by IMC | Jan 31, 2012 | Blog
For myself, and sports fans all over the world, the Superbowl is at the top of the list when it comes to championship games (especially with my Patriots in the big game this year). It offers a display of some of the most talented athletes in the world competing at their highest level. However, the actual game has almost become a secondary attraction. The pre-game media coverage, high profile half time shows, celebrity appearances and other non-football appeal have become almost as important as the game itself. The one aspect I’ve yet to mention is the one that people get most excited about, and the one that companies around the world have invested incredible amounts of money on……..the commercials.
Over the years, the TV commercials have become as much a part of the Superbowl as the players and coaches. So much so, that companies all over the world are willing to dish out $3.5 million for 30 seconds of air time at this year’s big game……a far cry from the $42,000 marketers paid for the same advertising spots back in 1967 during the first Superbowl
This creates an incredible challenge for the marketing departments at these companies. They have to come up with a creative campaign that will effectively market their company and products well enough to be worth the astronomical costs of the advertising.
Different companies take on this marketing challenge in very different ways. Traditionally, the most popular Superbowl ads are the comedic ones. Budweiser, Doritos and Etrade, among others, have mastered the art of creating funny Superbowl advertisements and many people look to see every year if they can top the previous year’s commercials. Some companies, like GoDaddy.com for example, take a different approach and go for pure shock value, showing provocative material and encouraging viewers to visit their website to see more. While others go with major celebrity appearances to try and appeal to their audience.
Here are two of my favorite Superbowl commercials that debuted at the 2011 game……Do you think they ‘re worth the $3 million these companies paid for them?
Etrade 2011 Superbowl Commercial
Volkswagen 2011 Superbowl Commercial
by IMC | Jan 30, 2012 | Blog
We have been doing some public relations, marketing and event planning work for the Connecticut Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of business owners recently. The past couple of months we’ve spent finessing a wonderful event that will be taking place this Wednesday, February 1st, 2012.
EO along with The Smith Brothers of Glastonbury will be hosting a sales training event aimed to inspire bigger and better business for its members and invited guests. The event is highlighted by a keynote presentation from nationally recognized sales expert Jack Daly, who has led similar sales seminars all around the world leaving viewers “Jack’d.”
The presentation, entitled “Building a Winning Sales Culture,” will include discussions on sales management, sales strategy, and workplace culture using proven techniques and methodologies learned throughout Jack Daly’s entrepreneurial career. Daly is a proven CEO/Entrepreneur having built six companies into national firms. He is currently co-owner/senior executive at INC #10, a promotional marketing agency based in Bellevue, WA.
Invitees include members of the Connecticut, New York City and Boston chapters of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization along with entrepreneurial groups at three local colleges, with the goal of pushing students toward one day owning their own business.
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Daly to deliver his renowned presentation to our members and guests and are confident this will be one of our most successful event of the year,” said EO Connecticut Chapter President Bob LaBonne of LaBonnes Markets.
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a global group built on the idea that member entrepreneurs will learn from each other to promote better business productivity and an enhanced personal life. The Connecticut Chapter currently has twenty-three members with businesses in various industries.
Event Information:
1:00pm – 5:00pm Wednesday, February 1, 2012
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT06117
Wilde Auditorium (Lower Level) West Hartford, CT06117
(*Free parking in Lincoln Theater Lot)
Pricing:
$0- CT EO Members, CT EO Board Members, University of Hartford Undergrad students
$10 Non-University of Hartford students
$25- CT EO Guests
$50- Global EO members
$75- Pre-registered general admission/public
NOTE: There will be a $10 fee for those who do not pre-register.
by IMC | Jan 26, 2012 | Blog
The age of Social Media is upon us. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are now household names, and for many of us, have become integral parts of our daily lives. Businesses too are adopting the world of Social Media, and an astounding number of companies are using social media as a component of Public Relations and Marketing Campaigns. But how many of these companies are using social media effectively?
A report published in 2012 by the Harvard Business Review titled, “The New Conversation, Taking Social Media from Talk to Action” gathered data from over 2100 companies, and provides an excellent analysis on how companies are using social media channels.
Out of the 2100 companies surveyed, a large 79% of them reported they are currently using, or planning to use, social media. Interestingly though, only 12% of the companies surveyed felt that they were currently effective users of social media.
As the Harvard Business Review put it, “Despite the vast potential social media brings, many companies seem focused on social media as a one-way promotional channel and have yet to capitalize on the ability to not only listen to, but analyze, consumer conversations and turn the information into insights that impact the bottom line.”
Clearly, many companies are struggling to use social media to its maximum potential. Focusing on the 12% of “effective users” in the report sheds some light on what makes social media effective. The report featured key findings that highlight the characteristics that the effective users share. Here is a summary of these characteristics:
- Sixty-three percent of the effective users said they have developed and implemented a social media strategy. They have moved beyond seeing social media as a “shiny object” or fad, and have started to see it as a part of their overall marketing strategy.
- Effective users are far more likely to use more social media channels – 4 or more.
- Effective users are more likely to monitor trends, research new product ideas via social networks, have an online user group for customers, and collect and track customer reviews on their website. They know where customers are talking about them on the web and prioritize their social media activities accordingly.
- Effective users are focused on measurements. They use of metrics and analytic tools to measure their efforts as well as the social conversations about them.
- Finally, effective users were also far more likely to integrate their social media monitoring solution with their other marketing solutions, demonstrating an integrated approach to their social media initiative.
