The cover of Fast Company magazine recently caught my eye. A photo of Larry Page, CEO of Google, was plastered on the front, with the heading, “Look out Apple, Facebook & Amazon – Why Google will win.” The cover was a plug for an article inside called “The Great Tech War of 2012. (http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/160/tech-wars-2012-amazon-apple-google-facebook) I … [Read more...]
Random consumer encounters – and some marketing lessons from the gals
Like many lower mainlanders, I found myself recently in a panic to buy snow tires. I’ve known for close to a year that I needed to buy a new set, but there’s nothing like a few flakes falling from the sky to turn casual interest into buying mode. I had done my research online, consulted my panel of experts, phoned around for scheduling availability and remarkably had ended up … [Read more...]
Making a case for social media
Much has been written about the power of social media to connect people and to potentially connect people to your product. Beyond the fun stuff and personal use, there is real value for businesses using these tools, but many owners echo the refrain that they want to see a ROI and an improvement to the bottom line. Is that the best way to measure the value of social media? I … [Read more...]
The new loyalty-loop marketing model
What possible commonality could a previously unpublished writer now making over $200,000/month selling e-books on Amazon share with the makers of a head shaving helmet, and an expensive Superbowl ad spoof for Groupon? Admittedly a motley crew to lump together, they all have benefited or suffered under economics of the new loyalty-loop that the internet has brought to … [Read more...]
Sages on Stage with predictions for 2011
Recently I attended a BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association breakfast meeting to hear what an advertising agency panel had to say about strategies for 2011. Judging by the 300+ people in the room at an early hour, the promise of a sage on the stage to enlighten was attractive. It could also be that many are both anxious and excited about the changes unfolding. … [Read more...]
