I want to be a contender.
I want a warm belly to sleep on.
I want a big house.
What could possibly be cuter than talking cats?
In this commercial, the Animal Humane Society uses cats to tell their story and a sad story it is. Last year, over 30,000 companion animals were brought to their rescue shelter. The vast majority - 20,000 - were felines.
They implore the viewer to make homes for these sweet little cats and to give them ...
... a young child to snuggle up to at night.
... a big house to romp around in.
... someone special to play with them.
In a nutshell, someone to love.
Interestingly, the Animal Humane Society could easily be confused with the Humane Society of the United States, which is the nation's largest animal protection organization and the one you are most likely familiar with.
The sponsor of this ad - the Animal Humane Society - only has five locations, all in the state of Minnesota. So, as cute as this ad may be, it's not particularly meaningful to about 95% of the people that live in the United States.
Regardless, we're happy it came to YouTube so we could all enjoy these adorable little talking cats.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Facebook: Take This Lollipop, Little Girl
One of my advertising students recently shared this YouTube video with me and I felt compelled to write about it. (Others appear to be driven to do likewise as it has gone viral.)
As this video opens, you see a scruffy man log into his Facebook profile ... only it is very obvious that he is not the man shown in the profile picture. Rather than the clean-cut, All American guy pictured, we are shown a nervous, shifty, sweating guy who has trouble written all over his face.
He stalks through the profile of one of his "friends" ... someone who obviously accepted his friend request without really knowing who this guy was.
Through a number of Google searches, he successfully figures out where she lives. Then, we follow him to his car and through his journey to her house ... alternately shifting between a focused, composed man and a man out of control and consumed by rage.
The video leaves you with a sense of dread, wondering what will happen to her when he enters her home ... and just how well you know all of your Facebook friends.
Maybe it's time we all take a look at who we have allowed to access the personal details of our lives.
As this video opens, you see a scruffy man log into his Facebook profile ... only it is very obvious that he is not the man shown in the profile picture. Rather than the clean-cut, All American guy pictured, we are shown a nervous, shifty, sweating guy who has trouble written all over his face.
He stalks through the profile of one of his "friends" ... someone who obviously accepted his friend request without really knowing who this guy was.
Through a number of Google searches, he successfully figures out where she lives. Then, we follow him to his car and through his journey to her house ... alternately shifting between a focused, composed man and a man out of control and consumed by rage.
The video leaves you with a sense of dread, wondering what will happen to her when he enters her home ... and just how well you know all of your Facebook friends.
Maybe it's time we all take a look at who we have allowed to access the personal details of our lives.
Labels:
Facebook,
I dare you,
Take this lollipop,
viral campaign
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Red Cross Urges You To Not Sweat The Small Stuff
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| American Red Cross 2011 Holiday Campaign |
In a new holiday campaign airing this season, Ted Danson and Red Cross encourage you to forget all the "stuff" that stresses you out during the holidays and do something that makes a difference instead.
The :60 animated campaign builds a bit of suspense throughout the ad, leaving you wondering who is talking to you and what message they have to tell.
Finally, the pay off.
The signature Red Cross red color is used throughout the ad. At its conclusion, the gifts of hope, love and compassion are placed into a box that opens into the American Red Cross red logo.
An utterly charming campaign, with a heartfelt message.
So, visit American Red Cross this holiday season and make a donation in the name of the people on your list this year.
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| Red Cross urges you to offer compassion and help to others. |
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin Pioneers Patient-Centered Cancer Care
"You have cancer."
Has your life ever been turned upside down by these three little words?
These words are responsible for phrases like, "Life turns on a dime" and "We have no idea what tomorrow will bring." One day you're living your life and the next ... your life is hanging in the balance.
According to the American Cancer Society, close to 12 million people in the United States are battling cancer at any one point in time.
12,000,000...
That equates to approximately one in four Baby Boomers.
That's roughly one-fourth of all LinkedIn users.
That's about 3% of what President Obama spent on his 2008 presidential run.
That's the number of suspected aliens living in the United States.
