Archive for the 'Social Media Marketing' Category

25
May
11

where to next?

While it’s certainly getting easier to predict the weather in New York — rain, rain, and more rain — it’s proving more and more difficult to guess what will happen next with legendary dive bar Max Fish. Back in December, a rent dispute between owner and landlord threatened to close the establishment’s doors forever. But then in May, it seemed police allegations of underage drinking and operating after hours were a greater cause for concern. And now, there is word that Max Fish may survive in its current space even longer than the one year eventually agreed upon. So who’s to know what the future will bring?

In January, I shared with you some of the things I looked forward  to witnessing unfold in 2011. And now, almost six months later, I have a few more questions to add to the list:

- How will the cloud music war play out between Apple, Amazon (Cloud Drive), and Google (Music Beta)? And will consumers agree to pay for this storage/streaming service?

- Will Microsoft’s takeover of Skype really mean the end of free voice and video calls — that the only way to use Skype will be via Office, Windows Phone, and Xbox?

- How will AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile — if approved — affect AT&T and T-Mobile customers and the wireless industry as a whole? Higher fees? Better or worse service? Trouble for Google’s Android?

- Will the biggest news about Yahoo this year be its sale of social bookmarking web service Delicious, or will the company be able to debut a groundbreaking product or two before December rolls around?

- Will technological advancements in TV such as Sharp and NHK’s new Super Hi-Vision screen help to keep enough people interested in consuming media via television rather than via computer or tablet?

- And lastly, for the umpteenth time, when will it actually be the Year of Mobile?

What are your thoughts on these topics? Come on, share your insights.

Photo credit: Andy Roberts

06
Apr
11

celebrities and social media — puppets on a string?

Some companies give so much attention to how they should (and should not) present themselves on social networking sites that they end up with little time or energy to figure out how best the celebrities they sponsor should present their brand online.

The same way that it can be frustrating for consumers to try to connect with a brand that is obsessed with pushing sales and getting more followers, so too can it be disheartening when a favorite celebrity seems more focused on pushing a new fragrance, CD, or apparel line.

And then to further complicate matters, there’s always the issue of PR — of a celebrity, say, tweeting about things that are viewed by some as controversial, inappropriate, or not in line with the beliefs of his or her business partners. Seems like actor James Franco, whose public Twitter account suddenly went private less than a week ago, didn’t appreciate being told what he could and couldn’t tweet about online — “My thought was ‘this is my Twitter. I can do whatever I want.’ But certain companies I work with contacted me about what I was saying.”

A balancing act for all involved, that’s for sure. So it’s nice when celebrities are able to succeed in establishing a presence on social networking sites that works for their business partners, fans, and, of course, themselves.

Have any examples to share of celebrities who’ve nailed it?

Photo credit: Sarah G

02
Mar
11

leaving consumers thirsty for more

When New York Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte retired at the beginning of last month, he left some of his fans yearning for a great comeback one day. Too bad celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen aren’t likely to find themselves in the same boat.

Too bad that in many areas of business — not just marketing or advertising — it’s all too tempting to ride a wave out for as long as we’re able, even when it may make more sense to quit while we’re ahead.

Remember how the GEICO cavemen took the U.S. by storm back in 2004 with all those funny TV commercials? Well, that was a very different scenario from the one they find themselves in today with a failed 2007 ABC sitcom and an unexceptional vlog  and social networking site presence. And now we have the hunky, wildly popular Old Spice spokesman Isaiah Mustafa. Over the past eight months or so, he has delighted the American consumer and breathed new life into the Old Spice brand. But when will it be time for Isaiah to throw in the towel? (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun)

It’s not an easy question to answer. Wait too long and risk losing the consumer’s interest. Get out too early and miss a great opportunity to further strengthen and grow the brand. I’m sure executives over at Rovio Mobile wish they had a crystal ball as they take their hit mobile game Angry Birds and venture out into toys, board games, and possibly even movies.

Photo credit: Larry Ewing




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