Regardless of the marketing mix for business-to-business brands in 2014, storytelling is a common theme that reigns as marketers strive to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Psychology has confirmed that stories break the barrier of intellectual defenses, and to humans, a good story is received as a gift.

In order for you to believe that I’m a comedian, I need to tell you a joke. I can tell you all day long how hilarious I am. But until I actually make you laugh, you won’t (and shouldn’t) believe me. It’s a claim, not a brand position. That’s the point of content marketing. Produce ‘content’ that proves your brand position.

I’m a con artist. And, honestly, it’s a label I wear proudly. Don’t act like you’re innocent. If you’re in the marketing biz, chances are you’re a con artist as well (or at least on your way).

Thanksgiving is past. Christmas is bearing down and the end of the calendar year is upon us for all practical business purposes.

By modern streaming media standards, I’m practically a living fossil. Left in the dust by defectors to Spotify, I cling to my circa-2011 media habits.

As an ad writer, I never stop pushing boundaries. I never cease trying to stretch the limits of what I’m allowed to do, what I’m allowed to say.

I admit it. The first time I see a great commercial, I'm hooked. Like a heroin addict. I'm surfing YouTube, checking their website, even blogging about it. Case in point - the new Jeep Grand Cherokee spot. You know, the one sporting the copy that makes you proud to be American.