Friday Night Marketing News

Enjoy your Halloween!

Automotive

Like Mom And Pop, Gen Y Seeks Vehicle Safety

by Karl Greenberg

Gen Y buyers are usually first-time car buyers and are therefore sensitive to issues of trust. And, says Strategic Vision, they are also more sensitive to security issues as they feel less personally secure than other age groups. Seventy-nine percent of Gen Y buyers said they desire a vehicle that offers security, can be trusted, is safe and evinces confidence. … Read the whole story > >

Retail

Avon Vows To Keep Advertising, Marketing Spend Up

by Sarah Mahoney

So much for that old theory that lipstick is absolutely recession-proof: Avon Products says its sales slipped 3% in North America in the third quarter, as American women cut back on their spending. … Read the whole story > >

Spirits

Jose Cuervo Takes Living Well To Next Level

by Les Luchter

Three months after winning the North American creative account, JWT has launched a new campaign for the top-selling tequila brand. Called “Live Notoriously Well,” the campaign provides what’s called a tongue-in-cheek “guide on how to take life’s experiences to the next level, responsibly.” … Read the whole story > >

Strategy

MoveOn.org Shows Viral’s Power With Obama Vid

by Karlene Lukovitz and Nina M. Lentini

It works so well, says brand guru Laura Reis, president of Ries & Ries Focusing Consultants, because “Obama is such a strong and powerful brand, consumers are proud to advertise for him and receive ads from him. Passing along a pure Obama advertisement is something (especially right before Election Day) consumers are happy to do and happy to receive.” … Read the whole story > >

Retail

With Christmas In Sight, Kohl’s Takes Off The Gloves

by Sarah Mahoney

TV spots, which the company says will take advantage of the three weekends leading up to Thanksgiving, showcase the store’s private brands, with the first spot breaking next week, airing simultaneously across all network stations. Ads are also running on cable, and Kohl’s will begin airing an ad promoting the brand in Spanish, as well. … Read the whole story > >

Packaged Goods

Touting Technology, P&G’s Always Dangles Tech Toys

by Nina M. Lentini

The “Greatest Innovation Contest” invites girls to send in photos with captions describing “the life-changing innovation that you can’t live without.” One winner will get an MP3 player, mobile phone, a $500 American Express gift card and year’s supply of Always Infinity. … Read the whole story > >

Nissan Helps Drive Bravo’s ‘Actors Studio’

by David Goetzl

NBC Universal’s Bravo network has inked a deal bringing a top-line sponsor to its veteran “Inside the Actors Studio” for the first time. Even as some auto marketers pull in the spending reins, Nissan’s Infiniti has signed on with a multi-tiered attachment to the James Lipton-hosted show. … Read the whole story > >

Andy McCormick Joins Hershey From Pfizer

American Airlines, MasterCard In Sweepstakes

VW Is On Road To MLS Cup

‘Engage:Hispanics’ Clarification

K-mart & Black Friday

From AdAge:

This Is Scary: Kmart Starts ‘Black Friday’ Two Days After Halloween

Retailer Says Early Sales Tactic Is Based on Consumers Already Jump-starting Their Holiday Shopping

By Natalie Zmuda

Published: October 30, 2008

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) — This year, Black Friday comes two days after Halloween.

Retailers try and rush the season every year, but Kmart is taking it to a new extreme, introducing “Early Black Friday” sales beginning this weekend. In moving Black Friday up from its traditional date the day after Thanksgiving to Nov. 2, some 26 days early, Kmart hopes to combat a dismal economy and slumping consumer spending.

Exclusive to home electronics
The retailer, part of Sears Holdings, said it will offer the deals exclusively in the home-electronics category to help customers kick-start their holiday shopping. The category has become an area of particular concern for retailers, as consumers pull back on discretionary items. Earlier this month, MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse service reported that spending on consumer electronics and home appliances dropped 13.8% in September, following a 5.5% drop in August.

“Home electronics are relevant items customers will be looking for,” said Tom Aiello, divisional VP-public relations at Sears Holdings. “It’s those really super-deep discounted items that are really motivating that you would never see all year round.”

“Early Black Friday” sales on about 15 items will roll out in Sunday circulars between Nov. 2 and Nov. 23, as well as on Kmart.com. The deals are being worked into existing circular plans and will not garner additional advertising or promotional spending on the part of the marketer. Interpublic Group of Cos.’ DraftFCB, Chicago, is Kmart’s creative agency; MPG buys its media.

