commentary

What Happened to Hope?

by Chip Griffin on February 11, 2009

It seems that Hope really is just a town in Arkansas. It would be imprudent to suggest that President Obama make everything seem like it is coming up roses. Clearly, it is not. But it would be reassuring for him to deploy his considerable oratorical skills to paint a picture of hope and optimism instead of extolling the politics of gloom and doom.

Anonymous Online Advocacy Sites

by Chip Griffin on February 5, 2009

Chris Kelly, a writer for Bill Maher’s TV show, uses his column at Huffington Post today to take aim at an online petition drive surrounding the F-22 Raptor fighter jet program. He laments the fact that he has seen ads for this petition on a variety of conservative web sites, and he skewers the merits [...]

My First Boss

by Chip Griffin on February 2, 2009

Marshall Cobleigh was an old-fashioned New Hampshire pol who had held many posts in that state, including Speaker of the House and governor’s chief of staff. On one occasion, he famously ran for Congress while touring the state with a pound of hamburger in an effort to highlight the substance of his economic message during the trying times of the late 1970′s.

Transparency vs. Personal Privacy

by Chip Griffin on January 23, 2009

In a nation often obsessed by the notion of personal privacy, especially as it relates to health care, what are entrepreneurs to do when they face serious health questions? When the outcome of an executive’s medical situation may affect employees, investors, business partners, or customers, should the individual share information. If so, how much?

The Online Advertising Cost Fraud

by Chip Griffin on January 23, 2009

Don’t drink the online advertising Kool Aid and dismiss more traditional media outlets. At the same time, don’t buy in to the Internet advertising doldrums and give up on new media opportunities. Try different things and evaluate how beneficial they are to the objectives you are trying to achieve.

A New Era Dawns

by Chip Griffin on January 20, 2009

Today at noon, Barack Obama will take the oath of office. He ushers in what is unquestionably a new era in American politics. For many, he instills a new sense of hope. For others, that optimism is tempered to varying degrees by concern over the policies he will implement.

Take Risks, Be Rewarded

by Chip Griffin on November 7, 2008

The current challenging economic environment creates opportunities for the savvy and brave entrepreneur or investor. When many may find themselves hunkering down in an attempt to simply weather the storm, those with the appropriate vision and fortitude will take advantage of this mass hesitancy to get a jump on valuable opportunities.

Do Startups Need Professional PR Help?

by Chip Griffin on November 7, 2008

At the risk of alienating all of my remaining friends in the public relations industry, I thought I might share some of my thoughts about agencies and their role in advising entrepreneurial ventures.

Charlie's Century

by Chip Griffin on September 22, 2008

The death of a little girl with cancer creates a sense of tragedy among even those who do not know her. The passing of a middle-aged man by a sudden heart attack reverberates with anyone over thirty. But when a centenarian dies peacefully in his sleep, only those who knew him take notice.

October Baseball

by Chip Griffin on September 22, 2008

As the morning dew gives way to morning frost and the leaves begin to change colors, it can mean only one thing: October baseball. As a committed Red Sox fan, it’s something that for most of my life I looked forward to with a mixture of excitement, trepidation, and downright fear. It’s different now that the “Curse” has been broken – twice – but it’s still exciting and at times nerve-wracking.