Category: Marketing and Branding

Progressive – an Ad Campaign That Works!

OK – so I’ve blasted the E*Trade babies because, although attention-generating, they don’t seem to be achieving results. But here’s an example of a campaign that is clever, memorable – and working! Continue reading “Progressive – an Ad Campaign That Works!”

Sure the babies entertain – but do they get results?

I *love* the ETrade baby ads. I’ve said it before. I absolutely love them. But, do they work?  I really wonder if – aside from the buzz value – these ads have achieved any meaningful, measurable goals.

A recent piece in Fast Company (March 2010) Continue reading “Sure the babies entertain – but do they get results?”

It Pays to Proofread. Even if You’re a Scammer.

Even those trying to scam people could benefit from a good writer/editor. Check out this email that showed up in my mailbox this morning. It’s reeking with credibility – NOT! Continue reading “It Pays to Proofread. Even if You’re a Scammer.”

Twitter Contests: Waste of Time or Opportunity to Engage With Followers?

At this point, it is safe to say that just about everybody has at least heard of Twitter, if they don’t already have accounts set up. Attracting followers is generally the first objective of anyone who establishes a Twitter account. Followers represent a core group of individuals – or organizations – interested in what you have to say. Once followers have been established, the next goal is connecting with and building relationships with those followers.

This is where contests come in. Continue reading “Twitter Contests: Waste of Time or Opportunity to Engage With Followers?”

What the Heck is a # and Why Should You Care?

For those of you who have braved the bold new world of Twitter, it’s likely that you’ve come across the symbol #. In the old days, we referred to this as a “pound sign,” generally referring to its use on a phone. Today Continue reading “What the Heck is a # and Why Should You Care?”

Predictions for 2010

Okay – going out on a limb here, I know – but just couldn’t resist the “power of publication” with my own blog and all. Never before have I had such a great opportunity to share my personal thoughts with the masses at virtually no cost. Who knows, of course, how many people will actually see this. But – for the sake of posterity – here are my predictions for 2010. Continue reading “Predictions for 2010”

Having a Plan B for Those “Tiger moments”

An article I was reading recently in AdWeek – Lessons of Tiger’s Tale – made what I thought was a very valid point related to the media frenzy now surrounding Tiger Woods and the impact on his advertising endorsements. “Using celebrities is effective and makes business sense. Just make sure you always have a plan B in mind — just in case.” Good point. Continue reading “Having a Plan B for Those “Tiger moments””

No cost/low cost resources for marketers and entrepreneurs

I know there’s something just “wrong” about blogging early on Thanksgiving morning, but I acknowledge the fact that I’m a workaholic and frankly what better time for a little peace and quiet to actually think without interruption!

This blog was prompted by an email from a friend/colleague who is pulling together a list of resources for small businesspeople/entrepreneurs and asked me if I had anything to add. I did – more than I thought I would actually. So, I decided to share my list Continue reading “No cost/low cost resources for marketers and entrepreneurs”

Can Your Brand Be *Too* Well-Recognized? Apparently Yes!

An article in the November issue of Entrepreneur raises an interesting perspective on the proliferation of big brands and whether having a big brand can, in some cases, be a negative.

Apparently, Starbucks – arguably a big, big, brand – is going incognito in some markets. It’s opening up neighborhood coffee shops Continue reading “Can Your Brand Be *Too* Well-Recognized? Apparently Yes!”