Consumer feedback
Mr. Aiello said the new initiative is based on consumer feedback. Kmart stores are already reporting that consumers have started shopping for holiday gifts as they attempt to spread out their spending and avoid using credit, he added.

“It all comes back to what the consumer was asking for,” he said, noting that the effort has always been a part of marketing plans. “When we were doing planning earlier in the year, the economy was already showing signs of where we are at today.”

Kmart’s deals are also meant to make holiday shopping more convenient, Mr. Aiello said. Unlike typical Black Friday sales, which require an early wake-up call and heavily promoted limited quantities, the specials will be available for an entire week, with ample supplies in stock.

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Write it Down

Along with the following advice, I urge you to put in writing, print it and keep it in front of you daily.

A Clearly Good Marketing Plan

“Marketing plans are essential documents for virtually any business,” says Tim Calkins in an article at MarketingProfs. “[I]t is hard to do great marketing without a clear plan. Unfortunately, many marketing plans simply don’t work very well; they add little value and end up on a shelf, collecting dust.” How to create a plan you’ll actually use? Here are three of Calkins’ tips:

Don’t get bogged down in data. “The role of a marketing plan is to lay out a course of action,” he says. “A good plan should explain precisely what the business should do to build revenue and profits.” In other words, skip the endless pages of data analysis and get down to practical recommendations as soon as possible.

Include people from other departments in the development process. They can alert you when a proposal isn’t feasible and will be less likely to fight a plan they helped craft.

Frame your recommendations within a compelling rationale. Without supporting evidence, selling your marketing plan to key executives will be a challenge. Says Calkins, “The plan has to be convincing; it has to present what should be done and, more importantly, why the plan will actually work.”

The Po!nt: “Creating a great marketing plan isn’t all that complicated,” says Calkins. “[A] good plan simply presents the objectives for a business, the strategic initiatives, and the tactics.”

Source: MarketingProfs. Click here for the full article.

Fresh Ideas

From Springwise.com:

It’s time for your weekly fix of entrepreneurial ideas! Our latest issue is now online. Here’s
a quick run-down of the promising new businesses featured on Springwise this week:

Tony Player takes online playlists to the dance floor
Entertainment / Telecom & mobile

When Twones members arrive at club that uses Tony Player, the
songs they’ve most recently listened to are automatically imported to
the DJ’s playlist.

Hotel search tool that’s all about location
Travel & tourism

Concentrating on one single aspect of hotel searches, SeeYourHotel
helps users skip information they don’t need and focus on where
hotels are located.

More free photocopying, this time for charity
Marketing & advertising / Non-profit & social cause

One more tale of free photocopying for students, this time launched
by one of our very own Springspotters in his home country of the
Philippines.

Design your own baby shoes
Fashion & beauty

It’s no longer a simple matter to rattle off all the “design-your-own”
opportunities we’ve covered in recent years, so numerous have they
become. Our latest spotting lets consumers design baby shoes.

Using pictures to give directions
Telecom & mobile / Transportation

A new application built for Google’s Android cellphone platform
incorporates pictures and personalization to help people answer the
question, “Can you show me how to get there?”

Site connects advertisers with content producers
Marketing & advertising / Media & publishing

PlaceVine connects content producers across film, television and the
web with brands seeking sponsorship and product-placement
opportunities.

Dry-erase basketball shoes
Fashion & beauty

White consumer goods mesh nicely with the human desire to scribble
on things. Expanding on that idea, Reebok has launched a dry-erase
basketball shoe that facilitates doodling and redoodling.

Making medicine as ubiquitous as Coca-Cola
Non-profit / Social cause

The ColaLife project aims to distribute oral rehydration salts to
people in developing countries through a partnership with Coca-Cola
by which its distributors carry medicine in addition to soft drinks.

Bad Halloween Ad

This is annoying. Folks in L.A. having been watching this all week (and then some.)

http://static.ning.com/adgabber/widgets/video/flvplayer/flvplayer.swf?v=3.7.6%3A10555

Brands vs Price

An interesting piece of research from MarketingCharts.com:

Food Brands Losing Relevance; Consumers Demand Healthier, Lower-Priced Choices

Today’s consumers want to have a greater say about food ingredients, safety and quality, and believe food companies should be responsible for keeping people healthy and addressing societal nutrition issues, according to a recent study of consumers in five countries by Ketchum.

The “Food 2020: The Consumer as CEO” study examined the perceptions, expectations and considerations about food among consumers in the the US, UK, Germany, Argentina and China, and sought to provide an outlook on the food industry by the year 2020.

