« November 2007 | Main | January 2008 »

December 31, 2007

A Marketer's Resolutions

 

In 2008, I will be a better marketer by:

  • Always thinking, “How can we do this differently and more creatively?  What can we do to avoid ho-hum?”
  • Keeping up with what’s new, especially in communications technology. Yesterday’s tech is so yesterday.
  • Remembering that public relations is marketing – a great media hit is the greatest.
  • Being confident about my ideas.
  • Opening myself to the possibility that my ideas are not the only good ones.
  • Measuring my results – honestly.
  • Teaching and mentoring, because that’s the future of my profession.
  • Updating my blog with more interesting stuff!

 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 05:06 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 28, 2007

Vanity Fare?

I am considering the world of self publishing (better known as "vanity press" in my day).  After about a month of pitching my manuscript, I'm not exactly setting the traditional publishing world on fire.

 So, what's so bad about self-publishing? Some say it's the future of publishing...especially in an age when being Jessica Seinfeld will get your book published, but if you're not a celeb, not so much.

I've had fun with self-publishing my blog (and, hey, even have readers in Bucharest, yes siree). So, why not self-publish a book. Advice?
 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 05:56 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 27, 2007

"Chick" Doesn't Do It For Me

So, I’m reading this blog called Chickonomics and I’m hoping against hope that I’ll find something to get me past the use of the word “chick.” But I can’t.

Sorry. The blog is fine and all. It’s just that I can’t get over “chick.” It’s supposed to be a nod to the fact that we “gals” all acknowledge “chick” can be used as a derogatory term. But if we use it among ourselves, well, maybe it’s ok.

I don’t think so. Call me a little yellow chicken hater, but I don’t like the word “chick.”  It’s demeaning (just look up "chick" on Yahoo images and you'll get what I mean).

There’s a marketing lesson here. If you’re going to name your company, don’t use a word that can be interpreted as negative. It’s cute for some, but not for others. And why alienate when you’re trying to build a business?

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 02:23 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 26, 2007

Smells Like Tot Spirit

playdohleft.jpg

Worst brand extension ever? Maybe not, but this one certainly gets somewhere near the top of the list...Play Doh has introduced a cologne that smells like its popular kids' product. They say it's for "creative types."

If Santa didn't bring you any of this, don't fret. Something tells me it's not going to inspire a lot of dates. 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 07:38 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 24, 2007

My Soapbox

    Ok, this is probably not a great pre-Christmas entry, but just have to write it anyway…

I saw the movie Juno last night, which was very good. It’s about a smart teen who finds out she’s pregnant and then muddles through the pregnancy. Smart teen then gives child to woman who can’t have kids and everyone’s cool. Great. Nicely acted. Good film.

There was another film not too long ago called Knocked Up about a similar situation. A young woman gets pregnant after a one night stand, has the baby and everything’s cool. There’s some silliness that happens along the way so not only is everything cool, it’s funny. Great. Good film, so I’ve heard.

Excuse me. Here’s where I become the wet blanket. Does anyone remember a hard-won battle for a woman’s right to choose? Yes, I’m referring the “A” word – abortion. Years ago I marched for this right. It wasn’t easy an easy battle. But it happened and guess what, the world did not come crashing down. We just saved thousands from the horrible fate of back-alley, scary procedures.

So, why is Hollywood so scared of the big “A?” Why does every heroine “do the brave thing” and muddle through an unwanted pregnancy? That’s just unrealistic. And it’s irresponsible. Women have hard-won rights these days. No, it’s not a glamorous right, but it’s ours. And, sorry all you hardliners, there are plenty of us who won’t allow it to simply go away unnoticed and unspoken.



Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 04:59 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 21, 2007

I Predict

    Ok, the maven is taking a swing at bat. Here are my five predictions for '08:

  1. 1. Did you ever notice that a super-intense green is practically brown? Going green won’t be hip anymore. You have to go brown. No more of this “pseudo-green stuff” in Neimans or even Target. Only naturally and locally made will do. If it’s not made within 20 miles of your home, forget it.
  2. 2. Smarter, better writing. All those striking entertainment writers aren’t going to stay out of work forever. They’ve got to go somewhere, and I’m betting advertising and marketing. Look for better written copy, which leads me to…
  3. A return to real advertising. Yeah, the kind we came to love in the mid 20th century.  We’ve gone the gamut from “it’s not the ad, it’s the customer service” to “yeah, but also show me a great ad.” Ta da, great ads in new media are the next big thing.
  4. Single parents are the next big niche.  There are just too many of them to be ignored. Their experience is the new norm.
  5. Everything Africa. The continent will emerge as the center of hip and cool. Yes, we know of the region’s troubles. But there are plenty of areas of Africa that are waiting to burst on the scene for fashion, design and marketing. 2008 is the year.

