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...]
The little sign that could
Poised below a former iconic sign landmarking HMV’s presence at Burrand and Robson in Vancouver, is a little iPod sign. Appearing without threat, but determination like the children’s tale of the little red engine that could, it in fact did. Did topple an iconic brand from its throne. HMV closed some months ago and now sits vacant waiting new tenants willing to … [Read more...]
