Marketing 2.0

Branding Strategy - Visual or Verbal?

I recently found this excellent article by noted marketer Al Ries. He ponders the question of what is more important - the visual or verbal elements of branding. He likens the combination to a hammer and nail and uses BMW as an example of a company that has been very successful by implanting a phrase "the ultimate driving machine" in the minds of consumers. This allows them to leverage visual elements and create a powerful brand image. 

Creative Strategy Importance: Visual or Verbal? : Branding Strategy Insider.

Prank your friends with Captain Morgan

Here's the latest in mobile marketing. Captain Morgan allows you to prank a friend by sending a customized voice-mail message. My favorite is the secret female admirer who spotted you in a bar. OK, I'll admit that I sampled that. You can also select the angry boyfriend. Just put some basic info in on your friend and he/she will receive a voice message on his/her cell. It's a pretty neat way to spread the brand message virally. Try it yourself on the What Really Happened Last Night microsite.

Web Tracking Tools

Courtesy of ragan.com, here are some tools to help you track your brand on the web, especially social media commentary. As marketers embrace new media, it's important to develop and use new evaluation methods.

Web tools help track your brand—and the buzz about it | Article | Homepage articles.

"Old School" Sales Presentation Media

I came across this post from Seth Godin today and thought it was worth sharing. In this age of digital media, we often go straight to a high-tech solution for making a sales presentation. That usually means a PowerPoint packed with graphics and animations. If you've every used your laptop to make your pitch to a client, you know that it often feels lame if it's just a one-on-one meeting.

Seth reminds us of the power of the venerable yellow pad for making a point or illustrating key product benefits. It's good advice to consider that all presentation media are still relevant, including the flip chart and legal pad. The key is to select the medium that best fits your selling situation. If you're in a boardroom with 6 clients then the dreaded PowerPoint may be the best option. Just don't ignore the power of all media to effectively connect to your audience.

Seth's Blog: The talking pad.