Sometimes it seems like American cities all look the same. We are, in the opinion of some, fast becoming Generica. But Dr. Rhonda Phillips has found a few communities bucking the trend. They are using what she calls "concept marketing" to create distinctiveness that pays economic dividends.

Dr. Phillips is author of "Concept Marketing for Communities: Capitalizing on Underutilized Resources to Generate Growth and Development." She is an associate professor and director of the Center for Building Better Communities at the University of Florida.

Also with us is Paul Rand. He is an executive at Ketchum Communications in Chicago, and he believes he's found a way to identify the 150 people who will be critical to the success of your city or your organization.

Paul is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and strategic planning at DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.Ê