computer, iPod, iTunes Store, iPhone and iPad, Jobs founded the Disney beating Pixar Animations (which was later sold to the behemoth), and opened the much lauded Apple Store.
“Undercover Economist” Tim Harford’s latest book Adapt – Why Success Always Starts with Failure blends economics, psychology, evolutionary biology, and anthropology to explain why trial and error is preferred over grand strategic plans. Touted as “Britain’s Malcolm Gladwell”, Harford’s central thesis is that countries, companies and individuals should embrace an evolutionary and empirical approach in determining what works and what doesn’t.
Using analogies from evolution such as variation, selection and adaptation, Adapt uses far flung examples ranging from the Iraq War, Global Warming, 2007’s Financial Meltdown, to 3rd World Development efforts to prove its point. Some of its stories – such as the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg – date all the way back to the middle ages. Others, such as the almost accidental success of Google (which purportedly has no corporate strategy) are more recent.
The Melbourne Museum provides a great immersive experience
In the world of information-rich visitor attractions like heritage buildings, museums and corporate attractions, spinning a great tale is imperative to success.
Having an exciting story which connects and resonates with your visitors makes all the difference. What should one do to create those magical moments?
Source of image
Considered the finest vessel of her time, the RMS Titanic was known as a “Ship of Dreams”. Designed and built with care by an army of engineers, ship builders and workers, she was the largest ocean liner afloat during her time.
Her sinking a century ago on 15 April 2012 left an indelible mark in the collective consciousness of millions around the world. More than 1,500 perished in the freezing North Atlantic arctic waters, dragged down to the icy bottom after hours of struggling fatigue.
Scoot’s staff Captain HC Rohan, Head of Flight Operations/Chief Pilot; Campbell Wilson, CEO, and Ng Ju Li, Head of Cabin Services with a model of their plane (courtesy of Scoot)
Thanks to Alvin, I participated in a special blogger’s preview event of Scoot, a new low cost carrier in Singapore. Held at the Singapore Flyer, we checked in at the Service Lounge, went for a flight in the pod-like “cabins” and had a sumptuous dinner at the Singapore Food Trail.
So what is Scoot all about?
Courtesy of United Nations’ Photo
Human trafficking is a major global problem. About 2.5 million people are victims of trafficking according to the UN’s International Labour Organisation. Over half of these people are in Asia and the Pacific. Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders (Source: US Government). Over 80% are women and up to 50% are children. Victims often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats against self and family, and even death.
Human trafficking is so common now that it is the 3rd most profitable criminal activity in the world after illegal drugs and arms trafficking. Criminals earn a staggering US$10 billion every year through buying and selling human beings!
Bob Rogers (source of image)
What is the magic behind creating truly memorable and delightful guest experiences at visitor attractions?
According to renowned experience designer Bob Rogers, the secret lies in finding the right story, shaping it for the right audience, and ensuring that it is an original tale.