Even though that number is positively staggering, as the recipient of that message, you still feel like you are the only person in the world to ever have to deal with the impact of this diagnosis. You feel like no one could possibly understand what it's like to be living with this hideous creature lurking inside of you.
Intent on helping patients more effectively navigate this daunting cancer journey, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin made a bold move. They decided to look at cancer from the perspective of the patient, rather than the health care provider, ultimately redefining quality cancer care.
Their philosophy became known as The Hub Model or Patient-Centered Care. Rather than requiring the patient to move from the doctor's office to the testing lab to the place where treatment is administered, this Milwaukee-based healthcare organization had a brilliant idea: why not have all cancer treatment revolve around the patient?
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| Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin Hub Model |
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|
To ensure the best possible care for their patients, the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center has a specialized team for every kind of cancer from the most prevalent to the most obscure. According to the Center, "This level of focus allows them to be completely up to date on the most effective treatments, even in today's constantly evolving cancer treatment and research environment."
The image of a crane is used throughout the facility to signify the journey a patient goes through when dealing with cancer. It embodies a sense of hope, good health and compassion.
As a 12-year cancer survivor, I cannot think of a more holistic and comforting approach to cancer than the patient-centered model brought to life by The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center.
It is a wonderful example of truly understanding your target, assessing where the need gaps lie and then masterfully creating and delivering an offering that fills those gaps.
Bravo.
Bravo Froedtert and The Medical College of Wisconsin.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Clark Little Takes Ocean Photography By Storm
Recently, I stumbled across a phenomenal photographer by the name of Clark Little. He romanticizes the power of Hawaiian waves ... making us feel their splendor rather than their danger.
Raised in Hawaii, Clark Little was an avid surfer known in many circles for his ability to tackle shorebreak waves head on, with little fear. It wasn't until 2007 that Clark uncovered the artistic wonder of photography, attacking the waves with a camera rather than a surfboard. At times, he puts his own life in danger to capture the unmistakable power of nature, oftentimes from the inside out.
His astounding photographs have changed Clark Little's name to a brand unto itself.
He has appeared on television shows like Good Morning America, has been exhibited at museums as prestigious as the Smithsonian, has been printed in magazines like National Geographic, has won countless awards and has commercialized his photography with the likes of Nike, Nikon, HP, Anheuser Busch, Lockheed Martin, Verizon and XS Energy Drink.
Some may say he has sold out his talent by going commercial. But, I believe it would be a shame to only offer this seldom seen beauty to a niche audience.
Take a look at a few of his incredibly powerful photographs.
Raised in Hawaii, Clark Little was an avid surfer known in many circles for his ability to tackle shorebreak waves head on, with little fear. It wasn't until 2007 that Clark uncovered the artistic wonder of photography, attacking the waves with a camera rather than a surfboard. At times, he puts his own life in danger to capture the unmistakable power of nature, oftentimes from the inside out.
His astounding photographs have changed Clark Little's name to a brand unto itself.
He has appeared on television shows like Good Morning America, has been exhibited at museums as prestigious as the Smithsonian, has been printed in magazines like National Geographic, has won countless awards and has commercialized his photography with the likes of Nike, Nikon, HP, Anheuser Busch, Lockheed Martin, Verizon and XS Energy Drink.
Some may say he has sold out his talent by going commercial. But, I believe it would be a shame to only offer this seldom seen beauty to a niche audience.
Take a look at a few of his incredibly powerful photographs.
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| Clark Little orange hued wave |
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| Clark Little sunlit wave |
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| Clark Little artistic waves |
Friday, December 16, 2011
Dr. Dre Ad Splashes Color (and Best Buy)!
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| Blue Beats By Dr. Dre |
Of greatest note, is a holiday campaign for their new Studio line of headphones, offered in a "spectrum of candy colors good enough to eat."
From the moment this ad began, I was hooked. Splashes of color explode as they hit people, in brilliant hues of blue, orange, pink, purple and red. The ad is entertaining, engaging and just plain fun to watch.