At least half of the 1,000 consumers surveyed say they want more consumer involvement in the use of ingredients and additives; the source of ingredients and the treatment of animals; nutritional content; and who should be responsible for food safety and quality.

With the exception of China, fewer than one-third of consumers are interested in being involved in making food easier to prepare or shop for.

Consumers around the world expect food companies to be responsible for their health and well-being, the survey found. Across all countries, 75% respondents say they would like to see food companies place a great emphasis on creating foods that reduce the risk of major health issues in the future.

Additional findings and country differences:

• Taste, quality and price are the top consideration in choosing foods, except in China where health benefits are most important. Across all countries , 74% of consumers cite taste as a key consideration, but China gives taste least consideration (69%). In China, 78% of consumers said “health benefits” are key, compared with just 53% of respondents from other countries.

• Knowledge, taste and availability are key barriers to healthier eating. When asked what factors, beside cost, prevent them from buying healthier foods, 44% of consumers cite “knowing what’s truly healthy;” 43% cite taste; and 35% cite availability. Consumers in Germany, Argentina and China are more likely to cite knowledge as a barrier, while consumers in the US and China cite taste. The top barrier in the UK is availability.
• Consumers want good taste, but also want to know more about their food. In all countries surveyed, 63% of consumers want to be able to recognize all of the ingredients on a food label and 34% want foods to be made with as few ingredients as possible. Concern about what’s on the label is highest in Argentina, where 73% want to recognize all the ingredients. Consumers in China are least concerned about recognizing ingredients, though still more than half (52%) want to.
• Brands are losing their relevance -except in Argentina and China. Only one-third of consumers cited “brand name” among factors they consider when buying food. Brand name lags well behind factors such as quality, price, health benefits, value, convenience of preparation and taste. In both Argentina and China, 45% of consumers said brand was a key factor.

• Consumers want local food, but they’re not willing to pay for it in terms of either cost or taste. Two-thirds (66%) of consumers think at least some of their foods are from other countries, but just 17% of consumers said they “don’t care where food comes from” as long as it’s affordable and tastes good. Consumers in Argentina are the most likely to care about food sourcing, with more than 60% disagreeing with the idea that taste and cost trump food origin. Consumers in China are the least concerned about sourcing, 30% agreeing that they “don’t care where food comes from” as long as it’s affordable and tastes good.
• Consumers think food companies should help solve societal issues related to food and nutrition, and they are willing to pay for it – within reason. Globally, more than 40% of consumers said they would be likely to pay more for food if it would improve the quality of water and food and bring medicines to those in need. Consumers in China and Argentina generally are more willing to pay for food if it could help others around the world. Sixty-five (65%) of consumers surveyed said that “improving human nutrition” would be their top priority if they were CEO of a global food company. “Making food that is safer” is a a close second (64%); and “making foods that taste great” is the third-highest priority (52%).

• Consumers want food companies to take away the temptations that lead to obesity, but don’t want to eat less. Forty-five percent (45%) of consumers think food companies should play a role in addressing obesity, with more than half of those in Argentina and the UK holding this view. 63% of consumers believe food companies should help reduce obesity by decreasing junk foods; while just 21% think companies should reduce portion sizes. 56% of consumers think companies should help reduce the risk of major health issues and disease by making foods with more nutrients per calorie. Consumers in Germany and China aremore likely to think that food companies should try to reduce health risks by linking good food choices with lower healthcare costs.

The 2020 Food Landscape

Consumers expect how they choose and shop for food to be different by 2020, but they still expect food companies to be responsible for their health and well-being:

• 43% of consumers believe that the kinds of foods we eat in the year 2020 will be different than what we eat today.
• 39% believe the way we shop for food will be different.
• 56% would like to see the food industry come up with easier ways to identify healthy foods on restaurant menus
• 53% would like restaurants to offer healthier foods.

“Consumers want more information about ingredients and health benefits from both supermarkets and restaurants,” said supermarket expert Phil Lempert, who helped Ketchum develop the survey and analyze the data. “Food companies should be aware of these expectations as they focus on product development in the future.”

While 78% of consumers say they would like to get their foods from local farms or companies by the year 2020, most expect even more of their foods will come from other countries by then – with 34% of consumers expecting most or all of their food to be imported by 2020, compared to 21% who think most or all of their food is imported today.

“Food companies often ask consumers about food preparation and convenience, but the areas where consumers want more control are the ones where food companies are least likely to seek consumer input,” said Linda Eatherton, partner and director of Ketchum’s Global Food & Nutrition Practice. “These survey results indicate that food companies are asking the wrong questions.”

