Monthly Archives: January 2012

On beautifully designed products

Posted on January 30, 2012 by pokin

I was once asked in a job interview to describe my favourite product. “My Kuhn Rikon garlic press.” I answered without hesitation. My interviewer paused for a moment. “Wow, well that’s the first time I’ve ever heard that as an … Continue reading →

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On rituals

Posted on January 27, 2012 by pokin

Every Friday afternoon, I’d look forward to her arrival.  I didn’t know her name, but without fail she’d show up at my cubicle with her kit. “Excuse me miss, can I get by?” she’d ask. I’d scoot my chair over … Continue reading →

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On things that are so bad they are good for you

Posted on January 26, 2012 by pokin

My mom made me take cod liver oil growing up. I hated it. I got it straight out of a bottle, so no gel capsule barrier for me. Ewwwwness. But then there are brands out there that position themselves specifically … Continue reading →

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On building effective contests

Posted on January 25, 2012 by pokin

In my past life as a starving university student, I was a contest entering pro. Truly, I entered muchos contests. Then, I found myself on the other side of the table creating contests partnerships for GeckoGo. Suddenly, I was offering … Continue reading →

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On selling a dream versus selling reality

Posted on January 24, 2012 by pokin

By all accounts it was a runaway success. In 2004, Dove’s Real People campaign exploded onto public consciousness.  It was featured on Oprah, Salon Magazine, LA Times, and the Today Show to name a few media outlets.  The campaign won … Continue reading →

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On creativity

Posted on January 23, 2012 by pokin

Earlier this morning (from ~2:00am – 5:24am to be precise), my new neighbour of 3 days graciously assisted me with my ongoing insomnia by having a house party where she managed to cram  something akin to a small village into … Continue reading →

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On thanking those who complain about you

Posted on January 22, 2012 by pokin

“How long do you think we’ve been waiting for our burgers?” It’s one cold Sunday morning and I’m making small talk to kill time as I’m feeling something between ravenous and innards-being-digested ravenous. “If we’re having this discussion, it’s far … Continue reading →

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On just making it happen

Posted on January 20, 2012 by pokin

Ok, so I’ve done my fair share of failing. 🙂 In fact, you could argue I’m in the midst of working through a few of them right now, both business and personal. Oftentimes you won’t have the right answer to … Continue reading →

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On the persuasiveness of paedomorphism

Posted on January 19, 2012 by pokin

Context first – paedomorphism /-ˌfiz-əm/ : retention in an adult infantile or juvenile characteristics. Ok, I admit it. Red pandas are pretty cute. Ever wonder why most of us think so? (Fact, given it’s #8 on the top 500 cutest … Continue reading →

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On how much scents makes sense and cents

Posted on January 18, 2012 by pokin

There’s just no way you would ever walk past this store without feeling like you were punched in the face with fragrance. That’s Lush, and I’m a fan. But then, I’m female. 🙂 But actually, the use of fragrance in … Continue reading →

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