Lateral Thinking About Business

This has become a rather eclectic business blog that addresses a number of issues relating to business planning, customer loyalty and engagement, and market trends and strategy.

A Young Person's Guide to NFTs

Here’s a problem you need to solve. Let’s say you have a rare Pokémon card you like very much. Your friend Sam gave it to you in exchange...

Kara Holm

Jul 19, 20222 min read

What's in Store?

This content was originally posted November 27, 2018. If you’re like I am, your inbox has been jammed with offers for Black Friday and...

Kara Holm

Dec 19, 20195 min read

ARX = Next 10 Years

I first published this blog back in September of 2017. We were a year into our destination gamification business, now called...

Kara Holm

Nov 14, 20194 min read

Find, Collect & Win: AR & CX

This is a blog from fall 2017. The opening sentences are still true two years later!! Today’s blog addresses two trends. Customer...

Kara Holm

Nov 14, 20195 min read

Polls are Power. The real-world influence of applied research.

(Halifax, October 3, 2019) I'm reposting this blog from 2015.... since we're in election season in Canada. This year's polls have been...

Kara Holm

Oct 3, 20196 min read

Connectivity: 2 ways to build business

Today we explore two trends in the digital universe that businesses should be considering: these are huge opportunities to improve...

Kara Holm

Apr 24, 20184 min read

Entertainment as an opportunity

Entertainment is a fundamental need of human beings. Recent research by MGM Resorts International gives us insight into how we see and engag

Kara Holm

Apr 3, 20184 min read

Why casinos should care about public perception

For the casino industry, public perception is a serious business issue, and one that is often underestimated. Last weekend I was enjoying...

Kara Holm

May 18, 20174 min read

Cannabis & Casinos

As of Canada Day next year (July 1, 2018 for our American and international readers), cannabis will be legal in Canada, if the Cannabis...

Kara Holm

Apr 17, 20174 min read

A Mobile Market Opportunity

Today’s blog was inspired by some interesting facts that I have researched and interpreted for readers working in the casino industry....

Kara Holm

Nov 10, 20166 min read

The Age of Personalization

Late to the party, my daughter convinced me to download Bitmoji this week. Now I too have my own personal Emoji that can express my...

Kara Holm

Oct 29, 20163 min read

Don't see the rainbow in your rearview mirror

"Everything in the rear-view" is how [Don Cheadle] describes Hollywood's business plan, which seems to entail ordering more of what...

Kara Holm

Sep 16, 20164 min read

In Praise of the Sandwich

There are a number of stories that refer to the creation of the sandwich. They vary in detail, but the basic facts are the same. Context:...

Kara Holm

Aug 19, 20164 min read

5 ways to achieve great results from your loyalty program

Today’s blog is going to reveal something that’s obvious. I’m almost embarrassed to say it out loud, but I feel compelled to because even...

Kara Holm

Jul 6, 20165 min read

What Happens in Vegas, Eh?

My latest contribution to Canadian Gaming Business, "What happens in Vegas... eh? Creating comprehensive entertainment destinations in...

Kara Holm

Jun 8, 20161 min read

The Exchange - Loyalty, Customers & Rewards

If you are anything like me, your wallet is filled with cards for loyalty programs. Some programs have migrated to my phone (an evolution...

Kara Holm

Nov 13, 20155 min read