I must admit that, at first, I thought this was a SONY Bravia ad, which are famous for their use of vibrant splashes of color. But, I enjoyed this ad far more than any SONY ad I've ever seen.
There was one surprise that surreptitiously appeared on the sleeve of one of the actors partway through the ad - a Best Buy logo. Cool co-branding campaign ... it was done so smoothly that I almost didn't notice it.
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| Color Beats By Dr. Dre and Best Buy Partnership |
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| Orange Beats By Dr. Dre |
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| Purple Beats By Dr. Dre |
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| Red Beats By Dr. Dre |
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Brooks Brothers Asks You To "Share The Sheep"
How can you not be pulled into a commercial that has seven adorable, fluffy sheep singing Jingle Bells in childlike voices? As much as I wanted to turn away from this ad, I just couldn't do it...especially when the little guy with the blue scarf timidly stepped towards the front of the herd to shyly and hesitantly sing a solo. (He kind of reminded me of Rudolph when he was trying to hide his shiny nose.)
The ad is on the front page of the Brooks Brothers website where they encourage you to "SHARE the SHEEP" with a friend:
This whole campaign is brilliant for a number of reasons:
- How can anyone resist singing sheep?
- Who doesn't like hearing a lively Christmas tune to help get in the holiday mood?
- Who can resist the urge to share a cute ad with friends? (Case in point, the Office Max Elf Yourself)
Plus, it's a great way to increase awareness of Brooks Brothers and to add to their prospective customer database.
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
... to the bank
The ad is on the front page of the Brooks Brothers website where they encourage you to "SHARE the SHEEP" with a friend:
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| Brooks Brothers Share The Sheep |
- How can anyone resist singing sheep?
- Who doesn't like hearing a lively Christmas tune to help get in the holiday mood?
- Who can resist the urge to share a cute ad with friends? (Case in point, the Office Max Elf Yourself)
Plus, it's a great way to increase awareness of Brooks Brothers and to add to their prospective customer database.
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
... to the bank
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" Has Jumped The Cow
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| Wendy's "Where's The Beef?" 1984 ad |
The campaign, dubbed the "Where's the beef?" campaign ran for what seemed like years (but was probably only months). It featured little white-haired ladies cackling out the words, "Where's the beef? Where's the beef?" Their tinny voices wormed their way into your ears, leaving you begging for a reprieve.
In a word, the campaign was annoying. The little old ladies were annoying.
But, just like Wisk's "Ring Around The Collar" campaign, it appeared to do its job and to do it well. People parroted the words back, successfully making Wendy's ad campaign part of pop culture.
Now, 27 years later, Wendy's is at it again. This time, though, they are using a younger, hipper, social media savvy man to spread the news that Wendy's is revamping their single, double and triple burgers.
Is it just me or does this campaign feel like an idea past its prime? Why take something that had become an icon back in 1984 and try to force fit into 2011? Or is Wendy's trying to tell us that their hamburgers are about as fresh as their advertising?
It feels like Wendy's has jumped the shark ... or is that the cow?
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| Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" Facebook Campaign |
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| Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" New Spokesman |
| Wendy's "Where's The Beef?" 2011 Ad |
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Lu Lu Lemon Manifesto Blankets Store Front
| Lu Lu Lemon, Milwaukee |
After walking by the Lu Lu Lemon store on Water Street in Milwaukee nearly every day for the last 1-1/2 years, a new site popped up a few weeks ago that took me by surprise.
Their store front had disappeared behind a giant-sized Lu Lu Lemon company manifesto.
Admittedly, I was intrigued. Was Lu Lu Lemon's awareness so high that the store would be instantly recognized, even embraced, by those who live by the company's mantra? Or had they just committed a marketing faux pas?
As I turned this question over in my mind, I came to realize that Lu Lu Lemon and their manifesto are synonymous. You really never see one without the other.
I remember the first time I came in contact with Lu Lu Lemon. My daughter had visited their Chicago store for the first time and was so inspired by their manifesto that she purchased me a water bottle for my birthday. I loved it! A few years later, I was thrilled to see them open a store in the Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee.
