I couldn't agree more with Laura Ries in her article about Starbucks diluting its brand by venturing into the fast food market.

"It's the same old story. A company narrows its focus and becomes a big brand and a big success. Then it gets arrogant, cocky and greedy and decides it can take over the world and be all things to everybody. Wrong.

When will company leaders learn? Starbucks is a strong coffee brand because its brew packs a powerful punch. Dilute the thing with too much water and you'll end up with a lousy brand and a terrible cup of coffee."

What Laura goes on to say, and where I can chime in once again, is that Dunkin Donuts has to focus on the "fast" in order to win. Being that they were just acquired and have started using the new tagline, "America Runs on Dunkin'", I don't think they are really on the right strategy. But we shall see.

Given, I'm not a big fan of Dunkin Donuts to begin with (another discussion entirely), I really do agree with the notion that Dunkin' needs to position itself as the opposite in order to create radical differentiation in the market.

Accenture's Interactive Network just made it's debut at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. What a great idea brought to life. The 7x10' HD screen not only informs, but entertains – delivering news, weather, sports, and entertainment – all with the interactivity of a touchscreen. Do you hear something? It's the sound of a new channel of content distribution being created right before your eyes. The extension of this is phenominal, everything from store windows to museums showcasing information, advertising, and interaction. Want to know more? Visit the Technology Labs to see what else they're up to.

These last two weeks have been rather interesting, not the least of which being a Webinar conducted by Daniel Pink and Mindjet called '21st Century Workforce Success: Collaboration and Creativity in the Conceptual Age'. It was [as expected] spot on and really got me inspired for the weekend (My work doesn't stop just because it's Friday @ 5pm). I've read some of Daniel's work, but it takes hearing him to understand just what a fast thinker he really is. My next goal will be to see him speak in person, as I'm sure that will be just as intriguing. If you haven't already read them, let me recommend A Whole New Mind, and Free Agent Nation for your bookshelf. And as a side note of interest, you might be interested in this month's cover story for Business 2.0, The Next Job Boom.