(7734,2925,'_oembed_time_2d41f91581f6f18b24ea2432b5004f37','1785844368'),
(7737,3778,'_oembed_f9c21c67ba16b514b379a4567790bada','{{unknown}}'),
(7738,2838,'_oembed_f9c21c67ba16b514b379a4567790bada','{{unknown}}');

--
-- Table structure for table `wp_posts`
--

CREATE TABLE `wp_posts` (
  `ID` bigint(20) unsigned NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
  `post_author` bigint(20) unsigned NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
  `post_date` datetime NOT NULL DEFAULT '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
  `post_date_gmt` datetime NOT NULL DEFAULT '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
  `post_content` longtext NOT NULL,
  `post_title` mediumtext NOT NULL,
  `post_excerpt` mediumtext NOT NULL,
  `post_status` varchar(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'publish',
  `comment_status` varchar(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'open',
  `ping_status` varchar(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'open',
  `post_password` varchar(255) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
  `post_name` varchar(200) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
  `to_ping` mediumtext NOT NULL,
  `pinged` mediumtext NOT NULL,
  `post_modified` datetime NOT NULL DEFAULT '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
  `post_modified_gmt` datetime NOT NULL DEFAULT '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
  `post_content_filtered` longtext NOT NULL,
  `post_parent` bigint(20) unsigned NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
  `guid` varchar(255) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
  `menu_order` int(11) NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
  `post_type` varchar(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'post',
  `post_mime_type` varchar(100) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
  `comment_count` bigint(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
  PRIMARY KEY (`ID`),
  KEY `type_status_date` (`post_type`,`post_status`,`post_date`,`ID`),
  KEY `post_parent` (`post_parent`),
  KEY `post_author` (`post_author`),
  KEY `post_name` (`post_name`(191)),
  KEY `type_status_author` (`post_type`,`post_status`,`post_author`),
  FULLTEXT KEY `yarpp_title` (`post_title`),
  FULLTEXT KEY `yarpp_content` (`post_content`)
) ENGINE=MyISAM AUTO_INCREMENT=4553 DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8mb4 COLLATE=utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

--
-- Dumping data for table `wp_posts`
--

INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES
(1,4,'2011-06-07 02:50:20','2011-06-07 07:50:20','Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!','Hello world!','','publish','open','open','','hello-world','','','2011-06-07 02:50:20','2011-06-07 07:50:20','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1',0,'post','',1),
(2,4,'2011-06-07 02:50:20','2011-06-07 07:50:20','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nMy mission is to help you create clear, concise, and accurate communications materials.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Home','','publish','closed','closed','','sample-page','','','2026-02-12 15:05:54','2026-02-12 20:05:54','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=2',0,'page','',0),
(4442,4,'2026-02-12 15:05:54','2026-02-12 20:05:54','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nMy mission is to help you create clear, concise, and accurate communications materials.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2-revision-v1','','','2026-02-12 15:05:54','2026-02-12 20:05:54','',2,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4442',0,'revision','',0),
(4248,4,'2022-02-18 08:38:55','2022-02-18 13:38:55','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).\r\n<h2>Why Choose DBMC</h2>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won’t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2-revision-v1','','','2022-02-18 08:38:55','2022-02-18 13:38:55','',2,'https://deborahbrody.com/2022/02/2-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(4120,4,'2020-08-17 12:57:12','2020-08-17 16:57:12','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).\r\n<h2>Why Choose DBMC</h2>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won’t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a class=\"button\" title=\"Booking\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/events/booking/\">Book a free 15-minute consultation!</a>','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2-revision-v1','','','2020-08-17 12:57:12','2020-08-17 16:57:12','',2,'https://deborahbrody.com/2020/08/2-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3760,4,'2018-04-24 09:35:04','2018-04-24 13:35:04','<h2>How I Can Help You</h2>\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).\r\n<h2>Why Choose DBMC</h2>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won’t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n<h2>What’s new:</h2>\r\n<a title=\"Brand Identity Kit\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/brand-identity-kit/\">Brand Identity Kit</a> (the five-part marketing message kit to help you communicate better)\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Booking\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/events/booking/\">Book a free 15-minute consultation!</a>','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','2-revision-v1','','','2018-04-24 09:35:04','2018-04-24 13:35:04','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2018/04/2-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(3074,4,'2015-10-20 16:57:29','2015-10-20 20:57:29','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>How I Can Help You\r\n</strong></h4>\r\nIf you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.\r\n\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td>\r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>Why Choose DBMC</strong></h4>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won\'t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to learn how to improve your marketing and communications.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2015-10-20 16:57:29','2015-10-20 20:57:29','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2015/10/2-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(1852,4,'2012-10-08 17:59:10','2012-10-08 17:59:10','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>How We Can Help</strong></h4>\r\nIf you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.\r\n\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nTogether, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td>\r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>Why Choose DBMC</strong></h4>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.\r\n\r\n<strong>You\'ll find that our services</strong> are more focused alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won\'t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n\r\nWe will work with you to find the best solution to your marketing problem.</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to learn how to improve your marketing and communications.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2012-10-08 17:59:10','2012-10-08 17:59:10','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2012/10/2-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),
(38,4,'2011-06-28 13:56:48','2011-06-28 13:56:48','Deborah Brody Marketing Communications works with businesses and non-profit organizations. We have experience with various industries, including hospitality/tourism, financial, real estate, marketing, legal and software development.\r\n\r\n<strong>Clients have included:</strong>\r\n\r\nACTON Marketing\r\nAlexandria Education\r\n\r\nBNA\r\nB’nai B’rith International\r\nCaribbean Basin Enterprise\r\n\r\nDKD New Media\r\nHotel Presidente (Costa Rica)\r\n\r\nFrontPoint Security\r\n\r\nKARRASS\r\nLaw Offices of Jason Warshofsky\r\nMemorable Costa Rica\r\n\r\nMiCORE Solutions, Inc.\r\n\r\nPebbles of Hope\r\nSimply Savvy Events\r\n\r\nSperry Van Ness\r\nStarWave Associates\r\nStateTrust Group\r\nStreamline Communications\r\nStudio Twenty-Two\r\n\r\nSW Creatives\r\nTabacon Resort and Spa (Costa Rica)\r\nThe Gary Rosenthal Collection','Clients','','publish','closed','closed','','clients','','','2014-10-09 15:23:48','2014-10-09 19:23:48','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=38',0,'page','',0),
(4,4,'2011-06-07 07:57:31','2011-06-07 07:57:31','','Deborah-Brody-Marketing-Communications','','inherit','open','open','','deborah-brody-marketing-communications','','','2011-06-07 07:57:31','2011-06-07 07:57:31','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Deborah-Brody-Marketing-Communications.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(5,4,'2011-06-07 08:12:16','2011-06-07 08:12:16','','Slider','','publish','closed','closed','','slider','','','2011-06-07 08:32:09','2011-06-07 08:32:09','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?post_type=slider&p=5',0,'slider','',0),
(6,4,'2011-06-07 08:12:02','2011-06-07 08:12:02','','istockphoto_13190610-cup-of-coffee-with-splash','','inherit','open','open','','istockphoto_13190610-cup-of-coffee-with-splash','','','2011-06-07 08:12:02','2011-06-07 08:12:02','',5,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/istockphoto_13190610-cup-of-coffee-with-splash.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(7,4,'2011-06-07 08:32:00','2011-06-07 08:32:00','','Primary-Tools-of-Marketing','','inherit','open','open','','primary-tools-of-marketing','','','2011-06-07 08:32:00','2011-06-07 08:32:00','',5,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Primary-Tools-of-Marketing.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(8,4,'2011-06-07 08:35:47','2011-06-07 08:35:47','','Home','','publish','open','open','','home','','','2018-02-12 10:39:32','2018-02-12 15:39:32','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=8',1,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(9,4,'2011-06-07 02:50:20','2011-06-07 07:50:20','This is an example page. It\'s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this:\n\n<blockquote>Hi there! I\'m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my blog. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like pi&#241;a coladas. (And gettin\' caught in the rain.)</blockquote>\n\n...or something like this:\n\n<blockquote>The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickies to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.</blockquote>\n\nAs a new WordPress user, you should go to <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-admin/\">your dashboard</a> to delete this page and create new pages for your content. Have fun!','Sample Page','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 02:50:20','2011-06-07 07:50:20','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/2-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(10,4,'2018-02-09 11:45:09','2018-02-09 16:45:09','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>How I Can Help You\r\n</strong></h4>\r\nIf you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.\r\n\r\nAt Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with me, an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.\r\n\r\nI will work with you to find the best, most effective solution to your marketing challenge.\r\n\r\nLet\'s create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td>\r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4><strong>Why Choose DBMC</strong></h4>\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a <strong>reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner</strong>.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll find that my services are a more <strong>focused and personalized</strong> alternative to the traditional advertising, marketing or public relations agency.\r\n\r\n<strong>You won\'t pay agency prices</strong> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.\r\n\r\nBook a free 15-minute consultation\r\n\r\n[10to8booking organisation_id=\"8ac2d0e7-2f0e-4c54-aaa5-1fe51d379a75\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to learn how to improve your marketing and communications.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-09 11:45:09','2018-02-09 16:45:09','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/2-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(11,4,'2011-06-07 08:51:13','2011-06-07 08:51:13','','background','','inherit','open','open','','background','','','2011-06-07 08:51:13','2011-06-07 08:51:13','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/background.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(12,4,'2011-06-07 09:00:18','2011-06-07 09:00:18','','tagline','','inherit','open','open','','tagline','','','2011-06-07 09:00:18','2011-06-07 09:00:18','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/tagline.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(13,4,'2011-06-07 08:36:50','2011-06-07 08:36:50','This is an example page. It\'s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this:\r\n<blockquote>Hi there! I\'m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my blog. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin\' caught in the rain.)</blockquote>\r\n...or something like this:\r\n<blockquote>The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickies to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.</blockquote>\r\nAs a new WordPress user, you should go to <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-admin/\">your dashboard</a> to delete this page and create new pages for your content. Have fun!','Sample Page','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 08:36:50','2011-06-07 08:36:50','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/2-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(14,4,'2011-06-07 09:02:37','2011-06-07 09:02:37','I work with you to create or improve your marketing and communications materials.\r\n<h2></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Writing/Copywriting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/writing/\">Writing</a></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Copy Editing\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/copy-editing/\">Copy Editing</a></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Communications Consulting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/communications-consulting/\">Communications Consulting</a></h2>\r\n<h2></h2>\r\nIf you need further information, or want to discuss how we can work together, please <a title=\"Booking\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/events/booking/\">book a free 15-minute consultation</a> with me.','Services','','publish','closed','closed','','services','','','2026-02-12 14:54:16','2026-02-12 19:54:16','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=14',0,'page','',0),
(4440,4,'2026-02-12 14:54:16','2026-02-12 19:54:16','I work with you to create or improve your marketing and communications materials.\r\n<h2></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Writing/Copywriting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/writing/\">Writing</a></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Copy Editing\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/copy-editing/\">Copy Editing</a></h2>\r\n<h2><a title=\"Communications Consulting\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/communications-consulting/\">Communications Consulting</a></h2>\r\n<h2></h2>\r\nIf you need further information, or want to discuss how we can work together, please <a title=\"Booking\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/events/booking/\">book a free 15-minute consultation</a> with me.','Services','','inherit','closed','closed','','14-revision-v1','','','2026-02-12 14:54:16','2026-02-12 19:54:16','',14,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4440',0,'revision','',0),
(15,4,'2011-06-07 09:02:34','2011-06-07 09:02:34','','Services','','inherit','open','open','','14-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:02:34','2011-06-07 09:02:34','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/14-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(114,4,'2011-06-07 09:22:08','2011-06-07 09:22:08','If you\'re a small to medium-size business or a  non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your  target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.   At Deborah Brody  Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced  marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing  communications. Together, we will create, recreate or refine your  marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish).   Whether you want  to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to  create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most efficient solution.\r\n\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications is a  reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.  You\'ll find that <a title=\"Our Services\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/services/\">our services</a> are an affordable alternative to the  traditional advertising or public relations agency. You won\'t pay agency  prices and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff. No matter  if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put  together a communications team, we can work with you.','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:22:08','2011-06-07 09:22:08','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/2-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),
(18,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:02','2011-06-07 09:03:02','<div><img style=\"margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px;\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/picture.jpg\" alt=\"\" align=\"left\" />Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with more than 25 years of public relations, advertising, and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing, copy editing, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Prior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English/Spanish) Deborah worked at several leading South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates (public relations), The Jeffrey Group (public relations focused on Latin America), and  Peter Nasca Associates (corporate communications). In 2001,  Deborah taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International University.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Upon her move to the Washington, D.C. area in 2005, in addition to running DBMC, Deborah worked as the interim Media Director at B\'nai B\'rith International. She also worked with Communications Resources, a communications consultancy, and served as writing tutor at the Kogod School of Business at American University. In 2012, Deborah launched a series of  blogging workshops to teach effective blog writing techniques.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\nDeborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication. She lives in Rockville, Maryland where, when not writing and editing, she enjoys cooking, following current events and politics, going on hikes and long walks, and doing yoga.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://static.licdn.com/scds/common/u/img/webpromo/btn_viewmy_120x33.png\" alt=\"View Deborah Brody\'s profile on LinkedIn\" width=\"120\" height=\"33\" border=\"0\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</div>','About','','publish','closed','closed','','about','','','2021-10-12 15:11:19','2021-10-12 19:11:19','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=18',0,'page','',0),
(1726,4,'2012-06-21 13:05:00','2012-06-21 13:05:00','<span style=\"color: #000000;\">It seems that there are lots of people out there who either don\'t know how to use Twitter or don\'t really care.  Their behavior --from ignoring people to being excessively self-promotional-- is just plain obnoxious. \"In real life\" if you engage in obnoxious behavior, people start avoiding you, right?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">These are a few obnoxious behaviors that you should avoid:\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior</strong>: Not responding to @ mentions</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this is obnoxious:</strong> Someone is trying to talk to you. In person, would you ignore someone who is speaking to you?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior</strong>: Retweeting every comment that includes a mention of you</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this is obnoxious</strong>: It is clear that you are trying to make sure your followers know that others have mentioned you. In person, what would you think of someone who is constantly saying, things like \"Joe really  likes me, and told me so.\"</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior:</strong> Bragging or posting completely self-serving tweets</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this is obnoxious:</strong> When you are going on (and on and on) about yourself, you are acting as if the world is your echo chamber. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The only person that benefits from your behavior is you.</span> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior</strong>: Following people but <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">never</span> interacting with them</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this is obnoxious:</strong> If you are interested in following someone, perhaps it is because you enjoy what they share or have to say. When you don\'t COMMUNICATE with that person, you are giving absolutely no reason why that person should follow you or value your follow.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior:</strong> Never interacting with anyone at all\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this is obnoxious:</strong> Would you go to a party, stand up and start talking and ignore everyone else in the room? Would you show up to a networking event and not speak to anyone? Why are you there? Presumably, you are there because you want to speak with other people--not to or at them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Behavior:</strong> Scheduling Tweets</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why this obnoxious::</strong> When you schedule Tweets you are using Twitter as a place to dump information rather than a place to interact with people. It takes the social out of social media. </span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Behavior</strong>: Automatically Tweeting your check-ins\r\n\r\n<strong>Why this is obnoxious:</strong> Do you walk around announcing yourself everywhere you go? \"Hi, I am at the corner of Main and Elm. Hi, now I am dropping my clothes at the dry cleaners. Hi, now I am stopping at the drugstore for my seizure medication.  Hi, now I am picking lint off my jacket while standing on line at Starbucks.\"\r\n\r\nIf you don\'t want to be obnoxious on Twitter, think whether you would do those things if you were to see your \"Tweeps\" in person. It really is that simple.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">What obnoxious behavior have you encountered on Twitter?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to use Twitter and not be obnoxious','','publish','open','open','','how-to-use-twitter-and-not-be-obnoxious','','','2012-06-21 13:14:02','2012-06-21 13:14:02','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1726',0,'post','',0),
(19,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:00','2011-06-07 09:03:00','','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:00','2011-06-07 09:03:00','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/18-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(20,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:21','2011-06-07 13:03:21','Mis servicios:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Escritura y producción de materiales de mercadeo (marketing), ya sea un folleto, comunicados de prensa, o el contenido de un sitio Web.</li>\r\n	<li>Redacción de materiales.</li>\r\n	<li>Traducción de materiales  ingles/español.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nPuede contar con trabajos hechos con creatividad y experiencia, y con la confianza de que hare el trabajo en el tiempo adecuado y a un precio justo.\r\n\r\nDependiendo de las exigencias del cliente, trabajo por proyecto o a largo plazo. En todo caso, el precio se dará por escrito.\r\n\r\n<strong>Biografia</strong>\r\n\r\nDeborah establecio su compañia en 2002. Cuenta con una carrera que abarca veinte años de trabajo en las industrias de relaciones públicas y de publicidad. Deborah obtuvo una Maestría en Comunicaciones en Boston University.\r\n\r\n<strong>¿Como le puedo ayudar? Mandeme un mail:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>','Español','','publish','closed','closed','','espanol','','','2018-04-16 16:02:35','2018-04-16 20:02:35','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=20',0,'page','',0),
(2934,4,'2015-03-27 19:01:45','2015-03-27 23:01:45','Mis servicios:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Escritura y producción de materiales de mercadeo (marketing), ya sea un folleto, comunicados de prensa, o el contenido de un sitio Web.</li>\r\n	<li>Redacción de materiales.</li>\r\n	<li>Traducción de materiales  ingles/español.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nPuede contar con trabajos hechos con creatividad y experiencia, y con la confianza de que hare el trabajo en el tiempo adecuado y a un precio justo.\r\n\r\nDependiendo de las exigencias del cliente, trabajo por proyecto o a largo plazo. En todo caso, el precio se dará por escrito.\r\n\r\nBiografia\r\n\r\nDeborah establecio su compania en 2002. Cuenta con una carrera que abarca veinte años de trabajo en las industrias de relaciones públicas y de publicidad. Deborah obtuvo una Maestría en Comunicaciones en Boston University.\r\n\r\nContáctenos hoy para discutir como le podemos ayudar.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>','Espanol','','inherit','open','open','','20-revision-v1','','','2015-03-27 19:01:45','2015-03-27 23:01:45','',20,'http://deborahbrody.com/2015/03/20-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(21,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:14','2011-06-07 09:03:14','','Es','','inherit','open','open','','20-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:14','2011-06-07 09:03:14','',20,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/20-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(22,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:34','2011-06-07 09:03:34','','Blog','','publish','closed','closed','','blog','','','2018-04-27 17:01:17','2018-04-27 21:01:17','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=22',0,'page','',0),
(23,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:30','2011-06-07 09:03:30','','Blog','','inherit','open','open','','22-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:30','2011-06-07 09:03:30','',22,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/22-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(24,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:51','2011-06-07 09:03:51','<iframe src=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DR-Ox75S3bNvD01zpkolVqvBlo8PvC9htvgAI4MibU8/viewform?embedded=true\" width=\"600\" height=\"700\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\">Loading...</iframe>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Mail</strong>:\r\n\r\n<address>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications</address><address>PO Box 1435\r\nRockville, MD 20849</address><address> </address>','Contact','','publish','closed','closed','','contact','','','2025-06-04 08:45:00','2025-06-04 12:45:00','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=24',0,'page','',0),
(4410,4,'2025-06-04 08:45:00','2025-06-04 12:45:00','<iframe src=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DR-Ox75S3bNvD01zpkolVqvBlo8PvC9htvgAI4MibU8/viewform?embedded=true\" width=\"600\" height=\"700\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\">Loading...</iframe>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Mail</strong>:\r\n\r\n<address>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications</address><address>PO Box 1435\r\nRockville, MD 20849</address><address> </address>','Contact','','inherit','closed','closed','','24-revision-v1','','','2025-06-04 08:45:00','2025-06-04 12:45:00','',24,'https://deborahbrody.com/?p=4410',0,'revision','',0),
(25,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:45','2011-06-07 09:03:45','','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:45','2011-06-07 09:03:45','',24,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/24-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(26,4,'2011-06-07 09:04:30','2011-06-07 09:04:30',' ','','','publish','open','open','','26','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=26',16,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(27,4,'2011-06-07 09:04:30','2011-06-07 09:04:30',' ','','','publish','open','open','','27','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=27',15,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(28,4,'2011-06-07 09:04:30','2011-06-07 09:04:30',' ','','','publish','open','open','','28','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=28',14,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(29,4,'2011-06-07 09:04:30','2011-06-07 09:04:30',' ','','','publish','open','open','','29','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=29',8,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(65,4,'2011-07-21 05:06:37','2011-07-21 05:06:37','','Writing','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-v1','','','2011-07-21 05:06:37','2011-07-21 05:06:37','',49,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/49-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(32,4,'2011-06-07 09:13:42','2011-06-07 09:13:42','','signup-box','','inherit','open','open','','signup-box','','','2011-06-07 09:13:42','2011-06-07 09:13:42','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/signup-box.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(33,4,'2011-06-07 09:02:15','2011-06-07 09:02:15','This is an example page. It\'s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this:\r\n<blockquote>Hi there! I\'m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my blog. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin\' caught in the rain.)</blockquote>\r\n...or something like this:\r\n<blockquote>The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickies to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.</blockquote>\r\nAs a new WordPress user, you should go to <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-admin/\">your dashboard</a> to delete this page and create new pages for your content. Have fun!','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:02:15','2011-06-07 09:02:15','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/2-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(34,4,'2011-06-07 09:41:59','2011-06-07 09:41:59','','facebook-icon','','inherit','open','open','','facebook-icon','','','2011-06-07 09:41:59','2011-06-07 09:41:59','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/facebook-icon.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(35,4,'2011-06-07 09:42:00','2011-06-07 09:42:00','','rss-icon','','inherit','open','open','','rss-icon','','','2011-06-07 09:42:00','2011-06-07 09:42:00','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rss-icon.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(36,4,'2011-06-07 09:42:00','2011-06-07 09:42:00','','twitter-icon','','inherit','open','open','','twitter-icon','','','2011-06-07 09:42:00','2011-06-07 09:42:00','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/twitter-icon.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(37,4,'2011-06-07 09:57:07','2011-06-07 09:57:07','','favicon','','inherit','open','open','','favicon','','','2011-06-07 09:57:07','2011-06-07 09:57:07','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/favicon.ico',0,'attachment','image/x-icon',0),
(39,4,'2011-06-28 13:56:45','2011-06-28 13:56:45','','Clients','','inherit','open','open','','38-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:56:45','2011-06-28 13:56:45','',38,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/38-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(40,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:18','2011-06-28 13:57:18','<h2>International charity needs to rebrand</h2>\r\n<strong>The Case</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.reach.org/\" target=\"_blank\">REACH International</a>, a charitable organization that provides education, housing and other services to disadvantaged children in 24 countries, needed to increase its donor base and extend its appeal. The charity had not refreshed its materials in a long time, and the existing look and messaging did not communicate well to a new donor target.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Work</strong>\r\n\r\nREACH International was using an outdated brochure and wanted to recreate both the design and the content. Dan Kohan of<a href=\"http://sensicaldesign.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Sensical Design</a> designed a new logo and the new brochure. DBMC was tasked with writing the content.\r\n\r\nAs with any new project, my first step was to have an in-depth conversation with the client. I suggested that our first step would be to create key messages and an organizational description that could be used in the brochure and all other marketing pieces (website, press releases, etc.). I provided the client with a detailed branding and identity questionnaire. From her answers and our interview, I developed the key messages (with supporting points) and a “boilerplate” organizational description. Once those were approved, I went on to write the brochure.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Result</strong>\r\n\r\nToday, REACH International has a beautiful, updated brochure that communicates the impact of the humanitarian work it does around the world.\r\n\r\nView the PDF of the new brochure: <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/REACH-brochure-03.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">REACH-brochure-03</a>.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Nonprofit needs a website and a tagline to start up</h2>\r\n<strong>The Case</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Pebbles of Hope</strong> is a nonprofit dedicated to helping premature babies to survive and thrive. When its founder and executive director, Cheryl Chotrani, approached DBMC, the organization was just starting out and needed marketing help. Specifically, Ms. Chotrani asked me to write the website content and to create a tagline for the organization. Ms. Chotrani, who has a marketing and media background, had already created a very comprehensive creative brief outlining the key messages, the target audience, and what the desired look and feel was for the website and had already hired a designer to create the website and a logo.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Work</strong>\r\n\r\nAs with any project, the first step is getting to know the client and the issue at hand. In this case I had several in-depth interviews with Ms. Chotrani. I read through the information she provided, gathered research on preterm births and also researched other organizations doing similar work.\r\n\r\nThe second step was to clarify the goal of the website and what type of information would have to be included. Then, I created a robust website outline/navigation guide that would serve to guide the content.\r\n\r\nWith the approved outline in hand, and the information gathered from the client and other sources, I started writing the content. Client comments and changes were incorporated and a final draft was sent to the designer.\r\n\r\nConcurrently to writing the website content, I developed around fifteen tagline suggestions. Having the tagline would help set the tone and direction for the website and the organization. These suggested taglines were submitted to the client, and with her input, the final tagline was selected.\r\n\r\nThe last step was to check and proofread the finished website.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Result</strong>\r\n\r\nToday, <a href=\"http://www.pebblesofhope.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pebbles of Hope has a beautiful and functional website</a>. On it you can see the tagline “Giving the world’s smallest babies a fighting chance.” Thanks to volunteers, the organization also has a frequently updated blog, and a social media presence. Some of the website content and the tagline are used in other marketing materials, including a brochure.','Recent Projects','','publish','closed','closed','','portfolio','','','2015-10-20 10:26:25','2015-10-20 14:26:25','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=40',0,'page','',0),
(41,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:07','2011-06-28 13:57:07','','Portfolio','','inherit','open','open','','40-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:57:07','2011-06-28 13:57:07','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/40-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(42,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:37','2011-06-28 13:57:37','<h3>Project</h3>\r\nPerhaps you want to hire us to work on a single project. You\'ll give us all the relevant information, including target audience for the project, timelines and existing materials. Once we\'ve assessed what you need, we will provide you with a written time and cost estimate before beginning.\r\n\r\nProjects are payable with a 30% to 50% deposit to start, and the balance due once the project is complete.\r\n<h3>Retainer</h3>\r\nIf you require ongoing marketing help or know you will have many projects over two months or more, we will set up a retainer agreement. We will estimate how many hours of time you will require per month. We will agree on a cost and number of hours. Retainer agreements are payable on a monthly or bi-weekly schedule. Retainers can be dissolved in writing.\r\n<h3>Payment</h3>\r\nWe accept business or personal checks, credit cards via PayPal, cash and money orders. Paying by credit card incurs an additional 3% surcharge.  Our policy is 30 days net for most invoices. As a small business, we cannot afford to extend credit to our clients, and we respectfully request full payment as and when invoiced.\r\n<h3>Late Fees</h3>\r\n<strong></strong>Invoices that are not paid after 30 days from date of invoice are subject to late fees on the following schedule:\r\n\r\n31-60 days: 20% late fee\r\n\r\n61-90 days: 25% late fee\r\n\r\n91-120 days: 30% late fee\r\n\r\nAny invoice that is unpaid after 121 days will be subject to a 50% late fee, remitted to immediate collection, and the client relationship will be immediately terminated.\r\n<h3>No work on spec</h3>\r\nFinally, DBMC does not provide spec work. If you require a sample, we will provide you with work done for previous clients. If you want us to produce something specifically for you, we require payment.','How We Work','','publish','closed','closed','','how-we-work','','','2017-09-04 13:17:14','2017-09-04 17:17:14','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=42',0,'page','',0),
(43,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:35','2011-06-28 13:57:35','','How We Work','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:57:35','2011-06-28 13:57:35','',42,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/42-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(44,4,'2011-06-28 13:58:23','2011-06-28 13:58:23',' ','','','publish','open','open','','44','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=44',11,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(45,4,'2011-06-28 13:58:23','2011-06-28 13:58:23',' ','','','publish','open','open','','45','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=45',10,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(46,4,'2011-06-28 13:58:23','2011-06-28 13:58:23',' ','','','publish','open','open','','46','','','2018-02-12 10:39:33','2018-02-12 15:39:33','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=46',9,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(1424,4,'2011-09-06 15:31:14','2011-09-06 15:31:14','Do you have the kind of Twitter followers you want? Are you getting the information you want and need from your Twitter stream? If the answer is no, I have one question for you to consider before you post your next Tweet:\r\n\r\n<strong>Who cares about what I am about to post?</strong>\r\n\r\nDo your friends care? Your mother? Your potential clients? Your colleagues?\r\n\r\nNot everything you want to say has to be said on social media. If you want to vent about your new dishwasher, why not call a neighbor? If you want to make brunch plans--why not text your friends?','One question to improve your Twitter stream','','publish','open','open','','one-question-to-improve-your-twitter-stream','','','2011-09-06 15:31:14','2011-09-06 15:31:14','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=1424',0,'post','',0),
(49,4,'2011-07-21 05:06:37','2011-07-21 05:06:37','Written materials are the cornerstone of marketing communications. Clear, concise and convincing writing will make your marketing materials and your business stand out.\r\n\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications writes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Website content</li>\r\n	<li>Blog posts</li>\r\n	<li>Marketing collateral\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Brochures</li>\r\n	<li>Flyers</li>\r\n	<li>Taglines</li>\r\n	<li>Ebooks</li>\r\n	<li>Newsletter copy</li>\r\n	<li>Email copy</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n	<li>Advertising copy</li>\r\n	<li>Public relations materials\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Press releases</li>\r\n	<li>Executive biographies</li>\r\n	<li>Position papers</li>\r\n	<li>White papers</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n	<li>Messaging materials\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Key messages</li>\r\n	<li>Company descriptions</li>\r\n	<li>Boilerplate</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWriting fee: $125 per hour','Writing/Copywriting','','publish','closed','closed','','writing','','','2017-09-04 13:18:27','2017-09-04 17:18:27','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=49',0,'page','',0),