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| Lu Lu Lemon Manifesto |
How can you read the words of this manifesto and not be inspired? Some of my favorites include:
Friends are more important than money.
Your outlook on life is a direct reflection on how much you like yourself.
That which matters the most should never give way to what matters least.
Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.
Successful people replace the words "wish," "should," and "try" with "I will."
So, go out and do something today that scares you...
Brita Fuses Mission With CSR Program
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| In 2010, Americans deposited 39 billion bottles on the planet. |
Well, the opening line of the new Brita ad certainly made me stop and take note.
Last year alone, the U.S. used over 39 billion plastic bottles of water.
At first blush, one would think that Brita's TV campaign is rather self-serving. After all, they make water filters, which invalidate one of the key reasons why people buy bottled water. A classic problem-solution ad.
Problem: Americans added 39 billion plastic bottles to the planet last year. That's enough to stretch around the earth 190 times.
Solution: Each Brita water filter can take 300 bottles out of the equation. Simple math tells you that if 130,000 people were to purchase and use a Brita filter, we would eliminate all of those pesky water bottles from our landfills.
It sounds like an environmentally slanted ad that just adds to Brita's bottom line, right?
Well, that's what I thought too, until I took a deeper look into their current campaign:
"Brita® has teamed up with Preserve,
a leading maker of 100 percent recycled household consumer goods,
to collect and recycle Brita® filters.
Preserve’s Gimme 5 Program will transform the plastic
from pitcher and bottle filters into new Preserve products."
While Brita will clearly benefit from consumers using their filters, they are making an investment to collect and recycle used Brita pitchers and filters.
It may not be a gargantuan step towards greenifying our planet, but in Brita's words, it is "a small step towards making a big difference."
Got to love companies that take Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously.
Labels:
CSR,
landfills,
plastic water bottles,
water filters
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Does Advertising On Report Cards Go Too Far?
Just how far is too far when it comes to advertising?
How about ads for CollegeInvest or McDonald's on your child's report card?
That's just what a Colorado school district recently decided to do to close the gap in their budget deficit. According to Lorie Gillis, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Schools:
While Colorado may be able to claim a loose connection to a nonprofit organization that focuses on education, other school boards have been far less concerned with making this tie, printing advertising from companies like McDonald's.
In these days of shrinking budgets, school districts have had to make some rather difficult decisions about everything from the subjects they offer to the technology they buy to classroom size to staffing.
If advertising on report cards allows a school to buy 10 more computers or to continue to teach French or to keep a few more teachers employed, is it necessarily a bad thing?
How about ads for CollegeInvest or McDonald's on your child's report card?
That's just what a Colorado school district recently decided to do to close the gap in their budget deficit. According to Lorie Gillis, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Schools:
"Facing $70 million in budget reductions over the
next two years, we really do need to be creative."
The CollegeInvest ad will generate $90,000 over a three-year period. In return, a 2-inch ad will be run at the bottom of all elementary school report cards three times a year.
School administrators justified the advertising on the basis of the two organizations having similar missions. CollegeInvest is an arm of the state government which administers 529 college savings programs. According to Angela Baier, Chief Marketing Office for CollegeInvest:
"We have similar missions. CollegeInvest is all about education.
It seemed like a win-win for both of us.
I really view it as a public service announcement because we're a
non-profit and it's helping families that obviously have children."
In these days of shrinking budgets, school districts have had to make some rather difficult decisions about everything from the subjects they offer to the technology they buy to classroom size to staffing.
If advertising on report cards allows a school to buy 10 more computers or to continue to teach French or to keep a few more teachers employed, is it necessarily a bad thing?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
U Rah Rah Buffalo ... Or Is That Verizon?
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| Aggie Football / State Farm Insurance |
What has happened to the days of old ... the days when branding your favorite sports team was more than enough?
I have no doubt that the added revenue to the sports program (especially at the collegiate level) is a big coo, but I must admit that I find it somewhat distracting when I am listening to a coach talk about his team's performance to see brands like Verizon, Toyota and others winking back at me from the TV screen.