About the survey: The survey polled 1,000 consumers in the US, UK, Germany, Argentina and China and included 200 respondents from each country. Among respondents in China, half resided in cities and the other half resided outside of cities. The survey was conducted through online distribution at various times in each country, with all taking place between the end of July 2008 through the end of August 2008.

Boss Training

Every morning at or before 7am, I feature an article on Sales Training. Today we have Chuck McKay:

What’s the Boss’s Most Important Job?

The boss has a unique responsibility. And it’s not the one most people think of when they describe the duties at the top.

Robert Kiosaki, in his best selling business book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, explained that as an employee, you have a job. As a self-employed professional, you own the job. And the owner of a business hires people to perform the job.

So, in terms of making business happen you are either someone else’s employee, or you’re responsible. There are no other options. And though there’s an outside chance that in good times any business can just muddle through, over the next few years if you’re not aggressively pursuing new business you’re not likely to make it. Sorry.

Some people are just cut out to be employees.

Consider a carpet cleaning business. Not just any carpet cleaning business, this one was being contemplated by a young man who asked my help creating a marketing plan. He had worked for another, similar, business, enjoyed the work, and saw the profit potential.

We spent two days together researching and building that plan. When it was finished, I offered my best advice: DO NOT OPEN THIS BUSINESS.

The market was strong, there was room for another competitor, and the young man with the ambition and the new marketing plan actually enjoys cleaning carpets.

Unfortunately, he hates selling.

And, as we’ve already established, the owner’s primary function is to bring in the work.

Does that mean face-to-face selling? Possibly. But it definitely means that the owner can’t simply place an ad in the Yellow Pages and wait for the phone to ring. Business owners who avoid selling end up with skinny children.

At any given time, roughly 2 percent of any market is actively seeking what you sell. That 2 percent will come looking for you, or someone else who sells what you sell.

The other 98 percent?

You’re missing them. Most of your competitors are missing them, too.

Most of your competitors.

Care to know who’s attracting that other 98 percent? Those who actively sell the value of doing business with their companies.

The competitors who have television ads that are being watched by potential customers are getting some of the 98 percent. Those competitors who’s postcards and letters are making it to the homes, who’s public speaking and referral programs are producing familiarity, and who’s Yellow Pages ads are being read by the very people who need their goods or services are tapping into the other 98 percent.

But, like the young man waiting for carpet cleaning customers to find him, those businesses which wait for customers/clients/patients to seek them out are hoping that their “share” of the 2 percent will pay the bills. It won’t. After all, we’re discussing 2 percent of a pie that may be shrinking for a while.

What will grow your slice of that pie?

There are two things you can implement immediately, and you should be doing them both.

Find a reason to get back in touch with every customer and every former customer, then remind them of the reason they chose to do business with you. That reason shouldn’t be price.

If they were originally drawn to your business because of your selection, remind them that you can help them find exactly what they’re looking for. If customers chose you for the speed of your service, point out all the other things they can be doing when they finish with you. If they chose you for your detailed knowledge, help them recall the value of getting exactly what they need.

You may indeed lower prices, but only do it if it will help you to gain some of your competitor’s customers. And remember that he’s going to be strongly tempted to lower his prices, too. Reminding people of why you’re their best choice keeps you profitable.

Bringing in the business is the boss’s most important job.

Are you the boss?

It’s time to start selling.

__________

Chuck McKay is a marketing consultant who helps customers discover you, and choose your business. Questions about marketing your business during tough times may be directed to ChuckMcKay@ChuckMcKayOnLine.com.

Thursday Night Marketing News

Look at what you may have missed today:

Restaurants

McDonald’s New Packaging Focuses On Contents

by Aaron Baar

The new packaging is meant to put the company’s “passion” for its food in directly in the hands of its 56 million daily customers. “[It] reflects the essence of who we are. We’re a restaurant company,” CMO Mary Dillon said. “It will help reintroduce our products and our quality, fresh ingredients.” … Read the whole story > >

Food

Kraft Q3 Profits Reflect Price Hikes, Some Volume Gains

by Karlene Lukovitz

“Kraft had solid revenue growth and, although much of that was due to price increases, they are a strong brand with strong core products that do well in hard times,” such as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Kool-Aid, says one research analyst. … Read the whole story > >