(50,4,'2011-07-21 05:06:33','2011-07-21 05:06:33','','Writing','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-v1','','','2011-07-21 05:06:33','2011-07-21 05:06:33','',49,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/49-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(51,4,'2011-07-21 05:07:42','2011-07-21 05:07:42','Where does your brochure or website fit in with your marketing and communications plan? Every marketing piece you put out should be a tactic in the larger strategy of marketing your product, service or company. Deborah Brody Marketing Communications will give you specific, creative marketing ideas, tactics and strategies.\r\n<h3>Blog consulting</h3>\r\nWhere does your blog fit in your overall communications plan? Is it achieving results?\r\n<h3>Social media consulting</h3>\r\nAre you using social media effectively? Are you reaching your goals? We\'ll help you determine what is working and what is not, and how to fix it.\r\n<h3>Communications audits</h3>\r\nAre your key messages relevant? What marketing collateral do you need and which could you get rid of? We will assess your materials and provide recommendations.\r\n\r\nCommunications consulting fee: $125 per hour','Consulting','','publish','closed','closed','','communications-consulting','','','2017-09-04 13:19:03','2017-09-04 17:19:03','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=51',0,'page','',0),
(52,4,'2011-07-21 05:07:37','2011-07-21 05:07:37','','Communications Consulting','','inherit','open','open','','51-revision-v1','','','2011-07-21 05:07:37','2011-07-21 05:07:37','',51,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/51-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(2214,4,'2013-06-07 13:36:09','2013-06-07 13:36:09','You can\'t call yesterday\'s news new. In fact, you probably can\'t call it news either. And yet, it has become a habit for some marketers, most notably those on Twitter, to use the word \"new\" or even worse, the word \"breaking\" to set apart their content. Now, if something is truly new or breaking, then that\'s fine, but keep in mind that calling something new or breaking is a one-time-only proposition.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\"]<a title=\"News Shop by Cyberslayer, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyberslayer/338311046/\"><img alt=\"News Shop\" src=\"http://farm1.staticflickr.com/156/338311046_d98886414a.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" /></a> News shop by Cyberslayer via Flickr[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\nOnce you have called something new or breaking, you can\'t do it again. Why? Here are three reasons:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>It is <strong>false advertising</strong>: it is no longer new.</li>\r\n	<li>It <strong>undermines your credibility</strong>: you are trying to get me to believe something that is not so.</li>\r\n	<li>It\'s a <strong>cheap tactic</strong>: is this the only way you can get attention for your product, service or idea?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nIf I see a Twitter stream replete with the words new or breaking, it better be from a wire service, newspaper or news broadcast. A post that you wrote two weeks ago is not new. An idea that you tweeted out last week certainly is not breaking.\r\n\r\nRemember it\'s only new once, everything else can be classified as gently used or old or even outdated!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','It\'s only new once','','publish','open','open','','its-only-new-once','','','2013-06-07 13:36:09','2013-06-07 13:36:09','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=2214',0,'post','',0),
(2206,4,'2013-05-29 12:12:30','2013-05-29 12:12:30','You\'ve heard the saying about how the cobbler\'s children go barefoot. It seems to me that this is especially true for PR agencies and practitioners. They don\'t seem to get that they need to think about their image and their relations with their public. They are in PR but don\'t practice PR for themselves.\r\n\r\nRecently, a large PR firm had layoffs. They were not publicized as most companies like to keep this information quiet.  I happen to have a connection to some of the people that were laid off, and I heard that the layoffs were not handled nicely (or a nicely as being told you are losing your job can be handled). The people who were laid off were given just a few minutes to collect their belongings and leave the office. They were only given two weeks severance.  One of them did not get a chance to take her personal stuff with her, and the agency \"lost\" it. In short, they were not treated very well.\r\n\r\nWhat\'s astounding to me is that a PR agency that is in the business of making clients look good can do things that make itself look bad. Why would you not handle a layoff in a more caring and thoughtful fashion? Don\'t you know that people have friends and friends have social media? Don\'t you know that reputations depend on cultivating good feelings and trust?\r\n\r\nAnd then there is all the questionable personal stuff that PR people do in business settings, like having incomplete or outdated LinkedIn profiles or using Twitter  to post automated horoscope listings. And then there are stories about PR executives that go on Twitter to rant and rave, and sometimes even post nasty comments about clients, as if nobody can see (and copy and disseminate) that?\r\n\r\nPR people (and agencies) must learn that what they do--both publicly and privately-- is open for scrutiny, and in a digital world, news travels fast and wide. Ultimately, public relations is about protecting reputation and helping build and protect an image. PR agencies and practitioners need to think about their own reputation and image, and act accordingly.','PR for PR people','','publish','open','open','','pr-for-pr-people','','','2013-05-29 12:12:30','2013-05-29 12:12:30','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=2206',0,'post','',0),
(2155,4,'2013-04-29 15:48:31','2013-04-29 15:48:31','Someone I know posted this update on Facebook:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>\"A real game of yuck this week.\"</em></p>\r\nWho knows what she meant. I am sure you have seen similar coy or opaque statements that just beg followers to ask for more information. And that is what the poster wants...you to ask for details. This may or may not be a good tactic to get attention on Facebook. It certainly is a bad tactic to use if you are trying to get attention in your email marketing, your blog posts, and other marketing content.\r\n\r\nSay you have an email newsletter you send to your clients. You write:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>Spring is a lovely time of year. Good things happen in the spring, it is a time of renewal. Tulips are blooming and spring sales are everywhere.</em></p>\r\nUnless you want to get people upset at your opaqueness, there is little use for being coy in marketing communication. Instead, you should know what you want and ask for it. Instead of rhapsodizing about spring in your newsletter, why not figure out what action you want your target audience to take (this is your <strong>call to action, </strong>in marketing terms)<strong>.</strong>  Don\'t make your audience guess. Tell them, clearly and precisely. Here are a few examples:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Spring means renewal! Time to renew your subscription to our newsletter</li>\r\n	<li>Spring classes are starting. Here is how to enroll in our next class.</li>\r\n	<li>Spring sales are on! Check out the reduced prices on our newest product</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThese are all <strong>specific actions</strong> you want your audience to take.\r\n\r\nAre you being coy in your communications? Why not start being direct and asking for what you want?!\r\n<h3>How to blog workshop on May 17</h3>\r\nSign up today to get your early registration discount to my next How to Blog workshop taking place on May 17. For more details and to register visit <a href=\"http://howtowriteyourblog4.eventbrite.com/#\" target=\"_blank\">howtowriteyourblog4.eventbrite.com</a> .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Are you being coy?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-being-coy','','','2013-04-29 15:48:31','2013-04-29 15:48:31','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=2155',0,'post','',0),
(59,4,'2011-07-21 05:11:10','2011-07-21 05:11:10',' ','','','publish','open','open','','59','','','2018-02-12 10:39:32','2018-02-12 15:39:32','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=59',6,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(60,4,'2011-07-21 05:11:10','2011-07-21 05:11:10','','Writing','','publish','open','open','','60','','','2018-02-12 10:39:32','2018-02-12 15:39:32','',14,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=60',4,'nav_menu_item','',0),
(61,4,'2011-07-21 05:19:33','2011-07-21 05:19:33','Do you have specific questions about a marketing issue? Just post here and I will attempt an answer.','Questions? ','','publish','open','open','','questions','','','2011-07-21 05:19:33','2011-07-21 05:19:33','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=61',0,'post','',1),
(62,4,'2011-07-21 05:19:21','2011-07-21 05:19:21','','Questions? ','','inherit','open','open','','61-revision','','','2011-07-21 05:19:21','2011-07-21 05:19:21','',61,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/61-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(63,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:18','2011-06-28 13:57:18','','Portfolio','','inherit','open','open','','40-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:57:18','2011-06-28 13:57:18','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/40-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(1365,4,'2011-07-22 04:02:20','2011-07-22 04:02:20','<h3>Deborah Brody</h3>\r\ndeborah at deborahbrody dot com\r\n\r\nDeborah has more than a decade of experience working in both  advertising and public relations agencies. She launched her career at  Houston Effler Herstek Favat, a top Boston advertising agency, working  on the NEC Technologies account. In 1997, Deborah relocated to South  Florida in order to take advantage of her native Spanish fluency. In  Florida, she worked at Everett Clay Associates, the oldest PR firm in  Miami; The Jeffrey Group, an agency specializing in Latin American PR;  and Peter Nasca Associates, a  corporate communications agency. In the  Fall of 2001, Deborah served as a lecturer in Advanced Public Relations  Writing at Florida International University. Deborah received her  Bachelor\'s degree in Politics from Brandeis University in Waltham,  Massachusetts. She then obtained a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication  from Boston University\'s College of Communication, one of the country\'s  most respected communications programs.\r\n\r\nDeborah has  an active community leadership role. She has served  on the National Arts Marketing Council Steering Committee (Miami) and  the Jewish Community Relations Council. She also is involved with her  undergraduate university, serving on the  Brandeis Alumni Club Steering  Committee.\r\n<h3>Our Philosophy</h3>\r\nWe follow the integrated marketing communications philosophy, because we  believe that effective marketing comes from the smart use of the right  mix of communications tools. Some clients need advertising, and some  need public relations, and many need both. The most effective marketing  efforts occur when advertising plans work in concert with PR  initiatives. We believe that companies or organizations should have a  clear, strong brand and image, which their marketing efforts should  support and further.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:02:20','2011-07-22 04:02:20','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/18-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),
(66,4,'2011-07-22 03:54:13','2011-07-22 03:54:13','Writing is the cornerstone of marketing communications. Clear,  concise and convincing writing will make your marketing materials and  your business stand out.\r\n\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications writes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, letters)</li>\r\n	<li>Website content</li>\r\n	<li>Advertising copy</li>\r\n	<li>Public relations materials</li>\r\n</ul>','Writing/Copywriting','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 03:54:13','2011-07-22 03:54:13','',49,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/49-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(69,4,'2011-07-21 05:07:42','2011-07-21 05:07:42','','Communications Consulting','','inherit','open','open','','51-revision-v1','','','2011-07-21 05:07:42','2011-07-21 05:07:42','',51,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/51-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(70,4,'2013-04-26 17:28:24','2013-04-26 17:28:24','Where does your brochure or website fit in with your marketing and communications plan? Every marketing piece you put out should be a tactic in the larger strategy of marketing your product, service or company. Deborah Brody Marketing Communications will give you specific, creative marketing ideas, tactics and strategies.\n<h3>Blog consulting</h3>\nWhere does your blog fit in your overall communications plan? Is it achieving results?\n<h3>Social media consulting</h3>\nAre you using social media effectively? Are you reaching your goals? We\'ll help you determine what is working and what is not, and how to fix it.\n<h3>Communications audits</h3>\nAre your key messages relevant? What marketing collateral do you need and which could you get rid of? We will assess your materials and provide recommendations.','Consulting','','inherit','open','open','','51-autosave-v1','','','2013-04-26 17:28:24','2013-04-26 17:28:24','',51,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/51-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(71,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:02','2011-06-07 09:03:02','','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:02','2011-06-07 09:03:02','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/18-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(72,4,'2011-07-22 04:00:24','2011-07-22 04:00:24','<h3>Our Philosophy</h3>\r\nWe follow the integrated marketing communications philosophy, because we  believe that effective marketing comes from the smart use of the right  mix of communications tools. Some clients need advertising, and some  need public relations, and many need both. The most effective marketing  efforts occur when advertising plans work in concert with PR  initiatives. We believe that companies or organizations should have a  clear, strong brand and image, which their marketing efforts should  support and further.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:00:24','2011-07-22 04:00:24','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/18-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(73,4,'2011-07-22 04:01:23','2011-07-22 04:01:23','<h3>Deborah Brody <strong>\r\n\r\n</strong>deborah at deborahbrody dot com\r\n\r\nDeborah has more than a decade of experience working in both  advertising and public relations agencies. She launched her career at  Houston Effler Herstek Favat, a top Boston advertising agency, working  on the NEC Technologies account. In 1997, Deborah relocated to South  Florida in order to take advantage of her native Spanish fluency. In  Florida, she worked at Everett Clay Associates, the oldest PR firm in  Miami; The Jeffrey Group, an agency specializing in Latin American PR;  and Peter Nasca Associates, a  corporate communications agency. In the  Fall of 2001, Deborah served as a lecturer in Advanced Public Relations  Writing at Florida International University. Deborah received her  Bachelor\'s degree in Politics from Brandeis University in Waltham,  Massachusetts. She then obtained a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication  from Boston University\'s College of Communication, one of the country\'s  most respected communications programs.</h3>\r\nDeborah has  an active community leadership role. She has served  on the National Arts Marketing Council Steering Committee (Miami) and  the Jewish Community Relations Council. She also is involved with her  undergraduate university, serving on the  Brandeis Alumni Club Steering  Committee.\r\n<h3>Our Philosophy</h3>\r\nWe follow the integrated marketing communications philosophy, because we  believe that effective marketing comes from the smart use of the right  mix of communications tools. Some clients need advertising, and some  need public relations, and many need both. The most effective marketing  efforts occur when advertising plans work in concert with PR  initiatives. We believe that companies or organizations should have a  clear, strong brand and image, which their marketing efforts should  support and further.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:01:23','2011-07-22 04:01:23','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/18-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),
(74,4,'2011-07-22 04:01:42','2011-07-22 04:01:42','<h3>Deborah Brody <strong>&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</strong>deborah at deborahbrody dot comDeborah has more than a decade of experience working in both  advertising and public relations agencies. She launched her career at  Houston Effler Herstek Favat, a top Boston advertising agency, working  on the NEC Technologies account. In 1997, Deborah relocated to South  Florida in order to take advantage of her native Spanish fluency. In  Florida, she worked at Everett Clay Associates, the oldest PR firm in  Miami; The Jeffrey Group, an agency specializing in Latin American PR;  and Peter Nasca Associates, a  corporate communications agency. In the  Fall of 2001, Deborah served as a lecturer in Advanced Public Relations  Writing at Florida International University. Deborah received her  Bachelor\'s degree in Politics from Brandeis University in Waltham,  Massachusetts. She then obtained a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication  from Boston University\'s College of Communication, one of the country\'s  most respected communications programs.</h3>\r\nDeborah has  an active community leadership role. She has served  on the National Arts Marketing Council Steering Committee (Miami) and  the Jewish Community Relations Council. She also is involved with her  undergraduate university, serving on the  Brandeis Alumni Club Steering  Committee.\r\n<h3>Our Philosophy</h3>\r\nWe follow the integrated marketing communications philosophy, because we  believe that effective marketing comes from the smart use of the right  mix of communications tools. Some clients need advertising, and some  need public relations, and many need both. The most effective marketing  efforts occur when advertising plans work in concert with PR  initiatives. We believe that companies or organizations should have a  clear, strong brand and image, which their marketing efforts should  support and further.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:01:42','2011-07-22 04:01:42','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/18-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),
(3251,4,'2016-05-26 08:52:09','2016-05-26 12:52:09','One of the blogs on my must-read list is <a href=\"http://www.mrmediatraining.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Media Training</a>, written by Brad Phillips.  I\'ve been reading Brad\'s insights on media and communications for years. Brad truly is a born blogger, and a great communicator, so naturally, I wanted to him to share this thoughts on writing.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3252\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"200\"]<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Brad-Phillips-Headshot-Mini.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3252 size-medium\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Brad-Phillips-Headshot-Mini-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Brad Phillips\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a> Brad Phillips, president, Phillips Media Relations[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>B</strong><strong>rad Phillips</strong> is the president of <a href=\"http://www.phillipsmediarelations.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Phillips Media Relations</a>, a media and presentation training firm with offices in New York City and Washington, DC. Before founding his firm in 2004, he was a journalist with ABC News and CNN. Phillips is the author of <em>The Media Training Bible</em>, an Amazon #1 Public Relations best seller, the new book <em>101 Ways to Open a Speech</em>, and the <a href=\"http://www.mrmediatraining.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Media Training</a> blog, the world\'s most-visited media training website.\r\n\r\n<strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/mrmediatraining\" target=\"_blank\">@MrMediaTraining</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>1</strong>. <strong>What role does writing play in your work and how important a skill is it? </strong>\r\n\r\nWriting is critical for our firm and touches all parts of our work. Our books help introduce potential clients to our work for a modest cost, and our blog—which posts fresh content at least weekly—does the same for free. Our writing also influences our training sessions; sharply written media interview practice questions often elicit surprising responses, which allow us to discuss better approaches with the client. In terms of its overall importance as a skill, I can’t think of many others that are more important. Framing your ideas well—particularly in a business dependent upon the written word—is non-negotiable.\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Does writing well still matter in a digital/text/emoji world? </strong>\r\n\r\nWhen I first joined Twitter in 2009, I feared that it would hasten grammar’s demise, or at least its relative importance. To my surprise, I found that the challenge of reducing thoughts to a compelling 140 characters tightened my writing in other places, too. Like so many things, writing can both thrive and suffer in a digital world.\r\n\r\n<strong>3. What’s the best advice you’ve received or would give on how to improve writing skills?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe best advice may also be the most obvious: the greatest writing lives in the editing. For example, my preference is to frame a blog post in my mind before writing, hammer it out quickly, and then spend the majority of my time cleaning it up, moving pieces around, and tightening the writing.\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. What are your top three writing resources or references (digital or paper-based)? </strong>\r\n\r\nI don’t have any specific writing resources, but try to pay attention to other bloggers. For some reason, blog posts are the perfect length for me. I’ve always struggled with longer-form writing, which is why I organized <em>The Media Training Bible </em>as 101 two-page lessons rather than, say, eight main chapters containing 25 pages each.\r\n\r\n<strong>5. Do you follow a style guide, and if so, which one? </strong>\r\n\r\nI’ve never felt a compelling need to marry myself to a single style guide; even the editor for my books relied on Chicago style but modified it to meet our needs. This is one of those areas in which it’s helpful to know the rules in order to know how and when to break them. More important than stringent rules to me is making sure my choices are grammatically defensible.\r\n\r\n<strong>6.</strong> <strong>What’s your top writing/grammar/usage pet peeve? </strong>\r\n\r\nMy biggest pet peeve is when writers include unnecessary words. A few extraneous phrases in an effort to achieve a friendlier tone is one thing. But when it’s pervasive throughout someone’s writing, I click away from their post.\r\n\r\n<strong>7. What’s your favorite word and what’s your least favorite? </strong>\r\n\r\nMy favorite word is “yes,” not when offered in an unthinking or overly compliant way, but when someone agrees to take on a challenge with determination and enthusiasm. My least favorite is “like” when used as verbal filler.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Do  you agree with Brad editing is the most important part in producing top-notch writing? I know I do! Share your thoughts on writing in the comments, and be sure to check this space next month when another communications pro will share his or her thoughts on writing.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Have a meaningful and relaxing Memorial Day weekend: Unofficial summer is finally here!</span></strong>','On writing: Brad Phillips knows training is key','','publish','open','open','','on-writing-brad-phillips-knows-training-is-key','','','2016-05-26 08:52:09','2016-05-26 12:52:09','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=3251',0,'post','',0),
(3146,4,'2016-02-03 12:53:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Organizations  often spend a lot of time (and money) creating (or redesigning) the perfect website. It could take months to get the best design, the right content, and everything running smoothly. Then, finally, the website is launched or relaunched. But it won\'t be perfect. It still need scrutiny and probably, more work.\r\n\r\n<strong>You can\'t stop working on your website--it\'s a continuous process</strong>\r\n\r\nFirs of all, your newly launched website will most certainly have all sorts of kinks: broken links, missing information, pictures not loading correctly, etc.  Some of these kinks get worked out once they are found. But many times, the kinks are not discovered right away.\r\n\r\n<strong>You need user feedback.</strong>\r\n\r\nYour website should be designed with the user in mind (user experience or UX design). And perhaps it was, but how do <em>your</em> users interact with the website? What information do they need to find? What do they like and what don\'t they like? OK, so maybe they won\'t come out and tell you, but you probably do know what areas of your website are being visited and which aren\'t.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bank website: I can\'t find what I need!\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nJust last week, I needed information on putting a stop payment on a check. I first went to my bank\'s website. I looked around and could not find any information on how to do it or how much it would cost. I was forced to call. I spoke to a representative, who explained the costs and the process. I asked if I could do it online. Yes, she said, of course. I asked how. She had to transfer me to a website customer service agent. I posed the same question. She looked around, and finally discovered where this information lay. It was not obvious, or easily found. And doing a search did not turn it up. The bank had no idea that something so common as a stop payment was not addressed on its website.\r\n\r\n<strong>Does it happen the way you say it happens?</strong>\r\n\r\nI went to a website that offered a free ebook if you signed up for an email newsletter. After inputting my email address, I got a pop-up saying  I would get a link in my inbox very soon to which I\'d then have to respond. And once I\'d done that, I\'d have to wait to get another link to get the ebook (process seems a bit too long but that is another story). It took quite a while for the first link to show up. And then it took another long while for the other link to show up.  I am pretty sure that the website\'s owner has never had to sign up to download the ebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Your website needs attention','','draft','open','open','','','','','2016-02-03 12:53:15','2016-02-03 17:53:15','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=3146',0,'post','',0),
(3134,4,'2016-01-28 10:30:23','2016-01-28 15:30:23','Welcome to the first \"On Writing\" interview, a monthly series in which a marketing communications pro will answer seven questions about writing. This month, public relations consultant and author Carrie Morgan of Rock the Status Quo agreed to be the first <del>victim</del> pro to participate. Find her thoughts below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3136\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"220\"]<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Carrie-Morgan-headshot-4.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3136\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Carrie-Morgan-headshot-4-220x300.jpg\" alt=\"Carrie Morgan\" width=\"220\" height=\"300\" /></a> Carrie Morgan[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Carrie Morgan</strong>\r\n\r\nAuthor of <em>Above The Noise: Creating Trust, Value &amp; Reputation Online Using Digital PR</em>. Senior digital PR consultant - public relations, content marketing, social media &amp; SEO. Author. Feisty word nerd. #PRprochat founder.\r\n\r\n<strong>Organization</strong>:  <a href=\"http://rockthestatusquo.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock The Status Quo</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href=\"https://twitter.com/morgancarrie\" target=\"_blank\">@morgancarrie</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>1.</strong> <strong>What role does writing play in your work and how important a skill is it?</strong>\r\n\r\nAs a PR professional who focuses on digital PR, I’d consider writing to be my most important skill, and something that quickly sets me apart from competitors. It drives over 90 percent of my revenue, since I specialize in content marketing, messaging and search engine optimization, allowing me to achieve amazing results for my clients. I constantly work to improve my storytelling skills, too, which is a fascinating trend to watch right now. My love of writing and helping others led to publication of my first book, <em>Above The Noise</em>. It launched just this week, and can be found at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble and many bookstores.\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Does writing well still matter in a digital/text/emoji world?   </strong>\r\n\r\nWriting absolutely matters! From a great headline driving social shares and viral activity to a 140-character tweet, our ability to wordsmith drives conversion and success, or feeds client failure. A picture might say a thousand words, but a few words strung together creatively have REMARKABLE power. As an industry, communications professionals don’t put nearly enough emphasis on the importance of writing skills. It’s an essential skill. In my opinion, every minute you invest in improving your writing skills (and reading – which improves writing skills almost by osmosis!) delivers a huge dividend. As far as self-education goes, the benefits far outweigh the energy and time it requires to improve. LinkedIn long-form posts or Medium are great places to practice if you don’t want to create your own branded blog. LinkedIn particularly works well, since it also helps you build a personal brand – always a solid career move.\r\n\r\n<strong>3.</strong> <strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received or would give on how to improve writing skills?</strong>\r\n\r\nRead as much as possible, since it boost your vocabulary and grammar skills through exposure, write as much as possible to practice your skills, and invest at least a few hours each month learning something new. Michael Margolis provides a wonderful free eBook on business storytelling skills at <a href=\"http://www.getstoried.com/\" target=\"_blank\">GetStoried.com</a>. I’m excited to say he’ll be a guest on <a href=\"http://rockthestatusquo.com/prprochat-pr-twitter-chat-for-public-relations-professionals/\">#PRprochat</a> in April, if you’d like to join us!\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. </strong><strong>W</strong><strong>hat are your top three writing resources or references (digital or paper-based)?</strong>\r\n\r\nI don’t use very many tools, actually, I just write as often as possible. My blog is my #1 tool, since it is the primary place that I practice my writing skills. Twitter is fabulous for teaching brevity while remaining compelling. I also curate marketing and PR content every day, which keeps me on top of new trends and tips throughout the day.\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. </strong><strong>Do you follow a style guide, and if so, which one? </strong>\r\n\r\nI follow the <a href=\"https://www.apstylebook.com/\" target=\"_blank\">AP Stylebook</a>  for public relations content that will be exposed to journalists or formal media platforms – such as press releases, byline articles for a media publication and media pitches. For other kinds of content however, such as blogging or infographics, I fit the style to the outlet. Many non-journalistic media use the Chicago Manual of Style or Strunk &amp; White. A blog post for a business journal might use AP style, but a blog post for a client should be consistent with the style already used on their site. Blogging especially can often use a less formal style of writing. I match the style to the platform as much as possible.\r\n\r\n<strong>6.</strong> <strong>What’s your top—most cringe-worthy—writing/grammar/usage pet peeve? </strong>\r\n\r\nMy biggest pet peeve? That’s a tough one.... I really hate it when people retweet something with an error in it. If you liked it enough to share it, take a second to fix the error before you pass it on. Otherwise their error becomes YOUR error. Another pet peeve are press release quotes that sound like every other quote. Be bold, take a stand and write something with a bit of thought leadership to it.\r\n\r\n<strong>7.</strong> <strong>What’s your favorite word and what’s your least favorite? </strong>\r\n\r\nMy favorite word is “heinous”—I think because it’s a word my teenage son really hates, so the look on his face and his reaction when I use it encourage me to repeat it as much as possible. My least favorite word is any misspelled word.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/13.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3137 size-large\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/13-1024x512.png\" alt=\"13\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCarrie has just released her book,<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Above-Noise-Creating-Reputation-Digital/dp/1628652586/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1449082739&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=above+the+noise+carrie+morgan\" target=\"_blank\"><em> Above the Noise</em></a>. Writing a book has its own special challenges, so I asked Carrie to elaborate.\r\n\r\n<strong>How long did it take you to write this book?</strong>\r\n\r\nThis book is several years in the making, because I started out with a different book than the one actually published this week. It took FAR more time to write than I expected, though – about six months of weekends and nights. Building the platform before I approached publishers with my book proposal was about eighteen months of solid effort, on top of time invested to actually write the book.\r\n\r\n<strong> Did you face any obstacles and how did you overcome them?</strong>\r\n\r\nIt was an interesting journey! For my first book idea, Digital Haystack, I spent over a year and a half building my platform, then reached out to New York book agents until I landed one, thinking that would help me land a book deal. It wasn’t a good experience. Basically, all the agent did was take a book proposal I’d already created, and email it out to a small database of contacts. I had to push her and babysit the process every step of the way. When we finally landed a deal, I ended up firing the publisher (who wanted to change the name of the book, a decision from its board of directors who knew nothing about marketing as an industry and wanted to use a term that’s been outdated for a decade on a book of modern best practices). After I’d cancelled that contract, with no help from the agent, I ended up also firing the agent because she made no effort to sell the book. So that I wouldn’t have to pay her a commission, I restructured the book and sold it within twenty minutes of sending out my new book proposal. It was an interesting process, for sure, and I learned some valuable lessons. I’m already working on my second book.\r\n\r\n<strong>Any tips for people thinking of writing a book?</strong>\r\n\r\nBuild an audience before you write the book, and begin marketing LONG before the book is published, otherwise you’ll never rise above the noise to be heard. You also won’t be able to draw the interest of publishers, if that’s your goal. They want pre-existing audience for the book. There’s also a common misconception that publishers will do the book marketing for you. False! They are printers with lackluster marketing skills who only invest budget marketing authors who are already proven to be successful. They do next to nothing for new authors. You must be prepared to do it yourself AND have a budget for that marketing. Also, be very careful of self-publishing. I’d estimate that 90% or more of self-published books were written for vanity reasons and missing the kind of quality a publisher would require, but it’s a huge market where everyone makes money except for the author. Also know that self-publishing carries a different kind of clout than something put out by a publishing house. Know the difference, and make sure the road you choose fits your goals for the book. One last thought: before I began the journey to being an author, I had no clue that over 95% of authors make next to NO MONEY on their book. Write it for other reasons. I wrote my book to build up my reputation as a consultant, not to sell books.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Stay tuned to this space for upcoming On Writing interviews. And remember, if you need to create or recreate marketing materials, I am here to help!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','On writing: Carrie Morgan rocks the status quo','','publish','open','open','','on-writing-carrie-morgan-rocks-the-status-quo','','','2016-01-28 10:30:23','2016-01-28 15:30:23','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?p=3134',0,'post','',3),
(2935,4,'2015-03-27 19:05:04','2015-03-27 23:05:04','Mis servicios:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Escritura y producción de materiales de mercadeo (marketing), ya sea un folleto, comunicados de prensa, o el contenido de un sitio Web.</li>\r\n	<li>Redacción de materiales.</li>\r\n	<li>Traducción de materiales  ingles/español.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nPuede contar con trabajos hechos con creatividad y experiencia, y con la confianza de que hare el trabajo en el tiempo adecuado y a un precio justo.\r\n\r\nDependiendo de las exigencias del cliente, trabajo por proyecto o a largo plazo. En todo caso, el precio se dará por escrito.\r\n\r\n<strong>Biografia</strong>\r\n\r\nDeborah establecio su compañia en 2002. Cuenta con una carrera que abarca veinte años de trabajo en las industrias de relaciones públicas y de publicidad. Deborah obtuvo una Maestría en Comunicaciones en Boston University.\r\n\r\n<strong>¿Como le puedo ayudar? Mandeme un mail:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>','Espanol','','inherit','open','open','','20-revision-v1','','','2015-03-27 19:05:04','2015-03-27 23:05:04','',20,'http://deborahbrody.com/2015/03/20-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),
(1366,4,'2011-08-19 05:32:52','2011-08-19 05:32:52','Deborah Brody is a writer and consultant with nearly 20 years public relations, advertising and marketing experience. Her firm, Deborah Brody Marketing Communications (DBMC), provides high-level writing and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.\r\n\r\nPrior to launching DBMC in 2002 and helping organizations refine marketing materials, write blog posts, create website content, and generate press releases, the bilingual (English, Spanish) Deborah worked at several South Florida-based agencies, including Everett Clay Associates, The Jeffrey Group, and  Peter Nasca Associates. With these firms, she specialized in public relations in Latin America and corporate communications.  During this time, Deborah also taught Advanced Public Relations Writing at Florida International  University.\r\n\r\nCurrently based in the Washington,  D.C. area, Deborah is a graduate of Brandeis University (B.A., Politics) and of Boston University\'s College of Communications, where she earned a Master\'s degree in Mass Communication.\r\n\r\nDeborah is now serving her second year on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), where she chairs the Pro Bono Committee, and has also held positions with the National Arts Marketing Council’s Steering Committee (Miami) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (Miami).\r\n\r\nAn avid reader, Deborah leads a book group that meets monthly to discuss current fiction.','About','','inherit','open','open','','18-revision-v1','','','2011-08-19 05:32:52','2011-08-19 05:32:52','',18,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/18-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),