What is the goal here ... to walk away remembering the Iowa Hawkeyes or to walk away remembering Alliant Energy?
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| Iowa Hawkeyes / Alliant Energy |
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| Buffalo Bills / Verizon |
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Westin Hotels Promise "A Better You"
Westin Hotels & Resorts is currently capturing the hearts and minds of prospective travelers with its For a Better You ad campaign ... a campaign that promises that its guests will leave feeling better than they felt when they arrived at the hotel.
The most visual of the ads in this campaign is the "Heavenly Bed" ad, which features a woman at rest on a bed of balloons. The ad is bathed in white, promoting a sense of serenity and peace. The balloons themselves leave you with a sense of floating on air ... a perfect setting for a heavenly bed. Of the four ads in this campaign, the message in this particular ad is the easiest to instantly grasp and understand.
According to Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts:
"Westin's entire brand positioning stems from our mission of helping our guests better themselves. The campaign is designed to illustrate how we do this in ways that our competition doesn't and to reinforce the premium experience Westin delivers."
The other ads in the campaign, while visually arresting, do not appear to communicate their intended message quite as quickly or as eloquently as the "Heavenly Bed" ad.
The most visual of the ads in this campaign is the "Heavenly Bed" ad, which features a woman at rest on a bed of balloons. The ad is bathed in white, promoting a sense of serenity and peace. The balloons themselves leave you with a sense of floating on air ... a perfect setting for a heavenly bed. Of the four ads in this campaign, the message in this particular ad is the easiest to instantly grasp and understand.
According to Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts:
"Westin's entire brand positioning stems from our mission of helping our guests better themselves. The campaign is designed to illustrate how we do this in ways that our competition doesn't and to reinforce the premium experience Westin delivers."
The other ads in the campaign, while visually arresting, do not appear to communicate their intended message quite as quickly or as eloquently as the "Heavenly Bed" ad.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sears Allows Customers To Pick Weekly Sales Items
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| Sears People's Picks Holiday Promotion |
What? Did I hear that right?
It turns out I did. Each week, customers can sign on to the Sears website and vote for their favorite deal in nine different categories: Him, Her, Trendsetters, Teens, Techie, DIY-er, Sports Fan, Kids and Chef. On Friday, the winners are announced and shoppers can cash in on the savings online or in the store.
I love, love, love this idea. Talk about putting your customers and their needs and wants first. Plus, it adds a bit of fun and intrigue to holiday shopping.
Well done Sears.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Black Friday Could Have Small Businesses Giving Thanks To Google and American Express
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| Small businesses rejoice! |
- Do you think your small business has a big story to tell?
- Are you handy enough to film a short video?
Well, then the current promotion being sponsored by Google and American Express is right up your alley.
Together, they have launched a program called, "My Business Story." Small businesses are encouraged to create a video which talks about the following:
- The role their business plays in their community
- The superb customer service they offer their clients
- An innovative angle that differentiates their small business from competitors
Tell your story on YouTube and you might just be one of 36 lucky winners to win a $5,000 online ad campaign (search, banners, videos) free of charge. Even better, your business will be featured on the front page of YouTube on 11/25, more commonly known in the shopping circles, as "Black Friday."
Now that's something to give thanks for.
Check out the details of this promotion at their website and on the video below and, be sure to get your entry in by 11/15.
Labels:
American Express,
Google,
small business promotion,
YouTube
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Has Freedom of Speech Gone Too Far in the U.S.?
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| Moms think marijuana candy has crossed the line. |
But, there are times those liberties extend a bit further than some people desire. Take the Freedom of Speech guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, for example. While we raise our children espousing the virtues of freedom of speech in our nation's classrooms, are there times when people push the line on these liberties?
Recently, candy shaped like marijuana has been showing up on store shelves across the country. These candies are marketed under names like, "The Pothead Ring Pots," "Pothead Lollipops" and "Pothead Sour Gummy Candy." A group of Buffalo, NY moms believe that the manufacturer has crossed the line and are questioning whether retailers should be allowed to sell candy shaped like marijuana to children. They allege that illegal substances should not be positioned as something fun for children to eat.
