In a previous newsletter on marketing fallacies, I argued how we’re prone to the Apex Fallacy the most. It’s widespread because some companies do indeed beat the conventional wisdom and win big. We see it unfolding right in front of us. And, we risk being seen as too soft when we appear skeptical about its... Continue Reading →
The Market for Lemons
Why do people prefer buying used cars from a dealer rather than a private seller? Especially when people know they must pay a premium for dealer’s commission charges over and above the car’s selling price. This is the issue American economist George Akerlof addressed at length in his paper, “The Market for Lemons”. The paper... Continue Reading →
Four Common Fallacies in the Marketing World
Like any other line of work, the marketing function too is prone to logical and cognitive fallacies. While there may be many more, the following 4 fallacies occurred most often in my marketing years. Feel free to write in the comments about the fallacies you encountered the most at work. Let’s dive in straight. 1.... Continue Reading →
Build on Strengths, Not Weaknesses
Should you pursue your passion or go after what begets status and money? This is a question most of us grapple with at some point. However, the happy news is it’s not a binary. In fact, if you replace ‘passion’ with ‘competence’, the question poses a false dilemma. You’re more likely to achieve status and... Continue Reading →
How Social Media Changed Politics
I analyze how social media has changed politics and political campaigns. I argue that while social media has enhanced the freedom of expression, it has also created ideological echo-chambers. I borrow ideas from Jonathan Haidt, Neil Postman and Richard Hanania to build my case.
How re-imagining past shapes your strategic narrative
I talk about the importance of creating a strategic narrative that stands the test of time. Many opportunities to chalk a new path are lost due to a narrow, fixated perspective of the past. The past needs to be infused with a fresh meaning for a new future to manifest. The strategic narrative is the prism businesses use to impose continuity upon its actions throughout its trajectory. It’s a north star that stays relevant amid changing market conditions and technology landscape.
Why Firms Are Important
I explore why firms continue to be important in the gig era. Many ask: Why hire employees when you can get the work done by vendors? I respond: If this were such a cost-effective way of getting quality work done, why isn’t this more widespread? I borrow from Ronald Coase’s “The Nature of the Firm” to seek answers.
The Medium is the Metaphor
I explore why writing is fundamentally different from the video-audio format. To this end, I borrow extensively from Neil Postman’s works, particularly, “Amusing Ourselves to Death”. I argue, with examples, why the medium is the metaphor.
How AI impacts Copyright Laws
AI is coming for us. It has already come for celebrities and institutions. Consider these three instances. Case #1: In May 2024, ChatGPT launched an AI voice assistant that sounded like a human. It ended up upsetting actress Scarlett Johansson. Why? The voice sounded eerily similar to her own. In defense, OpenAI claimed it was... Continue Reading →
How Systems Overcome Decision Fatigue
I argue why mechanical consistency is a better bet for many of us. I argue why continuous recalibration can be bad citing examples of daily commute, agile marketing and investment. TL;DR version: Autopilot > Continuous Recalibration.
Musings by Madhav 