There has been a lot of excitement over the iPhone 5 recently. Frankly, the dark horse story is not the phone, but a feature that has been built in that replaces Google Maps. What Apple has done in launching Apple Maps with the latest iOS6 running on the iPhone 5 is an astute, intelligent and pre-emptive move. Not withstanding the fact that Apple Maps have had some wrinkles … [Read more...]
Archives for 2012
What’s your summertime blue ocean strategy?
While casting about on the beautiful Pacific Northwest waters of the Sunshine Coast recently I found myself reflecting on my personal “blue ocean strategy.” In marketing terms, a blue ocean strategy is when a business pursues a new product or new market, essentially playing in open water with few competitors, while others battle it out in the “red ocean” where competitive … [Read more...]
The Machiavellian Mad Men have left the building
For years Madison Avenue advertising executives considered consumers as targets. Watch one episode of Mad Men, and there can be little doubt as to the arrogant Machiavellian approach of that time to marketing. Although we’ve come a long way since the 1960’s, marketers rolled through the 70s, 80s and 90s seemingly unaware that there could ever be anyone in control of the message … [Read more...]
Social media and public relations lessons “out of the blue”
Some brands sign celebrities for endorsement of their products. Strategically selected for their alignment with brand values and appeal to the brand target group, it’s a formal arrangement offering financial gain for both parties. What then to do when a self-appointed celebrity selects your brand, and you unwittingly become dragged into a negative association not of your own … [Read more...]
BCAMA Vision Conference – Wed, May 23, 2012
Just plugging a little shameless promotion for my friends at the BCAMA. They do an annual marketing conference each year called VISION. Now in it's 22nd year, VISION features outstanding speakers, excellent networking, and great visionary thinking. This year is no exception. The theme for 2012 is "Liquid Content". Liquid content is about creating messages that spread quickly … [Read more...]