(76,4,'2011-06-28 13:56:48','2011-06-28 13:56:48','','Clients','','inherit','open','open','','38-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:56:48','2011-06-28 13:56:48','',38,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/38-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(77,4,'2017-09-04 13:16:36','2017-09-04 17:16:36','<h3>Project</h3>\nPerhaps you want to hire us to work on a single project. You\'ll give us all the relevant information, including target audience for the project, timelines and existing materials. Once we\'ve assessed what you need, we will provide you with a written time and cost estimate before beginning.\n\nProjects are payable with a 30% to 50% deposit to start, and the balance due once the project is complete.\n<h3>Retainer</h3>\nIf you require ongoing marketing help or know you will have many projects over two months or more, we will set up a retainer agreement. We will estimate how many hours of time you will require per month. We will agree on a cost and number of hours. Retainer agreements are payable on a bi-weekly schedule. Retainers can be dissolved in writing.\n<h3>Payment</h3>\nWe accept business or personal checks, credit cards via PayPal, cash and money orders. Paying by credit card incurs an additional 3% surcharge.  Our policy is 30 days net for most invoices. As a small business, we cannot afford to extend credit to our clients, and we respectfully request full payment as and when invoiced.\n<h3>Late Fees</h3>\n<strong></strong>Invoices that are not paid after 30 days from date of invoice are subject to late fees on the following schedule:\n\n31-60 days: 20% late fee\n\n61-90 days: 25% late fee\n\n91-120 days: 30% late fee\n\nAny invoice that is unpaid after 121 days will be subject to a 50% late fee, remitted to immediate collection, and the client relationship will be immediately terminated.\n<h3>No work on spec</h3>\nFinally, DBMC does not provide spec work. If you require a sample, we will provide you with work done for previous clients. If you want us to produce something specifically for you, we require payment.','How We Work','','inherit','open','open','','42-autosave-v1','','','2017-09-04 13:16:36','2017-09-04 17:16:36','',42,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/42-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(78,4,'2011-06-28 13:57:37','2011-06-28 13:57:37','','How We Work','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-v1','','','2011-06-28 13:57:37','2011-06-28 13:57:37','',42,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/42-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(79,4,'2011-07-22 04:15:39','2011-07-22 04:15:39','<h3>Project</h3>\r\nPerhaps you want to hire us to work on a single project. You\'ll give  us all the relevant information, including target audience for the  project, timelines and existing materials. Once we\'ve assessed what you  need, we will provide you with a written time and cost estimate before  beginning.\r\n\r\nProjects are payable with a 50% deposit to start, and the balance due once the project is complete.\r\n<h3>Retainer</h3>\r\nIf you require ongoing marketing help or know you will have many  projects over two months or more, we will set up a retainer agreement.  We will estimate how many hours of time you will require per month. We  will agree on a cost and number of hours. Retainer agreements are  payable on a bi-weekly schedule. Retainers can be dissolved in writing.\r\n<h3>Payment</h3>\r\nWe accept business or personal checks, cash and money orders. We do not  provide credit card processing at this time. Our policy is 14 days net  for most invoices. As a small business, we cannot afford to extend  credit to our clients, and we respectfully request full payment as  invoiced. All jobs require an initial 50% deposit.','How We Work','','inherit','open','open','','42-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:15:39','2011-07-22 04:15:39','',42,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/42-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(80,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:21','2011-06-07 09:03:21','','Espanol','','inherit','open','open','','20-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:21','2011-06-07 09:03:21','',20,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/20-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(81,4,'2011-06-07 09:03:51','2011-06-07 09:03:51','','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2011-06-07 09:03:51','2011-06-07 09:03:51','',24,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/06/24-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(82,4,'2011-07-22 04:18:07','2011-07-22 04:18:07','In the <strong>Washington, DC</strong> metro          area:\r\n\r\nDeborah Brody Marketing Communications\r\n\r\nPO Box 1435\r\nRockville, MD 20849\r\n\r\nT: 301-424-2488\r\n\r\nM: 305-336-4357\r\n\r\nE: <a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>\r\n\r\nTwitter: <a href=\"http://twitter.com/dbmc\" target=\"_blank\">@DBMC</a>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:18:07','2011-07-22 04:18:07','',24,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/24-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(83,4,'2015-01-27 18:34:00','2015-01-27 23:34:00','<iframe src=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DR-Ox75S3bNvD01zpkolVqvBlo8PvC9htvgAI4MibU8/viewform?embedded=true\" width=\"600\" height=\"700\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\">Loading...</iframe>\r\n\r\n<strong>Email:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:info@deborahbrody.com\">info@deborahbrody.com</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Call:</strong>\r\n\r\n240-803-DBMC (3262)\r\n\r\n<object width=\"230\" height=\"85\" classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\" /><param name=\"FlashVars\" value=\"id=5e012d4bc24b62a8912b0ad9c09d5ce21e51c5e2&amp;style=0\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/webCallButton\" /><embed width=\"230\" height=\"85\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"https://clients4.google.com/voice/embed/webCallButton\" wmode=\"transparent\" flashvars=\"id=5e012d4bc24b62a8912b0ad9c09d5ce21e51c5e2&amp;style=0\" /></object>\r\n\r\n<strong>Twitter:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://twitter.com/dbmc\" target=\"_blank\">@DBMC</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Mail</strong>:\r\n\r\n<address>Deborah Brody Marketing Communication</address><address>PO Box 1435\r\nRockville, MD 20849</address><address> </address>','Contact','','inherit','open','open','','24-autosave-v1','','','2015-01-27 18:34:00','2015-01-27 23:34:00','',24,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/24-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(84,4,'2011-07-22 04:43:22','2011-07-22 04:43:22','SunBloom is a line of hair products for ethnic hair. DBMC helped  formulate the product names and worked with the client to create a  marketing campaign. DBMC wrote copy for the marketing brochure and for  the labels.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Download the Brochure\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SunbloomBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download the Brochure</a></p>','SunBloom','','publish','closed','closed','','sunbloom','','','2011-07-22 05:26:09','2011-07-22 05:26:09','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?post_type=display&p=84',0,'display','',0),
(85,4,'2011-07-22 04:41:26','2011-07-22 04:41:26','','SunbloomBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','sunbloombrochure','','','2011-07-22 04:41:26','2011-07-22 04:41:26','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SunbloomBrochure.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(86,4,'2011-07-22 04:42:55','2011-07-22 04:42:55','','SunbloomBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','sunbloombrochure-2','','','2011-07-22 04:42:55','2011-07-22 04:42:55','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SunbloomBrochure.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),
(87,4,'2011-07-22 04:41:55','2011-07-22 04:41:55','SunBloom is a line of hair products for ethnic hair. DBMC helped  formulate the product names and worked with the client to create a  marketing campaign. DBMC wrote copy for the marketing brochure and for  the labels.','SunBloom','','inherit','open','open','','84-revision','','','2011-07-22 04:41:55','2011-07-22 04:41:55','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/84-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(88,4,'2011-07-22 04:44:34','2011-07-22 04:44:34','Based in Miami, Streamline is a telecommunications provider specializing  in providing VOIP (Voice over Internet) services. DBMC worked with a  graphic designer to create a fun brochure to appeal to the Miami Beach  clientele, to explain how VOIP works and to introduce the company’s  services.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Download the Brochure\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download the Brochure</a></p>','Streamline','','publish','closed','closed','','streamline','','','2011-07-22 05:26:28','2011-07-22 05:26:28','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?post_type=display&p=88',0,'display','',0),
(89,4,'2011-07-22 04:43:58','2011-07-22 04:43:58','','StreamlineBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','streamlinebrochure','','','2011-07-22 04:43:58','2011-07-22 04:43:58','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(90,4,'2011-07-22 04:44:22','2011-07-22 04:44:22','','StreamlineBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','streamlinebrochure-2','','','2011-07-22 04:44:22','2011-07-22 04:44:22','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),
(91,4,'2011-07-22 04:44:29','2011-07-22 04:44:29','Based in Miami, Streamline is a telecommunications provider specializing  in providing VOIP (Voice over Internet) services. DBMC worked with a  graphic designer to create a fun brochure to appeal to the Miami Beach  clientele, to explain how VOIP works and to introduce the company’s  services.','Streamline','','inherit','open','open','','88-revision','','','2011-07-22 04:44:29','2011-07-22 04:44:29','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/88-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(92,4,'2011-07-22 04:46:03','2011-07-22 04:46:03','Jason Warshofsky is an attorney specializing in wills and estates. He  needed to be able to explain his services and he wanted to mail out  something to potential clients. DBMC worked with Mr. Warshofsky to  create an attractive brochure and a website, both of which explained the  importance of estate planning and Mr. Warshofksy’s credentials and  experience.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Download the Brochure\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/JasonWBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download the Brochure</a></p>','Law Offices of Jason Warshofsky','','publish','closed','closed','','law-offices-of-jason-warshofsky','','','2011-07-22 05:22:48','2011-07-22 05:22:48','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?post_type=display&p=92',0,'display','',0),
(93,4,'2011-07-22 04:45:29','2011-07-22 04:45:29','','JasonWBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','jasonwbrochure','','','2011-07-22 04:45:29','2011-07-22 04:45:29','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/JasonWBrochure.gif',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),
(94,4,'2011-07-22 04:45:50','2011-07-22 04:45:50','','JasonWBrochure','','inherit','open','open','','jasonwbrochure-2','','','2011-07-22 04:45:50','2011-07-22 04:45:50','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/JasonWBrochure.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),
(95,4,'2011-07-22 04:44:53','2011-07-22 04:44:53','','Warshofsky Brochure 	  Law Offices of Jason Warshofsky','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision','','','2011-07-22 04:44:53','2011-07-22 04:44:53','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/92-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(96,4,'2011-07-22 05:22:23','2011-07-22 05:22:23','Jason Warshofsky is an attorney specializing in wills and estates. He  needed to be able to explain his services and he wanted to mail out  something to potential clients. DBMC worked with Mr. Warshofsky to  create an attractive brochure and a website, both of which explained the  importance of estate planning and Mr. Warshofksy’s credentials and  experience.\n\nDownload the Brochure','Law Offices of Jason Warshofsky','','inherit','open','open','','92-autosave','','','2011-07-22 05:22:23','2011-07-22 05:22:23','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/92-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(97,4,'2015-10-20 10:24:04','2015-10-20 14:24:04','<h2>International charity needs to rebrand</h2>\r\n<strong>The Case</strong>\r\n\r\nREACH International, a charitable organization that provides education, housing and other services to disadvantaged children in 24 countries, needed to increase its donor base and extend its appeal. The charity had not refreshed its materials in a long time, and the existing look and messaging did not communicate well to a new donor target.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Work</strong>\r\n\r\nREACH International was using an outdated brochure and wanted to recreate both the design and the content. Dan Kohan of Sensical Design designed a new logo and the new brochure. DBMC was tasked with writing the content.\r\n\r\nAs with any new project, my first step was to have an in-depth conversation with the client. I suggested that our first step would be to create key messages and an organizational description that could be used in the brochure and all other marketing pieces (website, press releases, etc.). I provided the client with a detailed branding and identity questionnaire. From her answers and our interview, I developed the key messages (with supporting points) and a “boilerplate” organizational description. Once those were approved, I went on to write the brochure.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Result</strong>\r\n\r\nToday, REACH International has a beautiful, updated brochure that communicates the impact of the humanitarian work it does around the world.\r\n\r\nView the PDF of the new brochure: <a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/REACH-brochure-03.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">REACH-brochure-03</a>.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Nonprofit needs a website and a tagline to start up</h2>\r\n<strong>The Case</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Pebbles of Hope</strong> is a nonprofit dedicated to helping premature babies to survive and thrive. When its founder and executive director, Cheryl Chotrani, approached DBMC, the organization was just starting out and needed marketing help. Specifically, Ms. Chotrani asked me to write the website content and to create a tagline for the organization. Ms. Chotrani, who has a marketing and media background, had already created a very comprehensive creative brief outlining the key messages, the target audience, and what the desired look and feel was for the website and had already hired a designer to create the website and a logo.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Work</strong>\r\n\r\nAs with any project, the first step is getting to know the client and the issue at hand. In this case I had several in-depth interviews with Ms. Chotrani. I read through the information she provided, gathered research on preterm births and also researched other organizations doing similar work.\r\n\r\nThe second step was to clarify the goal of the website and what type of information would have to be included. Then, I created a robust website outline/navigation guide that would serve to guide the content.\r\n\r\nWith the approved outline in hand, and the information gathered from the client and other sources, I started writing the content. Client comments and changes were incorporated and a final draft was sent to the designer.\r\n\r\nConcurrently to writing the website content, I developed around fifteen tagline suggestions. Having the tagline would help set the tone and direction for the website and the organization. These suggested taglines were submitted to the client, and with her input, the final tagline was selected.\r\n\r\nThe last step was to check and proofread the finished website.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Result</strong>\r\n\r\nToday, <a href=\"http://www.pebblesofhope.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pebbles of Hope has a beautiful and functional website</a>. On it you can see the tagline “Giving the world’s smallest babies a fighting chance.” Thanks to volunteers, the organization also has a frequently updated blog, and a social media presence. Some of the website content and the tagline are used in other marketing materials, including a brochure.','Recent Projects','','inherit','open','open','','40-autosave-v1','','','2015-10-20 10:24:04','2015-10-20 14:24:04','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/40-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(98,4,'2011-07-21 05:45:11','2011-07-21 05:45:11','','Portfolio','','inherit','open','open','','40-revision-v1','','','2011-07-21 05:45:11','2011-07-21 05:45:11','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/40-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(99,4,'2011-07-22 04:48:20','2011-07-22 04:48:20','[ts-display cat=\"Portfolio\" postperpage=\"9\" showtitle=\"yes\" showdesc=\"yes\"]','Portfolio','','inherit','open','open','','40-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:48:20','2011-07-22 04:48:20','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/40-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),
(100,4,'2011-07-22 04:48:41','2011-07-22 04:48:41','[ts-display cat=\"Portfolio\" postperpage=\"9\" showtitle=\"yes\" showdesc=\"yes\"]','Portfolio','','inherit','open','open','','40-revision-v1','','','2011-07-22 04:48:41','2011-07-22 04:48:41','',40,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/40-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),
(101,4,'2011-07-22 05:21:44','2011-07-22 05:21:44','','JasonWBrochure-1','','inherit','open','open','','jasonwbrochure-1','','','2011-07-22 05:21:44','2011-07-22 05:21:44','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/JasonWBrochure-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(102,4,'2011-07-22 04:46:03','2011-07-22 04:46:03','Jason Warshofsky is an attorney specializing in wills and estates. He  needed to be able to explain his services and he wanted to mail out  something to potential clients. DBMC worked with Mr. Warshofsky to  create an attractive brochure and a website, both of which explained the  importance of estate planning and Mr. Warshofksy’s credentials and  experience.','Law Offices of Jason Warshofsky','','inherit','open','open','','92-revision-2','','','2011-07-22 04:46:03','2011-07-22 04:46:03','',92,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/92-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(103,4,'2011-07-22 05:23:49','2011-07-22 05:23:49','','StreamlineBrochure-1','','inherit','open','open','','streamlinebrochure-1','','','2011-07-22 05:23:49','2011-07-22 05:23:49','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(104,4,'2011-07-22 05:27:32','2011-07-22 05:27:32','Based in Miami, Streamline is a telecommunications provider specializing  in providing VOIP (Voice over Internet) services. DBMC worked with a  graphic designer to create a fun brochure to appeal to the Miami Beach  clientele, to explain how VOIP works and to introduce the company’s  services.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Download the Brochure\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download the Brochure</a></p>','Streamline','','inherit','open','open','','88-autosave','','','2011-07-22 05:27:32','2011-07-22 05:27:32','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/88-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(105,4,'2011-07-22 04:44:34','2011-07-22 04:44:34','Based in Miami, Streamline is a telecommunications provider specializing  in providing VOIP (Voice over Internet) services. DBMC worked with a  graphic designer to create a fun brochure to appeal to the Miami Beach  clientele, to explain how VOIP works and to introduce the company’s  services.','Streamline','','inherit','open','open','','88-revision-2','','','2011-07-22 04:44:34','2011-07-22 04:44:34','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/88-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(106,4,'2011-07-22 05:25:04','2011-07-22 05:25:04','','SunbloomBrochure-2','','inherit','open','open','','sunbloombrochure-2-2','','','2011-07-22 05:25:04','2011-07-22 05:25:04','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SunbloomBrochure-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(107,4,'2011-07-22 05:25:48','2011-07-22 05:25:48','SunBloom is a line of hair products for ethnic hair. DBMC helped  formulate the product names and worked with the client to create a  marketing campaign. DBMC wrote copy for the marketing brochure and for  the labels.\n\nDownload the Brochure','SunBloom','','inherit','open','open','','84-autosave','','','2011-07-22 05:25:48','2011-07-22 05:25:48','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/84-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),
(108,4,'2011-07-22 04:43:22','2011-07-22 04:43:22','SunBloom is a line of hair products for ethnic hair. DBMC helped  formulate the product names and worked with the client to create a  marketing campaign. DBMC wrote copy for the marketing brochure and for  the labels.','SunBloom','','inherit','open','open','','84-revision-2','','','2011-07-22 04:43:22','2011-07-22 04:43:22','',84,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/84-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),
(109,4,'2011-07-22 05:24:36','2011-07-22 05:24:36','Based in Miami, Streamline is a telecommunications provider specializing  in providing VOIP (Voice over Internet) services. DBMC worked with a  graphic designer to create a fun brochure to appeal to the Miami Beach  clientele, to explain how VOIP works and to introduce the company’s  services.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Download the Brochure\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/StreamlineBrochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download the Brochure</a></p>','Streamline','','inherit','open','open','','88-revision-3','','','2011-07-22 05:24:36','2011-07-22 05:24:36','',88,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/88-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),
(110,4,'2011-07-22 05:39:07','2011-07-22 05:39:07','<!--subscribe2-->','Blog Signup','','publish','open','open','','blog-signup','','','2011-07-22 05:39:07','2011-07-22 05:39:07','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/?page_id=110',0,'page','',0),
(111,4,'2011-07-22 05:38:22','2011-07-22 05:38:22','','Blog Signup','','inherit','open','open','','110-revision','','','2011-07-22 05:38:22','2011-07-22 05:38:22','',110,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/07/110-revision/',0,'revision','',0),
(112,4,'2011-07-22 05:45:59','2011-07-22 05:45:59','@@post_notification_body','@@post_notification_header','','publish','open','open','','post_notification_header','','','2011-07-22 05:45:59','2011-07-22 05:45:59','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/post_notification_header/',0,'page','',0),
(115,4,'2011-08-02 01:29:54','2011-08-02 01:29:54','<table align=\"left\" width=\"265px\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<table width=\"265px\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<br clear=\"all\" /> ','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:29:54','2011-08-02 01:29:54','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),
(116,4,'2011-08-02 01:31:17','2011-08-02 01:31:17','<table align=\"left\" width=\"265px\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<table width=\"265px\" border=\"1\" align=\"right\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<br clear=\"all\" /> ','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:31:17','2011-08-02 01:31:17','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),
(117,4,'2011-08-02 01:32:25','2011-08-02 01:32:25','<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<br clear=\"all\" /> ','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:32:25','2011-08-02 01:32:25','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),
(118,4,'2011-08-02 01:40:27','2011-08-02 01:40:27','<table>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> ','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:40:27','2011-08-02 01:40:27','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),
(119,4,'2011-08-02 01:40:56','2011-08-02 01:40:56','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> ','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:40:56','2011-08-02 01:40:56','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),
(120,4,'2011-08-02 01:55:12','2011-08-02 01:55:12','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" bgcolor=\"#B31007\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:55:12','2011-08-02 01:55:12','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),
(126,4,'2011-08-02 02:01:08','2011-08-02 02:01:08','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color:#B31007;\" class=\"contact\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><b>Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</b></p></td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:01:08','2011-08-02 02:01:08','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),
(121,4,'2011-08-02 01:55:38','2011-08-02 01:55:38','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" color=\"#B31007\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:55:38','2011-08-02 01:55:38','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),
(122,4,'2011-08-02 01:56:48','2011-08-02 01:56:48','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color:#B31007;\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:56:48','2011-08-02 01:56:48','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),
(123,4,'2011-08-02 01:57:20','2011-08-02 01:57:20','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color:#B31007;\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:57:20','2011-08-02 01:57:20','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),
(124,4,'2011-08-02 01:58:59','2011-08-02 01:58:59','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color:#B31007;\" class=\"contact\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 01:58:59','2011-08-02 01:58:59','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),
(127,4,'2011-08-02 02:02:26','2011-08-02 02:02:26','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<div class=\"contacthome\">Contact us today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:02:26','2011-08-02 02:02:26','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),
(125,4,'2011-08-02 02:00:21','2011-08-02 02:00:21','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table> \r\n<table width=\"100%\" style=\"background-color:#B31007;\" class=\"contact\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><b>Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</b></td>\r\n<tr>\r\n</table>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:00:21','2011-08-02 02:00:21','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),
(128,4,'2011-08-02 02:02:46','2011-08-02 02:02:46','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<div name=\"contacthome\">Contact us today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:02:46','2011-08-02 02:02:46','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),
(129,4,'2011-08-02 02:03:12','2011-08-02 02:03:12','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div name=\"contacthome\">Contact us today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:03:12','2011-08-02 02:03:12','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),
(130,4,'2011-08-02 02:06:25','2011-08-02 02:06:25','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\">Contact us today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:06:25','2011-08-02 02:06:25','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),
(131,4,'2011-08-02 02:16:23','2011-08-02 02:16:23','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a href=\"contact\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:16:23','2011-08-02 02:16:23','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),
(132,4,'2011-08-02 02:16:56','2011-08-02 02:16:56','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:16:56','2011-08-02 02:16:56','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),
(133,4,'2011-08-02 02:17:23','2011-08-02 02:17:23','<table class=\"homemain\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"> \r\n<table class=\"homeleft\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>How We Can Help</h4>\r\n<p>If you\'re a small to medium size business or a non-profit organization seeking to communicate effectively with your target audience, you\'ve come to the right place.</p>\r\n<p>At Deborah Brody Marketing Communications, you\'ll work directly with an experienced marketing professional offering an integrated approach to marketing communications.</p>\r\n<p>Together, we will create, recreate or refine your marketing materials (both in English and in Spanish). Whether you want to develop a brochure, need public relations assistance, or need to create a user-friendly website, we\'ll find the most effective solution.</p> \r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n<td> \r\n<table class=\"homeright\">\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h4>Why Chose DBMC</h4>\r\n<p>Deborah Brody Marketing Communications is a reliable, creative, professional and knowledgeable marketing partner.</p>\r\n<p><b>You\'ll find that our services</b> are an affordable alternative to the traditional advertising or public relations agency.</p>\r\n<p><b>You won\'t pay agency prices</b> and you won\'t have to deal with inexperienced staff.</p>\r\n<p>No matter if you need a single writer on a freelance basis, or need to put together a communications team, we can work with you.</p>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</table>\r\n<div id=\"contacthome\"><a href=\"contact\" style=\"color:#ffffff; font-weight:bold;\">Contact us</a> today to find out how we can help you, etc.</div>','Home','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-v1','','','2011-08-02 02:17:23','2011-08-02 02:17:23','',2,'http://deborahbrody.com/2011/08/2-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),
(594,4,'2009-12-14 16:05:39','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','Taking things for granted','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-14 16:05:39','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=594',0,'post','',0),
(601,4,'2010-01-06 10:25:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Expectations','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-01-06 10:25:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=601',0,'post','',0),
(613,4,'2010-01-14 07:37:59','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Is Twitter a High School for Adults?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-01-14 07:37:59','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=613',0,'post','',0),
(618,4,'2010-01-18 16:14:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Got clout?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-01-18 16:14:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=618',0,'post','',0),
(624,4,'2010-01-26 12:04:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Yep, you can judge a book by its cover','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-01-26 12:04:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=624',0,'post','',0),
(630,4,'2010-02-01 09:56:30','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Hello there social butterfly!','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-01 09:56:30','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=630',0,'post','',0),
(635,4,'2010-02-02 09:41:26','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Most organizations revolve around membership and events.  Having (good, interesting, timely) events draws potential members. Yet so many organizations are not doing well at getting people to attend their events.\n\nWhat should organizations do to boost attendance?\n\nFirst, it starts with good event planning. I am not an event planner, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind:\n\nChoose a compelling/timely topic and/or speaker\n\nChoose a covenient location should be convenient and your date should not conflict with other major events\n\nMake it easy to register.  Some organizations have archaic registration systems that ask you for the same information over and over.\n\nEvent is planned, now what?\n\nGet the word out of course!\n\nTo your membership base\n\nTo people who have attended your events in the past (This is a failure I see from many organizations. You attend an event, you sign in with your contact information, and they do not include you on their mailing list because you are not a member)\n\nTo people who are potentially interested (affiliated organizations, for instance)\n\nHow?\n\nUse your website/blog. Be sure your events/calendar page is fully updated\n\nEmail marketing was made for event promotion. Make sure your email is shareable/forwardable. Some systems let you share on Twitter/Facebook.\n\nTwitter. You should have an organizational or event hashtag.\n\nFacebook\n\n','Boosting attendance at events','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-02 09:41:26','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=635',0,'post','',0),
(637,4,'2010-02-03 10:59:32','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Email campaigns','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-03 10:59:32','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=637',0,'post','',0),
(642,4,'2010-02-08 14:41:30','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Super sexist','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-08 14:41:30','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=642',0,'post','',0),
(645,4,'2010-02-10 07:51:32','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','What do Toyota and snow have in common?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-10 07:51:32','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=645',0,'post','',0),
(650,4,'2010-02-19 09:42:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','What language are you speaking?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-19 09:42:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=650',0,'post','',0),
(655,4,'2010-02-23 07:32:41','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Appearance matters','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-23 07:32:41','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=655',0,'post','',0),
(659,4,'2010-02-25 08:17:28','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Are you being obtuse?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-02-25 08:17:28','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=659',0,'post','',0),
(668,4,'2010-03-08 14:01:09','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Timing','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-03-08 14:01:09','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=668',0,'post','',0),
(672,4,'2010-03-11 09:52:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Where marketing ends','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-03-11 09:52:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=672',0,'post','',0),
(678,4,'2010-03-15 11:33:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','Qualities of a PR Pro','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-03-15 11:33:45','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=678',0,'post','',0),
(683,4,'2010-03-19 05:55:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Ads are powerful; differentiation is important','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-03-19 05:55:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=683',0,'post','',0),
(1119,4,'2011-04-25 10:26:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Although this is more relevant to your personal marketing, it helps with product or service marketing. Knowing who you are and who you APPEAR to be to other people is crucial.\n\nWhy? Well, because if you are aware of who you are and how you are perceived then you can decide whether it suits your objectives. For instance, you know you are a creative graphic designer, and people who meet you immediately know that about you, then you may be able to pursue those more creative projects. If on the other hand, you THINK you are creative, and come across as set in your ways (you are wearing an outfit more appropriate to 1991, and you are not a hipster), then people won\'t know what to make of you.\n\nThere are people who attempt to seem intelligent by using big words they don\'t quite know how to use in a sentence. Or people who have to name drop or otherwise show how well-connected they are. These are people who are not aware that other people can see through this.\n\nOr the clueless person...who has no clue at all about how he or she is perceived.\n\nI think that everyone can stand to be more self-aware. Are you getting the same blank look every time you speak? Why? Do people tend to gravitate toward you or shun you? Do you find it easy or hard to make your point? Do people seem to get you?\n\nAre you being perceived the way you are? What can you do to match perceptions with the \"real you?\"\n\nI am not a psychologist or life coach but  I do think some self-reflection on these matters is important if you want to get ahead in life.','Are you self-aware?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-04-25 10:26:58','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1119',0,'post','',0),
(1227,4,'2011-07-29 10:09:08','0000-00-00 00:00:00','As a follow up to yesterday\'s post on how to judge a business by its website, I have compiled of list of website don\'ts. When I see these on a website, I wince because they don\'t bring any value to the website and may actually turn off potential customers.\n\nDon\'t have a landing page that says \"enter here.\" Why are making your visitors go through one more step? What is the point in this?\n\nDon\'t have a flash animation that takes eons to load. I am not on your website to see how clever your website designer is with animation...I am there to get some information about you, your product or your service.\n\nDon\'t have music (unless you are a radio station, DJ or band). Nothing is worse than clicking on a website only to be serenaded at full blast...worse if you are visiting the site while in a library or in a quiet office...\n\nDon\'t use white lettering on a black background. It is very hard to read. And it looks like MySpace somehow.\n\nDon\'t overload with text. Websites that are crammed to the max with text give me a headache. We need some graphics and some white space.\n\nDon\'t have confusing navigation.\n\nDon\'t hide your contact information. Sometimes one has to dig deep to find a phone number or an email.\n\nDon\'t have excessive graphics/animation: Some websites literally scream for attention.\n\nDon\'t overload. A website is not an online encyclopedia about your company. It should provide enough information but not overload your visitors.\n\nDon\'t waste space. Just like in architecture, wasted space is bad for your real estate value. If you have a page with just a line on it, maybe you don\'t need that page?\n\nDon\'t insult your visitors\' intelligence. For instance, if you have a page called clients--you should list actual clients. I f you have a portfolio, it should point to work you have done.\n\nDon\'t be redundant/wordy/needlessly complicated.  Some website owners seems to believe that the more words on the page the better. They repeat and say things in complex ways.\n\nI','Website don\'ts','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-07-29 10:09:08','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1227',0,'post','',0),
(1234,4,'2011-08-02 09:09:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Have you heard of Salonpas? I wouldn\'t blame if you haven\'t. First of all--what is that? It sounds like it\'s French and has to do with hairstyling. Second, if you have seen the commercials for it on TV, you may have thought you were watching the fake product ads on Saturday Night Live.\n\nBetween the low production value and the weird name, these commercials look like they could be reigning in the midnight to 6 am hours. But what had me shaking my head was what I consider one of the worst slogans of all time:\n\n\"Nothing\'s been proven to beat the relief.\"\n\nWhat does this mean? It means that there is no proof that anything works. That might be true in the case of Salonpas.\n\nThe takeaway here is that the name of your product or service matters. If you are going to be \"different\" then you better do a good job of explaining exactly what you do. And remember, slogans and taglines are more effective when they are clear.\n\nSee for yourself:\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX4WVN4YN0Q&amp;w=560&amp;h=349]\n\n&nbsp;','Can you market a product successfully if it has a crappy name?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-08-02 09:09:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1234',0,'post','',0),
(1235,4,'2011-08-12 00:14:07','0000-00-00 00:00:00','So, Microsoft, which may just define ubiquitous, is working on re-branding itself to combat the Mac attack. It is using Jerry Seinfeld to do it. I found the story on MSNBC.\n\nI am not sure that Microsoft needs to re-brand...or re-invent. Maybe improve (fewer crashes, fewer patches). In my world, most people work on PCs, except for those in design, who generally use Mac. Of those on PC,  I would venture most are running the Microsoft XP OS. Some have had to upgrade to Vista. But we all seem to work on Microsoft software like Word and Excel. I finally stopped using Explorer and now am on Mozilla, which seems less prone to shutdowns and freeze up than IE.  My point is that Microsoft is everywhere and people really don\'t associate it with anything but computers. How much more branded can','Microsoft Mega Branding','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-08-12 00:14:07','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=105',0,'post','',0),