 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:23 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 20, 2007

Purple Haze

press_img_20540_1.jpgNow we can all march confidently into 2008. Pantone has announced the “color of the year” for 2008 is “blue iris.” This bit of breaking news is now on murketing.com. In case you need to know more about blue iris:

Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, blue iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.

Now we can all be reassured in this complex world. If that’s the case, I’m painting my bedroom blue iris (don’t tell my husband, puhleez).

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 05:35 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 19, 2007

Up in Smoke

Suicide.jpgJust when you thought we didn’t need any more anti-smoking ads (because you’d think everyone in the freaking world knows this stuff is horrendous for your health), comes another great statement from Roy Castle Lung Foundation.  Cigarettes are bad at both ends. Nuff said.

For more great ads, go to Sensibilid(ad), a nice little site with very little commentary. Ads are presented “as is” and readers exchange their thoughts (or post to other Web sites!).

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 01:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 18, 2007

Marketing Buzz Keeps Ringing in My Head

NBZM_CGM101_160x600.gifSometimes marketers have no idea how to market to marketers. What the heck were they thinking with this banner ad on the Adweek site?

First of all, you can't read the thing -- light blue type on light blue is never a good thing.

Then, there's the use of far too many buzz words -- "buzzmetrics" for one and what about CGM (even more off-putting, this is CGM 101 -- is that a new software?). And should we talk about "super users?" Super no, puhleez.

If marketers can't market to marketers, do we trust them with everyone else? I think not. 

 

 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:26 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 17, 2007

A Map of the Word

If you do a lot of writing, you probably use the online thesaurus all
the time – you know … highlight, find a few good synonym, replace.
Well, that's so 1996.

Try VisuWords. This thing is soooo cool. It provides an engaging,
visual approach to locating the right word – through an interactive
mind map. I tried "maven" and got to "expert," "star" and "ace." But I'm still not sure how all that is one degree away from "track star." Hmmm.

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:38 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 14, 2007

Dear Kid, I Don't Give a %$#@ About Your Xmas

Interesting story from CNEWS about a tee-d off Santa in Canada. Apparently, some Ottawa families have received a  surprise in Santa's response to their children's letters. They found the letters contained inappropriate messages.


The language is said to be "demeaning or insulting." Ha! Guess some of the elves were having a bit too much fun. Or maybe it's just a very bad Santa.


Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 13, 2007

Pink and Black are Back!

il_430xN.5528267.jpgIn the 80s, after spending my days protesting Ronnie with my NOW pals, I’d expend any remaining amount of energy at an aerobics studio in the San Fernando Valley. With my headband and leggings, I was Jamie Lee Curtis all the way.  I especially remember running in place for what seemed like hours on end and staring at a pink and gray wall. It wasn’t bad. It was actually kind of cool.

Well, pink and gray haven’t made a comeback. But pink and black have. In fact, it’s been marked as a “mini trend.” I like it – especially if the pink is bright and not the mauve-ish tone of the aerobic studio walls. Now if you bring back “feel the burn,” I’m all about it.

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 05:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 12, 2007

Move it Forward

Did you hear about the Starbucks drive-through where customers paid for the ones behind them for nearly two hours? Very cool... very holidays.

Here's are some other "pay it forward" ideas for the hols:

-Pass an organic salad or package of tofu down the line to the next person at McDonald's 

-Send a lead-testing kit down the line at Toys R Us

-Toss a "Thigh Master" back to that mom from Illinois with the five kids waiting for a hand stamp at Disneyland 

-Mail a dictionary (with pronunciation guide) to our president 

 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 11, 2007

Kindle Your Fire?

Since I have thrown myself into the merciless world of book publishing, I am intrigued by the Amazon Kindle.