Automotive

Nissan Goes Virtual To Intro New Z Version

by Karl Greenberg

“When we started talking about maybe blowing out this partnership it became clear it would work out,” says Nissan spokesperson Robert Brown. He says Nissan will launch its own co-branded digital campaign to promote the new car and Electronic Arts’ “The Need for Speed: Undercover.” … Read the whole story > >

Hospitality

Holiday Inn Express Pushes Its Edge In New Ads

by Sarah Mahoney

The ads resonate with the younger consumer so many hotels are trying to woo, says David Brudney, a hospitality consultant. “I don’t see any other chains playing off the hip-hop generation. But they also appeal to the kind of Baby Boomers who consider themselves on the edge,” he says, a good spot to be in with so many consumers trading down in hotel brands. … Read the whole story > >

Brand Marketing

Marketing Bloggers Continue ‘Art Of Conversation’

by Les Luchter

This time, 237 marketing bloggers from 15 countries contributed 400-word, single-page essays, up from 103 bloggers via nine countries last year. The collaborators also voted for the book’s subtitle, “Why Don’t They Get It?” … Read the whole story > >

GM Sets Records In Sales Abroad, But Toyota Wins

by Karl Greenberg

GM sold 6.7 million vehicles in the first nine months this year. Toyota posted worldwide sales of over 7 million units. During the third quarter, General Motors sold more than 2.1 million vehicles–11.4% less than the period last year because of poor sales in the U.S. and Europe, where GM reports its sales dropped 18.9% and 12.3%, respectively. … Read the whole story > >

SnoreStop To Air Political Spoof Ad Friday

Nordstrom Offering Double Rewards Points

Banana Republic, LinkedIn Launch Contest

Gillette Promotes Champions With EA Sports

KFC Dangles $2,500 In Gaming Contest

Source: Soft Drink Maker Ideates 3D Ad

Are your Employees Idiots?

That was my reaction after reading this from Seth:

How to lose

Actual conversation at a local shoe store: “Do you have dress shoes in a size 6?”

“No, I’m sorry we don’t.”

“We’re from out of town. Do you know any place we can get some?”

“I’m sorry I don’t. Perhaps you’d like some in a size 8?”

Now, what are the chances that someone who wants a size 6 is going to buy an 8? Zero. The game is over. You lost.

Instead of feigning ignorance about the whereabouts of your competitors (you really don’t know where other shoe stores are?) and instead of pretending you don’t have a phone book, what would happen if you actually spent that spare minute being incredibly helpful. “Ask for Jimmy! Tell him Sal sent you…”

Of course, the recipient of this friendly advice would tell everyone at the wedding exactly what happened. And some of those folks wouldn’t be from out of town…

Marketers, salespeople, athletes and politicians spend their days losing. Losing RFPs, losing someone browsing through a store, losing a race.

If it’s close, the right thing to do is to lean into it, to persevere, to push at the end when it can really pay off. But what about when it’s not? What happens when the RFP doesn’t match (at all) what you sell, but the competition is a perfect fit?

If you’re not qualifying people relentlessly enough to have many opportunities like this, you’re not really qualifying them. You’re just spending all day grabbing what you can grab.

It seems to me that this is the perfect opportunity to be a statesman. This is when you earn the right to be seen as a trusted advisor, not a self-interested shill. Two months or two years from now, when you interact with that person or organization again, we’ll remember that you were the one who spoke up on behalf of the competition, the one who helped us find a better fit, the clearly disinterested advisor who helped us choose between the two remaining good choices.

Your ego might not enjoy it, but in the long run, your organization will.

Direct Marketing Vs. Branding

All of your direct marketing pieces should be consistent with your brand. But what is Direct Marketing?

What Is Direct Marketing?

Direct marketing is more than direct mail or sales channels such as mail order catalogs. Other diverse media a direct marketing campaign might include telemarketing and search engine marketing.

Small businesses can benefit from direct marketing (DM). Starting with a clear understanding of DM will help you fully exploit the strategy and drive your campaign to the biggest payoff.

Successful direct marketing campaigns share these three traits:

• Emphasize ROI. The purpose of DM communication is to deliver profit rather than raise awareness or enhance your brand’s image.
• Target a specific audience and ask for a response. The money spent on mailing lists or Google ads is wasted if you don’t invite potential customers to take an action, ideally with a purchase.
• Capture both outbound and inbound information. The more tracking data you accumulate, the more you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t. Statistics from past campaigns can help to improve and focus your future efforts.

In short: Understand the definition of direct marketing, and you will move one step closer to seeing what a well-planned campaign can do for your bottom line.

Source: MarketingProfs’ Direct Marketing Template.