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!”

Bzzzzz – Wrinkle free – free!

This morning as I was applying my L’Oreal Revitalift which I received in the mail free (more about this later) I was struck by the brilliant use of word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing that the company I got it from has capitalized on.

I’m a BzzAgent. BzzAgents Continue reading “Bzzzzz – Wrinkle free – free!”

Banished brand – “Wisconsin, Live Like You Mean It”…or maybe you don’t…

Wow! The state of Wisconsin – the state where I was born and still live – spent $57,000 recently to develop a slogan and logo to promote state tourism. And now they’ve trashed it. Why? Who knows. But my guess would be that Continue reading “Banished brand – “Wisconsin, Live Like You Mean It”…or maybe you don’t…”

What Do Your Customers Want?

Last weekend I was at a craft show – an annual outing where I sell beaded jewelry that I design and “dabble at” throughout the year. Unlike previous shows, this year I sold hardly any ear rings, usually a high demand item both because of their uniqueness and low price I think (I have to be honest with myself!). This year I sold Continue reading “What Do Your Customers Want?”

Travelers’ Branding Campaign Works

Travelers’ well-known logo – a red umbrella – remains a key element of its new branding campaign which launched last year. I first learned of the campaign recently when friends told me about some wonderful commercials with a dog that was intent on protecting its bone from real and imagined risks. The message: Continue reading “Travelers’ Branding Campaign Works”

It’s Not Always About Location

Location. Location. Location.

Traditional marketing wisdom would lead one to believe that where a business is located makes a difference. And that makes logical sense, most of the time. A recent experience, though, suggests that location can be trumped by other things – Continue reading “It’s Not Always About Location”

Should You Be Using Social Media?

This is a question that is on the minds of many these days. You can’t turn on the television or radio, open a newspaper or talk to a colleague, friend or family member without *someone* talking about “social media” – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

Not surprisingly, these discussions lead to thoughts of: “Am I missing out?” “Is my business missing out? Well, maybe. But… Continue reading “Should You Be Using Social Media?”