The Brand Autopsy Surgeon General himself leaves Starbucks with this parting message to friends:

I've started my own business called Idea Sandbox. I'm going to help others develop wicked good ideas… Help businesses be more innovative about the way they stay innovative. Parting thoughts?

• Always try to comp yourself. Do better personally this year than you did last year. – Lisa Denny Compton taught me this.
• Remember that YOU are your own brand. Are you proud to let that plan, presentation, e-mail leave your hands with your logo on it? – Lynn Eckert taught me this.
• Success is not an entitlement. Howard Shultz teaches us to earn success each and every day.
• Be passionate about what you believe in. I learned this by observing Howard Behar.

A few years ago, we toyed with the idea of doing some kind of “Weekend Retreat” idea-generating, idea-bouncing, idea-honing thing. Perhaps Paul has created a venue for doing just that?