Thursday, February 26, 2009

Coach Tom: winning is everything

To ramp up holiday sales, Staples held a sweepstakes where 10,000 people would win their purchase. And to advertise this promotion online, they created this character called Coach Tom to spread the word. Coach Tom is a cross between the Chris Farley Van-Down-By-The-River Motivational Speaker and every high school gym coach ever. Coach Tom believes in life there should be ONE and only ONE winner, which is why he cannot understand Staples' promotion. Coach Tom's quite entertaining, too. Not sure how Staples' holiday sales were, probably not great, but this was a fun campaign and hopefully Coach Tom will live on. The 3rd one is his Winning Manifesto, pretty great.





Friday, February 20, 2009

5 Fun Outdoor Executions

Auckland City has a walking problem. Well, actually they have a walking into cars problem. Yes, too many pedestrians had been getting injured so they decided to bring attention to the problem precisely where the problem was occuring. This 3D sidewalk execution helps deliver the message of "walk safely" in a way you can't miss. I wonder though how many people tripped and fell trying to avoid the mighty bite of the great white?





It's the "I'll do anything for money" Show. And to promote it, here's a naked guy doing anything for money. He was commissioned to hit various media agencies to hype the show. Gotta love European TV.

Everybody has a secret. That's the premise behind this interactive guerrilla promotional campaign for HBO's Big Love. This mural of everyday pedestrians was put up in New York and LA. It allows real pedestrians to put on museum-style headphones and listen in to the inner thoughts of those in the mural. From someone with a drinking problem to another preparing to leave his pregnant wife, it's a interesting way to get attention and hype this year's show which has its own set up intriguing characters with deep secrets.


As a man, I'm not totally aware of the benefits of a quick drying nail polish, but this clever sculpture of sorts surely does its job. This piece by Rimmel is eye-catching, interruptive and fun. And it tells you the benefit of the product.



What is it with sharks and today's blog? Anyhow, I thought this was a very toothy way to let it be known Discovery Channel's Shark Week is coming. Not only does it draw a major look, but it makes me think of others shows or products that might be worth promoting via the rickshaw bike. How about John and Kate plus 8? Take a ride with screaming kids. Or perhaps a hat store like Lids? Or how about the remake of John Travolta's The Boy in the Bubble (if it ever happens)?

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Post-SuperBowl Blog

The hype was big. The ads were expensive. And the biggest winner in my book was... The Boss. Yes, in an age of lip-synching, studio-created pop jokes, this 59 year-old legend showed a thing or two about live music. The man has enough energy to make the Arizona Cardinals think about adding a roster spot for him. Maybe, just maybe, he could have caught Jerome Harrison on that 100 yard interception romp into the endzone?

I am a fan of Bruce and you may think this particular blog has little to do with marketing or trends, HOWEVER, there is something a marketer could learn from a guy like Bruce. Thus, I've detailed out 5 things we all could go to school on from Bruce and his performance.

1) Engage the audience. Right after he took stage, Bruce looked straight into our living rooms and told us exactly what to do. "Put down those chicken wings... walk over your TV and turn up the volume." He knew what his viewers were up to, spoke to that and got them involved right away.

2) Adapt. Bruce changed the lyrics of Glory Days because the venue was the SuperBowl. He not only gave fans a new twist on a old favorite, but he embraced the event at hand. Very smart.

3) Love what you're doing. There's nothing worse than watching a performer mail it in or robotically go through their routine. Bruce does not know how to do this. And advertisers should be the same. Look at a brand like Pedigree -- they've gone from a dog food company to a company that loves dogs. Loving what you do really goes a long way.

4) Be genuine. Standing the test of time is a most difficult task in any business, but especially the music business. Fans and consumers will be loyal to those who don't change for a quick buck, lower their standards for a easier way or rest on their laurels.

5) Don't make it all about YOU. Bruce certainly is the boss, but his accompanying cast of Clarence Clemons, Patti Scialfa, Steven Zandt, Max Weinberg are always given plenty of props and time to shine.

The Boss is a brand, but you'd never think of it that way... which again is something any marketer should aspire to create. So here's to Bruce, my non-football related SuperBowl winner.

And here's a couple performances for fun.