Hidden Brands

Brands are extremely powerful. Little else can evoke equivalent feelings of belonging, by connecting us with others, or separation, by differentiating us from the masses.  Those Nike kicks. That Gucci bag. The newest iPhone. Brands make the statement, “Hey! I have this thing…and it’s really exclusive, or expensive, and associates me with a certain group …

Lessons From a Street Performer

I was in the subway last week and a scruffy man was rocking out on his electric guitar. He was good so I gave him a buck. But what was different about this guy? I see solid street performers at least once a day. Why did he get my dollar? It was his hat. He …