According to Fox News, parents contend that while the candy does not contain anything illegal, "its marijuana leaf, the word "legalize" and a joint-smoking, peace sign-waving user on the packaging is not only in poor taste but an invitation to try the real thing."
This debate conjured up images of the candy cigarettes I had as a child. On the few occasions that we were able to talk mom into buying us a pack, I must admit that I felt pretty grown-up smoking my fake cigarettes. Of course, that was at a time when the dangers of cigarette smoking were only just being exposed; so, one could argue that they were perceived as fairly harmless.
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| Candy cigarettes |
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| Joe Camel ads banned in 1997 by FTC |
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| Pro-Life protestors show graphic images of late term abortions. |
What do you think? Do these examples fall comfortably within our Constitutional rights as Americans? Or have they crossed some invisible line that demonstrates we have gone too far as a country? Just how far is too far?
I'd love to hear your opinions.
The Gerber Generation ... Flip Book Style
When you think of iconic brands in America that stretch back over the decades, Gerber is one that will inevitably be mentioned. Sometimes, you'll even hear Gerber's name surface in pop culture, as in: "He's so cute - he could be a Gerber baby!" -or- "Look at those cute little Gerber cheeks he has!"
But, while a legacy brand has much to offer in the way of history, it can also conjure up images of being "old-fashioned" or "my mother's brand." That's okay, if your mom is still the primary target for the brand; but, in the case of Gerber, newborns and toddlers grow up (rather quickly, some say), ushering in a whole new generation of Gerber babies every few years. So, in order to remain relevant to today's families, Gerber has to make sure that their message is still meaningful.
I'm sure some version of this very discussion occurred at Gerber as they set out to create a new television campaign designed to contemporize their brand.
Their most recent campaign treats you to a flip book style of all different, shapes, sizes and colors of Gerber babies. Do you remember what flip books are? According to Wikipedia:
What I found particularly endearing about this visual flip book is that the copy and pictures are in synch with each other.
Say hello to the Gerber Generation: babies wave
They have some big news to share: arms are spread wide
The nutrition children get in the first five years: faces soiled with food
Can affect their health forever: clapping hands
Think about that: point their finger to their head
Together, we can create a healthier generation: flex muscles
And it all starts with you: point to you
Great campaign. Every time I see the ad, I notice something new ... and even if I didn't, I am enraptured with all the smiling faces of the adorable babies and toddlers. Gerber has extended this campaign to Facebook, the Gerber YouTube channel, and their website.
Now, maybe when you think of the Gerber brand, you will think of happy, healthy children who are redefining the next generation of Gerber kids.
But, while a legacy brand has much to offer in the way of history, it can also conjure up images of being "old-fashioned" or "my mother's brand." That's okay, if your mom is still the primary target for the brand; but, in the case of Gerber, newborns and toddlers grow up (rather quickly, some say), ushering in a whole new generation of Gerber babies every few years. So, in order to remain relevant to today's families, Gerber has to make sure that their message is still meaningful.
I'm sure some version of this very discussion occurred at Gerber as they set out to create a new television campaign designed to contemporize their brand.
Their most recent campaign treats you to a flip book style of all different, shapes, sizes and colors of Gerber babies. Do you remember what flip books are? According to Wikipedia:
"A flip book or flick book is a book with a series of pictures
that vary gradually from one page to the next,
so that when the pages are turned rapidly,
the pictures appear to animate
by simulating motion or some other change."
What I found particularly endearing about this visual flip book is that the copy and pictures are in synch with each other.
Say hello to the Gerber Generation: babies wave
They have some big news to share: arms are spread wide
The nutrition children get in the first five years: faces soiled with food
Can affect their health forever: clapping hands
Think about that: point their finger to their head
Together, we can create a healthier generation: flex muscles
And it all starts with you: point to you
Great campaign. Every time I see the ad, I notice something new ... and even if I didn't, I am enraptured with all the smiling faces of the adorable babies and toddlers. Gerber has extended this campaign to Facebook, the Gerber YouTube channel, and their website.