(324,4,'2009-03-15 19:43:06','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Andy Rooney weighed in on the possible demise of newspapers on Sunday\'s 60 Minutes.\n\n','Andy Rooney is worried','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-03-15 19:43:06','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=324',0,'post','',0),
(585,4,'2009-12-10 15:24:12','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','Editor & Publisher to shut down','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-10 15:24:12','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=585',0,'post','',0),
(589,4,'2009-12-14 13:03:03','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Lack of communication may cost you a sale','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-14 13:03:03','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=589',0,'post','',0),
(690,4,'2010-03-25 08:59:55','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Learn from what you don\'t like','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-03-25 08:59:55','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=690',0,'post','',0),
(722,4,'2010-04-19 14:08:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Identity crisis','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-04-19 14:08:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=722',0,'post','',0),
(728,4,'2010-04-21 11:17:25','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','Tweeting and not failing','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-04-21 11:17:25','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=728',0,'post','',0),
(733,4,'2010-04-22 11:38:27','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','The dark side of social media','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-04-22 11:38:27','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=733',0,'post','',0),
(737,4,'2010-04-23 09:24:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Thoughts on the new Facebook','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-04-23 09:24:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=737',0,'post','',0),
(789,4,'2010-06-18 13:33:16','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Have you ever gone into a store where no one spoke to you? How about when you are in a very long line and it is not moving and you don\'t know why? Or what happened to me a couple of days ago, sitting on a bus that is not moving and the driver isn\'t saying a word?\n\nSilence can be frustrating. Silence is the opposite of communication. When all you have is silence--not one word is spoken or written, you  have no idea what is going on. You get anxious. You don\'t know where to  turn. Silence can be interpreted as stonewalling, it can be a lack of  knowledge or quite simply, selfishness.\n\nAre you being too silent? Are you telling people what they need to hear?\n\n','Utter silence ','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-06-18 13:33:16','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=789',0,'post','',0),
(872,4,'2010-08-24 08:34:13','0000-00-00 00:00:00','I just came back from a trip to Charleston, South Carolina (and if you have not been yet, I highly recommend it). Being in a new city, staying in a hotel, surrounded by tourists and tourist traps got me to thinking about what makes tourists choose what to do, where to stay and where to eat when visiting a new city. If you are marketing your tourism business, what is the most effective channel?','Tourism marketing','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-08-24 08:34:13','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=872',0,'post','',0),
(892,4,'2010-09-13 13:07:49','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Even as GenY matures and grows into management positions in the workplace, there will still be lots of GenX and older people still working. And yet, there is a wide divide in how each generation communicates.','Inter-generational communications','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-09-13 13:07:49','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=892',0,'post','',0),
(938,4,'2010-10-25 08:45:52','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Are you marketing an event? You probably are using lots of techniques to get the word out. Maybe you sent out an invitation to your email database, posted it on Twitter and listed it on some calendars.\n\nOne thing you need to do before you start marketing an event is looking at your decision on the time, place and price for your event. These three will impact people\'s decision to attend your event far more than how your promotion looks. In fact, you can promote it to the right people, but if the time, place and cost are wrong, they won\'t go.\n\nOne issue that I always wonder about it is the','The right price, the right time','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-10-25 08:45:52','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=938',0,'post','',0),
(966,4,'2010-11-18 11:53:18','0000-00-00 00:00:00','I have been blogging here at Caffeinated for nearly three years.  I really enjoy blogging and especially when something I write elicits a response (a spike in traffic or a comment).  I also follow a lot of blogs. Based on my own experience\n\nIn terms of marketing, is a blog worth it?','Thoughts on blogging','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-11-18 11:53:18','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=966',0,'post','',0),
(1015,4,'2011-01-05 09:56:16','0000-00-00 00:00:00','If one thing makes my skin crawl it is jargon. People jabbering on using lots of words as shorthand irritate me. And they could irritate your audience.  Say no to jargon in your marketing copy (unless you are making fun--that is OK in my book).  Advertising Age has a<a title=\"Ad Age Jargon\" href=\"https://adage.com/bookoftens2010/article?article_id=147583\" target=\"_blank\"> list of ten of the \"jargoniest jargon\" of 2010</a> although some of these aren\'t jargon (at the end of the day is more a saying).  My list would also include:\n<ul>\n	<li>Sweet spot</li>\n	<li>\"Obamacare\"</li>\n	<li>\"Mama Grizzlies\"</li>\n	<li>Going viral</li>\n	<li>Get your ducks in a row</li>\n	<li>Going out of pocket</li>\n	<li>Drill down</li>\n</ul>\nI will admit to having used some jargon at some time.  However, you will never ever hear me use the word \"terrific.\" I know it is not jargon, but I despise it nonetheless.  It sounds so 1970s to me.\n\nWhat words or phrases get your goat (ha ha, I had to throw something in)? What makes you scratch your chin and say huh? What gets your panties up in a bunch?','Just say no to jargon','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-01-05 09:56:16','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1015',0,'post','',0),
(1054,4,'2011-02-07 10:54:10','0000-00-00 00:00:00','In today\'s Washington Post (Metro section) Pepco has placed a full page ad.','Pepco changes tactics and message','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-02-07 10:54:10','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1054',0,'post','',0),
(1070,4,'2011-03-14 13:07:10','0000-00-00 00:00:00','There\'s been several ideas floating through my head in regards to marketing and social media. I have been thinking about things like lying (read Peter Shankman\'s take on it) and how you present yourself. I have been thinking about Twitter and how some tweets can make you angry or irritated.  In the end, the idea that covers all of the above is self-awareness. How aware are you about how other people perceive you? How aware are you about what others know or can find out?\n\nUnfortunately, I think many people fail at basic self-awareness.  Perhaps it\'s a psychological safeguard that humans have to not want to think too deeply about what we are doing and less so how other people view what we are doing. I am not in favor of editing yourself just because you might offend someone else. That\'s not what this is about. It is about being aware that what you say and do does affect other people, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively.\n\nWith social media like Twitter and Facebook, most of us are sharing lots of information with lots of people. We are broadcasting our ideas, actions, thoughts, reactions, and even the minutiae of everyday life. Why does someone find it necessary to tell you that she or he is having yogurt for breakfast? Why does someone else feel the need to be snarky and offensive? I was sitting behind someone at a movie screening who was sharing her reactions to the movie on Twitter or Facebook...even though she was with real, live people. What is the call of the etherworld?\n\n&nbsp;','Self-awareness','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-03-14 13:07:10','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=1070',0,'post','',0),
(566,4,'2009-12-01 10:21:07','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n','Why should I hire YOU?','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-01 10:21:07','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=566',0,'post','',0),
(328,4,'2009-03-15 19:44:57','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<span class=\"link_right\"><strong>http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4867021n</strong></span>\n\n<span class=\"link_right\"><strong>\n</strong></span>','','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-03-15 19:44:57','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=328',0,'post','',0),
(527,4,'2009-10-19 15:18:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p> </p><p></p>','Don\'t try the same trick over and over','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-10-19 15:18:40','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=527',0,'post','',0),
(532,4,'2009-10-26 07:01:14','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Revenue is good, but not at the expense of profit','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-10-26 07:01:14','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=532',0,'post','',0),
(535,4,'2009-10-27 08:01:01','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n','Numbers don\'t lie','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-10-27 08:01:01','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=535',0,'post','',0),
(549,4,'2009-10-30 09:33:25','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n','Plainly speaking, it is better','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-10-30 09:33:25','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=549',0,'post','',0),
(556,4,'2009-11-17 08:34:39','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n','It\'s not you, it\'s me','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-11-17 08:34:39','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=556',0,'post','',0),
(571,4,'2009-12-05 09:32:33','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Social media has changed PR','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-05 09:32:33','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=571',0,'post','',0),
(576,4,'2009-12-08 14:11:26','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Be consistent!','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-08 14:11:26','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=576',0,'post','',0),
(580,4,'2009-12-10 08:39:24','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','The price is right!','','draft','open','open','','','','','2009-12-10 08:39:24','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=580',0,'post','',0),
(1236,4,'2008-01-15 12:38:57','2008-01-15 12:38:57','<span><font face=\"Times New Roman\">It’s kind of funny. I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now, and last night I went to a WNBA event here in Washington (not a basketball game but an event sponsored by the Women\'s National Book Association). The event was about book publicity and basically, the big conclusion of the evening was that to publicize a book today you must be on the web. You must have a website, or a blog, or both, or even just a MySpace page. Something on the WWW. Of course, that is just the start, because you have to get people to read your stuff too.  </font></span>\n\n<span><font face=\"Times New Roman\">That got me to thinking about my area of so-called expertise, marketing communications.  Specifically, I am thinking about traditional marketing communications tools such as brochures and press releases. Are these necessary anymore, or will they become as obsolete as Windows 98?  The answer I think is yes, eventually. Today, there is  still a market that is not tech savvy. There are people who enjoy print. Eventually those people will become obsolete, if you know what I mean.  For now, I think any savvy marcomm person needs to have a complete bag of tricks–press releases, blogs, websites, printed brochures, downloadable press kits, etc.  Also, there is a whole generation of marcomm people who are not comfortable in a completely electronic environment, or don’t understand how to go about it. Or they know just a little bit and are afraid to learn. Then, there are the young \'uns, who have been on Facebook since it started and who prefer texting to talking. We are not only communicating <em>to</em> this generation, but we are using them to do the communicating for us (that is, we hire them as interns, account execs, copywriters or whatever). </font></span>\n\n<span></span><span><font face=\"Times New Roman\">In a traditional marcomm agency, be it straight PR or straight advertising or a hybrid, the upper echelon (or “management”) may still be clinging to the days before email was an alternative to a phone call and videoconferencing was super cool. Webinars and podcasts are not a substitute for a good old fashioned ad or press release. And they keep doing the same old and wondering why they are losing market share. Change is always slower for an established company. But what distinguishes effective marketing in my opinion, is understanding who the target audience is and where they get their information. Thus, if we are marketing hearing aids, perhaps print (an older skewing medium) alone will do the trick. But if we are trying to expand a market, reach younger people, then we’d be foolish to expend all efforts on traditional media.</font></span><span><font face=\"Arial Narrow\"> </font></span>','My newest web venture','','publish','open','open','','hello-world-2','','','2008-01-15 12:38:57','2008-01-15 12:38:57','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/2008/01/hello-world-2/',0,'post','',1),
(1237,4,'2008-01-15 12:38:57','2008-01-15 12:38:57','<strong>About this blog:</strong>\n\nCuppamarcomm...well it is a play on cuppa tea (cuppa coffee), which is what the British like to drink.  Marketing communications is the term to cover all communications avenues (PR, advertising, social media, etc.) that go in to marketing and promotion. This blog is a collection of observations, ideas and information about marcomm, and its views are the sole property of its author. Comments are welcome (as long as they are not crude or rude).\n\n<strong>About the author:</strong>\n\nHi, I am Deborah Brody. I have worked in marketing communications for more than 15 years.  Currently, I am a freelance writer and strategist but before that, I worked in advertising and public relations agencies, and even taught public relations writing at the college level. I\'ve had the opportunity to work on various different projects for all sorts of clients.\n\n<strong>If you like what you see here and would like to start a blog for your company, want to learn more about social media or need help with your marketing materials, please get in touch.  Write me at info@deborahbrody.com. </strong>\n\nPlease visit my website at <a href=\"http://www.deborahbrody.com/\">www.deborahbrody.com</a> to get more info.\n\n<strong>Work Samples\n</strong>\n\nPrint Ad for Legacy Jewelers:\n\n<a title=\"leje_108_half18k_bg.pdf\" href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/leje_108_half18k_bg.pdf\">leje_108_half18k_bg.pdf</a>\n\nAnd a <a title=\"Portfolio\" href=\"http://www.deborahbrody.com/brochurewriting.htm\" target=\"_blank\"> link to the portfolio on my website.</a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_103\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Writing from the nation&#39;s capital\"]<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8180834.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-103\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8180834.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"Writing from the nation\'s capital\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption] ','About','','publish','open','open','','about-2','','','2008-01-15 12:38:57','2008-01-15 12:38:57','',0,'http://deborahbrody.com/about-2/',0,'page','',2),
(3,4,'2008-01-15 13:30:59','2008-01-15 18:30:59','In marketing communications, we focus on just one of the four ps -- promotion. However, as a marketer, you must consider the other three ps--price, product and placement. Often, we concentrate on having the best promotional materials but not the item or service we are promoting. For instance,  a beautiful ad might draw attention to your lovely widget, but if your widget is too expensive or is not available, then there will be no sale. Because the truth is, at the end of the day, we are all trying to make a sale. Associations are looking for members. Stores are looking to move merchandise. Even ideas are \"sold.\" We  call that persuasion.\n\nMarComm people don\'t or can\'t control the other three ps. But I think it is part of our job as advisers to make sure our clients understand that promotion alone does not make the sale. And it is also our responsibility to understand what the product, service or idea is.','The 4 Ps','','publish','open','open','','the-4-ps','','','2008-01-15 13:30:59','2008-01-15 18:30:59','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2008/01/15/the-4-ps/',0,'post','',0),
(1238,4,'2008-01-17 08:40:06','2008-01-17 13:40:06','Facebook has exploded in popularity. MySpace is super popular. There are many other social networking sites I have never even heard of. All of this points to an increase in using the Internet to connect with other people. Person to person. How is this changing marketing? For one, marketing is increasingly more targeted. It is by-passing traditional avenues and heading straight to its most likely audience. I just checked out <a href=\"http://www.gather.com/\">www.gather.com</a>. Big national stores like Borders and Starbucks have a presence there.  I wonder how their experiment is working out. Are you more likely to shop at either place because you joined a social group they sponsor on a social networking site? I guess that is the million dollar question. On the other hand, can you afford to ignore a burgeoning movement in the way people communicate with each other? ','Person to Person','','publish','open','open','','person-to-person','','','2008-01-17 08:40:06','2008-01-17 13:40:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2008/01/17/person-to-person/',0,'post','',0),
(1239,4,'2008-01-18 08:20:13','2008-01-18 13:20:13','A victim of all the texting and instant messaging is spelling. You simply don\'t have time to spell everything out. Everything becomes acronyms or shortenings.  Page 3 in today\'s Washington Post has a feature on the importance of spelling and grammar. One reader likens proper grammar/spelling to using the proper notes in music (if you don\'t, the music just doesn\'t sound right).  As a writer, I agree. However, does the public agree? Do most people even realize when something is not spelled correctly or when grammar is poor? I once worked with a \"writer\" who did not know how to make his subject and verb agree. And he was completely unaware. Recently, on a DCPubs (a Yahoo group) discussion, someone asked what was wrong with using \"their\" as a gender-neutral alternative to \"he or she.\" This person was completely unaware that one is plural and the other singular.  (As an aside, we HEAR this all the time in conversation, but in formal writing?)\n\nSo, I ask you, are spelling and grammar important? Do you notice lapses in either or both?','Do U Ck Spelling?','','publish','open','open','','do-u-ck-spelling','','','2008-01-18 08:20:13','2008-01-18 13:20:13','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/do-u-ck-spelling/',0,'post','',2),
(1240,4,'2008-01-21 09:21:14','2008-01-21 14:21:14','Since today is Martin Luther King, Jr. day (which, as an aside, should be celebrated by ALL businesses--it often isn\'t), I got to thinking about tie-ins to holidays. This type of advertising is big in print, specifically newspapers. You know, using the upcoming holiday either for a sale (as in \"Our biggest President\'s Day Sale ever) or riffing on the holiday (\"Do it for your valentine\"). Many companies take the time to remind you that they are open (if they are retail) or closed (if they are banks) on the holiday.\n\nIn public relations, practictioners sometimes find obscure days (Spaghetti Lovers\' Day) to give a spin to their press releases. In fact, Chase\'s Calendar of Events is a book dedicated to listing all the events, holidays and special days for the upcoming year and is usually found in any public relations or event management firm\'s bookshelf (or CD shelf). Of course, events always have a theme (St. Patrick\'s Day Bar Hop, Fourth of July Barbeque, New Year\'s Eve Gala, etc.)\n\nDo these endless holiday tie-ins dilute the message or the holiday itself? In some cases, the answer is a definite yes. I bet most people don\'t know which presidents are being celebrated on President\'s day (Washington and Lincoln) but do know that EVERYTHING is on sale at the mall! In a way, we are doing a huge disservice to our civic celebrations and commemorations when we use them to promote sales. Is MLK day a day to go shopping or is it a day to think about how short the history of full civil rights in the U.S. really is?','MLK Day','','publish','open','open','','mlk-day','','','2008-01-21 09:21:14','2008-01-21 14:21:14','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/mlk-day/',0,'post','',0),
(1241,4,'2008-01-25 12:16:54','2008-01-25 17:16:54','How important are headlines? In news, they are super important, especially to people like me who scan rather than read the newspaper. A headline tells you the bare essence of the story, and it either catches your attention or it doesn\'t.  It is much the same in public relations except PR folk get a chance to have a really long headline and perhaps even add a subheadline or two. You sometimes get extra points for clever.\n\nIn advertising...well...I am not sure. Design, graphics, placement and offer make up 99% of an ad. Strong creative headlines can cause interest. But simple headlines, like \"We are having a sale\" can communicate easily and effectively without trying too hard to be clever. That said, I  love headlines that are a play on words or use words elegantly.\n\nOne of my favorite types of ads are the ones were the headline tells you one thing, and the graphics tell a different story. Currently here in Washington there is an ad you can see on the Metro for Washington Sports Club.  The headline says: \"This January, help is on the way.\" The graphic shows an overweight man, sitting on a couch, watching tv and drinking a soda, while walking his dog on a treadmill. Funny as hell. And makes you look at it and just shake your head. Love it!\n\nAny favorite headlines or ads?\n\nPS--Here\'s a look at the graphic from the ad I quote above: http://www.mysportsclubs.com/regions/WSC.htm','Headline here','','publish','open','open','','headline-here','','','2008-01-25 12:16:54','2008-01-25 17:16:54','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=7',0,'post','',2),
(1242,4,'2008-01-29 13:58:29','2008-01-29 18:58:29','Today, it is imperative to have a website. No doubt. However, just having a website is not enough. In the last few days, I have been doing research for a trip, and have come across several great websites, but also, some not so great websites. What makes a great website? I will give you my breakdown:\n<ul>\n	<li>Easy to navigate (this means no funky/weird pull down menus or navigation that is not available on every page)</li>\n	<li>All the necessary information is readily available (contacts, address, etc) and easily accessible</li>\n	<li>Updated regularly (no 2006 information for instance)</li>\n	<li>Aesthetically pleasing--not busy or dated</li>\n	<li>No dead links or pages</li>\n	<li>Looks professional</li>\n	<li>Not overly busy or with screaming graphics</li>\n	<li>Not too much  flash and no sound</li>\n</ul>\nIt would be useful for website owners to have someone look at their website from the \"outside.\" Sometimes you forget the user!','Websites','','publish','open','open','','websites','','','2008-01-29 13:58:29','2008-01-29 18:58:29','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=10',0,'post','',1),
(1243,4,'2008-01-30 11:04:06','2008-01-30 16:04:06','Today, in the Washington Post,  I saw an ad for a ski resort. It is $79 per night and seems reasonable (not that I ski, but if I did...). However, I don\'t know where this resort is located. Why? Because the ad either deliberately or by mistake omitted this crucial information. Maybe they want me to visit the website for more information (the URL address is included). Maybe they just think people know where they are located. In either case this is a no-no.  Ads are meant to stimulate interest and action. There is the whole AIDA theory (attention, interest, desire, action).  Although this ad caught my attention, I lost my interest when I got frustrated at not knowing where this place is located.  Perhaps knowing this resort is located close by would pique my interest. Maybe not.  But ads should never make their readers work too hard. In this case, I need to get to my computer with the ad in hand to find out a very crucial bit of information.','Necessary information','','publish','open','open','','necessary-information','','','2008-01-30 11:04:06','2008-01-30 16:04:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=11',0,'post','',0),
(1244,4,'2008-02-03 11:27:32','2008-02-03 16:27:32','Today, the Super Bowl is played. New England Patriots vs. Giants, in case you have been out of the country in the last week or so. For advertising and communications people who wouldn\'t otherwise watch football, this is a must-see game. For the advertising. It costs a lot. Because lots of people will be watching. Some advertisers only run advertising on the Super Bowl. That is their strategy: spend millions once a year to get a large, captive (and hopefully, receptive) audience. It has become sport to talk about the ads, dissect them, analyze them, discuss them. In this respect, they win. In fact, on CBS Sunday Morning, they just had a story about Super Bowl advertising, in fact, giving some free advertising to one of the advertisers. And there is the real value of advertising on the Super Bowl--extra publicity in the form of media attention. Traditionally, this is called public relations and some people call it free advertising. But in fact, this is not free advertising...it is expensive advertising. You get the public relations bang because you spent lots of money. Not because you are newsworthy prima facie.\n\nOne other interesting aspect that the CBS story pointed out is that most of the Super Bowl ads will send you to an Internet address. It makes it interactive.\n\nEntertainment Weekly has a gallery of the most \"memorable\" Super Bowl ads here http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20010598,00.html\n\nThe interesting thing is I only remember one or two of these. What does this tell you?\n\nI will probably watch part of the game...and I will watch the ads of course. It\'s for work.','Super Bowl','','publish','open','open','','super-bowl','','','2008-02-03 11:27:32','2008-02-03 16:27:32','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=12',0,'post','',0),
(1245,4,'2008-02-04 09:23:12','2008-02-04 14:23:12','I admit I didn\'t watch Super Bowl 43 in its entirety. So,  I wasn\'t able to watch every ad.  In a sense, all the ads were predictable. Some trying to hard to be interesting (while not achieving a thing for their brand) and others just bland.  Fox was pushing their programs big time, especially the falling-in-the-ratings American Idol. Ads got lots of added value--you can see the ads again on MySpace. And, commentators will discuss the ads in the newspapers and on TV. In the end, this is the real strategy: get publicity for your ad.\n\nThe most ubiquitous advertising came from a certain \"king\" of beers. It makes me wonder what their advertising strategy is. Is it to establish supremacy as the number one beer advertiser? Is it to make sure that the audience does not know there are other types of beers out there? Is it to make sure you get good and drunk while watching the Super Bowl? As a beer drinker, there is no amount of beer advertising that would make me want to drink that stuff. It is all about the taste, right?\n\nSome ads just made me shake my head. Garmin had a Napoleon re-enacter (I think) driving to a re-enactment. Huh? Sunsilk compared Marilyn Monroe, Shakira and Madonna? The Victoria\'s Secret Valentine\'s Ad I felt, was offensive to women by objectifying.  I didn\'t get the Doritos ad at all. I must be in the wrong demo. Some ads were genuinely funny--the Planter\'s ad, Nationwide and Taco Bell (the Fiesta Platter). E-trade seems to want you to think they are so simple to use a baby could do it.\n\nThe cola wars are always played out during the Super Bowl. Pepsi\'s Justin Timberlake ad was funny and big budget. Coke took a more subdued approach...not as frenetic or loud. Clearly, Pepsi is trying hard to appeal to a younger demographic. In fact Coke\'s political ad, featuring James Carville, would be surely lost on a younger person. I liked them both.\n\nMy favorite ads were for Careerbuilder.com. They were created based on certain truisms about career planning--you should follow your heart and wishing won\'t make it so. Clever. Of course, Monster had one that showed people trying to block the sun, and thus Monday, because of the dread of going back to work. Also clever. Both trying to appeal to people\'s unhappiness (is it so widespread?) with work.\n\nIn the end, I wonder if spending this much money on production and media space pays off. Will you drink more Bud? Are you going to try SoBe water? Are you going to apply for a new job?','Super Ad or Super Bad?','','publish','open','open','','super-ad-or-super-bad','','','2008-02-04 09:23:12','2008-02-04 14:23:12','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=13',0,'post','',0),
(1246,4,'2008-02-05 13:06:42','2008-02-05 18:06:42','Super Tuesday is here. There is a lot of media hoopla about this--ABC, CBS and NBC were discussing it non-stop during the morning news shows. All candidates have ramped up advertising for the primary, and Barack Obama even ran an ad during the Super Bowl.\n\nPolitical advertising is tough, especially on a national level. You want to hit the right chord to get out your supporters, convert non-supporters and not alienate everyone else. Obama has to be very careful not to alienate Clinton supporters (and vice versa for Hillary Clinton with Obama supporters), because there is a potential ticket of  Obama/Clinton to contend with after the presidential candidate is chosen.\n\nSince I have only seen the Obama ad, I can only comment on that. His strategy is very clear: emphasize change to appeal to everyone disenchanted with the current administration AND to everyone who doesn\'t want to see Bill Clinton back in the White House. He is also working hard to appeal to the Millenials. This is wise--I think Millenials will turn out for this election, and of all the candidates currently out there, Obama probably has the most appeal.','Super Political','','publish','open','open','','super-political','','','2008-02-05 13:06:42','2008-02-05 18:06:42','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=14',0,'post','',0),
(1247,4,'2008-02-07 09:05:31','2008-02-07 14:05:31','Last night, PBS aired  African American Lives Part 2, a series exploring African American history featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This documentary is really wonderful--interesting and informative. I highly recommend it (it goes on Wednesdays through February). On the marketing side, it was interesting to see who was sponsoring the show: Coca-Cola, Johnson and Johnson, AMBI and others. Coke had an ad made specifically for the series, focusing on African American history and achievement. It was highly stylized and designed to appeal to emotion. Johnson and Johnson did something similar...about generations and showing how \"baby changes everything.\" The family appearing the J&amp;J ad was black. I started thinking about how we process messaging in this day and age. If I am black, do I have to see a black family using a product to consider it? If I am white, and I see the aforementioned J&amp;J commercial, do I disregard it because it is so clearly targeting African Americans?\n\nAudiences have always been segmented, and advertisers have always worked to tailor their messages to each audience\'s needs. Aren\'t we so tremendously media exposed that we  would see different ads for the same product on different channels/media outlets? Does the message really change? Certain products, like AMBI, are meant specifically for African Americans. The company probably does not advertise too much on mass media. But do other products, which may not be so specific (Coke for instance), need to present different advertising? Or maybe it is not about need per se, but rather image...','Segmented audiences','','publish','open','open','','segmented-audiences','','','2008-02-07 09:05:31','2008-02-07 14:05:31','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=15',0,'post','',0),
(16,4,'2008-02-09 09:20:04','2008-02-09 14:20:04','There are so many medicines being peddled on television and in print...most notably ones for erectile disfunction, cholesterol and GERD. Yesterday, during the ABC Evening News with Charles Gibson, I saw a commercial that left me shaking my head. It was for a precription pain medication, although it took about half the length of the commercial before that was clear. The commercial itself was the longest I have ever seen for a drug--either a minute or a minute and a half. It purported to discuss both the risks and benefits of this drug, while comparing it to similar drugs. This class of drugs, NSAIDs, have been shown to cause heart risks. The commercial was completely graphic--no actors playing tennis or gardening. And it went on and on. But what most astonished me was that for the first 30 seconds, it seemed almost like a public service announcement (PSA) talking about the various dangers of this type of drug, and specifically pointing out the dangers of the drug being advertised!!! It was weird.\n\nIf you want to know the name of the drug, please email me and then you can talk to your doctor about it!','Talk to your doctor','','publish','open','open','','talk-to-your-doctor','','','2008-02-09 09:20:04','2008-02-09 14:20:04','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=16',0,'post','',0),
(17,4,'2008-03-12 08:12:37','2008-03-12 13:12:37','Direct mail is an industry on to itself, with an association (Direct Marketing Association) and a whole class of direct marketing specialists. The idea is that direct mail is the ultimate targeted medium. It is also ultimately invasive. Who does not get letters and catalogs overflowing the mailbox? Of course, some of this direct mail comes from organizations (usually nonprofits) to which you have contributed or otherwise been involved with. Some catalogs come from stores you have shopped in. Although not solicited, these items seem to be less junk than other junk. What is junk, in my mind, are the thousands of unsolicited credit card applications and circulars that we get. Those aren\'t targeted at all. Especially not the circulars (although I am sure there is a circular manager out there that will argue they are targeted by zip code and all that). But as a writer, there is a difference between convincing an existing or former donor to consider giving again to a charity and a mass mailing for window blinds or steam cleaning services. For the latter, direct mail is just another form of advertising. It is basically the same as their electronic or print advertising, and may even be part of a package (newspapers often sell this as an added value...advertise in the newspaper and we will add you to our weekly circular to zip codes you choose, etc.)\n\nThe trouble is many people just toss out all direct mail, especially circulars. Thus the garbage can is really the targeted audience. Also, the amount of paper these mailings generate has become the target of many environmentalists out there. Yet the mailings keep coming.  I was just in Australia where many mailboxes carry the sign \"no junk mail.\" Unfortunately, we don\'t have this here in America. And, from what I understand, the mail carrier is required by law to deliver the circulars and other mail to your box.\n\nIt would be better for both the direct mailer and the direct mailee if there were choice involved. If I choose to receive a mailing, I may pay attention to that mailing. If all I do with unsolicited mail is throw it out, the message is not being heard and there is actual harm being done to the environment.','Direct mail or junk mail?','','publish','open','open','','direct-mail-or-junk-mail','','','2008-03-12 08:12:37','2008-03-12 13:12:37','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=17',0,'post','',1),
(1248,4,'2008-03-13 08:50:14','2008-03-13 13:50:14','Thanks to Tony Attwood, from the U.K.-based Hamilton House, a direct mail enterprise, for pointing out that telemarketing call are more intrusive than junk mail. I quite agree and that is why the U.S. government was right to create the \"Do Not Call List.\" It is about choice. We can reduce the \"junk mail\" and\"junk calls\" we get. Of course, we can always just hang up the phone when we realize it is a telemarketing call. Particularly offensive, in my opinion, are those recorded calls you get on your cell phone.\n\nThis got me to thinking about telemarketing calls. Somewhere, a marcomm person wrote a script for those calls. Ideally, the caller should move the call receiver to some sort of action--buy something, subscribe to something, donate money, etc. As in direct mail, these calls do have a success rate, and I am sure it varies by product or service and all by telemarketer ( I have had rude telemarketers call me. Needless to say, they don\'t get very far. ).\n\nThe media was busy reporting this week that a new nuisance is text spam, in which you get unsolicited sales messages as text messages on your cell phone.  Email spam is noxious, primarily because it is unsolicited and often advertises pharmaceuticals or sex-related services.  We have legitimate email solicitations, which feature an opt-out option. But we don\'t pay per email message. We do pay for text message.  Text spam may be even more nefarious than email spam.\n\nBack to telemarketing--there is a role for direct calls in a marketing campaign. Clearly, politicians use this technique quite a lot, since they are trying to reach people \"directly\" and motivate them to vote. In some cases, it can backfire. If I get too many recorded messages, I get irritated. I wonder if telemarketing is more effective to retirees or people who are homebound. To these people a call is not an intrusion as much as chance to connect with someone. Somebody who has been on the phone all day and just wants to relax in the evening may find unsolicited calls from telemarketers very intrusive.\n\nFrom a marketing standpoint, my advice about telemarketing is to proceed with caution. Certainly, the more targeted your message and your list, the more successful. Telemarketers who ignore common sense (calling too early or too late or too often) or run afoul of the Do Not Call list will not help the product or service they are trying to sell.','Junk calling','','publish','open','open','','junk-calling','','','2008-03-13 08:50:14','2008-03-13 13:50:14','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=18',0,'post','',1),
(1249,4,'2008-03-13 19:11:38','2008-03-14 00:11:38','Well, according to Bloom, very different. Zany songs and even \"zanier\" commercials are portraying Bloom as the store with a smile. I guess smiling at the supermarket would be different.\n\nAccording to its website, Bloom is  a happy shopping experience, hassle-free even.  In a sense, I think the commercials work because they do make you kind of shake your head, maybe even smile. The one I saw today was a classic comedy move--the response is not appropriate to the situation. For instance, a guy says he is thinking about his daughter, clearly worried about her, and the Bloom shopping associate says something like, check this watermelon out, it\'s one of hundreds of fresh produce items. Huh? Are we supposed to go shopping at Bloom to forget our troubles? Or, is Bloom a place where there are no troubles? Or is the commercial trying to be memorable? All of the above. Maybe I should go to Bloom, there I would forget why I had issues with their advertising.','How different can a supermarket be?','','publish','open','open','','how-different-can-a-supermarket-be','','','2008-03-13 19:11:38','2008-03-14 00:11:38','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=19',0,'post','',1),
