Modesty is said to not sell anymore, simply because it does not make you different. But how different are you when you make a promise that you cannot deliver on? Not very. Actually, you will be like most others on the market.

So, you are bound to either stick to your promise (be honest) or overdeliver (be modest). Or just surprise your customers by offering something no one else does.

The swedes I talked to about SAAB weren’t very enthusiastic. According to them, the swedish auto-making division will be having difficulties again.

Structural changes may be on the way. At the same time, these changes are well-timed and more than welcome. The point is, that the ones, who are passionate about the brand, showed it. In different countries around the world SAAB owners were there and hoped for another outcome of the talks.

Me? I am looking forward to seeing the new 9-5 on the road and to visiting the factory in Trollhätten later this year!

Indeed, it’s an iconic brand. But it has been an iconic brand for a while and deserves more attention. There are ways, for sure. I will be even more proud to wear my white “Guess who’s the new brand manager of SAAB?” t-shirt now. I will do my best to make the wish come true.

Long live SAAB. In fact, I want something else. A well polished, black SAAB 900.

/credits for the picture go to eggsngrits

State of the Union. iPad.

iPad. State of the Union.

Today’s biggest events. And while Obama’s speech will have a great impact on my personal peace, Apple’s event has dominated the Web.

And people have been making fun of both of them. Weird, ha?

So, if you get bored somehow during the Address, you may enjoy The State of the Union Address Drinking Game 2010.

In the mean time Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel. They introduced another consumer need for a shiny toy no one would have been keen on buying some months ago. Yep, iTampon is a trending topic as well, indicating that people are divided into two groups. Apple’s fans are impressed, the others are laughing at them. I don’t care. I will not be among the ones that will stay in line for it. But I will not be laughing either.

Yeah, Tablets are not something new. It’s not the iPad (neither its name) that matters, it’s the new way of doing things. Browsing the web, reading books or writing one, preparing presentations and watching movies – on a tiny device with a price tag of $499. That’s the thing.

It’s a pretty impressive way of selling, isn’t it? Apps, music, movies, books. And if one company has attracted the attention of such a great pool of people, then there is something behind the whole story.

Yeah, the glowing Apple. Although it’s not really glowing, it just changed something.

After a couple of hours dedicated to readings on the web, I decided to lie down on the sofa and go to ted.com. I haven’t done this for the last week or two, I haven’t had the time to.

Those people are inspiring. Their ideas are powerful. They make you feel and think.

Trust yourself and believe. Whatever happens, don’t give up.

I am bored. Every time there is a rumour that something cool is on the way, I know for sure that it will turn out to be quite accurate. Companies have been busy mastering the power of rumours for years.

Yeah, they are able to create some excitement and gain consumer insights and ideas. But, hey, what about the consumers? Let them design the product, not just talk about it before they have even seen it. Let us see what will happen.