Posts filed under 'Summer marketing'
July 3rd, 2008
This weekend, we all feel patriotic and many businesses are likely to be decorating their spaces - or filling their promotions - with flags and related flag merchandise and displays. But before you err on the side of what looks good versus how to actually display the American flag properly, review these guidelines about how to display a flag indoors or out.
And if you’ve already decorated or printed your fliers, change what you can and remember the rest for next year because there is in fact a right way and a wrong way to use the American flag and its likeness.
Oh, and don’t shoot your eye out with illegal fireworks. Have a happy and safe holiday!
June 23rd, 2008
Not to be outdone by the Superbowl, NBC Universal is cashing in on the August 8 start of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. According to this piece in the June 19 USA Today, sponsors have already shelled out $40 million just to be part of the action and may likely spend upwards of half a billion dollars to be part of the pageantry that mark the modern-day Olympic games.
A dozen — including U.S. companies such as Coca-Cola (KO), General Electric (GE), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Kodak (EK) and Visa (V)— have spent about $40 million just to be top-level Games sponsors and will spend up to 10 times that to exploit the tie-in with ads, promotions and events in the USA, China and other world markets.
“It’s a lot of money but it’s got breadth and depth and will run all summer,” says Kevin Lane Keller, professor of marketing at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. “The potential is there. It’s what marketers decide to do with it.”
Here’s an example of what to expect. Visa is going with a theme of “Go World” (at least right now).
Saw a TV version of this - narrated by Morgan Freeman - over the weekend during the diving and gymnastics trials:
May 28th, 2008
The Columbus Dispatch featured a story recently that highlights a trend across the country – the “staycation.” Does your business offer amenities that cater to the ‘staycationers’ that will be in Rockford this summer? With the high price of gas, many vacationers will be cutting back on travel and opting instead for spending time and money at home.
Think backyard bliss first of all. What can you offer that would make a backyard better? If your realm of expertise falls under food, swimming, lounging or socializing with friends at a small party, you can bet that there will be an audience this summer for your marketing efforts.
And what about relaxing? Salons and spas should be catering to those who may be staying in town to save some money on gas, yet who still will want to feel that they got some R&R time this summer. A spa and hotel package right here in Rockford could be a nice option for a staycation, but there are certainly those who have not thought of this as a good alternative to travel. With a little marketing effort started soon, the summer could look very different indeed. Use words like reconnect, home paradise, local leisure and highlight saving money without skipping the vacation feeling.
For more ideas, check out The Outdoor Living Guide from Consumer Reports:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/outdoor-living/0705_outdoor-living.htm
Columbus Dispatch article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/05/25/stay-home_summer.ART_ART_05-25-08_D1_QCA9F64.html