(1250,4,'2008-03-14 08:36:54','2008-03-14 13:36:54','Love it or hate it, direct marketing is here for the time being. However, it seems that more people hate it than love it. Or at least are more vocal about it. Other than the character Sammy, in Kristen Gore\'s funny book Sammy\'s Hill, I don\'t know anyone who talks to telemarketers.  This blog just received a post from a group that is seeking to limit political \"robo-calls.\" All this begs the question, if so many people are annoyed, why do marketers continue doing it? I know the \"robo-calls\" were particularly insidious in the last election.  Perhaps marketers are looking to cover all bases. Even a four percent return on investment might make the difference. But what if it creates bad will? Does a little bit of good will compensate for a lot of bad will?\n\nAgain, as a marketing person, I think all messaging should be targeted and tailored. Calls generated by computer are targeted geographically, but lack the personalization that helps make direct marketing more successful. I also think it is much easier to hang up on a recorded voice than it is to hang up on a live person asking to speak to Mr. or Mrs. butchered last name.','Intrusive marketing hits a nerve','','publish','open','open','','intrusive-marketing-hits-a-nerve','','','2008-03-14 08:36:54','2008-03-14 13:36:54','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=20',0,'post','',0),
(1251,4,'2008-03-14 11:04:47','2008-03-14 16:04:47','Have you seen the new commercials for Macy\'s? I just saw one featuring Usher, selling his perfume, and Martha Stewart. Martha is talking about how much time she spent in research and development. Usher says he worked on two products and asks her how many products she did. She answers 2000 or so. He shakes his head and says, when do you sleep girl? Cute, funny. Take on the whole Martha Stewart quest for perfection. My question is, does this make people go to Macy\'s? Is it image advertising? Am I supposed to think Macy\'s is perfect? Or is it that Macy\'s is funny? Or that Macy\'s attracts top names like Usher and Martha Stewart? Actually the tag line for the campaign is something like \"where the stars are.\" Their logo is a star. I am starting to get it.\n\nMacy\'s is one of the biggest newspaper and television advertisers. But how are their sales doing? Is their advertising working? Well according to a story in the Wall Street Journal, as of March 2008, Macy\'s will no longer release their monthly sales figures. Today, the Washington Post reports that discount retailers have seen sales go up while traditional stores have had sales go down, as a result of general belt-tightening in the U.S. economy.  Begs the question...','Good Ol\' Martha Stewart','','publish','open','open','','good-ol-martha-stewart','','','2008-03-14 11:04:47','2008-03-14 16:04:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=21',0,'post','',5),
(1252,4,'2008-03-17 08:23:22','2008-03-17 13:23:22','How much spam email do you get every day? I get at least 20 spam emails, even though I have some sort of mailguard. I delete them immediately. However, somewhere, someone, is opening spam, and responding to it. Otherwise, why would spam exist? Whether it is cheap medication or some financial scheme, some people out there are intrigued by their spam email. That shows me a few things: 1) headlines (subject lines) are tremendously important; 2) the offer is what makes the sale; 3) there is an audience for everything!\n\nSpam operates on the same principle of any direct mail--a good Return on Investment (ROI). In fact, most direct mail averages a 4 percent success rate, but that 4 percent actually buy something or donate to the cause, making the mailing worthwhile.  With spam, postage is not an issue, so spammers can afford to have a very very low success rate--even less than 1 percent. This is why spam has proliferated. There is no tangible cost (postage or printing).  The cost boils down to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) fee, and the spammers time. And they don\'t spend a ton of time on those emails--how many have egregious spelling mistakes?\n\nBottom line is that spam is direct marketing gone awry. It is direct marketing without principles. Their target demographic is reduced to people who have email. Spam really is another get rich quick scheme that preys on the uninformed. When spam is phishing, it is even more insidious--targeting careless or naive people to get their credit card/account/other ID information.','Is Spam Marketing?','','publish','open','open','','is-spam-marketing','','','2008-03-17 08:23:22','2008-03-17 13:23:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=22',0,'post','',0),
(1253,4,'2008-03-18 08:22:36','2008-03-18 13:22:36','Certain things are just not advertised, but you know about them anyway. That is the power of buzz. I think one of the most buzzed about items is Facebook. Even I am buzzing about it. Yet, you probably haven\'t ever seen a Facebook ad, received a piece of mail about Facebook or picked up a Facebook brochure. In fact, if you are on it, it is because you got invited to \"friend\" someone you know. Or, you read about it (Facebook does engage in public/media relations). In fact, in the last couple weeks I have read two articles in women\'s magazines about Facebook. One talked about the addictive quality of Facebook, and the collecting of friends, where the other discussed pros and cons versus the other large social networking site, MySpace.\n\nI just bought some prints on Shutterfly. You never see ads for it, or its competitors like Snapfish. Yet everyone is using these sites to print out their digital photos. Or at least it seems like everyone is doing it--and that is exactly what buzz is about. Truly, buzz marketing is the ultimate type of marketing. It puts in question the future of people like me and other marketing people. Buzz depends on word of mouth. It creates an epidemic, to borrow from Malcolm Gladwell\'s excellent The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. In fact, The Tipping Point is buzz\'s bible, since it explains just how the buzz phenomenon can \"tip\" something, that is, making it bigger and badder. According to Gladwell, ideas move through society because of three types of people: connectors, mavens and salespeople. Basically, they all influence their circles and in interconnection, they influence the larger sphere.  Facebook is a great example of something that has tipped. Today, it has become a larger phenomenon than its competitors and it is everywhere around the world.','The buzz','','publish','open','open','','the-buzz','','','2008-03-18 08:22:36','2008-03-18 13:22:36','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=23',0,'post','',0),
(1254,4,'2008-03-19 06:15:05','2008-03-19 11:15:05','Today\'s <b>Washington Post</b> reports that the United States Postal Service in association with the Direct Marketing Association are working hard to quash \"do not mail\" initiatives. Read the full article here  <a href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/18/AR2008031802893.html\" title=\"Efforts to Block Junk Mail Slowed\">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/18/AR2008031802893.html</a>\n\nMost consumers who want out of direct mail want to stop the flow of paper into their homes. They are concerned about the environment and the wastefulness of unwanted mail. Yet the USPS and the DMA are blocking this initiative. According to the article, the DMA went so far as to write their members and instructing them to ignore requests from Catalog Choice, a service that allows consumers to opt out of receiving catalogs.\n\nIn my opinion, this is another example of marketing gone awry. I understand that direct marketers and their affiliates (printers, writers, mailhouses, and the USPS) make money off direct mail. They stand to make less money if less people opt to get direct mail. However, there are two major issues at play here: 1) REAL concerns about the environment and 2) disinterested parties. It is high time that businesses take a more thoughtful approach to environmental issues. More and more, the public is concerned, and rightfully so, about the long-term impact of human action on the earth and the very real consequences of global warming.  In their own interest, why not market only to those people who are receptive to marketing? To send dozens of unwanted letters, catalogs, credit card offers into the homes of consumers who not only don\'t want them but are actively seeking to stop this barrage will surely cause ill will on their part.  Remember targeted marketing?\n\nThe bottom line is that marketers are looking at their bottom line. And holding on to outdated modes of communication. My suggestion to them is for them to evolve. When the Internet starting taking over, what did banks do? They started online banking. Why not reinvent direct marketing so that it becomes environmentally acceptable? Why not think of new ways to reach your targets without creating harmful waste?','Junk Part II','','publish','open','open','','junk-part-ii','','','2008-03-19 06:15:05','2008-03-19 11:15:05','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=24',0,'post','',1),
(1255,4,'2008-03-20 07:48:06','2008-03-20 12:48:06','Do you have specific questions about a marketing issue? Just post here and I will attempt an answer.','Questions','','publish','open','open','','questions','','','2008-03-20 07:48:06','2008-03-20 12:48:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/questions/',0,'page','',2),
(1256,4,'2008-03-20 08:12:08','2008-03-20 13:12:08','I just bought a new vacuum cleaner.  My old vacuum cleaner was just losing suction every day. There were several types, brands and price points in the vacuum section at my local discount store. The range went from $39  Dirt Devil stick vacuums all the way to $350 Dysons. It\'s been ten years since I last bought a vacuum, a Eureka. Naturally, I checked out Eurekas, and also the Hoovers and Bissells and Dirt Devils. Dyson was just out of my price range. But you know what kept going through my head? \"Bissell, We Mean Clean.\" That is the power of great tagline. So I bought a Bissell. But before you think that the tagline made me buy it, I chose it MAINLY because of price and features. The price was right and the features were good (bagless, 12 amps, lighter than the Eureka, onboard tools, HEPA filter).\n\nI figured that Bissell had to be good. I didn\'t check out consumer reports. I didn\'t ask around to see what other people had. However, I have seen countless commercials for Bissell. It is not an unknown. That is the power of branding. You come to know and believe in a brand. Brand is not always enough to influence purchase. I know, for instance, that Dyson never loses suction (according to their commercials), but $350 is just not in my budget for a vacuum cleaner. I have been using a Eureka without problems for 10 years, but the Eureka model in the store was four pounds heavier than the Bissell.\n\nAre there any brands that you won\'t give up on, regardless of price and features? For one,  I always buy Tylenol, not store brand acetaminophen.  But I stopped buying branded zip top and  trash bags when I found the store brand was practically the same and a lot cheaper.','Do you believe in the power of branding?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-believe-in-the-power-of-branding','','','2008-03-20 08:12:08','2008-03-20 13:12:08','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=26',0,'post','',1),
(1257,4,'2008-03-24 11:24:06','2008-03-24 16:24:06','According to an article in the Baltimore Business Journal --available here, but may be for subscribers only: <a href=\"http://\" title=\"Baltimore Business Journal Article on Podcasting\" target=\"_blank\">http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/03/24/focus1.html?b=1206331200^1607621&amp;page=1 </a> podcasting is the most targeted way to reach an audience. Perhaps I am showing technological resistance, but I have yet to go to a business or philanthropic website and listen to a podcast. The article states that companies don\'t yet know how to best use podcasting.\n\nCertainly in today\'s new media/social media environment, organizations have to be as cutting edge as possible.  A good website is no longer enough--it must be updated. Blogs have definitely had an impact, but unless they are updated frequently with information that is useful, they are useless. I know of a graphic designer who has a blog with nothing on it other than some self-serving news. Why not talk about design? And now the move toward audio and video via podcasts. Again, you must have something relevant to say, and as the article above points out, production values are important. So a cheesy do-it-yourself podcast may end up hurting you and not helping you by making you look unprofessional or amateurish.\n\nI don\'t know if I agree that podcasting is the next frontier in targeted marketing. I think it is just another tool in an expanding arsenal of online possibilities. Thoughts out there?','Podcasting, really?','','publish','open','open','','podcasting-really','','','2008-03-24 11:24:06','2008-03-24 16:24:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=27',0,'post','',0),
(1258,4,'2008-03-25 08:04:34','2008-03-25 13:04:34','I once worked with a graphic designer who told me the Mac and its software were just tools, same as pen and paper. He was 100% right. Just having the tools does not mean you know how to use them, or better yet, use them effectively.  Many people today have access to InDesign, Publisher, Dreamweaver, Photoshop and a myriad of other design software. And these people use these tools without any clue as to what goes into design. You can see the results in poorly designed, often unattractive brochures, ads and other marketing communications materials. It\'s the same with writing. We all know how to write, but not everyone knows how to write well.\n\nDesign is the first thing we notice about a piece, whether it be the color scheme or the layout, the font or the images. A good designer knows how to entice you to read the piece and also to use the design to communicate certain elements of the product or service. I have been fortunate to work with great designers and I have also worked with mediocre designers. There is a difference. But either way, any professional designer is better than an amateur who thinks he or she knows what she is doing. We should all acknowledge our areas of expertise and leave some stuff to the professionals. It makes a tremendous difference.  Here are some things a professional considers: readability, flow of information, aesthetics, color palette, suitable typeface  and amount of white space. Another item that a professional brings to the table: creativity.\n\nYou wouldn\'t go to an amateur to build your house, why would you use an amateur to create your brand identity for the world to see?','Design counts','','publish','open','open','','design-counts','','','2008-03-25 08:04:34','2008-03-25 13:04:34','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=28',0,'post','',2),
(1259,4,'2008-03-27 12:09:39','2008-03-27 17:09:39','Last night, I attended a forum on politics and the Internet. The Internet has changed the way politicians campaign. Every self-respecting candidate has a website AND an Internet strategy. Candidates have Facebook/MySpace profiles and supporters use YouTube and other social media to post items in favor of their candidate/opposing the other candidates. It certainly has opened the playing field far and wide. Yet candidates are still spending millions of dollars on TV advertising. It seems that only 50% of Americans have broadband access so the various graphics/videos available on the Internet are not available to everyone. People still watch TV, but do people still read newspapers? I do, but declining numbers have certainly been the trend in recent years.  As more and more people get there information ONLINE (even from newspapers websites) and as more people are concerned about environmental issues (paper=trees), are printed newspapers going to disappear? The biggest advertisers in print are retailers. Everyone has seen the full page ads for Macy\'s and other department stores. In fact, I would bet that 90% of all print ads are retail oriented. In this case, printed newspapers are not going away soon. It is not the same to peruse a website for news as it is to read through a newspaper and look at the ads, especially if you are looking for a specific item or a sale. But will retail traffic be able to save newspapers in a recession-bound economy? I am not sure. Also, the younger generation definitely does not read newspapers and baby boomers are headed toward senior citizen status. Perhaps in another generation or so the newspaper will go the way of the videotape and become a recollection of how things USED to be done.','Will Newspapers Survive?','','publish','open','open','','will-newspapers-survive','','','2008-03-27 12:09:39','2008-03-27 17:09:39','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=29',0,'post','',0),
(30,4,'2008-03-30 21:53:51','2008-03-31 02:53:51','My apologies to Martin Luther King, Jr., but some advertisers have to work to overcome any bad feelings customers have about them. Comcast is a case in point. There are Comcast customers out there who have had a less than positive experience. In fact, Comcast has a pretty bad perception to overcome. Some of their commercials are rather funny...the one with the Slowskys, the family of turtles who prefer DSL because its slow, for instance. But does the humor help overcome the negativity? This is when the product has to live up to the advertising. Same with Verizon. I happen to like the Verizon Wireless ads--you know, \"it\'s the network.\" And Verizon indeed has the network, but it is plagued by similar customer service problems to Comcast. So in the end, the commercials help to bring in people that don\'t already have an opinion, but when a STRONG and/or NEGATIVE opinion exists, no amount of funny and/or clever advertising is going to help. I am sure there are many other examples of companies that have great advertising, but negative public perception.','We shall overcome','','publish','open','open','','we-shall-overcome','','','2008-03-30 21:53:51','2008-03-31 02:53:51','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=30',0,'post','',1),
(31,4,'2008-04-01 09:00:52','2008-04-01 14:00:52','We all know how much the Internet has changed the way we do business. We no longer fax or express mail--we email and upload instead. When I started working at an advertising agency way back in the early \'90s, we were still faxing signed insertion orders and overnighting ad films! And boy, could that cause problems, especially when publishers didn\'t get materials by deadline. The panel I mentioned a few posts back, about the Internet and politics, discussed how much the Internet is affecting campaigning and public opinion. But for our purposes, what is really changing is the whole scope of marketing communications.\n\nFirst, traditional broadcast or print ads are just not enough. All ads and printed materials today point consumers to a website. The website has to be good and has to be UPDATED (I can\'t stress that enough). But that is not yet enough. There are online ads--banners, AdWords on Google, search engine optimization. There are email campaigns. Because of the search for more targeted media, marketers have turned to all sorts of social media. Groups on Facebook/MySpace and the creation and posting of events. In the media relations field, we\'ve seen a rise in subscription newsletters such as Daily Candy. So now PR practitioners send their materials to traditional and online media, and some also to major bloggers (not me, not yet anyway).\n\nBut what is really interesting is that because everything that is on the Internet is available to anyone without a blocked Internet connection, anywhere, at any time, what is said about a company, organization or even an individual, is out there, perhaps even permanently. This is the reality of the Internet. Remember how Tylenol had a problem with tainted medicine or Odwalla with tainted juice? Those cases have made it into print, but can easily be found today on the Internet. You think the Southwest issue with the cracked fuselages has to make it into print to affect their image? No. It was reported by all media, who then post it on their websites, and even though I haven\'t researched it, I would bet that the blogosphere discussed it. In fact, even if something is in printed format, there are many databases out there that could be accessed (some for a fee of course) that would give you a nice PDF of whatever information you are seeking. That type of searching used to limited to scholars or journalists on a mission and with an expense account.\n\nThe newest issue then for marketers is to limit the damage or correct the image whenever possible. There are positions now such as \"Social Media Manager.\" Here\'s a link to a blog that explains this <a href=\"http://\" title=\"Social Media Manager\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2008/03/23/the-need-for-the-social-media-manager/</a>\n\nIn fact, this blog has received comments from such people. These people work for a company, like Comcast, and they scour the Internet for any mentions of their company. They then work to correct the mention or work to diminish its impact. See the comment to post We Shall Overcome immediately below.\n\nIn sum, with the Internet, the job of a marketing manager has become both easier and harder. We can collaborate more easily and we can find what we need at lightning speeds, but now we have a huge, not easy to control mass medium that knows no borders. Marketing managers today have to be concerned about image both on and off line.  Big job!','Ever Evolving','','publish','open','open','','ever-evolving','','','2008-04-01 09:00:52','2008-04-01 14:00:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=31',0,'post','',2),
(1260,4,'2008-04-01 09:50:35','2008-04-01 14:50:35','Update to post below--Advertisers are turning to gaming online. Read this article in the New York Times:\n\n<a href=\"http://\" title=\"Online Gaming\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/business/media/01adco.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin </a>','More evolution','','publish','open','open','','more-evolution','','','2008-04-01 09:50:35','2008-04-01 14:50:35','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/more-evolution/',0,'post','',0),
(1261,4,'2008-04-03 07:30:47','2008-04-03 12:30:47','Have you heard of Yael Naim? No? You probably have heard her song New Soul. Let\'s say if you watch any TV at all, and have seen the commercials for MacBook Air then you have heard it. It seems Steve Jobs personally chose her song for the commercial and it has now propelled the song, and Naim, into new popularity. Anyway, her song is catchy and has a very specific sound that has helped brand MacBook even further. Apple has been using music in their commercials for a long time--sometimes using previously lesser known artists like Naim, and sometimes using megabands like U2. Their strategy seems to be working. If you ever walk past an Apple store, you will notice that it is NEVER empty. People respond to music and when U2 appears in a commercial for ITunes, people listen.\n\nBut how many advertisers can afford to pay U2? Not many. So is this a level playing field? No way! For instance, there are many MP3 players out there and the most popular is the Ipod. I would argue that some MP3 players are better or have more features than an Ipod (and are certainly less expensive) yet Ipod rules. In my opinion, this boils down to having Apple, its advertising agency, and a big budget behind it.','Musically inclined','','publish','open','open','','musically-inclined','','','2008-04-03 07:30:47','2008-04-03 12:30:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=33',0,'post','',0),
(1262,4,'2008-04-04 06:59:08','2008-04-04 11:59:08','Drug advertising, by its nature, is full of pitfalls. Obviously, drug companies that advertise are pushing their medication. One problem is that many of the medications are expensive (generally, they are still under patent and not available in the generic). Another problem is that advertising, even with all the small type, can\'t address all the pros and cons of drugs. We\'ve all seen or read the ads for drugs, \"which may cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, drowsiness, lethargy, cancer, etc.\" Also, patients are now armed with the brand name of a drug and can inquire about it directly to their doctors.  Drug companies spend millions on research and development, so they then spend millions on marketing to make sure the drug sells before its patent expires.  But the biggest problem with this massive marketing is that not all of these drugs are safe or effective\n\nThe latest drug to be exposed is Vytorin, a cholesterol medication. According to news reports, studies have found that Vytorin is no more effective than other cholesterol-lowering drugs available in the generic. Remember, generic is usually cheaper. Schering-Plough, the makers of Vytorin, have actually had layoffs and a reorg. However, today, there was a full two-page spread in the Washington Post for Vytorin. On the one hand, I understand why they do it. On the other hand, it seems like they think that readers of the Washington Post would dismiss the findings of the study simply because of a large ad in the newspaper. The ad does not address the findings, but really, how could it? Vytorin\'s USP (unique selling proposition) is that it addresses two sources of cholesterol. So this ad continues to tout this two-prong approach even though it is not better than statins at lowering cholesterol.\n\nWe are a free society and a market-driven one at that. However, marketing for drugs that have potential complications or don\'t work as well as advertised does need to be regulated. Public health is at stake. And I, for one, do not think the bottom line trumps health and wellbeing ever.','Drugged Up','','publish','open','open','','drugged-up','','','2008-04-04 06:59:08','2008-04-04 11:59:08','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=34',0,'post','',0),
(1263,4,'2008-04-06 07:48:41','2008-04-06 12:48:41','Marketing really has driven the drug business says Melody Petersen in the new book Our Daily Meds. Review can be found in today\'s Washington Post, link here: <a title=\"WP Review of Our Daily Meds\" href=\"http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/03/AR2008040303377.html</a>','Update: New Book about Drug Marketing','','publish','open','open','','update-new-book-about-drug-marketing','','','2008-04-06 07:48:41','2008-04-06 12:48:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=35',0,'post','',0),
(1264,4,'2008-04-07 11:05:19','2008-04-07 16:05:19','Well...the flavor of course! But how do you even try a beer you haven\'t tasted before? Recommendations from friends and bartenders, magazines and ADVERTISING. Case in point, Stella Artois, a Belgian beer with a long history. If you\'ve ever gone to an independent or art house movie theater, you\'ve probably seen Stella Artois advertised. These commercials usually have no talking, and feature Old World settings. Generally, the idea of most of them is that you would always rather have Stella or that you won\'t give up your Stella, no matter what. I saw one on cable television recently. It showed two robbers who have just dug their way to a pot of money. They toast with Stella Artois, and while they are doing this, the pot of money catches fire. For a split second they consider using the beer to put out the fire, but think better of it. Moral: no amount of money is better than a nice cold Stella Artois.\n\nDemonstrating the power of persuasion, I was faced with a choice of beers recently that included Stella. I had to try it. After all, they claim it would make me happier than a pot of money. (It was fine, I would drink it again, in case you are wondering.)\n\nBottom line is that this advertising is effective because it has a very specific point shown in outrageous ways. It also uses the images to convey a European/historical feel for Stella Artois. In my opinion, this type of advertising is far more persuasive than the American beer advertising we see for the big companies like Budweiser and Michelob. In any case, the taste of those beers speaks for itself.','What makes a beer worth drinking?','','publish','open','open','','what-makes-a-beer-worth-drinking','','','2008-04-07 11:05:19','2008-04-07 16:05:19','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=36',0,'post','',0),
(1265,4,'2008-04-07 17:56:56','2008-04-07 22:56:56','Viagra sponsored the limited-commercial edition of tonight\'s ABC News. On the one hand, this makes sense. Evening news generally skews toward an older demographic. On the other hand, ABC News has a new in-depth series, on what it\'s like to be 21 in different places. So how does this make sense for Viagra?\n\nViagra, an ED drug certainly faces competition (I could pun here, but...) from Levitra and Cialis. All three drugs spend lots of ad dollars on high production value tv commercials. I am not sure which drug has the biggest market share, but here\'s another example of marketing driving the drug companies.','Viagra on ABC News','','publish','open','open','','viagra-on-abc-news','','','2008-04-07 17:56:56','2008-04-07 22:56:56','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=37',0,'post','',0),
(1266,4,'2008-04-09 06:28:47','2008-04-09 11:28:47','In the end, consumer behavior  is stimulated either by needing something or wanting something. Guess where marketing communications plays the bigger part?  As I mentioned some posts earlier, Comcast has some very funny commercials. It doesn\'t make me WANT to be a Comcast customer but I am a Comcast customer. Why? Because, at the time, they were the only cable tv alternative available to me.  I NEEDED to sign up with them. Yet no amount of advertising is going to make me get their voice package. Why? Because I already have a telephone service I am satisfied with, so I have no NEED or WANT.\n\nThis need vs. want dichotomy explains why you never see advertisements for certain items. How often do you see an ad for plain rice? Never. Uncle Ben\'s Wild Rice? More often. You probably need plain rice, but you have to <strong>want</strong> wild rice. The whole advertising business is built around the idea of creating desire. That is the AIDA theory--Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. An ad is supposed to catch your attention and then create a want for something, which will lead you to spend money on something. It\'s not all nefarious--charities do this to. Who hasn\'t seen pictures of starving children in Africa and not wanted to help?\n\nSuccessful marcomm will stimulate a want. We get what we need anyway. You\'ll want to try new brands, new items, new services, all because the advertiser has convinced you that they have some unique or special attribute.','Need vs. Want','','publish','open','open','','need-vs-want','','','2008-04-09 06:28:47','2008-04-09 11:28:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=38',0,'post','',0),
(1267,4,'2008-04-11 08:45:26','2008-04-11 13:45:26','Tag lines are not slogans, although they could be.  Slogans can serve as tag lines, as in Nike\'s \"Just do it.\" Tag lines help the advertiser define the service or product beyond its name or the headline on the ad. As you can imagine, they can be hugely important. Today, an ad for a mattress store caught my eye. It is called Sleepy\'s. Not sure I care for the name, but the tag line \"The Mattress Professionals\" just didn\'t do it for me. In fact, Mattress Professionals would be a better name for a store. Sleepy\'s is a fairly \"unprofessional\" name. But they want you to think they know what they are talking about. I think professionals is the not best choice...it doesn\'t match. I guess \"Sleep experts\" must be taken...that would have been better. Or \"we know mattresses.\"  In any case, to me this illustrates a disparity between a brand name and its brand identity.  You want to keep those separate.\n\nPlease keep in mind that I have never been to a Sleepy\'s store and this is just a commentary on a particular element of a particular ad.\n\nAny thoughts?','Tagging it','','publish','open','open','','tagging-it','','','2008-04-11 08:45:26','2008-04-11 13:45:26','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=39',0,'post','',0),
(1268,4,'2008-04-11 19:33:29','2008-04-12 00:33:29','Today, I picked up new glasses at For Eyes. The name is brilliant. And the tag is great: The store for people who can\'t see spending a lot for glasses.  I love this! Clever but not at the expense of making sense. And, I really like their ads...generally funny. Plus, I got good service and what I hope are a nice pair of glasses at a reasonable price.','More tagging','','publish','open','open','','more-tagging','','','2008-04-11 19:33:29','2008-04-12 00:33:29','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=40',0,'post','',0),
(1269,4,'2008-04-14 07:45:35','2008-04-14 12:45:35','I used to be quite a fan of Meet the Press and other Sunday morning talk shows. At the time, Orrin Hatch was a favored guest, and boy, he was ALWAYS on. So I stopped watching. I also really liked David Brinkley, and of course, he passed on. Now, I only  watch the programs occasionally. What hasn\'t changed is the advertisers and type of advertising. Sunday morning public affairs shows have image advertising, rarely retail. Back in the day, a huge advertiser on Sunday was the Archer Daniel Midlands company. Or BASF (we don\'t make the plastic we make the plastic better). This past Sunday, I noticed image advertising for Boeing. Clearly, viewers are not shopping for their very own 737. These commercials are mostly designed to promote the company as a do-gooder or a well run company and really, are designed to appeal to the company\'s own stakeholders (employees, shareholders and other internal audiences). It is a very unique segment of advertising.  The idea also is that policy wonks and other influential people tune in to these Sunday morning shows and these image commercials are meant to create name recognition for these companies. Of course, at some point, policy wonks will be involved in an airline requisition and may have to choose between Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. I wonder if these image campaigns truly influence these types of choices. After all, there is a large difference between choosing Jif Peanut Butter instead of Skippy and deciding to buy a Boeing 727 over a MD-80.','Sunday mornings','','publish','open','open','','sunday-mornings','','','2008-04-14 07:45:35','2008-04-14 12:45:35','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=41',0,'post','',0),
(1270,4,'2008-04-15 10:00:27','2008-04-15 15:00:27','The 2008 election is being played out across new media. From the YouTube debates to the Facebook pages every candidate seems to have. I heard recently that Chelsea Clinton is asking everyone to \"friend\" her on Facebook, presumably so she can then have an email list of potential supporters for her mother. Today, I saw something very interesting. John McCain (or rather one of his campaigners) posted a question on LinkedIn.  LinkedIn has a great tool called Answers. Through it, people can ask for advice and experts can share their knowledge. McCain used the Answers feature to ask what issues are top priority for Americans. I think this is brilliant on his campaign\'s part. First, the campaign will receive some honest answers from Americans around the United States, some who probably would not have this type of access to a campaign. McCain will also create interest and some good will, because he is asking what is important. It makes his campaign look new media savvy as well.\n\nIn short, 2008 will show us just how effective social marketing can be. Obviously, campaigns think it is important. It helps raise visibility. The test will be in November and to see how many voters turn out, and why they turned out.','Social Marketing at the Presidential Level','','publish','open','open','','social-marketing-at-the-presidential-level','','','2008-04-15 10:00:27','2008-04-15 15:00:27','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=42',0,'post','',0),
(1271,4,'2008-04-17 08:13:19','2008-04-17 13:13:19','Yesterday, I received an email announcement from US Airways. It is about something they call \"choice seats.\" As part of the growing trend to nickel and dime air travelers, USAir is getting into the fray by offering window and aisle seats in the front of the cabin for purchase. They are attempting to sell this as a benefit. By labeling it choice seats, and offering it for free to their Preferred Dividend Miles members, they are ensuring everyone else is stuck in middle seats. What I find so unsavory about this practice is that they are publicizing it.  And making it seem like a good thing. The only people who will benefit from this practice is the USAir higher ups. Gate agents will be even more harrassed as people jockey for better seats, now not available UNLESS you pay.  Honestly, this makes me sick. Playing to peoples disgust with flying these days, and seeing an opportunity to extract some more money from the public, USAir will sell you a right to a better seat. If you don\'t pony up some cash, you can rest assured you will be seated in the last row , in the middle, next to the bathroom. Lovely.','Cynical marketing','','publish','open','open','','cynical-marketing','','','2008-04-17 08:13:19','2008-04-17 13:13:19','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=43',0,'post','',0),
(1272,4,'2008-04-21 08:39:52','2008-04-21 13:39:52','It is not a new phenomenon that the airlines sell advertising. Their main selling points always involve the terms \"captive audience,\" since at 25,000 feet no one is going anywhere. On my USAir flight on Friday, I noticed that the airline has certainly been working this captive audience angle. All ticket jackets had an ad for Geico and its ubiquitous gecko. And one flight segment, the tray tables were covered over with a ad on a sticker. The interesting thing is that although I did use the tray table, I cannot recall what the advertiser was. I do recall the product--it was virtual voicemail. I think that this is the challenge for advertising on board--you can\'t take action and you may not have pen and paper readily available to make a note to check when you get back on the ground. Or you may be wrapped up in your book or traveling companion\'s conversation to even notice.\n\nOn the other hand, Skymall must be somewhat successful. They have had their catalog onboard for many years. Skymall offers the most unusual selection of goods (whether you NEED any of these is another discussion). People who board a flight without any reading material or other forms of entertainment nearly always end up perusing the catalog. I wonder if any buy or if it\'s just a source of amusement.\n\nIn any case, the airlines are desperate for additional sources of income. As discussed a few days ago, USAir is set to start charging for \"premium\" seats in economy class, and all airlines will start charging fees for the second piece of checked baggage come May. It will not surprise me if soon we start seeing ads being played on the TV monitors at full volume for at least the first few minutes of the flight. It will also not surprise me if the flight attendants start pushing a product other than the airlines\' own credit card/frequent flyer program.','Advertising in the Friendly Skies','','publish','open','open','','advertising-in-the-friendly-skies','','','2008-04-21 08:39:52','2008-04-21 13:39:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=44',0,'post','',0),
(1273,4,'2008-04-23 09:37:44','2008-04-23 14:37:44','Earth Day makes everyone go green, right? Yesterday, once again, I saw a television commercial for Chevron that touted how a gas company can do good for the environment. It\'s a long commercial--probably one minute long, and it shows \"green\" images such as fields of wheat, etc. I wonder what the target is. Do you buy gasoline based on green practices?  Do you believe oil companies can be green? After all, the commercial did not mention specific initiatives that Chevron is invested in, it only claims they are working on \"human\" interest. In fact, the whole commercial is so stylized and designed for an emotional response that it made me doubt its sincerity and accuracy.\n\nObviously, being green is an important attribute these days. Some companies have the actions to back up the claims. Whole Foods has banned plastic bags at check out, for instance. Some companies print on recycled paper and make a note of it. Some companies try to use recyclable paper and inks for the printed materials. But I can\'t recall a green campaign that has made me sit up and take notice. I know it is the hot topic du jour, but companies can use the current interest in the environment both to their advantage and to help the planet. If they can actually walk the walk, and tell people about it at the same time, they are truly ahead of the game. That is why the Chevron commercial did nothing for me. They are telling me how interested they are in the environment, but they are not actually telling me specifics.','Going green is all the rage','','publish','open','open','','going-green-is-all-the-rage','','','2008-04-23 09:37:44','2008-04-23 14:37:44','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=45',0,'post','',0),
(1274,4,'2008-04-25 09:57:43','2008-04-25 14:57:43','I have been thumbing through old magazines, which is a quick way to see just how fast graphics and tastes change. If you were to pick up a magazine from 1990 you would really feel the difference. Some of it is more sophisticated tools, but some of it is just changing taste. In any case, I came across a print ad for a Fig Newton Snack Bar that is  \"just 100 calories.\" (When will this fascination with 100 calories end? What is so magical about 100???) I don\'t think Nabisco makes these anymore, but the tag line \"Snack Happy\" is still in use. Why? Because it\'s good. Period. What more do you want from a tag line? It is short, succinct and connotes at least two emotional states: guilt-free and contentment (or guilt-free contentment). So Nabisco has kept the tag line and got rid of the \"snack fairy.\" Remember the snack fairy? It was some guy dressed in a tutu that gave you snacks you could enjoy, EVEN if you were on a diet.  I just did a quick search and now Nabisco is running a \"Snack Purple\" campaign to celebrate women (huh?). In any case, this is not even close to being as enduring and clever as Snack Happy. Snack Purple? First of all, how does purple connote women? And second, who eats a color other than orange?\n\nA marketer should aim to create those enduring tag lines. MasterCard of course has \"For everything else there is MasterCard.\" Nike has \"Just Do It.\" These endure because they transcend whatever the image/graphic/fad of the moment is and communicate quickly and effectively to their intended audience. If you can think of other great tag lines, please let me know.','What\'s good endures','','publish','open','open','','whats-good-endures','','','2008-04-25 09:57:43','2008-04-25 14:57:43','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=46',0,'post','',0),