Now, maybe when you think of the Gerber brand, you will think of happy, healthy children who are redefining the next generation of Gerber kids.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Giant Lego Man Washes Up On Florida Beach
| Giant Lego Man Washes Up On Florida Beach |
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| Florida beach visitors lift giant Lego Man |
But, wait ... what is that bobbing in the water? Could it be .... could it be a GIANT LEGO MAN?
Believe it or not, that is exactly what recently happened at Siesta Key Beach in Florida. An eight-foot-tall, 100-pound fiberglass man washed up on shore.
Now, I must admit that I immediately gave a high five to the other PR professionals at Branigan Communications. I mean, we may not have been the team that came up with this great idea for the Lego brand, but we must recognize brilliant work when we see it, right?
Wrong. Well kind of wrong.
It was a brilliant PR stunt, but the culprit was not Lego. Rather, this stunt was brought to beach-goers, complements of a Dutch artist named Ego Leonard.
When contacted by email, Leonard replied to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:
“I am glad I crossed over. Although it was a hell of a [swim].
Nice weather here and friendly people.
I think I am gonna stay here for a while.”
Leonard has extended his campaign to both Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, his website shows a partially obscured Lego man, whose face is covered by a big green apple.
Interestingly, this is not the first time this has happened. Other Lego figures have washed up on beaches in both Holland and England, in 2007 and 2008.
Fascinating viral campaign.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Citgo Helps You Feel Good When You Fill Up
A few days ago, I was filling my gas tank when I happened to look up at the pump. The ad displayed there intrigued me on several different levels. I'm happy to say that I found it far more inspiring than the "Simplify Your Life" campaign which they aired in 2010.
I loved the mosaic gas can filled with images that begged to be examined. Its call to action was simple ... visit FuelingGood.com. When I did, I learned that Citgo has donated thousands of gallons of gas to charitable organizations. What a great gift-in-kind donation for nonprofit organizations who are trying to trim their operating costs.
Research study after research study demonstrates that consumers are increasingly turning towards companies that deliver quality products and are good corporate citizens. But, here's the $6 million question ... will this ad encourage consumers to buy their gas at Citgo?
In my own personal case, my unequivocal answer is yes. I like the idea of feeling good when fueling up.
I loved the mosaic gas can filled with images that begged to be examined. Its call to action was simple ... visit FuelingGood.com. When I did, I learned that Citgo has donated thousands of gallons of gas to charitable organizations. What a great gift-in-kind donation for nonprofit organizations who are trying to trim their operating costs.
Research study after research study demonstrates that consumers are increasingly turning towards companies that deliver quality products and are good corporate citizens. But, here's the $6 million question ... will this ad encourage consumers to buy their gas at Citgo?
In my own personal case, my unequivocal answer is yes. I like the idea of feeling good when fueling up.
Shedd Aquarium Brands Jelly Fish Exhibit
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| Shedd Aquarium Jelly Fish Exhibit |
But, interestingly, it was also a day filled with brands and marketing.
The first brand that entered the scene was Target, advertising their Field Trip Grants program. This ad was not particularly surprising, since Target's support of schools and museum field trips is fairly well known.
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| Target Field Trip Grants Program at Shedd Aquarium |
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| Abbot / Bank of America |
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| Toyota / Walgreens |
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| Coca-Cola / CommEd |
What a great way for a nonprofit institution to help fund special exhibits which might not fall within their normal operating budget. With nearly 2 million visitors to the Shedd each year, these brands will get more than their fair share of eyeballs during the duration of the Jellies exhibit. And, in return, we all get to witness the magnificent beauty of these delicate creatures that live under the sea.
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| Shedd Aquarium Jellies Exhibit |
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| Rather ugly yellow fish at Shedd Aquarium |
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| Shedd Aquarium Sea Horse |
Labels:
jellies exhibit,
jelly fish,
seahorse,
Shedd Aquarium
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