According to the report, “It will take new tools and strategies to create what Avinash Kaushik, Google’s Analytics Evangelist, describes as a new reality in harnessing the power of social media. ‘Too many companies have not evolved from what I call ‘shout marketing’ — think TV, newspapers, magazine ads — to influence by initiating and participating in conversations with consumers,’ he said. ‘There needs to be a generational shift. ”
Take a look at the report , and let us know what you think – http://www.sas.com/resources/whitepaper/wp_23348.pdf
by IMC | Jan 24, 2012 | Blog
Wishing you could take a vacation? We understand that feeling all too well. Unfortunately, the obligations and responsibilities of daily life will keep most of us stuck at home for the time-being. If you’re longing to break the humdrum of your routine but can’t disappear on vacation – check out some of the fun and interesting things to do right in your own backyard. Below, we’ve put together 5 fun and unique activities that are taking place right here in Connecticut.
1. Visit The Bijou Theater
The Bijou Theater opened in 1909 on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport amid public excitement over the new silent movies. Now, more than 100 years later, the oldest building used as a movie house in the country is poised for a revival. The Bijou Theatre is a multi–functional venue hosting film, theatre, art, comedy, music, and cabaret.
2. Play your Favorite Sport, No Matter the Weather!
Located on River Road in Shelton, The SportsCenter is a covered and weather-protected facility that offers a golf practice range, 18-hole miniature golf course, baseball and softball batting cages, laser tag arena, bowling, and the world’s only double-decker ice arena. If you love sports, don’t allow the weather to slow you down this season.
3. Take a Winter Sleigh Ride
The pretty fields and towns of the Litchfield region could have been designed for winter sleigh rides; complete with lap robes, harness bells, and a top-hatted driver. Wood Acres Farm in Terryville has 25 acres of wooded trails, sleighs, and teams of draft horses to take you over the river and through the woods. Particularly for Valentine’s season, couples may want to snuggle under a nice warm blanket and enjoy a ride on a private horse-drawn Victorian sleigh.
4. Pick up a New Hobby
If you want to dip your toe into a new hobby or art form, Brookfield Craft Center will set up a class or workshop to your specifications – from a half-day mini-workshop to a five-day adventure. You could study black smithing and blade smithing, ceramics, fiber arts, glassmaking, jewelry making, or wood turning. Contact Brookfield Craft Center to discuss the possibilities.
5. Check out the Winter Wine Trail
Come see what the local vineyards have to offer in the winter, and they will heat up the afternoon for you. Visit the six participating wineries on the Litchfield Hills Winter Wine Trail between January 1 and March 30, 2012, and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Participating vineyards and wineries include DiGrazia Vineyards (Brookfield), Jerram Winery (New Hartford), Haight-Brown Vineyard (Litchfield), Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston), Miranda Vineyard (Goshen) and Sunset Meadow Vineyards (Goshen).
Do you know of any other fun CT winter activities? Let us know!
by IMC | Jan 17, 2012 | Blog
Now that the holidays are over, we’re all longing for the warmth of summertime. Unfortunately we’ve got quite a few cold, grey, snowy days ahead of us before the warm weather and sunshine come back out to play. The short days and cold nights can cause even the best of us to feel a little low. While many of us wish that we could hibernate until the winter has passed, that is simply not an option. Working in the Public Relations field, it is important to keep positive and cheerful at all times. So, to beat the blues we have some simple strategies that will help boost your mood and keep you feeling sunny.
1. Exercise
As if we needed another reason to get fit! Not only is exercise necessary for maintaining a healthy weight, it’s also excellent for relieving the stresses of our daily lives. Your brain releases mood-boosting endorphins (aka “feel-good hormones”) whenever you exert yourself through exercise. The mood enhancing effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you’ve hit the showers. A regular exercise routine will give you more energy throughout the day as well as boost your metabolism. As an excellent bonus to your improved mood and energy: by the time bathing suit season comes around you’ll be looking fantastic.
2. Make Plans
Winter seems endless! But making fun and exciting plans to look forward to is a sure fire way to elevate your mood. Plan an event that’s exciting to you; go on a weekend getaway, schedule a day at the spa, plan a party or special event, set aside an evening to go to a play or sporting event. Even on a budget, you can still find inexpensive ways to treat yourself! Have a game night with friends, host a potluck dinner party with a food theme (Italian, Indian, Thai etc.), or try taking advantage of the excellent deals that companies such as Groupon, Living Social and Deal of the Day are advertising in your city.
3. Brighten your Life
The weather might be grey, but your life doesn’t need to reflect it! Bring color into your home, clothing and corporate setting. Give an update to your wardrobe by adding bright and bold colors. Arrange a bouquet of fresh flowers in your home or workplace, paint a room with sunny, cheerful colors. Surround yourself with beauty and your spirits will be sure to lift!
4. Relax
You’re busy! Work, family, friends, events, and appointments—even those of us that enjoy the rush of a busy schedule could use some R&R at some point. Don’t be afraid to say “No” to extra opportunities. Try to dedicate a few minutes each day to yourself. Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, or take a warm bubble bath. You’ll notice that with more time dedicated to yourself you’ll alleviate stress and create a sense of calm.
These are four great ways to help improve your mood and well being during the Winter season. Do you have any other suggestions to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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Over the years, the TV commercials have become as much a part of the Superbowl as the players and coaches. So much so, that companies all over the world are willing to dish out $3.5 million for 30 seconds of air time at this year’s big game……a far cry from the $42,000 marketers paid for the same advertising spots back in 1967 during the first Superbowl