Best Buy Using Mobile Marketing In 2011
Best Buy will be pushing mobile marketing in 2011.
There has been a lot of hype about speculations on mobile marketing. A lot of businesses are now getting the hint that mobile marketing is going to be huge in 2011. Best Buy is amongst those businesses and is planning to push its mobile marketing efforts harder in 2011. Best Buy runs on three core values, price, service, and having the latest technology products.
One of the areas that they are targeting is mobile apps. They plan on having apps that will help a customers buying experience. Best Buy will soon have video that will be similar to asking a Blue Shirt employee for advice. They are also integrating MyBestBuy into its ecommerce site, to reward their customers more based on loyalty.
Businesses need to understand that climbing down from the corporate ladder and getting more personal with customers is expected. Customers trust peer recommendations over advertising. Like I have said in previous post, “show up where your clients are spending their time.” That means social networks and mobile devices.
Read More »BMW Logo Imprinted On The Back Of Your Eyelids
BMW has a new technique to see their brand in a new way.
I saw this really unique way of advertising and had to share it with all of you. BMW has had great ads for years and their brand sticks out when you think of them. If you close your eyes right now and picture the BMW logo can you see it? If you can’t then don’t worry because BMW has figured out a way to imprint their logo on the back of your eyelids using an old concept and a new technique. Whenever we look into something bright and then close our eyes we can still see that bright light. BMW is taking this same concept and trying to replicate it through their ads. What they have done is setup a BMW logo behind a theatre screen and while they play their ad a flash of bright light is sent through the screen and out to the audience. In the ad it says to close your eyes and when they did this, the audience was able to see the BMW logo, the same way we would see the sun if we stared at it for a few seconds and then closed our eyes. Below is a movie of the actual demonstration.
Organizations need to develop mobile marketing strategies now for 2011.
Mobile marketing has begun to grow mainly due to the fact that more adults carry cell phones than owning a computer. Studies by Pew Internet’s report are showing that 85% of adults have a cell phone. Only 59% of adults actually own a Desktop computer and 52% own a laptop computer. These numbers are both impressive and insightful for both organizations and consumers. I hope this helps wake up some of the organizations out there that think mobile marketing is a waste of money. Based on a report by eMarketer, $743 million dollars of ads spent in 2010 was on mobile devices. eMarketer also predicts that there will be a 25% to 35% increase a year in money spent on mobile ads until 2014. This marketing trend is fairly new and if organizations can get a jump on it now, then they will be steps ahead of their competition. It all comes down to the fact that your customers are spending a majority of their time on these mobile devices. With technology growing, phones become more advanced, and wireless networks becoming faster, there is more opportunity to deliver your advertising faster and further with mobile devices. Organizations should begin developing a strategy now as mobile marketing will continue to take off. If you are unsure where to start you can begin by contacting the experts at Imagelight. We can help you establish your footprint in mobile marketing.
Big Ten Logo, is it a big mistake?
New Big Ten Logo could be a huge mistake.
It seems like we have a new logo that joins the top contenders as the worst revised logo. GAP changed their logo and after negative consumer feedback, had to go back to their old logo in November of 2010. Well, once again we have another successful organization that thinks it’s a great idea to change their logo. Big Ten is an organization that prides themselves on the top universities that share the same mission. They have just released their new logo and already are getting ridicule for changing it. The design is nothing special. It is made up of text in a boxed fashion. As a creative director forImagelight a marketing company, I always tell our clients, “if it’s working then don’t change it.” Gap and now Big Ten should never have changed their logos. A logo is a significant part of your brand, because it is recognized by customers. When you think of apple computers, you can easily tell me what their logo looks like. Apple has embedded their logo into people’s heads through their marketing efforts. When a successful organization changes their logo, they will lose customer loyalty for many reasons, but the biggest reason is current customers will no longer recognize who it is. If your organizations brand is distinct and recognizable then you do not have to change the logo.
Here is the old logo:
Branding and Marketing Tips for 8(a) Government Contractors
When you are an 8(a) certified small business your options for generating business consists of securing a prime vendor contract, and/or partnering with other organizations as a sub-contractor. So, how do you show up on the radar of government decision makers? How do you get the attention of other contractors? Most importantly, when the moment of opportunity strikes, how do you make the most of it?
Through some branding, marketing and public relations efforts, you can be sure to attract new opportunities and capitalize on every advantage you have. Below are a few tips to maximize your 8(a) business today!
