Archive for the ‘Advertising’ Category

First Blog of the Year…and I’ve Got Nothin’

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

I’m still working out my new years resolutions, have barely cleaned up from the holidays and am popping vitamins as I attend to two children who insist they have the swine flu (they don’t). So, now it’s time to file my first blog entry of 2010, and I got diddly. It’s too early to know what the year will bring. As always, we want each year to be better than the last, although lately we tend to just hope things don’t get any worse. So, while I try to figure out my plan for the new year, enjoy this ad that features babies roller-skating to old school hip-hop. Happy New Year! 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs

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Posted in Advertising | 2 Comments »

The Potential 2010 Census Mess

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

I just read the 2010 U.S. Census research questionnaire which is made up of exactly 10 questions and was surprised to find that the most important one was left off…. Are you a U.S. Citizen? The overall objective of the census is to get as accurate a population count of the U.S. as possible. The population data will then used used as a guide to allocate over $400 billion in annual federal funds to support health care and hospitals, schools, road construction and other community projects. The data is also used to recalibrate election districts to help determine ,among other democratic processes, the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

The big deal is by not including this question, results will be skewed and American population centers will lose their fair share of critical funding and government representation at local and state levels. On top of that Washington is spending upwards of $300 million between 10 different ad agencies to increase awareness and action to fill out this less than useful survey.

 

Your thoughts. 

www.census.gov/2010census

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Posted in Advertising, Research | 1 Comment »

Ey Oh! The phenomenon known as Jersey Shore

Monday, January 11th, 2010

A few weeks ago MTV premiered a new “reality” series about young self proclaimed Guidos and Guidettes, that appear to have been rejected from Real World casting auditions, called “The Jersey Shore.”  I must say that previews for this awesomely bad show had me intrigued from the very beginning, and as the season continues I get more excited for each episode. Not only has the show given MTV another hit reality show, but the cast and the lifestyle portrayed has become a marketing force with in both interactive and traditional media channels.

Although big name advertisers like Dell and Domino’s Pizza have pulled their ads from the shows time slot, it appears that many nontraditional forms of marketing are capitalizing on the show’s popularity. From blog posts, quotes, to Facebook Applications such as “Jersey Shore Name Generators” and viral videos here - are some of my favorite Jersey Shore marketing materials.

 

Facebook added an application that would produce your Jersey Shore nickname.  Some of the more popular names from the show being Mike “The Situation” and Nicole “Snooki.”  I tried the generator out and it provided me the nickname Christos “The Sausage Party” Ellis.

Take the quiz for yourself

*note you may need to login to Facebook

 

Chicago’s local free news paper The Red Eye has several blog posts regarding the show.  My favorite being ‘Vote for best fist-pumpin’ “Jersey Shore” quote - Part 5,  which is a weekly recap of the episodes including an area to vote for your favorite quote of the week. 

My favorite quote so far would have to be from DJ Pauly D where he explains how to battle to house music with fist pumps, he says “It’s like we beat up that beat!”

 

The new movie Youth and Revolt actually marketed their movie in ads that ran on MTV starring the Jersey Shore cast and actor Michael Cera.  The cast gives Michael lessons and tips on how to be a Guido.

Watch for yourself

 

 

 

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Posted in Advertising, Brand Development, Media, Mixed Nuts, Online Media, Social Media | 1 Comment »

A last minute gift idea for the budget conscious?

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Everybody needs a good deal these days, especially in this economy.

 

Have you heard of Groupon? I hadn’t, up until about a month or so ago. My friend Jason at the office introduced me to the idea so that I’d go in on some coupons for this organic sandwich shop that opened up around the corner. By the way, it’s Hannah’s Bretzel and the club sandwich is fabulous!

 

 I usually pack my lunch, because when you work in the loop, a sandwich is $10 and you can’t eat a sandwich without chips and those are $1 and then you get thirsty… you get what I’m saying. Next thing you know you’re spending $60 a week for lunch.

 

Groupon was offering 2 for 1 sandwich deal…. $20 coupon for $10, which gets you (2) sandwiches. Good deal, especially if you split with a friend. Great way to get attention to a new establishment and allow consumers to try something new and not have

 

It’s gaining in popularity and has popped up in industry trade pubs as of late. Check out the article below from Advertising Age.

 

http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=141172

 

 

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Posted in Advertising, Mixed Nuts | 3 Comments »

Advertising Now More Important Than Ever!

Monday, October 19th, 2009

In a recent study conducted by Ad-ology titled “Advertising’s  Impact in a Soft Economy” more than 48% of US adults think that the lack of advertising by a  retail store, bank or auto dealership during a recession indicates that the business must be struggling.  Conversely a vast majority perceives businesses that continue to advertise as being competitive or committed to doing business.  The study concludes that it is critical to advertise in the current economic climate to maintain long-term positive consumer perception of your brand.

In another study by the University of North Carolina it showed that marketers that cut spending during a downturn lost share to private labels - share they did not regain.  Another benefit of spending on a consistent basis is that the stock prices tended to increase an average of 1.3% ahead of others.

It takes courage to go against the economic trends but the long term results can be very beneficial both to Main Street and Wall Street.

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Posted in Advertising | No Comments »

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