Reviews (5)

Can't read if you can't get
International marketing requires marketers to think globally. There are folks out there willing to pay for the priviledge of doing business with companies in other countries. This magazine Strategy+Business does not have a global strategy and that is a shame ... perhaps the marketing guys might think on how to let folks beyond the borders of the US subscribe ... hey what a good business strategy.

Online version: Good hook, uneven delivery
A friend introduced me to S+B with an article about Chief Marketing Officers (CMO), of which I am one. I read it with interest, so much so that I emailed the author with my questions. He replied promptly and fully which was very refreshing. The fact that S+B gave enough info to contact authors is very good. Also, the articles tend to be longer than most magazine articles so there's 'room' to present ideas in more thoughtfully, maybe even to include supporting research. Some of the other articles WERE research articles with data, charts, etc.

There are two worthwhile points that follow this cautionary tale, so persevere Dear Reader:

The article said that the really strategic CEOs are now seeking a new class of marketing officer: CMOs who have combined operations and CONSULTING experience. That resonated well with me because I have both. Then it sites some credible famous names and their theories such as Philip Kotler whose text book I used in B school. That gave me warm fuzzies too. BTW, Kotler was talking about PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, not strategic marketing, but let's not quibble at this point.

So far so good.

Then, THEN! Then it said to the effect (further clarified in an email from the author) that different "brands" cannot effectively do strategic marketing because of the conflicts caused by distributed organization structures, authority and demands on resources.

Huh? Excuuuuuse me? Is this a marketing article or an OrgDesign one?
(a) what do BRANDs have to do with early product planning? It turns out the author's definition of a brand is what those of us in the working world would call a "business unit."

(b) why is a consulting background critical for CMOs? So that we can give good presentations and influence decision makers. Hum, a consulting background has far greater value than that, but OK, that thesis is true, though trivial.

(c) "Real strategic marketing is a new concept and isn't 'there' yet. I've done strategic marketing in high tech for more years than I wish to reveal, and although turf wars, resource allocation arguments... operated in every decision, the organization structure and mentality were NEVER major obstacles. So the core thesis of a CMO being an emerging trend is, um, shall we say, uh, debatable?

Now that I've nit-picked a single article to death, what about the rest of the articles I read? They were buzz-wordy, flossy, interesting but not substantial. They serve a useful purpose as 'mind candy' and got me thinking and researching in greater depth, which is good. I suppose that's one difference between monthly, thousand word articles and peer-reviewed research papers. :)

Here are my points:

1. This magazine is published by Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the more famous strategy consulting firms. The tone reflects BoozAllen culture a lot, but it's also possibly self-serving. Practically EVERY article I've read so far extolls the virtues of consulting and consultants.

2. Some authors are better than others, not just in writing style, but in CONTENT. The editors might be a committee, or someone whose business background can be deeper. The quality of the contents vary a lot. Marketing advice: They need to come up with a consistent brand and a value promise that are fulfill by every article.

Thanks for reading this whole thing. Hope it was helpful in your decision about whether to buy.

Don't waste your money on something no one in business reads
This magazine is a joke -- it's Booz-Allen's attempt to build something similar to the McKinsey Quarterly. But the articles are usually vapid and completely lacking of insight, and among CEOs and CFOs of large corporations very few will even have heard of this thing. (The Quarterly, on the other hand, along with HBR, is the BIBLE of management thinking.) The editors of this rag even show up on CNBC all the time, and make generally simplistic and completely useless commentary -- that should tell you something. Don't waste your money -- spend a little more and get HBR, or buy online access to MQ.

the best magazine I have ever subscribed to.
The articles in "Strategy and Business" are well researched and
written. You will end up reading every article in each issue.

Probably the finest management magazine available
With a very modern layout and a surprisingly liberally-minded and thoughtful style in writing, strategy+business is my preferred management/business magazine. Articles come mostly from the consulting practice of booz-allen, but the contributions rarely give you the sense of would-be scientific, often boring approach of harvard business review. Though the latter is still widely considered the business bible, I find strategy+business has been much more successful lately to find an inspirational, yet critical and relevant approach to business writing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Neat Little Mag
I first encountered this magazine while sorting my boss's mail. I don't typically take time to read through the dozens of periodicals he receives; this one, however caught my eye. Its itty-bitty size belies the contents, which are pithy little sayings and quotes that remind you what's really important. Even reading just one a day can have a huge impact. Great idea!

Good Stuff certainly lives up to its name
This little magazine comes filled with inspirational quotes and anecdotes for just about any occasion. Some will make you laugh, others ponder life's deeper meaning, but they will always inspire. Send these quotes to friends, employees, or post them on a web site, the recipients will be happy you did. ... Read more

Abstract

Provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of public accounting, including tax, accounting & financial planning.
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Abstract

Articles, interviews, business profiles, finance, timely news of note, management and planning for businesses in Oregon.
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Reviews (1)

Use Up-To-Date Tax Law Information To Your Benefit
This slim newsletter is like an anthill with usable tax information! It is written in lay language and written well. It spits out tidbits from the simplest matter to the more complex: things like the new IRS electronic filer toll-free help line; paying for over-the-counter drugs through flexible spending accounts; information on mutual fund dividends qualifying for the new 15% top tax rate; innovative charitable giving; the alternative minimum tax danger; tax-free exchanges; how to slash life insurance costs; why capital gains are more attracitve than dividends; how S-Corporations should treat shareholders; tax-saving moves for the last few months of the year; how to write off the cost of supporting an elderly relative; the new health insurance credit; and more complicated business, investment and realty matters. Neophytes and the more experienced can use this magazine, although it is not geared toward tax attorneys or CPAs.

For some odd reason, it is easier, in my opinion, to read than other financial magazines, such as Money, Smart Money, although those magazines certainly serve a purpose. It may be the format or that Tax Hotline is focused on one particular financial area that holds my particular interest. One department, Winners Hotline, showcases instances when "David" has won against "Goliath." There is Inside the IRS, which tells of goings-on inside the behemoth, such as when an H&R Block employee blew the whistle on one of its customers by informing the IRS of dubious activity and providing documents before the tax return was filed. An IRS audit and criminal investigation led to a civil settlement. However, a federal district court judge ruled that H&R Block's conduct was a breach of conduct, deceptive, and unfair. The judgement against Block was $630! (That'll teach them!) You get many humorous, but informative and varied, snippets such as this.

There are a multiplicity of Hotlines within these pages, each geared toward a specific tax facet, such as a Write-Off Hotline, a Tax Credit Hotline, a Giving Hotline, a Business Hotline, a Family Hotline, and a Silver Lining Hotline, etc.

This magazine actually makes you look forward to reading about taxes, while you get encyclopedically tax-educated. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The American Farriers Journal
I have been a horse owner for thirty years.I have never read any publication that is so one sided and biased.The articles have no basis of any scientific studies what so ever. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, interviews, commentary and news of note on marketing aimed at members of the American Marketing Association.
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Abstract

Articles, special reports, news analysis, interviews and commentary aimed at helping publishers and suppliers to the publishing industry keep up to date with today's magazine news, ideas and strategies.
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Reviews (1)

Great slice of what's happening in the magazine business
If magazines are your business, this is the magazine to keep your finger on the pulse. It follows trends, who is doing what, analysis and tips on how to improve your business. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, profiles, interviews, technology, product reviews and news and trends for the building team; architects, engineers, government agencies, general contractors, owner/developers, subcontracting firms and design and construction departments.
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Abstract

The only product news magazine that reports on important trends, issues & products affecting the maintenance, replacement & operations (MRO) market.
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