What’s a Kindle, you ask? Well, it’s interesting that this thing hasn’t gotten nearly the publicity of the Apple iPhone when it debuted. A Kindle is a wireless electronic bookreader that lets you tap into Amazon’s library and read a book on a digital screen.

Ahh, haven’t we seen this before? Yeah, I really do think so … like years and years ago. The wireless component, however, sounds cool. And the link to Amazon’s library is attractive.

But what’s not attractive is the design. Holey moley, it’s a super-ugly, clunky looking thing. And it’s the size of a paperback book …. so what’s the benefit of lugging one of these around. Even I – owner of some of the biggest purses in creation – don’t have the storage space for this.

I’ll just stick with my neato iPhone and wait for something better in the electronic bookreading category.  If you want an expert’s opinion, read this review from CNET.

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 02:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 10, 2007

Super Woof

pedigree_strong.jpg

Don't know if I'd want a pup quite this strong...but nice ad.

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 01:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Those Wacky Germans

dulcolax.jpg

The line on the bottom of this clever outdoor ad is "Germany's favorite laxative." Just thought you'd want to know...

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 01:34 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 07, 2007

Firebrands Hot for Advertisements

firebrand.jpgI took a look at Firebrand the other day. It’s the “all ad all the time” site.  That’s right, for everyone who has absolutely nothing on their plates except watching advertisements, this is a goldmine. For the rest of us, I’m not sure about its value.

Of course, it’ll be great for when I teach my advertising class (let’s just pull up a few classics…hmmm). But again, for every day usage, I’m just not sure … unless, of course, you want to relive the glory of “Whassup???”

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 02:24 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 06, 2007

Vampires in Advertising

 

This is an interesting piece on “visual vampires” – those elements of an ad that distract from what is actually being sold.

The best example is that Wendy’s red wig ad. You’re attracted to the red hairpiece, but when you see the actual product, interest wanes. Other examples:

  • Citi ad featuring a dog wearing dentures
  • T-Mobile ad showing a man skiing
  • A Hormel piece showing an exotic woman stretching


All drew consumers’ attention, but they failed to retain any information on the product at hand.

What’s the garlic for these vampires? Find something interesting about the product. Well, duh…but interesting.
 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 07:23 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 05, 2007

Pretentious Fare

50207141.jpegI keep getting emails from this place, called Supperclub.

Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm not sure about a place that combines performance art with dinner. I mean look at the guy on the Web site with chocoloate sauce smeared all over his body. Takes me back to when my kids were infants and smeared sweet potatoes all over themselves (back then it was a "no no").  To me, it all seems a bit like people taking themselves far too seriously. (Apparently you have to experience it all on a big white bed, too.) Although I hate to admit it, the British do have a point -- food is food ... a necessity. Stop making such a bloody big deal out of a meal.

Supperclub, convince me this is not just all pretense. 

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:41 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 04, 2007

Hanukkah Hurrah

We don’t do Christmas gifts in our family, but we give and receive a boatload of Hanukah loot.   This year’s run-down…

What I’m giving for Hanukkah:

A lot of CDs by little-known artists (my son has eclectic tastes)
The (hopefully) last American Girl doll for my daughter (those things are expensive)
Sweaters (a staple in my family … don’t know where that got started)
Books from Amazon (only those with 5 stars, thank ye)
Hillary bumper stickers (for the believers – wouldn’t force it on anyone who isn’t politically simpatico)

What I hope to get for Hanukkah:

An agent so I can stop “selling” my book (it’s getting tiresome and not fun)
More classes (I love teaching at the university level … it’s my passion)
Marcom Maven readers (every one of ya is too cool)
Success and happiness for my kids (better grades, good health, all that good stuff)
A Democrat for president (it’ll happen)

So, put on your yarmulke. It’s time for Hanukkah. Hope you get a harmonica (or whatever is your wish).

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 06:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

December 03, 2007

Feeling the Pain

MSarm.preview.jpgThis ad fron Switzerland reads, "Multiple sclerosis interrupts the nerve tracts. This leads to coordination impairment and pain." But sometimes it's not what you say, just how you say it. Brilliant.

Posted by Susan C. Solomon at 07:26 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)


Hosting by Yahoo!