#1 Be Seen as an Expert. When you are seen as an authority or expert in your field your credibility sores. More than just a specific set of services, your organization is perceived as having a comprehensive undersanding of the issue, while offering relavant solutions. Write and distribute articles, press releases and commentary, establishing a voice for your organization. Don’t try to sell, just inform and be the expert who puts everything into context to be understood. Good public relations and visibility can be an equalizer in helping you secure prime or sub-contractor contracts. Remember, anyone can start a business, but experts are a special class that rise to the top.
#2 Build Your Brand. In a sound-bite world, your brand must say it all in an instant. To create consistency and consumer confidence, develop talking points for everyone in the company to follow. This will allow you to quickly and effectivly convey essential information on the services, capabilities and benefits of your organization. Visuals are also important, be sure your colors, graphics, images and style accuratly capture the personality of your company, while reflecting the needs of your government or private sector client.
#3 Use Case Studies. Showing past performance success is essential to gaining new business and growing your organization. Using testimonials and case studies as a backbone for your business is highly effective in gaining the trust of government and private sector clients. Use simple, short and comprehensive case studies on your website, in your presentations and proposals. As you continue to show that you are a proven entity that has made an impact, your business will also advance.
#4 Have a Strategic Plan. Above all else, you must have a plan for the future. Where are you currently? Where do you want to go? Your plan must provide a detailed look at the barriers that exist, the opportunities that are available and the un-tapped potential that is waiting to be seized upon. Based on those results, a plan of action is required to ensure the organization is moving forward with a comprehensive message, organization and system for success.
Every moment you wait to implement these tips, or wait to have the budget to begin re-examining your efforts is one more day the competition has a jump on you. There is no time to waste, time is of the essence and you must always be planting seeds of opportunity. Remember to ask yourself daily; “What opportunity am I missing right now?” Your 8(a) business is just waiting to advance, it is possible, and your time to strike is now.
Read More »What All Companies Need To Know For 2011
You thought the competition was getting tough in 2010, well you have not seen anything yet!
2011 is going to be one of the most competitive for businesses, and if you are not ready to fight then you may lose out on some huge opportunities. 2010 was full of innovation and technology, a technology that helped people begin interacting on multiple platforms. You had all the traditional ways to communicate with the added bonus of social networking. 2010 was the year of mobile marketing and the push for faster phones made it so easy to reach potential customers via, mobile sites, apps, and mobile texting. 2011 will be a shift in technology and integration like nothing we are use to. We already are seeing it now with the ability to mobile skype, update social networks using apps, sending video that was just captured, checking into different locations so other people can see where you are… need I go on? I am sure you get the picture of what today looks like.
Using these technologies to generate business has been an added bonus to companies business development efforts across the world. Here is the difference in 2011; no longer will this be added bonuses for companies, but a MUST to survive! If you are not adapting to the new ways of communication by using all these technologies, then you are going to be over taken by your competition. The reason why this is a must is because your customers are spending the majority of their time on these new forms of communication. You may not be, but your customers are using social networks, on their phones downloading apps, finding new products by searching google, using text message more than ever, and this is becoming our society. This is no longer just a buzz or a fad, its “Reality.”
For those companies who have already started reaching out via social networks and mobile marketing, then start pushing even harder and invest a little more. Now, for those of you who have not started, then your company needs to catch up fast! I would start by hiring people who know what they are doing. You cannot afford to take Cindy from HR and have her create a Facebook page, because you have no time for trial and error. Just remember what I have said, “this is the new REALITY” and there is no way it will ever go back to traditional communication.
I want to wish all businesses the best of luck in 2011.
Read More »Strategic Communications Plan
To be successful in any business or endeavor you must have a plan. Where are you currently? Where do you want to go? What is your strategic communications plan to reach that goal? While this strategic communications definition is a bit subjective based on the type of business or organization being discussed, there are a few consistent elements to consider.Your plan must provide a detailed look at the barriers that exist, the opportunities that are available and the potential that is waiting to be seized upon. Based on those results, a plan of action is required to ensure the organization is moving forward with a comprehensive message, organization and system for success.
Often times, it is not until we take a step back and look at the organization with a fresh perspective that new ideas and a clearer understanding is gained. Think of the sleepless nights you endure as you toss and turn thinking about the success you should be achieving. Acknowledge the aggravation you feel knowing you should be generating more revenue, making a larger impact or capturing market share because of your experience and expertise. Moving beyond the frustration and seeking concrete solutions that are achievable is the first step in creating a strategic communications plan.