(47,4,'2008-05-05 07:57:46','2008-05-05 12:57:46','Radio advertising has its own challenges. Pretty faces and stunning photography just don\'t work in radio. The spoken word is key. And the spoken word must break through tons of clutter. Just how do you differentiate your speaking voice from the radio station\'s on-air personalities? How do you communicate figures, facts and numbers without the benefit of a visual? In short, it takes a really good copywriter and some great voice actors to create a memorable radio commercial.\n\nThis struck home the other day as I was driving in South Florida, where one drives A LOT. Thus, one is one\'s car, with the radio on generally, for long stretches of time. I heard a commercial for AT&amp;T Wireless. It was about getting a cell phone for Mother\'s Day, but warning kids that Moms don\'t always understand texting. It was funny and it struck a chord about the differences between generations. It was clever and it got my attention...a very difficult job when one can change channels in seconds. In this case, you had to remember that the advertiser was ATT (not Verizon or Sprint). Thus the commercial had to both draw you in, and repeat key information.\n\nThe other problem that radio advertising faces is ability to act (or rather inability to act). If you are home, watching TV, and you see something interesting, you can write down a phone number or a website, and immediately call or visit. In radio, you are most likely out and about, without access to a pen or a computer. So the commercial must strike a chord and then be so memorable that when you get home you will remember the name of the advertiser and look it up. Of course, with political advertising, you just have to remember the name. In this realm, radio advertising is very effective. You can be repetitious and through frequency, make sure potential voters know your name and a few of your ideas.\n\nThe debate in radio advertising is (at least in media buying departments of ad agencies) of reach versus frequency. The answer of course is to find the best balance of both,  but I think in the cluttered world of radio, you need to aim for frequency.','A face for radio','','publish','open','open','','a-face-for-radio','','','2008-05-05 07:57:46','2008-05-05 12:57:46','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=47',0,'post','',2),
(1275,4,'2008-05-07 09:53:24','2008-05-07 14:53:24','Yesterday, I was watching the local evening news. The anchor was reporting on health issues, including how teenage girls view their bodies. The anchor said that media images, which are often manipulated, affect body image, giving women an unrealistic expectation of what is perfect. So far so good. However, the anchor started talking about a new COMMERCIAL from Dove, regarding how the media manipulates these images.\n\nA year or two ago, Dove started an ad campaign to \"celebrate\" women\'s bodies by using \"real\" women as models. Apparently, they have upped the ante and now are using documentary style commercials to criticize the media. There are a couple of issues here. First of all, this entire campaign was created to generate buzz for Dove. To obtain free publicity in the form of media reports about a different campaign, etc. So the anchor of this local newscast became a publicity agent for Dove, and used their images to talk about the serious issue of teenage body issue. OK, but what is Dove trying to do? It is trying to position itself as a company that does not exploit women\'s issues with body image. Why? To sell product, of course! Dove does not advertise purely to help women deal with their body image issues. It is trying to make viewers think that it cares about women, that its products are \"women-friendly.\" Clever? Yes. Different? Yes. Why do I have an issue with it? Because in the end, no for-profit company is doing any public service without expecting something in return. And when their commercials are being touted as if they were bona fide documentaries, we have a problem.','Free advertising','','publish','open','open','','free-advertising','','','2008-05-07 09:53:24','2008-05-07 14:53:24','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=48',0,'post','',0),
(1276,4,'2008-05-08 10:19:04','2008-05-08 15:19:04','It has become commonplace to use celebrity voice-overs for television and radio ads. In fact, I remember reading that it had become a kind of game to identify who the celebrity was. For instance, I am pretty sure Ann Curry does the Detrol ads. And I just heard a radio commercial for Kaiser Permanente, which I am almost certain was read by Allison Janney. Which brings me to my point: is it worth the money to have a highly-paid (and probably telegenic) celebrity do a voice-over for your radio commercial? Of course, voices, like faces, can connote emotions and create associations. Voices can have distinctive tones and timbres. Allison Janney\'s voice connotes assuredness and practicality. So I can understand Kaiser Permanente using her, but I wonder if it truly is worth the additional expense. I am sure there is radio talent out there with similar characteristics.','Radio Face Part 2','','publish','open','open','','radio-face-part-2','','','2008-05-08 10:19:04','2008-05-08 15:19:04','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=49',0,'post','',0),
(1277,4,'2008-05-12 16:05:45','2008-05-12 21:05:45','Not only have movie prices increased to reach almost $10, but the theaters are increasingly showing full length commercials before the trailers and the movie. Clearly, advertising has become an important source of additional revenue. One can easily see the appeal--a captive audience with nothing else to do but to watch the commercials and the ability of advertisers to select audience by geography/zip code.  Mind you, advertising in theaters is nothing new. For years, there were stills being shown before the trailers, and of course, promotions for movie theater related \"stuff\" like popcorn and soda. Recently, I have noted the commercials are lengthier and with higher production values than the stuff we see on TV. Because advertisers know that movie goers are going to see a film that probably cost tens of millions of dollars to produce, they also are producing high quality commercials that seem movie-like. Stella Artois (as mentioned in my post on beer commercials) has been doing this for a while. Last Friday, I saw a great commercial with Martin Scorsese...the kicker is I can\'t remember the advertiser! I think it may have been AT&amp;T.\n\nMovie advertising is here to stay. The good thing is that we can almost certainly count on it to be entertaining.','Before the trailers','','publish','open','open','','before-the-trailers','','','2008-05-12 16:05:45','2008-05-12 21:05:45','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=50',0,'post','',0),
(1278,4,'2008-05-14 09:38:56','2008-05-14 14:38:56','No secret here. The power of advertising is to suggest that you need something. Sometimes you didn\'t even know you needed that something.  Such is the case in some types of medical advertising. Is your skin red and flushed looking? It might be rosacea! Trouble falling asleep? Get some Ambien! On MSNBC.com today there is an article about Requip, the medicine for \"restless legs syndrome.\" Apparently, since the drug got approved in 2005, the company has been advertising and inquiries about the \"syndrome\"and the drug have increased dramatically. However, the drug is just about to go generic, and thus, Requip will no longer be advertised as heavily. They are expecting a drop in people with \"restless legs syndrome.\" Read the story here <a title=\"MSNBCstory on Requip advertising\" href=\"http://\">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24603237/</a>\n\nIn any case, this speaks volumes about the power of suggestion (and persuasion). And really, about the power of advertising. We tend to believe what we see on TV. And we are concerned about our health, so advertising on TV about our health seems to be very effective.','The Power of Suggestion','','publish','open','open','','the-power-of-suggestion','','','2008-05-14 09:38:56','2008-05-14 14:38:56','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=51',0,'post','',2),
(1279,4,'2008-05-17 07:00:31','2008-05-17 12:00:31','Existing and new home sales are down across the country due to the mortgage/credit crises. So what is a home seller to do? Advertise of course! In the past few weeks, I have been receiving more and more postcards featuring condos or townhomes in the area. In fact, on Thursday alone, I got three such over-sized, glossy postcards addressed to \"resident.\" This tells me that these advertisers (Ryan Homes was one of them) are pulling all the stops to be able to sell homes that were probably built or planned for before the real estate bubble blew. They are offering incentives and slashing prices while advertising heavily via direct mail and in the real estate section of the newspaper and even on television. The construction companies need to make up some if not all of their investment and know they need to sell those units, almost at all cost. Have you noticed an uptick in real estate advertising too?\n\nOn a completely unrelated note, a few weeks ago, Starbucks unveiled its new (\"and improved\") logo. It is brown instead of green and shows a more detailed mermaid than before. Apparently, some groups are offended by the more anatomically correct mermaid (of course). The question is: was it necessary to tinker with a perfectly good and highly recognizable logo? Fortunately, the chain has already built a huge customer base. However, we all know Starbucks by its green logo. Brown may not fly. I don\'t think the new logo will hurt their sales, but I don\'t think it will help either. You can read a story on this on MSNBC.com. Here\'s the link:<a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Story on Starbucks\' New Logo\" href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24671066/\" target=\"_blank\"> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24671066/</a>','Real Estate Advertising and Starbucks Logo','','publish','open','open','','real-estate-advertising-and-starbucks-logo','','','2008-05-17 07:00:31','2008-05-17 12:00:31','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=52',0,'post','',0),
(1280,4,'2008-05-19 07:09:14','2008-05-19 12:09:14','In case you have been living under a rock, the newest Indiana Jones movie is opening this weekend. It is being accompanied (or should I say anticipated) with lots of media hoopla and a re-release of all previous Indiana Jones movies. Of course! This franchise has a lot of life to it. Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first Indiana Jones movie, came out in 1981. Harrison Ford has aged since then, but apparently he is still running around in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He is also running around doing the media circuit. In fact, media is really driving the potential audience for this movie.  This media relations blitz probably originated on both ends. News programs know that Indiana Jones will probably be a winner and seek to book Harrison Ford and have \"first looks\" at the movie. The movie is definitely marketing and aiming to become the biggest hit of the summer. First, it is opening on Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the start of summer. They are pushing the movie everywhere. Harrison Ford is doing interviews from Cannes to the CBS Early Morning Show.  The movie was screened for the first time in Cannes, and apparently there has been build-up on the Internet since the movie was announced more than a year ago. Read this<a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Hollywood blog\" href=\"http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/indiana_jones/index.html\" target=\"_blank\"> blog (Thompson on Hollywood) </a>to see more about the media push.\n\nIn any case, Indiana Jones will be a success. I would argue mostly because people enjoyed the first three movies and know and like Indy. But certainly, the build-up in expectation will create anticipation and desire to see the movie. I would bet on it to be a very large opening weekend.\n\nMovie advertising for a blockbuster like Indiana Jones shows what an unlimited marketing budget can do. It also demonstrates the integrated marketing communications approach--that is, using all marketing vehicles (advertising, public relations, social media, etc.) to get a unified message out. You could just be exposed to one media outlet and still know that this movie will be opening next weekend.','Are you going to raid the lost ark?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-going-to-raid-the-lost-ark','','','2008-05-19 07:09:14','2008-05-19 12:09:14','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=53',0,'post','',0),
(1281,4,'2008-05-20 07:46:01','2008-05-20 12:46:01','Sometimes it is hard to know where the PR pitch ends and the feature story begins. Such is often the case on Food Network (even so, one of my favorites). Last night, on a program called Heavyweights, three very large fast food chains were featured. It was a \"behind the scenes\" look at everything these retailers do to produce a particular meal or the innovations they have created. In a sense, this was a puff piece. There was no critical look or journalist doing the interviewing. In fact, the spokespeople for each of these chains was telling the public, directly, all the great things the chains do to bring \"great\" food to the consumer. This is beyond a feature piece or a review. I am sure it must be a way for Food Network to give added value to certain advertisers. There is no other explanation. They have other shows like this too. Is it wrong? No. It is a boon to these advertisers, which receive an editorial type endorsement and lots of great exposure. But is it real TV? No. It is an advertorial and it is too bad it is not labeled as such. Magazines have been doing this for years--creating special sections for say, the hotel industry--and pitching it to advertisers as a chance to tell their own story, without the journalistic filter. But the difference is, these sections are nearly always listed (maybe in very fine print) as advertising or advertorial.','Blurring the line','','publish','open','open','','blurring-the-line','','','2008-05-20 07:46:01','2008-05-20 12:46:01','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=54',0,'post','',0),
(1282,4,'2008-05-21 11:30:57','2008-05-21 16:30:57','Well, it must because these sexist ads keep on appearing. You know the kind--where women appear as sexual objects, there to look pretty and please men. Or where every 1950s notion of male and female roles are reprised (women cook, men work, women clean, men work, women simper, men work). Women\'s magazines are filled with these images, plus they also tend to create the unattainable ideal of women courtesy of starving models and/or Photoshop. Why do these tendencies toward objectifying women continue in 2008, when for the first time in the United States a woman had a viable shot at being president of the country? Because its societal and because men are still in charge at most large U.S. advertising agencies. What can we do? Continue to disagree with this state of affairs, and be vocal about it. The University of Michigan houses the  Sexual Attack Prevention and Awareness Center, which is running a campaign to stop sexism in advertising. <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Anti-sexism campaign\" href=\"http://www.umich.edu/~sapac/sia/2007/\" target=\"_blank\">Read about it here.</a>','Does sexism sell?','','publish','open','open','','does-sexism-sell','','','2008-05-21 11:30:57','2008-05-21 16:30:57','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=55',0,'post','',0),
(1283,4,'2008-05-22 19:13:37','2008-05-23 00:13:37','Please visit my guest blog on <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Guest post\" href=\"http://generationygive.blogspot.com\" target=\"_blank\">Generation Y Give.</a>','Gen Y','','publish','open','open','','gen-y','','','2008-05-22 19:13:37','2008-05-23 00:13:37','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=56',0,'post','',0),
(1284,4,'2008-05-23 06:55:04','2008-05-23 11:55:04','Such is the case of a chicken sandwich being debuted at McDonald\'s, apparently based on a similar sandwich at Chick-fil-A, and being marketed to different ethnic groups across the country. The <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Which came first?\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/22/business/media/22adco.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin\" target=\"_blank\">story</a> is in the New York Times, and points to the importance of advertising in promoting a food product. McDonald\'s has a very large ad budget, and the big advertising agencies on it side. It also has restaurants everywhere. But there is one thing McDonald\'s does not have: a reputation for being a chicken place. Yes, they have chicken, but they are known for burgers and fries. This is their core business while, as its name implies, chicken is the thing at Chick-fil-A. It will be interesting to see if the chicken sandwich takes off at McDonald\'s, and whether it hurts Chick-fil-A\'s business or not.','Same product, different marketing, different retailers','','publish','open','open','','same-product-different-marketing-different-retailers','','','2008-05-23 06:55:04','2008-05-23 11:55:04','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=57',0,'post','',0),
(1285,4,'2008-05-25 13:15:17','2008-05-25 18:15:17','American Airlines says it knows why we fly. In any case, \"we know why you fly\" is their tag line for the current ad campaign. The campaign shows people traveling for various reasons, most of them to do with going to visit family or going on vacation.  It seems somewhat dissonant that if American knows why we fly, and its all feel good, and they are the company that takes us where we want to go, when we want to go, that they now turn around and start charging ridiculous fees (like $15 for your first checked bag, each way). Also, they are planning to cut back routes as well. Dissonance is just that--something is said or done that does not jibe with reality. There is a tremendous amount of dissonance in other advertising too. Like McDonald\'s aiming for the healthy market or something. The truth is that American has to make the public feel like it cares about them. Because everyone who has flown knows the reality is far from rosy. We\'ve been packed into flights that are often delayed, and given an option to buy crappy sandwiches if there is food at all. Once we get to our destination, we may or may not see our luggage. These days, to be a passenger takes a lot of stamina. You have to put up with security at the airport and lousy service on the airlines. But, as American knows, we are flying to go on vacation, to get away , to visit loved ones. So they cling on to that notion in their advertising. Maybe it isn\'t dissonance at all--maybe it is cynicism.  Since they know why we fly, they know we will put up with all sorts of crap.','Dissonance ','','publish','open','open','','dissonance','','','2008-05-25 13:15:17','2008-05-25 18:15:17','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=58',0,'post','',1),
(1286,4,'2008-05-27 11:04:51','2008-05-27 16:04:51','Tylenol is currently running a campaign with \"feel better\" as a tagline. There are several ads in the campaign, each posing a scenario and then finishing with the tagline. I saw one today that said that sometimes you get a headache when you are dehydrated, so drink a glass of water. The message seems to be that Tylenol cares about you, and that you don\'t always need to take a Tylenol. It is supposed to make us feel good about Tylenol as a company. They are caring, they provide good information and of course, they want us to feel better. There is nothing wrong with this strategy, but again, I wonder if it doesn\'t somewhat underestimate the consumer. We take Tylenol because it makes the pain go away.  If the pill didn\'t work, we would take something else. Would we care if the company cares how we feel?','Feel good','','publish','open','open','','feel-good','','','2008-05-27 11:04:51','2008-05-27 16:04:51','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=59',0,'post','',0),
(1287,4,'2008-05-30 06:38:18','2008-05-30 11:38:18','Marketing is all about creating perception. We use ads, public relations, coupons, whatever, to shape the public\'s perception of our product or service. Take for instance Geico. How do you perceive the insurer, which started life as a the Government Employees Insurance Company? Chances are you think of them as cheap insurance. Why? Because for years they have been using the tagline \"15 minutes could save you 15% or more.\" They also use a humorous approach to make them seem accessible. (I do love the new James Lipton commercial, where he \"interviews\" a \"real\" Geico customer.)\n\nOK. So not all perception is accurate. Giant, a supermarket here in the mid-Atlantic, runs an ad campaign that makes it seem that Giant is the place to get everything you need and save money. So not true. Many products at Giant are more expensive than elsewhere. This is where marketers can get into trouble, or where we see a disconnect between a marketing department and an operations department. The marketers are being told go out and make it look like we offer great deals on a great selection of food.  Yet price points are really high for many items.\n\nIn Washington, yesterday and today, the hoopla is all about Scott McClellan\'s new book, \"What Happened.\" Why? Because McClellan, who was press secretary for Bush, and who was in charge of shaping the public\'s perception about issues such as the Iraq war, has turned. The book is highly critical of Bush and his advisers, and claims they actively used him to deceive the American public. There is a perception problem though--why should we believe McClellan now? What is motivating him to come out against Bush (to whom he was loyal for years) NOW?  In fact, the press does not seem to know what to make of this. I saw Martha Raddatz interview McClellan last night on ABC News and she asked him point blank if he thought the Bush White House were liars. He stopped short of saying that. What McClellan has to contend with it that he is perceived as a spinner. In fact, Martha called him on it--telling him he was spinning! It was unbelievable. <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Martha Raddatz interview with Scott McClellan\" href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Politics/story?id=4958262&amp;page=1\" target=\"_blank\">Read the transcript here.</a>\n\nSo there is often a gap to bridge between the truth and perception. In public affairs, if the bridge is shaky, the public will find out eventually. I think this is the case here. All governments spin the facts. That is a fact. But not all governments take the country to war. The truth is yet to be told, and the perception about the Iraq war has been crumbling for a while. Will Scott McClellan\'s book bring this bridge down completely? I am not sure. Like I said before, he has a perception problem himself. Reporters don\'t trust him. Dana Milbank (whose commentary I think is somewhat juvenile) pokes fun at McClellan in today\'s <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Dana Millbank\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/29/AR2008052903675.html?hpid=topnews\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post</a>. It will play out eventually. Stay tuned.','Perception, perception, perception.','','publish','open','open','','perception-perception-perception','','','2008-05-30 06:38:18','2008-05-30 11:38:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=60',0,'post','',0),
(1288,4,'2008-06-04 14:17:47','2008-06-04 19:17:47','We\'ve all heard that sticks and stones can break your bones but words can\'t. Words may not break bones but they can be a call to action that could result in broken bones. Speech can be powerful. As many PR/marketing practitioners know, writing a speech can be one of the most difficult tasks. You want to get across a message, while maintaining a tone that resonates with the audience. You have to choose words carefully and you have to use humor judiciously. In short, it\'s a difficult task. But a good speech and more importantly, a well delivered speech can really sway minds.\n\nI had the privilege of listening to Barack Obama speak this morning. He\'s a fantastic orator. I also heard John McCain speak on Monday. Obama is a stronger speaker than McCain, and that is something that can\'t be underestimated. This contest will really come down to the power of speech because a good speech can certainly influence opinion. President Reagan was known for his speaking abilities and I would say that is what won him the presidency and kept him there through two terms. George Bush is not known for being a good speaker. Yes, he won the presidency but he won against Kerry, who is certainly not a good speaker. Gore also was known as sounding very wooden. So the bottom line is that it is important what you say (this is where the speechwriters earn their money) but how you say it can make all the difference.','Speech is powerful','','publish','open','open','','speech-is-powerful','','','2008-06-04 14:17:47','2008-06-04 19:17:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=61',0,'post','',1),
(1289,4,'2008-06-08 09:33:30','2008-06-08 14:33:30','Seriously. This isn\'t about working all night on the re-branding project, it\'s about what certain words connote in a religious context. Apparently, the Alexandria. VA-based Baptist Temple was suffering from dwindling membership. What did they resolve to do? Hold a membership drive? No! Re-brand the church. See, apparently the name \"Baptist Temple\" carries bad or unclear connotations. Baptist is tied to the far right conservative movement, and this church is progressive. And temple? Well, apparently that made this place sound hippy-dippy.  So, they pastor begged his flock to rename the church and the new name is...Commonwealth Baptist Church. They didn\'t stop there. With true branding and marketing savvy, they will add a tagline, which has not been chosen yet but may be something like \"A Progressive Community of Faith.\"\n\nRead the whole <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Article on Baptist Temple\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/07/AR2008060700924.html\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post article </a>for more information. This is such a great example of how a name can make all the difference. It goes back to what I was saying before about perception. I find it interesting that the pastor in this church thought that by changing their name, they would literally save their church. I will be interested to see if it does make a difference.','Getting religious about branding','','publish','open','open','','getting-religious-about-branding','','','2008-06-08 09:33:30','2008-06-08 14:33:30','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=62',0,'post','',0),
(1290,4,'2008-06-10 07:58:17','2008-06-10 12:58:17','Sometimes due to budget constraints or sometimes due to plan, advertisers choose to go the simple and cheap route. I noticed one such attempt yesterday. I saw a simple lawn sign, by the side of busy road here in Bethesda, that said simply Single? and then the advertisers URL. It was in black and white, and I didn\'t see another sign around. This is cheaper than cheap, so any return on investment has got to be high. But does this work? Is a small sign enough to drive traffic to a website? There are several advantages to this approach. Clearly, the headline says it all. And there is no clutter around it. Geographically targeted. The disadvantages are that since there is no frequency, perhaps the URL does not get across. Is it measurable?\n\nPoliticians have been using lawn signs for years. But those are more a sign of solidarity than a call to action. It does prove however, that sometimes simple is all you need (as a start) when your message is simple. When you have to explain attributes or compare your product or service, you will need a bigger forum than a lawn sign. Of course, that is where the URL comes in. Certainly a website gives you the space to make your case.','So simple and so effective?','','publish','open','open','','so-simple-and-so-effective','','','2008-06-10 07:58:17','2008-06-10 12:58:17','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=63',0,'post','',0),
(1291,4,'2008-06-13 08:06:06','2008-06-13 13:06:06','Sometimes it takes crisis for companies to understand that communicating (actually, communicating effectively) is important. Washington\'s Metro has been having a really bad couple of weeks. First, the tracks at one station were blocked by a freak storm. Then there was a derailment, then a kink in the tracks and today, they have a fire in one of the tunnels. (All of which begs the question how safe is Metro, but that is another story). Metro has been repeatedly criticized for not communicating effectively with its customers. The problem starts with really bad PA systems, which make it impossible to understand what is being said. Then, they have internal communications issues, where headquarters knows something that people on the ground don\'t or vice versa. In fact, the general manager of Metro was on the air this week saying that they can always improve their communications. Of course they can. They have to! When there is a bad situation, people want to know about it so they can make a decision on how they will respond. If there is a delay on Metro of over an hour, maybe it is worth it to take a cab or walk or whatever. Same thing happens on the airlines. It is frustrating when you are sitting in a gate area seeing the minutes tick by and not knowing why you haven\'t boarded yet.\n\nClear and real communications are important in all situations, but more so in a crisis situation. In Metro\'s case, they need a complete overhaul of their communications systems. In other cases, it is almost common sense. Tell people what is happening. Don\'t misinform or propagandize. People see through that or will resent it. You know the drill--nothing is happening, just a minor delay. Instead say, there is a delay and we do not yet know the extent of it. We will get you more information as we get it.','Communication is important. No, really?','','publish','open','open','','communication-is-important-no-really','','','2008-06-13 08:06:06','2008-06-13 13:06:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=65',0,'post','',0),
(1292,4,'2008-06-13 18:46:07','2008-06-13 23:46:07','Tim Russert died today at 58. He was too young and he was too wise. In TV news, where too often people talk nonsense, he did not. I started watching Russert when he became moderator of Meet the Press. I watched the show almost religiously for many years. I always enjoyed his questions and his guests. From what I have heard through the years, and especially in tributes tonight, Russert was a family oriented person, who really seemed to care about those he worked with.  I can only say he was a fine journalist, and I am sad the he will no longer be on the air. My condolences to his family. I think many political junkies are sharing in your sadness.','A fine journalist','','publish','open','open','','a-fine-journalist','','','2008-06-13 18:46:07','2008-06-13 23:46:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=66',0,'post','',0),
(1293,4,'2008-06-19 09:09:26','2008-06-19 14:09:26','We may tend to think of branding as limited to logos, ads, boilerplates in press releases, corporate identity kits that define colors on  websites, or any number of marketing tools that are used to create a cohesive image. Of course, that is the part of branding that a marketing communications person would be involved with. But there is a part of branding that is more elusive but I think as important: the front lines of your organization or company. What do I mean by front lines? I mean the first impression that your company gives a visitor when he or she is visiting in person. The front line is the receptionist, the waiting area or lobby, the building, the office, whatever the visitor sees first. You can learn a lot about a company from observing this space. Recently, I went to an office where the receptionist greeted me coldly, the waiting area was cold in feel and by design. It was all marble, with nary a magazine or any other reading material in sight. There company logo had a cold, stark look to it. In short, it was not very welcoming. I sat there (because the person I was waiting for was running late...another bad impression) and thought about what they were trying to convey. Perhaps they were aiming for efficiency? Or they didn\'t want anyone to linger? Or most likely, they did not give a thought to the image they are giving off. In my experience, this is a very weak link in most organizations\' image creation \"plans.\"  Last year, I had a client that was trying to promote high end, expensive products. You would think that the store would be rich and comfortable. it was not. I tried to convince the client that no matter how brilliant our marketing plan was, potential customers would be turned off when walking in to the store. In other words, we could get people there but we couldn\'t make people buy.  It would be in lots of companies\' best interest to take a tour of their reception areas with new eyes. Is the receptionist courteous? Presenting the company image (whatever that may be---professional or casual)? How would a visitor feel in the waiting area? How do you look to an outsider? Is that look in line with your mission/vision?\n\nFirst impressions count, right?','The branding that goes beyond','','publish','open','open','','the-branding-that-goes-beyond','','','2008-06-19 09:09:26','2008-06-19 14:09:26','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=67',0,'post','',0),
(1294,4,'2008-06-22 06:42:51','2008-06-22 11:42:51','If a celebrity you admire is touting a product, do you buy it? Apparently, you do. Today, the New York Times has a v<a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"NYT Article on Celebrity Sells\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/business/media/22celeb.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=1&amp;adxnnlx=1214133945-VQjn10GWTRs2cJpxfa%20VYA\" target=\"_blank\">ery interesting article  about celebrity endorsements</a>. It discusses among other items, Totes\' (umbrella makers) decision to use Rihanna (pop singer) as a celebrity endorser. Rihanna had a hit song called, aptly enough, Umbrella, which made Totes\' executive think this was a good match.\n\nI think celebrity endorsements are overrated. The article talks about Nicole Kidman appearing for Chanel #5 and Ellen Degeneres appearing for American Express. I like both these actresses yet I would not get either product. I happen to think the AmEx ads are great--always entertaining. It boils down to relevance and need. I don\'t need another credit card, so it is irrelevant that Ellen hawks AmEx. Sometimes, I just don\'t believe the celebrity actually uses the product. You are going to tell me that Queen Latifah uses Cover Girl? Or that Jennifer Love Hewitt uses Hanes? Please! One of the most annoying ads on TV today, in my opinion, is the Jamie Lee Curtis ad for Danon Activia. Why on earth is this a good idea?\n\nCelebrity endorsements are almost a way to get rid of advertising creativity. Here, look, this celebrity uses the product, and so should you. So the adoring masses go and buy the product. That is the thought process the marketing execs are using. Instead, a creative team would have to think of all the great product attributes and come up with an interesting/funny/smart way to promote the product. Hmm...which is more labor intensive?','Do you buy celebrity?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-buy-celebrity','','','2008-06-22 06:42:51','2008-06-22 11:42:51','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=68',0,'post','',1),
(1295,4,'2008-06-27 13:05:48','2008-06-27 18:05:48','Yes they do--on Southwest. What a great campaign for them.  As the \"legacy\" carriers tack on more and more fees, cut flights, increase fares and generally screw the passenger, Southwest is going gangbusters (relatively speaking). They are actually adding routes and eschewing bag fees. Who do you think will keep or increase its customer base?\n\nOn the other hand, American cut all flights to Albany, NY and is charging $30 roundtrip for the first checked bag, $50 for the second. Additionally, they have added many fees and surcharges for everything from checking odd-sized bags, flying with a pet and changing your ticket.\n\nI fail to see the marketing sense in what the large carriers are doing. If you are hurting for money, do you do everything you can to make sure your customers think twice about doing business with you? If what you are doing is ridiculed by many, and fodder for anger, is this not a public relations nightmare? What good news are you hearing about the airlines? Is there any additional perk that is being given to passengers who are paying through the nose? Why would you fly if you can drive for less money? Bottom line is that Southwest seems to get it and American, et al just don\'t. All you have to do is look at JetBlue. They started flying as the other airlines had started cutting back on the perks of travel. JetBlue gave passengers are real alternative, that cost less and get this: was more comfortable and had more amenities. This made JetBlue an extremely popular airline.  In fact, the only reason JetBlue is not the biggest airline, in my opinion, is that they travel to secondary airports.\n\nI just read <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"More fees on airlines\" href=\"http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/27/news/companies/airlines_capacity/index.htm?cnn=yes\" target=\"_blank\">an article on CNN</a> regarding the fees and cutbacks. The article also quotes travel experts who think the fares will keep climbing. I wonder if the airlines will be forced to slow down fare increases and nickel and diming if enough customers say no way. Southwest is definitely capitalizing on these sentiments and running an enticing campaign plus putting in place some smart operational plans.','Bags Fly Free','','publish','open','open','','bags-fly-free','','','2008-06-27 13:05:48','2008-06-27 18:05:48','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=69',0,'post','',1),
(1296,4,'2008-06-30 09:31:56','2008-06-30 14:31:56','Marketing books is tough. So many get published and in order to make a profit, the publishers have to sell quite a number. Good reviews help tremendously. Word of mouth, author talks, buzz...all help to sell a book. If an author is not established, he/she faces a long road ahead. Of course, an Oprah review catapults any book to the top of the heap. Today, however, I saw a posting on Craig\'s List that really amazed me. An author is trying to create buzz/readership for his book via social networking. The deal is that you write him, he sends you a  of his book and you review and share it with your social network and his social network. According to him, the return is that you make lots of new contacts, and obviously for him, the return is that he gets you and your contacts as potential book buyers and some self-created buzz.  I haven\'t seen it before but I bet this is the new it thing to do for book publishers and writers. Increasingly, we are skipping the middleperson and going to the masses. Is this really what Web 2.0 is aiming for?  If you\'ve read Malcolm Gladwell\'s <em>The Tipping Point,</em> you know that the mavens are the ones who have the info who they pass to the salespeople who in turn use connectors to get the word out to a larger audience. I can see it now--through Twitter hundreds of people get updated that so and so just read It Book and they now can get on their IPhone and order it directly from Amazon. The book shoots up the charts and now we have a new bestseller.','Who needs book reviews?','','publish','open','open','','who-needs-book-reviews','','','2008-06-30 09:31:56','2008-06-30 14:31:56','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=71',0,'post','',2),
(1297,4,'2008-07-01 21:47:13','2008-07-02 02:47:13','According to <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Diabetes Perception\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/health/01well.html?em&amp;ex=1215057600&amp;en=f510164769b0d7bb&amp;ei=5087%0A\" target=\"_blank\">an article in the New York Times</a>, people perceive diabetes as a disease that is not as serious as heart disease or cancer. Apparently this perception is wrong and can be deadly. Diabetes is very serious and has many ill effects on the body.\n\nThe story illustrates just how important communication can be in educating people about disease and treatment. But it also shows that some diseases face a branding problem. Diabetes has not been properly \"branded\" as a deadly disease. We all know cancer is serious, but we don\'t feel the same about diabetes. I will be interested to see what the American Diabetes Association does, from a communications standpoint to communicate the seriousness and change this misperception.','When perception can be dangerous','','publish','open','open','','when-perception-can-be-dangerous','','','2008-07-01 21:47:13','2008-07-02 02:47:13','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=73',0,'post','',0),
