Less print more digital

Levi CMO Cohen Szulc is on to something here. We as advertisers need to stray away from starting every campaign with print ads. What is the need for print? I believe, along with Mr. Szulc that the digital channels are the best way to promote a brand or product.

Levi's "Go Forth" campaign showed tremendous progress in the digital age. The interactive programs that were created were a huge success.

Mr. Szulc sums it up best by saying "It is not about selling a product, it is about being coveted and creating a customer experience."

As I start on my new adventure as a creative brand manager student at the VCU Brandcenter, this is one idea that I will take to heart. The best ads and the best campaigns are those done through the digital medium using unique programs that allow the customer to interact with the brand.

We are trying to find the balance between Brand Loyalty and Brand Advocacy.

Kids & Media

What a changing landscape we have. I can remember the days of my childhood when video games were just starting to become popular and adults were just starting to talk about how watching too much TV can cause problems.

Dave Knox, my new favorite Marketing and Media blogger/Brand Manager has a great summation of an article written about the media and how it is taking over our youth's lives.

A few facts that stood out to me
-young people are spending more time consuming media on their cell phone than talking on it
-3 out of 4 young people own an iPod while only 2 out of 3 own a cell phone
-time spent playing video games is up 50%

And what is most shocking, is that 7 out of 10 young people have a TV in their bedroom. Although it made me mad that my parents wouldn't let me have a TV in my room, I know I am so much better for it. I was forced to read, play games and GET OUT OF THE HOUSE to enjoy myself. I know for sure that my kids won't be seeing any kind of TV in their room until it's a college dorm.

To and From Work

Well the one thing that is exciting about working in downtown Chicago is that the elevators in my building are equipped with TV's that update the days news during my ride to and from the 29th floor. I really look forward to watching that screen every time I am near the elevator. My only thought about why I enjoy it so much is that it has to beat the awkwardness that comes with riding an elevator. At least I don't have to stare at the floor or watch the buttons light up as we approach certain floors. I now have a purpose while I take my 30 second ride.

During my ride I am bombarded with daily updates on sports, international news, politics and weather all in a jiffy. My only concern when waiting for the elevator is to be the first person on, so I can have that coveted spot right next to the buttons which just happens to be right under the TV screen.

I am easily amused and enjoy the little things in life. I guess that is something good to take away as I continue my work as a research associate for the temporary future.

Movie Branding

Read an interesting article today that was posted on Twitter about how Branding is becoming much more previlent in movies these days. I was unaware of the amount of money brands were paying in order to get facetime in popular movies. Sometimes the amount can be upwards of 7 figures.

I guess we can't get away from branding products. Just a way of life and we need to embrace it!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/05/business/media/05screen.html?src=me&ref=business