Solutions may include becoming more visible in the media outlets your customers consume, being seen as an expert in your field, or creating an internal structure that capitalizes on the successful staff you already have. Whether its devoting your time and money to public relations and marketing or focusing on corporate communications between senior leadership and on-the-ground representatives, your strategic plan will create a road map to the future.
So, what is the first step in creating a plan for yourself or your company? Finding a trusted adviser who is impartial, has your best interest at heart, and can prove their experience is essential. The reality is that there are many individuals who work hard to obtain a strategic communications degree in hopes of developing a successful strategic communications career, but lack the “hard knocks” experience necessary. It is in your best interest to find someone who is “seasoned,” which basically means they’ve made every mistake in the book, and can hit the ground running without on-the-job training. You don’t have time and money to waste. To be successful, you should work with a professional who can show you their experience, explain their methodology, paint a vision for your future and have proof they have implemented the changes they suggest.
In the end, you must have a plan. Every moment you wait to discover your true strengths and weaknesses, barriers and opportunities, is one more day the competition has a jump on you. Think you have time to push off creating a strategic communications plan? Ask yourself this question; “What opportunity am I missing right now at this moment?” If you don’t know the answer or have a series of solutions in place, your time to strike is now.
Read More »Business Credibility: A Magic Trick
Building credibility is at the heart of earning respect and trust. When a magic trick is performed, it’s hard to dispute what was just seen, regardless of your jaded beliefs. However, it can be difficult to put your trust in the magician, because seeing these brand new illusions, make us doubt the magician’s honesty, not our own eyes. The magician needs to gain the audience’s trust by building a strong, positive reputation, gradually working his way across venues, and slowly trying more and more unbelievable tricks. This same method can easily transfer from the world of magic, to the business world.
Can social networking help my small business?
When people work with or buy from a company, they want to know that the company is reliable, trustworthy, and can provide the desired items or services. However, what initially brings customers to your business, and keeps them coming back, is having a clear, likeable personality. However, it can be hard for your company to show its personality and connect with people. You get caught up in your products or services and forget that at the end of the day, people buy from those they like. Social networking and the Internet are cost effective and efficient ways to build contacts and stay in touch with customers and prospective customers. Building and maintaining relationships is the key in any business, and social networking provides an ideal start.
Social networking websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, allow your style and personality to emerge in a unique way. Unlike constantly selling and pushing your agenda, social networking allows you to share information about yourself and your company with people who want to find out more about you, such as other companies in your industry or prospective customers. This changes the dynamic because you are now attracting people by sharing useful information, who can then provide you with new insights or tips. This fosters a strong relationship with possible business contacts or potential customers, and allows you to build upon that relationship by continuing to use social networking platforms.
A short while ago, people might have thought it strange or pathetic if you randomly decided to write letters or e-mails to old acquaintances from high school, asking to be friends again. However, social networking has made this practice not only acceptable but also embraced. Social networking allows you to connect with people you see daily, friends you haven’t seen in years, people you’ve never met in person, but could be potential business associates or customers, and everyone in between.
Taking advantage of social networking provides a completely new platform to talk with your prospects in an informal way, which encourages building a rapport. Using social networking allows you to make formal contacts while maintaining a relatively informal demeanor, which leads to more natural, honest conversation. This honest communication gives you the feedback, information, tips, and contacts necessary to further your business aspirations. Social networking may be a bit time consuming, but if you structure your efforts, focus your plan, use it effectively, and give the process enough time to grow, you will see results. While you grow those connections, you are also actively creating a personality for your business, projecting a positive image and providing helpful information that is beneficial to your customers. In the end, you are using social media as a tool to grow your network, generate business relationships and expose your message to an infinite number of prospective clients. With social networking, you get all this while simply interacting with other people and having fun…not a bad approach.
Read More »Keep Customers Coming Back, Again and Again
Ensuring customers keep coming back is not always simple, but can happen more easily by inspiring consumer confidence. Many people have seen a business owner on television describing how, “Times are tough and the future is uncertain.” The thought behind this type of advertisement is that the public will take pity and try to support the company with business. The truth is that the strapped public will not spend money if the owner or CEO doesn’t believe the company is sound. People don’t want to give money to a sinking ship, when it seems like the business will soon be gone, with or without their assistance. You can stay ahead of the game by creating a newsworthy story of how your products or services are transcending economic challenges, without falling into the “pity me” pitfall.
Read More »