(1298,4,'2008-07-07 10:31:11','2008-07-07 15:31:11','It\'s no easy feat. After all, insurance is one of those burdens in life, something we need but don\'t necessarily want. Lately I have seen some funny commercials for Nationwide, but the humorous trend goes back to Geico. Geico has had great ads for a long time and their tag line \"15 minutes or less could save you 15% or more on car insurance\" is ubiquitous. Unlike other insurers, they run several advertising campaigns at once. You might see ads featuring the Gecko, the Cavemen or the Celebrity Spokesperson. It keeps it fresh. If you\'ve ever wondered where these ideas came from, here\'s <a class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Geico VP of Marketing \" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/06/AR2008070601874.html\" target=\"_blank\">an interview with Geico\'s marketing VP,</a> from today\'s Washington Post.','Making insurance interesting','','publish','open','open','','making-insurance-interesting','','','2008-07-07 10:31:11','2008-07-07 15:31:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=74',0,'post','',0),
(1299,4,'2008-07-10 07:38:01','2008-07-10 12:38:01','A couple months back I wrote about the in-flight advertising I encountered, and apparently it is a growing trend. Here\'s <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Practical Traveler\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/travel/06pracads.html?_r=1&amp;oref=slogin\" target=\"_blank\">an article</a> from the New York times about it.  In a nutshell, the airlines are trying to raise revenue in whatever way they can, so we can expect to see more and more ads and offers while on board. I would rather they plaster the cabin with ads as long as they stop charging for checking suitcases and other odds and ends. Why don\'t beverage companies have promotions on board? Try our new beverage (for free of course) and get a coupon or whatever. This is an area that the airlines have paid attention to but haven\'t been terribly creative with. After all, all transit systems in the US seem to use advertising as a way to offset costs. Metro here in Washington certainly stepped up advertising availabilities when they needed more money, and they have a long way to go to match other transit systems. Buses have had ads on their sides for years! It makes sense...generally, these ads are geographically targeted (on specific bus routes) or have captive audiences (inside the bus).  In any case, we should certainly expect to see ads on everything the airline gives us (if they still give us anything).','Ads on board','','publish','open','open','','ads-on-board','','','2008-07-10 07:38:01','2008-07-10 12:38:01','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=75',0,'post','',1),
(1300,4,'2008-07-14 11:30:34','2008-07-14 16:30:34','Literally! You may remember a few months back I bought a Bissell vacuum, basically because price being equal, I believed its tagline: Bissell means clean. Well, my experience has proven otherwise. The vacuum is hard to handle and seems to have lost suction power already. Based on this experience, I\'d be hard pressed to recommend Bissell. Which leads me to my topic--marketing should be more than great taglines and fun ads. It should be more than a great media relations campaign or unified branding. It should be about products and services that are good, that work as described, that do offer the goods. Unfortunately, many times marketing DOES operate in a vacuum. Marketing people are relegated to their offices, and most of their dealings are with agencies and other marketing affiliates. How many marketing people actually visit a production line or test a product? I would bet not many.  Sometimes, marketing people are the last to know about changes or production timetables. Years ago, when I worked at an ad agency in Boston, we had put together a media buy for the launch of a laptop computer. Guess what? The computer was not going to be available by the time the ads were scheduled to run. That hurt both the agency and the product. We had to scramble to change or cancel buys, and the media weren\'t too terribly impressed by our client.\n\nIn a sense, companies undervalue their marketing departments, but marketing departments sometimes are not quick enough to get involved with the overall operations of a company. I am sure Bissell loves its tagline--its great after all. But the truth is that marketing something that doesn\'t deliver its promise is a mistake. In my case, Bissell means not so clean. There is a saying, the proof is in the pudding. Let\'s make sure the pudding is always really yummy (and preferably chocolate).','Marketing doesn\'t operate in a vacuum','','publish','open','open','','marketing-doesnt-operate-in-a-vacuum','','','2008-07-14 11:30:34','2008-07-14 16:30:34','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=76',0,'post','',1),
(1301,4,'2008-07-17 08:50:40','2008-07-17 13:50:40','I did not know, until today, that there is an Emmy for Outstanding Commercial. Now I will have to investigate this further. Although the ad industry gives out Clios and Addys, I think an Emmy is well deserved. After all, a good commercial is entertaining, and it is competing with the (supposedly) very entertaining TV we are watching. As those who work in ad production know, putting together a commercial is akin to making a small film. Casting, special effects, location scouting, and more are all involved.\n\nThe nominees for the Emmy this year are:\n<table class=\"bodytext2\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\" width=\"521\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"2\" align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"></td>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"><strong>Brother Of The Bride - Hallmark</strong>\nPYTKA, <em>Production Company</em>\nLeo Burnett, <em>Ad Agency</em></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"2\" align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"></td>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"><strong>Carrier Pigeons - FedEx</strong>\nMJZ, <em>Production Company</em>\nBBDO New York, <em>Ad Agency</em></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"2\" align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"></td>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"><strong>Delivery - Travelers</strong>\nMJZ, <em>Production Company</em>\nFallon, <em>Ad Agency</em></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"2\" align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"></td>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"><strong>It\'s Mine - Coca Cola</strong>\nMJZ, <em>Production Company</em>\nWieden + Kennedy, <em>Ad Agency</em></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"2\" align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"></td>\n<td align=\"left\" valign=\"center\"><strong>Swear Jar - Bud Light</strong>\nHungry Man, <em>Production Company</em>\nDDB Chicago, <em>Ad Agency</em></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody></table>','And the Emmy goes to...this gread ad!','','publish','open','open','','and-the-emmy-goes-tothis-gread-ad','','','2008-07-17 08:50:40','2008-07-17 13:50:40','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=78',0,'post','',1),
(1302,4,'2008-07-21 07:27:18','2008-07-21 12:27:18','Alltelll is competing with all other cell phone providers, but particularly with Verizon. I know this from the commercial that Alltel is currently running, featuring a family in an RV discussing cell phone plans with representatives of all other wireless networks, prominent among which is the Verizon \"rep\" with the company name inscribed on his red shirt (red also being one of Verizon\'s colors).  Quizno\'s \"meaty\" sub is far meatier apparently than a comparable meat sub at Subway. They told me so.\n\nWe see this side by side comparison frequently in political ads but not as often in product/service ads. Why? Because it is risky. First, there is the risk of libel. If you say anything really bad about the rival, especially something unfounded, then you can be sued. Second, you place yourself in direct competition with something particular, practically begging for people to compare and contrast. As an advertiser, you have to be supremely confident in your product/service to attempt this. Remember the cola wars? Pepsi and Coke challenged people to taste tests!\n\nAnother issue with mentioning your competition by name is that you are revealing to the competition just who/what you consider your biggest competitor.  For Quizno\'s, it is Subway. Subway knows this. A while back, Subway started offering \"toasted\" sandwiches. Quizno\'s is known for their warm offerings.\n\nI understand why you would challenge your competition. You want to prove superiority. However, this strategy can backfire in some cases.','Identifying (with) the competition','','publish','open','open','','identifying-with-the-competition','','','2008-07-21 07:27:18','2008-07-21 12:27:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=80',0,'post','',0),
(1303,4,'2008-07-22 20:47:02','2008-07-23 01:47:02','Yeah, it\'s Comcastic! If you are a Comcast subscriber you have seen these commercials, extolling the wonders of cable versus the slow DSL service of the phone company. You\'ve seen the Slowskys, a family of turtles who much prefer DSL. Funny, yes. Accurate, not really. Apparently, one of the problems with \"Comcastic\" service is the LACK of service.  The Washington Post wrote <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Comcast lack of service\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072202685.html?hpid=topnews\" target=\"_blank\">a story</a> about how Comcast\'s growth has come at the expense of its customers.','Truth in advertising','','publish','open','open','','truth-in-advertising','','','2008-07-22 20:47:02','2008-07-23 01:47:02','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=83',0,'post','',0),
(1304,4,'2008-07-25 08:42:35','2008-07-25 13:42:35','A few months back I wrote about companies that check on what is being said about them online. I had written a post about Comcast and their lack of customer service and I myself got a comment from Comcast. I theorized that this was a new outreach program for them, and today\'s New York TImes has <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Online reputation NYT\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/technology/25comcast.html?_r=1&amp;hp&amp;oref=slogin\" target=\"_blank\">a story confirming this</a>. They compare it to a sort of outbound customer service department, trying to fix things before they get out of hand. I will give kudos to Comcast simply for acknowledging how important blogs, social media and other online forums have become and how they can affect reputations.\n\nReputations are perceptions and thus changeable. We\'ve all heard of sterling reputations, and we should all aim for that. Bad reputations can be damaging in a  very real, economic way. This blog will always deal with companies and never with individual reputations. However, this new online world order can damage individual reputations as well. I saw a story on TV not long ago (I can\'t remember which TV news show or I woulld link to it) where an individual had the same name as a famous rock star. Clearly, his online reputation would be somewhat buried because 99% of mentions referred to the rock star. He went to create an online reputation agency that charges lots of money to clean up companies\' (and individuals) images. In any case, this is an ongoing issue and one that more companies will be expending effort to deal with.','Online reputations','','publish','open','open','','online-reputations','','','2008-07-25 08:42:35','2008-07-25 13:42:35','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=85',0,'post','',0),
(1305,4,'2008-07-31 09:16:16','2008-07-31 14:16:16','Warning--this is a political commentary.\n\nWe are in full swing into the political campaign season and for sure we will be seeing many ads tagged as \"I am (fill in candidate\'s name) and I approved this message.\" In the past few days I have seen many anti- Obama ads approved by John McCain. About a month or so ago, McCain said he would steer clear of personal attacks and talk about the issues.  So now, he is attacking Obama personally. There is a<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"McCain attack ads\" href=\"http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_el_pr/angry_mccain\" target=\"_blank\"> story on Yahoo </a>about this. The question is whether this tactic will backfire. To me the question is why McCain has chosen this route. We will probably always see attack/negative ads during political campaigns. But to me, it is a mark of desperation. McCain\'s campaign knows that Obama has more personal appeal than McCain, and they also know that people are not always convinced by the issues but more by personality. McCain\'s attack on Obama highlights what I have been noting about the Republican candidate--he\'s a bit rough around the edges.\n\nFor those who are 100% in McCain\'s camp and/or are Obama haters, these ads will serve to bolster their position. They will feel even better that Obama is whatever adjective they want to use. However, for those that are undecided, this tactic is so old-fashioned that I do think it will backfire. It doesn\'t give anyone reasons to think McCain will have better policies.','Undermining character','','publish','open','open','','undermining-character','','','2008-07-31 09:16:16','2008-07-31 14:16:16','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=87',0,'post','',0),
(1306,4,'2008-08-07 09:29:39','2008-08-07 14:29:39','Freecreditreport.com does. It says it\'s free. And says that if you don\'t know your credit score, you could be up the creek, without a paddle. Trouble is, freecreditreport.com is not free. You have to enroll to get your report, which by the way, you could get free from annualcreditreport.com. The US Congress passed a law a few years ago allowing consumers access to their all important credit reports, for free, on a yearly basis. As an aside, you still have to pay for your FICO score. Regardless, freecreditreport.com still advertises itself as free, even though it isn\'t. And it has a bunch of different commercials, all with catchy jingles about what could happen to you if you don\'t know the score. My favorite is the one where the guy ends up working at a tourist fish restaurant. So tragic. Read about the campaign <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"freecreditreport commercials\" href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26061279/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, courtesy of MSNBC. And remember, free isn\'t always free. So much for truth in advertising.','Did we say \"free?\"','','publish','open','open','','did-we-say-free','','','2008-08-07 09:29:39','2008-08-07 14:29:39','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=89',0,'post','',0),
(1307,4,'2008-08-09 16:37:20','2008-08-09 21:37:20','As no doubt you have read or heard, Anheuser-Busch, parent of Budweiser beer, has been bought by an Belgian-based company, InBev. The news spawned lots of hand wringing about what this would do to the \"all-American\" beer and could red-blooded Americans drink a product owned by (pause) Belgians. Well the answer can be seen in the newest Budweiser/image commercial, which is airing during the Olympics. The new commercial is about all things American, you know, Nascar and the Statue of Liberty. I may have seen a slice of apple pie somewhere in there. Clearly this ad is designed to celebrate America and to make sure to make the connection between Budweiser and America (and Americana). It makes sense. If anything, Budweiser has always had very good commercials (how else to explain the appeal of this most watered down of beers). This one deals with the issue at hand--the company is no longer American-owned. But the beer is still the \"Great American Beer.\"  In one word, the commercial is patriotic. It\'s meant to build on people\'s patriotism while watching the greatest of international sporting events, the Olympics, but in reality, it is meant to address head-on, any concern Bud consumers may have about the new ownership, or even to obfuscate the change.','The All-American Beer is Not','','publish','open','open','','the-all-american-beer-is-not','','','2008-08-09 16:37:20','2008-08-09 21:37:20','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=91',0,'post','',1),
(1308,4,'2008-08-11 07:25:50','2008-08-11 12:25:50','If you have ever doubted that blogs are important then take a look at Pete Snyder. Snyder, at 35, is a multi-millionaire today because he understands the importance of blogs and created New Media Strategies, a firm devoted to checking up on what blogs are saying about its clients. \"Trolling\" if you will. I have written about this phenomenon before, but had no idea a single person made so much money checking up on online mentions and reputations. Read the entire <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Web 2.0\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001988.html\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post story</a> here.\n\nMore and more, we will hear about Web 2.0. In fact, I am not sure that traditional public relations moves such as sending press releases will continue to work at all. Many people no longer read newspapers, unless they are online. Newspapers are consolidating and there are fewer reporters to target. Small community newspapers may still pay attention to press releases, but overall, people are using the Internet more often to obtain and disseminate news.\n\nRecently, I attended a meeting with other writers. Some of them were woefully uneducated about the powers of social media. Indeed, if there is a Networking 2.0 it is social media. I know people who have hundreds of connections on LinkedIn and/or Facebook. These networks are the new Rolodexes. People who refuse to join will simply be tapped out of the new currency. It\'s like people who refused to have cell phones. It also always surprises me to find businesses without a website. What is that about? It seems today that aside from Mom and Pop neighborhood shops (drycleaners, card stores) everyone has to have a website. How else to find out more about someone?\n\nAll in all, the Web is the place. How many people have flocked to the IPhone because they want access to the Web wherever they are?','Web 2.0 Squared','','publish','open','open','','web-20-squared','','','2008-08-11 07:25:50','2008-08-11 12:25:50','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=93',0,'post','',2),
(1309,4,'2008-08-12 12:05:51','2008-08-12 17:05:51','I found this <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Jamieson analysis\" href=\"http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/08/12/campaign_ads/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">in-depth article</a>, analyzing the presidential candidate\'s tv ads on Salon.com and wanted to share with you. Kathleen Hall Jamieson is a well known expert in the area of political advertising, something I was very interested in when I was in graduate school. In fact, I looked up many of her articles to do my Master\'s project, which was a marketing campaign for a third-party candidate. But enough about that.\n\nThis campaign is going to play out across two electronic arenas--television and Internet. I have said before that I think McCain\'s ads are not going to help him, as long as he continues a personal attack against Obama. I know McCain has to discredit Obama, and especially, he has to strike at the issue of experience. The truth is that Obama does not have much national experience, and McCain does. However, the generation of voters that will make the difference in this election, in my opinion, is GenY. And they certainly don\'t care about experience per se. I think they are idealistic and don\'t tend to think that the older you get, the better you are.\n\nOn the Internet, Obama has shown prowess in collecting money. He has a well thought out social media and Internet marketing campaign. This will help with GenY voters. Recently, it was reported that McCain is not very astute on the computer. This is such a strike against him.  So of course, McCain\'s main tactic will be to portray Obama as inexperienced. They will also try to make him out to be \"foreign.\" This was reported yesterday in the media...it was one of the tactics offered to the Clinton campaign, and which was wisely ignored. McCain certainly can lay claim to the patriotic mark--after all, he fought in Vietnam and was a POW. The question remains, is it sufficient to win over hearts and minds?','Political Ads Analyzed','','publish','open','open','','political-ads-analyzed','','','2008-08-12 12:05:51','2008-08-12 17:05:51','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=95',0,'post','',0),
(1310,4,'2008-08-13 11:17:45','2008-08-13 16:17:45','I have written before that marketing communications goes beyond nice brochures, great ads and a fabulous website. There is an element of marketing that is more personal--it is how each and every customer, or potential customer, views your company or organization. With the rise of social media and the ability of posters such as myself to critique anything and everything, this has become even more important.\n\nLast week I had my hair cut at a salon in DC. I went there because a friend recommended it. Check. However, I got there, and waited for my appointment. This in spite of the fact that they charge YOU if you are late for your appointment. The hairdresser never apologized. She was neither good nor bad, but she did tell me, weirdly enough, that she had been written up \"on one of those sites on the Internet\" and she hated the Internet for this reason. My answer is that if more than one person is saying the same thing, there is a problem. I checked on the salon and indeed lots of people had mixed reviews of the place, some worse and some better. However, many of the complaints had to do with attitude. Things like the receptionist was rude or was not very accomodating. Now listen to me--these things MATTER. More today than ever.\n\nSimilarly, in everyday interactions with businesses, businesses should really take care with details. Here are a couple of examples from my experiences. I went on a long trip back in February, and used a travel agent because of the complexity of the trip. She was not very good and since I wasn\'t spending the type of money she is used to dealing with, she barely gave me the time of day. Additionally, she gave bad advice! I wrote a letter to the travel agency owner. And guess what--I never heard from her. Not one word of acknowledgment or apology. So PORTFOLIO TRAVEL on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC, you will never see my business again, and certainly I will never recommend you.\n\nLast week, someone asked me for a proposal. I sent it to her by COB, the same day. She claimed she would get back to me by the end of last week. She did not. I followed up on Monday and she did not  even have the courtesy to respond to my email. Why would I ever want to work with someone like that?\n\nSo in summary, every personal interaction with a member of the public has the potential to get you good or bad publicity. Every. Single. Interaction. When people are upset these days, they make their voices heard through a very public forum, the Internet. There are dozens of sites like Yelp.com devoted to rating businesses and products. Some health care insurers are now allowing you to rate your doctor too. No one is immune. There is an expression, \"mind your ps and qs.\" Or \"cross your ts and dot your is.\" Whatever it takes, remember that every time you interact with the public you are representing your company. You are a marketing ambassador. Act like it.','Yeah, it\'s personal','','publish','open','open','','yeah-its-personal','','','2008-08-13 11:17:45','2008-08-13 16:17:45','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=97',0,'post','',0),
(1311,4,'2008-08-20 11:39:16','2008-08-20 16:39:16','','p8200840','Johnsons Nourishing Lotion','inherit','open','open','','p8200840','','','2008-08-20 11:39:16','2008-08-20 16:39:16','',1313,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200840.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(1312,4,'2008-08-20 11:41:28','2008-08-20 16:41:28','','p8200843','Johnson\'s Nourishing Green Tea Moisturizer','inherit','open','open','','p8200843','','','2008-08-20 11:41:28','2008-08-20 16:41:28','',1313,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200843.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(1313,4,'2008-08-20 11:54:29','2008-08-20 16:54:29','<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\"></div>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_100\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"224\" caption=\"Johnson&#39;s Nourishing  Renewal Lotion\"]<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200840.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-100\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200840.jpg?w=224\" alt=\"Johnsons Nourishing Lotion\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThis is Johnson\'s Nourishing Renewal Lotion, which purports to restore youthful baby softness to one\'s skin.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_101\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"224\" caption=\"Johnson&#39;s Green Tea Moisturizer\"]<a href=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200843.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-101\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8200843.jpg?w=224\" alt=\"Johnson\'s Nourishing Green Tea Moisturizer\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nAnd here\'s the exact same lotion, except the label and name have been changed. Now the lotion only claims to give you \"healthy, beautiful looking skin.\"\n\nIf you often shop for the same products you may find that products change their names or attributes, but if you look closely at the ingredients, the products are still the same. In this case, Johnson\'s has added the word \"green tea,\" even though nowhere in the ingredients is green tea listed.  In fact the label goes on to say that the lotion \"contains natural antioxidants found in green tea. The previous label said that the lotion contains \"vitamins A &amp; E, shea butter &amp; essential oils.\" The old label more accurately describes the product in my opinion, but because green tea has become such a big a buzz phrase in marketing, the powers that be decided to tinker with the label.  This strategy can be positive if you are trying to attract new customers who may be drawn to the perceived value of green tea. However, the strategy can backfire, because existing customers looking for their regular lotion will have to figure out if this is still the same. They, like I, will realize that it is the same, but has changed its name and NOTHING else.\n\nProducts go through name changes all the time. Packaging is also changed periodically, to entice new shoppers.  At some point, purely cosmetic changes (no pun intended) don\'t add any value to the consumer. In this case, I am not getting any green tea benefits, just the same natural antioxidants found in green tea.\n\nDo you have any examples of packaging that has changed but the product remains the same?','Packaging buzz words','','publish','open','open','','packaging-buzz-words','','','2008-08-20 11:54:29','2008-08-20 16:54:29','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=99',0,'post','',1),
(1314,4,'2008-08-20 11:55:45','2008-08-20 16:55:45','','p8180834','Writing from the nation\'s capital','inherit','open','open','','p8180834','','','2008-08-20 11:55:45','2008-08-20 16:55:45','',1237,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/p8180834.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(1315,4,'2008-08-22 06:08:31','2008-08-22 11:08:31','Here in the Washington DC area, there are two major supermarket chains, Giant and Safeway. There are other smaller chains like Harris Teeter, and national chains such as Trader Joe\'s and Whole Foods. When I first moved to the area, I went to Giant. I was shocked and appalled--compared to the Publix in Florida, the prices were higher and the produce inferior.  I pretty much abandoned Giant in favor of shopping in several other places. There doesn\'t seem to be one place that has it all. Trader Joe\'s has good prices but does not carry certain things and does not have good produce. Whole Foods has good produce at extremely high prices. And so forth.\n\nLately, Giant has been suffering from lost market share and has begun redesigning its stores, lowering its prices (supposedly) and now, redesigning its logo. The <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Giant Logo Redesign\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/21/AR2008082103508.html\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Post</a> reports that its old logo has been in use since 1963. It was certainly time for an update. The supermarket has also been advertising itself as the place for a bargain. The new commercials play on the economic climate. One of them says to the viewer that if he or she has been thinking of buying a cow to have cheaper milk, then he or she should just come to Giant, where milk costs XX a gallon.\n\nTime will tell if the new look and logo will bring more customers in.  And whether the store really has better prices. In a sense, supermarkets are in a hypercompetitive environment and apparently, customers are now looking for an \"experience.\" Safeway also redesigned its stores to have wood floors and more upscale look. Overall, I think consumers are looking to  save a buck and  find what they need in one place.  Giant and Safeway can look prettier and more inviting, but if the food bill is still expensive, then they will continue to lose market share.  For one, I want to check out the \"new\" Giant. But whether I shop there, remains to be seen.\n\nP.S. This more \"positive\" shopping experience, with brighter colors etc., has been played up by Bloom Supermarkets. I blogged a while back about their weird commercials and their \"happy\" shopping experience.','It\'s a Giant logo','','publish','open','open','','its-a-giant-logo','','','2008-08-22 06:08:31','2008-08-22 11:08:31','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=106',0,'post','',0),
(1316,4,'2008-08-25 08:12:04','2008-08-25 13:12:04','Have you seen the TV commercials for Holiday Inn? There are a couple campaigns--one is about the hot breakfast bar \"scene\" at the Inn and the other tells you how if you stay at a Holiday Inn you can just about perform brain surgery the next day. It\'s all part of Holiday Inn\'s branding strategy under the tag line \"stay smart.\" If you read the literature in the room, they have \"smart\" labeling in place. So, shampoo is  just called \"wash,\" and soap is \"cleanse\" and conditioner is \"tame.\" This is in case you couldn\'t figure out that shampoo is used to wash your hair, etc. I think it is a way to have a house brand instead of paying the royalties and/or higher cost for a name brand product like the ones found in other hotels.\n\nI think \"stay smart\" is a smart tagline. Unfortunately,  this is a case of marketing not being in touch with reality. For the past three nights I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Rochester, NY. I didn\'t sleep through one single night. Why? Because hotels are not built to be soundproof. That is not SMART. Why are people generally staying at a hotel? Because they need a place to SLEEP. Sure, some people use hotels as party suites or as places for a quick romp, but I would venture that most travelers are using the hotel as a base and a place to spend the night.  The phenomenon of noise in hotels is not unique to Holiday Inn, but very few hotels are claiming that staying with them will make you act smarter. Very few people act smarter or otherwise with just a few hours of sleep.  If Holiday Inn wants to be truly smart they will investigate how to make their rooms more friendly to sleep.','Staying Smart','','publish','open','open','','staying-smart','','','2008-08-25 08:12:04','2008-08-25 13:12:04','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=115',0,'post','',0),
(1317,4,'2008-08-26 14:33:22','2008-08-26 19:33:22','Promotional products or advertising specialties have been around for quite a long time. Wikipedia claims that there were commemorative buttons for George Washington back in 1789. The<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Promotional Product Association\" href=\"http://www.ppa.org/default\" target=\"_blank\"> Promotional Products Association International</a> (PPAI), the trade association for the industry, was founded more than 100 years ago in 1904.\n\nPromotional products should be part of any marketing campaign. According to research by the PPAI, promotional products help create a positive brand image. As for hard numbers, according to a PPAI research study, 52% of business travelers who received a promotional product did business with the advertiser. <em>That is more than half</em>.  That same study found that three quarters of respondents recall the advertiser name on a product that they received. And last year, the industry set a new record by selling $19.4 billion in promotional products. This sales volume indicates that promotional products outperform other marketing communications such as sponsorships, cable TV, and outdoor advertising.\n\nAccording to Sean McColl, vice president at <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"PromoCorp\" href=\"http://www.promocorp.com\" target=\"_blank\">PromoCorp, Inc.</a>, an Alexandria, VA based promotional products company, \"having something tangible in hand is increasingly a way to be noticed.\" Sean points out that we are being bombarded with electronic communication--everything from radio ads to text messages--so the coffee mug emblazoned with a company logo sitting on your desk stands out. It isn\'t going anywhere, and chances are, you may be using it on a daily basis. It can certainly help with brand awareness and recognition.\n\nIn order to be effective, a \"promotional product should be the right product for the right target market. Something that the user will hold on to,\"  says Sean. For instance, a recent college graduate is interested in different products than a CEO.  Sean counsels his clients to be creative and to use a tiered approach for products. For instance, at a trade show, you should have an inexpensive piece such as a pen or customized candy for general consumption. If you talk to a prospect for a while longer and you think the prospect may be interested in further discussion, you could hand him or her a slightly more expensive item, say in the $5 range. And finally, if you speak to a decision-maker with whom want to have a more in-depth conversation, you may give him or her a $20-$25 specialty. This approach makes sense. It gives customers several ways to remember you and it gives you as an advertiser, a way to reward potential business.\n\nSean says that promotional products are an integral part of a marketing campaign and can be used in many ways. They can be used as a thank you gift, or a follow up to a trade show, they can be a leave-behind or an introduction. A very popular product right now is known as the \"sticky drive.\" This is a flash drive pre-loaded with information or a link to a website. The drive also has plenty of space to store your files, and a logo on the outside. More and more, companies are getting creative with the look of the flash drives. There is one shaped like a ballpoint pen, that is indeed a working pen, with an LED light, and a pointer. What a great idea in today\'s multi-task oriented world.\n\nSince there are thousands of items to choose from, you should consider how you will use the product and how you will get it to your prospects. The old stand-bys--stress balls, mugs, pens and apparel--may still be the most effective. But as shipping prices go up, you may want to consider flat items that can be mailed via the regular mail.  Because of shipping cost considerations, Sean says a popular item for Christmas this year is a customized CD, featuring the name of your company and offering a selection of music.\n\nAll in all, my favorite promotional products are pens. As Sean says, they are inoffensive, useful and inexpensive. I bet you have company pens on your desk right now--I do.\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLL\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpollcontainer\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpoll\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:5px 5px 0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLquestion\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;font-weight:bold;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\"><a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLquestionlink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Business/16345\">Which promotional product do you prefer?</a></div>\n<div id=\"TWIIGSPOLL16345\" class=\"TWIIGSPOLLresponse\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswers\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\">\n<ul class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselection\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Pens</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Mugs</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> USB/Flash Drives</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Mouse Pads</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> T-Shirts</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Candy</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Music CDs</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpostinfo\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:none;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:right;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\">Created on Aug 26, 2008</div>\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLvote\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<p class=\"TWIIGSPOLLbutton\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:2px 0;padding:0;\"></p>\n<p class=\"TWIIGSPOLLdisplayresults\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:2px 0;padding:0;\"><a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLlink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Business/16345?results=1\">View Results</a></p>\n\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<img style=\"clear:none;display:inline;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;line-height:normal;outline-style:none;clip:auto;overflow:hidden;vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://www.twiigs.com/pixel.png?pid=16345\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" />\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpolllink\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:right;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n\n<a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLmorelink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/\">poll by twiigs.com</a>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><em>This post is based on a live interview with Sean McColl of PromoCorp, Inc. PromoCorp Inc. can be reached at 1-888-385-2162.</em></p>\n\n</div>\n</div>','Products that promote','','publish','open','open','','products-that-promote','','','2008-08-26 14:33:22','2008-08-26 19:33:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=117',0,'post','',0),
(1318,4,'2008-08-28 07:45:53','2008-08-28 12:45:53','Hi all, please read an article I wrote about translation on <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"DB on Habla\" href=\"http://www.wardspeaking.com/blog/\" target=\"_blank\">Habla Blog</a>. Thanks!','Guest post on Habla Blog','','publish','open','open','','guest-post-on-habla-blog','','','2008-08-28 07:45:53','2008-08-28 12:45:53','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=128',0,'post','',0),
(1319,4,'2008-09-02 09:20:12','2008-09-02 14:20:12','I have blogged about this before but I don\'t think it can be stressed enough: do your materials provide enough information to your prospects?  Lately, I have come across several websites, notably, government websites, that simply do not provide enough information or make it difficult to find said information.  Here are some examples:\n\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"US Capitol Tours\" href=\"http://www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">US Capitol tours</a>: no information regarding using public transportation to get there or a map pointing out the nearest Metro stops.  Very little information about anything else. How long is the tour? What is permitted and not permitted? Not to mention how unfriendly this site is. If a government bureaucrat didn\'t personally design and write this, one of his/her scared minions did.\n\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"USNA\" href=\"http://www.usna.edu/NAFPRODV/VC/\" target=\"_blank\">US Naval Academy tours</a>: When do the tours start? Where is there parking? How about using public transportation to get to the academy? How long are the tours?\n\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Glen Echo Park\" href=\"http://www.glenechopark.org/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Glen Echo Park</a>: Typical of most National Park Service websites, minimal information. The home page has a link for direction at the very bottom of the page. The About Us has another link to directions. What about hours? Not listed at all, except for the cafe.\n\nThis list is simply from my personal experience in the past three weeks. How many more websites are out there that just don\'t give enough information?\n\nIf you have a website, you would do well to look at it from an outsider\'s perspective. Here are is a small list of items to consider:\n<ul>\n	<li>Is your contact information easily accessible?</li>\n	<li>If I have never before heard of your business or organization, will I understand what you do?</li>\n	<li>Have you listed your services and explained them?</li>\n	<li>If you are open to the public, are your hours, admissions fees, directions to your facility, parking and transportation and other information the public needs to know clearly and prominently posted?</li>\n	<li>If you are a restaurant, have you posted a sample menu?</li>\n	<li>If I don\'t understand what you have written, is there an alternative way to contact you?</li>\n	<li>Is your information up to date?</li>\n	<li>Is your layout (including fonts, etc) easy to read and navigate? Things to consider are busyness (too much information or graphics), font size, background, colors and optimization for different web browsers.</li>\n</ul>','Information that bears repeating','','publish','open','open','','information-that-bears-repeating','','','2008-09-02 09:20:12','2008-09-02 14:20:12','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=130',0,'post','',0),
