“Oye Como Va” (Hey what’s up?) was asked by Carlos Santana in his 1970 hit song. Now more than 46 million Latinos/Hispanics living in the US (as per the 2008 US census) are asking us marketers the same question. As they should be, especially since they are quoted as being the fastest growing consumer […]
Back in the day ….when there were no computers (that’s right there was a time without computers!) and you did not have accessibility to the Internet for shopping and sourcing of merchandise and new products, we relied on premium representatives to do the leg work for us. Premium Reps acted as the sales force and […]
Quite a buzz has stirred up recently about the Federal Government’s new “CARS” program, affectionately known as “Cash for Clunkers”, where motorists are given cash incentives to trade-in old or obsolete cars for new, efficient ones. Sadly, the marketing and promotions industry has been undertaking its own cash for clunkers program for some time. In […]
The methods to reach consumers have expanded over time and consumers have grown tired of the proliferation of advertising and marketing intrusions. Hence, the popularity of TiVo, Pop-Up blockers, Opt-Out and Do- Not –Call. Yet, consumers will respond to marketing initiatives that humanize their experience with the brand and establish a personal and meaningful connection. […]
With over 250 million users, has the time come to migrate the corporate web site (and by extension, the brand and promotion microsites) to Facebook? At the moment, it makes perfect sense: Companies / brands can now get vanity Facebook URL’s Available publishing tools, many of which are free, limits spend and the need to […]
In the early 1960’s a Broadway show came out, followed by the movie with the same title “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off”. Haven’t we all felt this way at one time or another, just Stop The World and let us catch our breath on what is happening around us; but we […]
There has been a lot of discussion with clients about the value of integrating Social Media into promotion plans. Some clients believe that since all the tools are widely available (“free”), that the efforts around Social Media should be provided for “free”. This is where the disconnect often starts. While clients are correct in stating […]
Participation in loyalty programs is on the rise, a sign that consumers are looking to make the money they spend work harder to stretch household budgets. Consumers clearly see the value in program participation and continue to leverage their activity seeking added value and using rewards to stretch dollars. According to Jupiter Research, more than […]
Kudos to Starbucks (and not because they are a Marden-Kane client) on their recent Social Media efforts (and wins!). While Brands (and Agencies) are assessing the available platforms and their go-to-market strategies, Starbucks is walking the walk, and in a relatively short time frame. In today’s economic climate where “gourmet” coffee could be considered a […]
As most promotion professionals will attest, no two promotions are created the same. Even a “simple” sweepstakes has unique variables, such as: Relevancy to target audience Duration Prize pool Seasonal factors Means of entry Awareness vehicles Mobile Social Media extensions…. Too often, clients ask “how will our promotion do?” when the concept has been fully […]