(1320,4,'2008-09-03 08:55:16','2008-09-03 13:55:16','My friend Jennifer sent me a link to <a class=\"wp-caption\" href=\"http://www.8164.org/presidential-design/\" target=\"_blank\">her friend\'s blog</a> in which Barack Obama\'s website DESIGN is discussed. So thanks Jennifer and behold the power  of social media.  In any case, after reading Jin\'s blog entry (not sure of the name of the blog), I decided to visit both John McCain\'s and Obama\'s websites and see for myself. Mind you, <strong>I am not comparing the candidates on issues</strong>, though they both have a drop down menu of issues (Obama has more issues and goes more in-depth). I am just looking at what they have both done to appeal to voters.\n\nI had visited both  sites before and certainly McCain changed his--fonts and layout, to look less \"militaristic\" and more friendly,I think more like Obama\'s. See for yourself.\n\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"McCain website\" href=\"http://www.johnmccain.com/\" target=\"_blank\">John McCain</a>:\n\nThe pros:\n<ul>\n	<li>nice splashy home page</li>\n	<li>you can \"personalizle\" by home state or whether you are a supporter or not.</li>\n	<li>a blog and a shop for \"gear\"</li>\n</ul>\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Obama website\" href=\"http://www.barackobama.com/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Barack Obama</a>\n\nThe pros:\n<ul>\n	<li>Has a splash page collecting funds for Hurrican Gustav victims</li>\n	<li>Clean upbeat design</li>\n	<li><strong>A tab for Spanish (only problem is that it is not updated to include Biden)\n</strong></li>\n	<li>Blogs and gear too</li>\n	<li>You can create a \"MyBO\" page</li>\n	<li>You can connect on almost all social media</li>\n</ul>\nI think both candidates realize the importance of the web, but Obama\'s campaign has fine tuned more toward GenY and Social Media users. He has also included Spanish speaking voters. Both candidates make it  easy to donate and to volunteer. As to contact information, McCain\'s site is more straightforward than Obama\'s and offers a telephone number.\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLL\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpollcontainer\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpoll\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:5px 5px 0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLquestion\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;font-weight:bold;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\"><a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLquestionlink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Politics/16682\">Which candidate\'s website do you think has a better design?</a></div>\n<div id=\"TWIIGSPOLL16682\" class=\"TWIIGSPOLLresponse\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswers\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\">\n<ul class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselection\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> McCain</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Obama</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Can\'t decide</li>\n	<li class=\"TWIIGSPOLLanswerselectionitem\"> Both</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpostinfo\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:none;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:right;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0 0 8px;padding:0;\">Created on Sep 3, 2008</div>\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLvote\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\">\n<p class=\"TWIIGSPOLLbutton\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:2px 0;padding:0;\"></p>\n<p class=\"TWIIGSPOLLdisplayresults\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:2px 0;padding:0;\"><a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLlink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Politics/16682?results=1\">View Results</a></p>\n\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<img style=\"clear:none;display:inline;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;line-height:normal;outline-style:none;clip:auto;overflow:hidden;vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://www.twiigs.com/pixel.png?pid=16682\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" />\n<div class=\"TWIIGSPOLLpolllink\" style=\"overflow:hidden;background-color:transparent;background-image:none;clear:none;display:block;float:none;position:static;visibility:visible;height:auto;line-height:normal;width:auto;outline-style:none;clip:rect(auto, auto, auto, auto);vertical-align:baseline;z-index:auto;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:right;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0;text-shadow:none;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:normal;border-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;\"><a class=\"TWIIGSPOLLmorelink\" href=\"http://www.twiigs.com/\">poll by twiigs.com</a></div>\n</div>','Campaigning on a website and a prayer','','publish','open','open','','campaigning-on-a-website-and-a-prayer','','','2008-09-03 08:55:16','2008-09-03 13:55:16','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=132',0,'post','',0),
(136,4,'2008-09-05 10:11:14','2008-09-05 15:11:14','In marketing, what makes you special is your unique selling proposition or USP. You are supposed to find it and exploit it, because it is what sets you apart from your competition and defines you to the public. It should be specific and it should be real. Lots of products claim they are \"improved\" or \"best\" or \"new.\" Those aren\'t USPs--at best they are qualifiers. If your product is a skin lotion, what sets it apart from the 100s of other lotions on the market? Does it have more of one ingredient? Is the only product with a certain ingredient?\n\nThe truth is many products out there just don\'t know what their USP is or actually don\'t have one. That is why we see so many boring ads for products that don\'t motivate us to buy. (OK, I know sometimes the boring is also a creative problem but I have to stay on topic here.)  So first step in any marketing campaign is to figure out what makes you special. Perhaps unique is no longer attainable, but you have to figure out what your single biggest strength is and exploit that.\n\nA company that has figured it out, finally, is the US Postal Service (USPS). Believe it or not, their latest campaign is a stroke of genius. It exploits their true USP. This USP is that they don\'t have fuel surcharges. It seems insignificant until you look at the fact that the other delivery companies such as UPS and FedEx are charging an additional fee for fuel. Have you shipped anything lately? It ain\'t pretty. So here is the good old post office, trying to make headway into the overnight delivery market, and boom, they found their USP against the other guys--they don\'t charge for fuel. It is a cost-savings for the consumer and a check mark for the USPS. In fact, it is a USP check mate.','What makes you special','','publish','open','open','','what-makes-you-special','','','2008-09-05 10:11:14','2008-09-05 15:11:14','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=136',0,'post','',2),
(140,4,'2008-09-07 11:17:11','2008-09-07 16:17:11','Here\'s a <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"DB Guest Blog\" href=\"http://wardspeaking.com/blog/index.php/conduct-a-marketing-audit-a-six-step-approach/#comments\" target=\"_blank\">link</a> to another  article I wrote for Habla Blog.','Another guest post','','publish','open','open','','another-guest-post','','','2008-09-07 11:17:11','2008-09-07 16:17:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=140',0,'post','',0),
(142,4,'2008-09-08 10:53:59','2008-09-08 15:53:59','Marshall McLuhan wrote an influential piece called \"The Medium is the Message.\" It dealt with the advent of electronic media and how that had subverted ideas, etc.  And he didn\'t even mean the Internet... Anyway. Here we are in the middle of a hotly contested presidential race where each side is upping the stakes. And what is the media doing? It is trying to even the playing field. Yes, that is right. The media is so busy being \"fair\" that it is not being informative.\n\nEveryone reported that Sarah Palin\'s speech was \"dazzling.\" Huh? Perhaps because there were zero expectations for her performance... In any case, no one in the mass media has had the nerve to be really critical of her. It is now considered sexist to talk about her ability to be a leader or to question her choices in regards to her family. Newspapers are talking about the mommy wars...again. And the blogs are responding.  Sure women can balance a lot. And I agree that men should participate in childrearing and houshold chores, but I don\'t believe women should have children simply to hand them over to a nanny as they pursue their careers. But the media won\'t actually get into a fair discussion of this...they will all use soundbites (something to do with lipstick comes to mind).\n\nToday, Yahoo News reports that the race between Obama and McCain is giving McCain a slight edge. Why are these numbers being reported? Who does that help? Are they trying to dissuade Obama supporters? LIft McCain supporters? During the campaign season, we are innundated with polls that are simply designed to incite. They are not useful. Many people are undecided, or more importantly, NOT POLLED.\n\nOf course the media loves conflict and triumph. So they are showing Palin being greeted by mobs of women shouting out her name. What they don\'t tell you is that these women are Republicans, rounded up by Republican volunteers at a Republican rally. Have they gone out and talked to \"average\" Americans? Palin is also being featured on the covers of various pop magazines. Sure she is more photogenic than Biden, but is it over the top to feature her as a cover girl?\n\nBottom line is that media compete for ratings. And they think that people want to hear more and see more of Sarah Palin. So they create a virtual maelstorm of publicity that helps create the impression that she has more support than she has. This is where the media have become the message. They craft a story, based on their take on what is happening, and they pursue it. Soon, we all buy in to this story. In many senses, this is marketing 101.  Follow the AIDA principal (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action). BUT, politics is not simply about marketing. There are ideas at stake that WILL influence the course of the country in the years to come. Issues and thoughts don\'t lend themselves to the soundbite world so well which is why if I ask you what each of the candidates think you can probably only quote a soundbite on different issues.\n\nI am not sure how to fix this, but I do know that it is broken. For years to come we will wonder if sexism brought Hillary Clinton down or propped Sarah Palin up. And we will never know just how much those pesky polls influence the elections.\n\nUPDATE: Frank Rich  of the NY Times wrote an<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Frank Rich\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/opinion/21rich.html?_r=1&amp;em&amp;oref=slogin\" target=\"_blank\"> opinion piece</a> about \"truthiness\" or lack thereof, in the news media.  The media is supposed to shine light not act as a filter.','Is the media the message? (An editorial)','','publish','open','open','','is-the-media-the-message-an-editorial','','','2008-09-08 10:53:59','2008-09-08 15:53:59','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=142',0,'post','',0),
(144,4,'2008-09-11 10:51:03','2008-09-11 15:51:03','I had the radio on to my favorite rock station and suddenly, I was exposed to one of the most annoying radio commercials I have ever heard. The main \"character\" was a woman jabbering on about her free trip she got from getting an oil change. She kept going on and on in the world\'s most annoying voice. It was a one sided conversation, as if we were overhearing her on the telephone. Surely, one of the most annoying things in life is to be forced to listen to a one-sided phone conversation at inordinate volume.\n\nIn sum, I had to turn the radio off. If I hear the hint of this commercial again I will switch stations. Yuck!!!!\n\nHave you ever had that happen? When you can\'t stand a certain ad? Well, of course, not every ad is universally accepted and liked, but I am sure certain ones get on lots of people\'s very last nerve. And that creates backlash. You refuse to patronize the establishment, purchase the service or the product. And you do what I am doing now--complain about it.\n\nAds should not annoy--in my opinion, it is not a good tactic.  Cajole, tempt,  demonstrate, appreciate, yes.  Make listeners/viewers upset, not so much.','When ads annoy','','publish','open','open','','when-ads-annoy','','','2008-09-11 10:51:03','2008-09-11 15:51:03','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=144',0,'post','',0),
(146,4,'2008-09-12 06:44:10','2008-09-12 11:44:10','Much like the Coke-Pepsi taste wars, Microsoft is vying with Apple to be the taste of a new generation. You\'ve probably seen the Apple commercials showcasing the young Justin (standing in for Mac) and the old man (standing in for PC). PC  is so out of touch, so many problems while Mac is just a breeze. Somehow, PCs are still in the majority... But Microsoft is pulling out all the stops--they hired Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates to shill the MS Operating System. Seriously. And I caught part of the TV commercial yesterday, and all I can say is what the??? It didn\'t make sense, it was dumb and a complete waste of Jerry Seinfeld\'s  comedic talents. And Bill Gates is going to convince me Microsoft is better than Mac? We know he thinks its better--he made millions off it (or is it billions?).  Bottom line, the ads are just not as hip as the Apple ads.','Another advertising what?!?! moment','','publish','open','open','','another-advertising-what-moment','','','2008-09-12 06:44:10','2008-09-12 11:44:10','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=146',0,'post','',0),
(148,4,'2008-09-16 06:40:28','2008-09-16 11:40:28','As we saw yesterday, we are officially in a era of market volatility and our financial institutions are in freefall. I am speaking of course of the 500 point drop the Dow experienced due in no small part to the Lehman Brothers failure and the Bank of America buyout of Merrill Lynch. This has spawned talk of the security of regular deposits at commercial banks and the Fed\'s ability to actually insure this money. At the same time, oil prices fell below $100 because investors fear a drop in demand. OK. Are we economically unstable? YES. Are the fundamentals of our economy as strong as John McCain thinks they are? I don\'t think so.\n\nIn this steadily worrisome environment, United Airlines announced that it will raise the price of a second checked bag to $50, affecting one in seven of their customers. The company continues to claim that the rising price of oil has forced it to continue to squeeze its customers. This comes after  United scrapped a plan to provide only cold meals, for purchase, on international flights. Now, I am not a United frequent flyer, or an investor, so I did not receive a communique from the company. The news media reported these changes and all  I can say is, I am not inclined to fly United, ever.  These fees and changes are being reported but they don\'t seem to be creating a public relations problem for United. But they should. A company that continues to increase its fees to its customers is not doing enough to examine if it operates efficiently. On the other hand, Southwest Airlines has seen an opening here and has a very clever commercial that tallies the additional fees other airlines are charging and compares it to its non-additional fee fare. Who do you think wins?\n\nThis brings me to banking. As mentioned above, there may be real worries relating to the safety of your deposits.  Today, I received a email from ING Direct, the online bank where I have an account, thanking me for my business and continued trust. The email assures me that my deposit is safe and that ING is not engaging in selling off loans etc, like Lehman and Merrill did (that is subtext).  In any case, this is smart customer communications. Talk about a problem and show how you are dealing with it. I think it is smarter that what United seems to be doing--talking about a problem that affect the company and NOT assuring customers but rather using them as additional piggy banks.  What succesful companies know is that customers are the reason they exist. Without customers, there is no business. Alienating customers is never a good policy!\n\nBottom line: kudos to ING Direct for its direct (albeit somewhat self-serving) communication and thumbs-down to United to continuing to raise the bar on fees to customers, and announcing it via press release.','Customer communications in an unstable era','','publish','open','open','','customer-communications-in-an-unstable-era','','','2008-09-16 06:40:28','2008-09-16 11:40:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=148',0,'post','',0),
(151,4,'2008-09-21 17:04:16','2008-09-21 22:04:16','It used to be that the primary concern for advertisers was whether their ad \"would play in Peoria,\" shorthand for would middle America like it. More and more we are seeing ads that don\'t play in Peoria or anywhere else than the ultra chic world of Manhattan advertising agencies. Microsoft is a case in point. The company is now withdrawing its weird Bill Gates-Jerry Seinfeld ads after only two weeks. The ads were just too strange and didn\'t get across their point. Unfortunately, this is not the only case, nor will it be the last. Now, I am all in favor of \"pushing the envelope\"  creatively and approaching things differently, but ultimately, the target audience has to appreciate the ad or else it is literally missing its target.\n\nThis morning, I was watching the news and they were talking about what to do during this financial mess. One of the advisers recommended holding off on any big purchases such as real estate and hanging on tight to any money. Not sure if I agree, but I know that mortgages are hard to get right now. Not five minutes later during commercial break, Coldwell Banker had an ad for its services, ENCOURAGING people to buy now BECAUSE of the economic climate. Huh? Dissonance!!!!! I thought to myself, are these advertisers really thinking that people will be buying during this type of economic crisis? Is this another case of not taking Peoria into consideration?\n\nUpdate on Microsoft: <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Microsoft Vista ads\" href=\"http://www.newsweek.com/id/160064\" target=\"_blank\">Here\'s a story from Newsweek about how Microsoft is failing to shine Vista\'s reputation.</a>','Will it play in Peoria?','','publish','open','open','','will-it-play-in-peoria','','','2008-09-21 17:04:16','2008-09-21 22:04:16','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=151',0,'post','',0),
(158,4,'2008-09-25 08:22:07','2008-09-25 13:22:07','We are in the middle of rough times economically and politically in the United States. We have to deal with real economic worries, chiefly about the safety of our money within the banking system. So, now, what used to be a footnote on all bank ads, has become a selling opporutnity: the FDIC logo.  All banks want to reassure their customers that the FDIC backs their assets. Some banks have increased the size of FDIC logo and others such as Schwab are using it during commercials on TV. Schwab clearly created their newest campaign to reassure its clients that their assets are safe. Another banking opportunity seems to be the CD. You may have noticed that more banks are advertising their CDs, with their \"higher\" APYs.  Today\'s Washington Post featured ads for both Commercial Bank and Wachovia CDs. Again, these are FDIC insured and promise \"real\" returns, unlike the volatile stock market.\n\nA couple of days ago I saw Laura Bush being interviewed by CNN. This woman can teach everyone how to speak, convincingly and politely. She is a real pro! The interviewer asked if Mrs. Bush thought that Gov Palin had enough foreign policy experience. Mrs. Bush said no, she didn\'t because it wasn\'t her role. She also said she was excited to be able to vote for a woman on a Republican ticket. I can\'t do Laura Bush justice by paraphrasing her, but I can assure you she answered the questions, not with obfuscation (as Sarah Palin does) but with tact and diplomacy. She knows how to communicate assuredness. She is calm and can stick to talking points without sounding like she is sticking to talking points. Overall, I think she is the best thing in the Republican party.','On seizing opportunity and speaking diplomatically','','publish','open','open','','on-seizing-opportunity-and-speaking-diplomatically','','','2008-09-25 08:22:07','2008-09-25 13:22:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=158',0,'post','',0),
(161,4,'2008-09-26 07:49:40','2008-09-26 12:49:40','We\'ve seen lots of mud-slinging via commercial during this year\'s presidential election. Negative ads work to some extent or they wouldn\'t be used. However, this morning, I saw Barack Obama\'s newest commercial. It is all  about his economic plan, and he is on camera and talking for all of it. I think it was effective--he laid out his principles and what he wants to do for the American people, and of course, he dealt with the hottest topic du jour, the economy. It made him look serious and proactive. Let\'s see what McCain responds with. In a way, I think Obama is trying to look presidential to conteract McCain\'s grandstanding of these past two days.','What kind of political ad works best?','','publish','open','open','','what-kind-of-political-ad-works-best','','','2008-09-26 07:49:40','2008-09-26 12:49:40','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=161',0,'post','',0),
(163,4,'2008-09-27 09:02:15','2008-09-27 14:02:15','Clipping coupons is a sometimes denigrated activity which nonetheless helps thousands of Americans keep to their grocery budgets. In this sense, coupons play a significant role in marketing communications. Many people buy the product for which they can get the best price, and coupons (especially in stores that double their face value) can help lower prices. So, for example, if you are shopping for detergent, and you have a 50-cent coupon for Tide and a 75-cent coupon for Purex, you may decide to buy Purex, either as a trial or because it will be cheaper.\n\nManufacturers also use coupons to introduce products and to stimulate sales. And, often, I think, they use coupons to experiment with campaigns. After all, coupons are traceable. You can gauge if something is working just by the number of coupons that are redeemed.\n\nToday I saw an interesting juxtaposition of coupons for Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid. One was for traditional Palmolive (you know, the green stuff that claims to save your hands from the harshness of doing dishes) and for \"New Palmolive Pure +  Clear.\" This new product claims to have no unnecessary chemicals, no heavy fragrances, non-irritating dyes and no harmful residue on dishes.\" This is from the same people who manufacture the other Palmolive. Are they saying that regular Palmolive has unnecessary chemicals, irritating dyes and leaves harmful residue???? Do you see how this is dangerous for the Palmolive brand? Although I applaud them for their new product I think that this where branding can be defeated. If you introduce a new product that in a sense contradicts your existing product, you should use a different brand, right? Or, is the thought process that the brand is strong and now they can provide an alternative for people looking for a less chemically harsh dish liquid? Will this lead eventually to a complete change in the Palmolive brand?  I really wonder. Also, do people think about the ads or do they just take it at face value?\n\nWhat do you think?','On coupons and reinventing your product','','publish','open','open','','on-coupons-and-reinventing-your-product','','','2008-09-27 09:02:15','2008-09-27 14:02:15','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=163',0,'post','',0),
(166,4,'2008-10-03 12:46:11','2008-10-03 17:46:11','Knowing your target audience is the primary task of any marketer. How can you craft your message if you don\'t know who you are speaking to? How can you make sure your potential clients buy your product if you don\'t where they live, what they like and the other elements that make up your demographic profile?  Often, ads don\'t work because they don\'t target the right audience. Or, they target the right audience but don\'t communicate properly. So this brings me to Sarah Palin and Joe Biden during the debate last night. It was very clear that each of them knew who their target audience was and used the proper language to communicate with it. Palin used her folksiness to establish connection with \"Joe Six Pack and Hockey Moms\" around the US. She used terms like doggone it and gosh darn it to make the point that she is an average person from Main Street Wasilla.  Biden spoke in a more formal fashion, to  communicate with an intellectual audience and to those seeking a traditional politician. He threw in references to Scranton and Home Depot to assure \"Main Street\" that he\'s also in touch with them. In the end, I think both politicians understand who they need to communicate to and did so well.  I think if you are a liberal Democrat with environmental leanings, Sarah Palin rubbed you the wrong way. But then again, you are not her target. She knows she can\'t connect with you. On the other hand, if you are someone who feels politicians are out to get you with their misguided policies, then you loved that Palin spoke to you.\n\nIf there is a problem with appealing solely to your target audience during a presidential campaign is that you don\'t motivate the other side to vote for you. This debate proved that--neither side did much to convince the other to switch allegiances.','On knowing your target audience','','publish','open','open','','on-knowing-your-target-audience','','','2008-10-03 12:46:11','2008-10-03 17:46:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=166',0,'post','',0),
(168,4,'2008-10-06 11:44:52','2008-10-06 16:44:52','Are your efforts working? You advertise and send direct mail but are getting no results. What do you attribute that to? Chances are you are not communicating effectively. Here are a few things to consider:\n<ol>\n	<li><strong>Target audience</strong>: Are you sure you are targeting the right demographic? Are you reaching the target effectively?</li>\n	<li><strong>Clarity of message</strong>: Are you using jargonese? Using complicated terms? Really saying what you mean to say?</li>\n	<li><strong>Timing</strong>: Is your timing on target? Are you giving your audience enough time to make a decision?</li>\n	<li><strong>Attractiveness</strong>: As in dating, in communications the visual can take precedence over content. Are your marketing materials designed to be easy to read? Are they attractive and professional looking?  What image are you conveying?</li>\n	<li><strong>Outside opinion</strong>: Have you shown your campaign/materials to an impartial observer? Have you tested it with a focus group or a potential customer?</li>\n</ol>','Improve your marketing communications','','publish','open','open','','improve-your-marketing-communications','','','2008-10-06 11:44:52','2008-10-06 16:44:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=168',0,'post','',0),
(170,4,'2008-10-08 12:34:12','2008-10-08 17:34:12','In the end, as consumers (of products and of media), we see things the way we want to see them. If anything has become clear with this presidential campaign, is that voters (consumers) see what they want to see, and so does the media. There is no such thing as lack of  bias. Everyone knows Fox News hangs to the right, and in their eyes, McCain won the debate last night. CNN is considerably more liberal, although they throw in two Republican strategists to their panel for a mix, and they say Obama won. My personal view is that neither candidate did well and that the town hall format was a mess.\n\nIt continues to shock me just how different people see the same thing differently. Where some people see patriotism (Sarah Palin speaking about America) other people see racism (her saying that Obama is un-American). If you do a search for Sarah Palin\'s racist remarks on Google, you will find an AP story about this, along with a great many blogs decrying this. I found a blog today that claims, erroneously, that Obama is a Muslim. And so the social media and the mainstream media can really serve to muddle the facts. Of course, we are seeing an upsurge in \"fact checking\" from organizations such as Factchecker.org. But where are those \"facts\" coming from? Which facts are we choosing to check?\n\nI think that as consumers of media, we need to acknowledge what we are looking for and we need to question the motivation of media outlets. Remember too that media is paid for by advertising dollars and ultimately, that makes the most difference. Remember a few years ago that when Ellen DeGeneres was on the sitcom Ellen and she came out, some groups threatened to boycott the advertisers that advertised on that show? It works the other way too...some advertisers won\'t advertise on one channel because of bias. And more importantly, some commentators will not interview somebody because they disagree. For instance, Campbell Brown of CNN had a spat with the McCain campaign that led to McCain canceling his appearance on Larry King Live.\n\nNow more than ever we need to understand that what we see is not the whole story. As consumers, we need to find out what the story is and our best chance in the political season at least, is to read each candidate\'s position papers (via web or campaign) and to watch the debates and perhaps skip the \"analysis.\" In the end we need to develop our own way of seeing. And the media needs to be more transparent about why they see what they see.','Ways of seeing','','publish','open','open','','ways-of-seeing','','','2008-10-08 12:34:12','2008-10-08 17:34:12','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=170',0,'post','',0),
(173,4,'2008-10-11 09:14:07','2008-10-11 14:14:07','As a marketing communications case, Barack Obama\'s campaign is the clear winner. The campaign has chosen a message (the economy is really bad because of the Republican\'s mismanagement of it and Obama can do better) and stuck with it. People are concerned about this message and are responding well to it.  The McCain campaign on the other hand has not found its core message. We know that McCain is concerned about mortgages, taxes, and....Obama\'s association with Bill Ayers. Although all of these are legitimate issues to focus on, the campaign has not crystallized into one overarching message that can be delivered time and again.\n\nMcCain may have the ideas and the experience, but his \"marketing\" is getting muddled. And that may cost him the election. Obama, on the other hand, early on grasped the importance of the Internet in attracting younger voters, has stayed on message and has a flexible ad budget that has allowed him to put money in the states he considers more important. McCain\'s most recent ad strategy, in spite of the overwhelming economic news, was to place ads talking about Obama\'s relationship with Ayers. It has backfired, no doubt. At a campaign stop on Friday, McCain had to spend time assuring the crowd that they shouldn\'t be scared of Obama, that he is decent (subtext--he is not a terrorist).\n\nThe bottom line for any campaign, political or otherwise, is to choose a message that resounds with the target audience and stick to it.','The Virtues of Staying On Message','','publish','open','open','','the-virtues-of-staying-on-message','','','2008-10-11 09:14:07','2008-10-11 14:14:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=173',0,'post','',0),
(175,4,'2008-10-16 07:43:18','2008-10-16 12:43:18','Given the uncertainty in the economy, many people are cutting back on discretionary spending.  Restaurants are especially hard hit during economic downturns, as people stop eating out. And in marketing, you can see two extremes: cutting out marketing dollars or excessive/over the top marketing spending. Which approach makes sense?\n\nTo cut out marketing completely is really akin to shooting yourself in the foot.  Perhaps you keep your shoes, but you will no longer be able to walk very far.  It is conventional wisdom that advertising and public relations agencies lose clients during economic recessions. Advertisers look to cut back on something so they go for what seems to be frivolous.  But is advertising your business frivolous? How else are you going to get customers? On the other hand, the concept of guerilla marketing is successful because it uses cheaper methods of attracting and retaining customers. But the key to both is that businesses only survive if they have customers and must do SOMETHING to get them or retain them.\n\nTo go over the top in marketing is probably unnecessary.  And wasteful. As I was thumbing through a women\'s interest magazine yesterday, I came across an elaborate three dimensional print ad for Fruit of the Loom. It caught my interest but did not make me any more likely to buy than a regular print ad. It got me to thinking that Fruit of the Loom feels it has to do what it can to attract customers. Of course, this ad was probably conceptualized well before our financial meltdown, but I won\'t be surprised if we see this type of excessive spending from some advertisers in spite of finances.  Christmas will be very telling, as retailers especially look to increase their revenue.\n\nSo in sum, a tough economy means that you have to get tougher in looking for customers. Keep marketing yourself, perhaps in different ways. Maybe this is the time to try something different. But don\'t cut out advertising or go over the top. Neither will help your bottom line.','Marketing and Economy','','publish','open','open','','marketing-and-economy','','','2008-10-16 07:43:18','2008-10-16 12:43:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=175',0,'post','',0),
(177,4,'2008-10-25 21:01:28','2008-10-26 02:01:28','And sometimes clever is too clever. But. There are times when that clever wordplay is just right. For instance, MetLife. For the <strong>if </strong>in life. You see,<strong> if</strong> is right there in the middle of the word <strong>life</strong>. And what does MetLife do? It sells insurance, and you get insurance for the what ifs in life. Rarely does something like this work so well. So kudos to MetLife. I love that wordplay. On the other hand, there campaign also centers around Snoopy. Why? Who knows. The big plus is that it is recognizable.\n\nCan you think of other really clever ads? I will try to keep a list.','Sometimes clever works','','publish','open','open','','sometimes-clever-works','','','2008-10-25 21:01:28','2008-10-26 02:01:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=177',0,'post','',0),
(179,4,'2008-11-03 09:35:23','2008-11-03 14:35:23','There is a pizza joint across the street from my building. It\'s one of those take-out/delivery places that also serve subs and other greasy food. A couple of weeks ago, there was a sign posted that it was under new managements. And then, the renovations followed. They added floor to ceiling windows, painted the place yellow and added a new sign, using the same name as before but with new fonts and color scheme. So all in all, they have spiffed up the old hole-in-the-wall that needed it.  I suspect that there is no new management but rather the realization that when things get tough, the tough get going (excuse the cliche).  The pizza place realized it had to make changes, in this case, aesthetic improvements, to attract new customers or lure back former customers. (It remains to be seen how the pizza will taste, and that will be another story)\n\nThe same holds true for any business identity. Have you been using the same logo for the past 20 years? When was the last time you examined your branding effort? Is it time for a change? Does your tagline still communicate what you do? Does your marketing identity synch with your business personality?\n\nIn short, if things aren\'t going well now due to the economic situation, it is a perfect time to take stock of how you are marketing yourself, and decide if you need to make changes. The same old does not always work.\n\nThis also brings me to one of the most successful political campaigns in modern times: Barack Obama\'s. What is his campaign slogan? Change we can believe in.  Change is big right now and Obama knows that the public wants a change from the Bush years. As opposed to McCain\'s slogan of Country First, I think that Obama\'s slogan speaks directly to what people are looking for and communicates it effectively.\n\nWe\'ll know (hopefully) on Wednesday morning if Obama\'s slogan won more hearts and minds than McCain\'s. But regardless of who wins this election, we are in for a few months (at least) of tough economic times. It\'s time to change, right?','Is it time for a change?','','publish','open','open','','is-it-time-for-a-change','','','2008-11-03 09:35:23','2008-11-03 14:35:23','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=179',0,'post','',0),
(181,4,'2008-11-04 11:14:22','2008-11-04 16:14:22','Well, it finally is here. Election Day. Never before in my lifetime have I seen such a long election cycle, and yet so much interest. We have seen positive ads and negative ads. We\'ve seen staying on message and going off message. We saw how the current economic situation shifted the message. But the bottom line is that each candidate used MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS to reach his/her TARGET AUDIENCE.  Yes indeed. An election is a real live, measured test of the success of your marketing communications. If you got your message across and people bought, you win.  Simple. And the voters get their say today. For the past year, we\'ve heard from the candidates. Today, they hear from us. What we bought and what we didn\'t buy.  In fact, I dare say that political communication is the pinnacle of this field...it uses all methods of communication from simple lawn signs, to expensive TV ads to social media. It needs strategy and it has to appeal to the largest majority. I am jealous of anybody in an American politics class this semester. What a way to see and understand the process.\n\nSo, did you vote today?','Political communication is a two-way street','','publish','open','open','','political-communication-is-a-two-way-street','','','2008-11-04 11:14:22','2008-11-04 16:14:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=181',0,'post','',0),
(183,4,'2008-11-05 16:30:07','2008-11-05 21:30:07','I was just watching television and I saw a response to the credit crisis. It is something called Purchasing Power. Apparently, it is a payroll deduction system for paying for stuff you can\'t  afford. So instead of paying a credit card issuer, you have your pay docked each pay period until you pay off your debt. This approach is as old as the hills, but it hasn\'t been in the public eye before or in this format. This is the perfect time for this company to advertise its services. Americans will continue to want things they cannot afford, so there is an opportunity to step in where credit cards are stepping out.\n\nThe commercial for this company was somewhat low-tech. And I don\'t want to give the company additional publicity by linking to their website, but it struck me that when marketing yourself, you need to find the opportunities, even in spite or maybe due to an economic downturn.','Where there is chaos there is opportunity','','publish','open','open','','where-there-is-chaos-there-is-opportunity','','','2008-11-05 16:30:07','2008-11-05 21:30:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=183',0,'post','',0),
(186,4,'2008-11-11 13:12:28','2008-11-11 18:12:28','That\'s the name of a new song by Will.I.Am (most clever singer name ever, IMO). But it is also a new day in marketing. Marketers are trying to find new ways of doing old things--that is, getting people in the door (and better yet, to make a purchase). A couple of stories in the <em>Washington Post</em> this week make this point. In today\'s post, there is <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Shopper\'s Psyches\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/10/AR2008111002331.html?hpid=topnews\" target=\"_blank\">an article </a>about a trend toward retailers creating an emotional connection with shoppers and also having gatherings in stores, to get people literally in the door. Although this is not new per se, it\'s application is. It seems that generalized advertising is just not doing the trick. Marketers think that by encouraging positive contact and context, consumers will part with their money.\n\nThe other story (which I cannot for the life of me find on line to link to) is one regarding credit card and other offers by mail. It seems that, finally, issuers of these offers are cutting back. Although I do think that direct marketing can be a good way to reach a target audience, I think unsolicited and unwanted credit card offers do little more than sully the environment further. This trend has much to do with the availability of credit as well. The article also reports that Neiman Marcus is cutting back on its famous Christmas catalog--sending out fewer copies and making it thinner.','It\'s a new day','','publish','open','open','','its-a-new-day','','','2008-11-11 13:12:28','2008-11-11 18:12:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=186',0,'post','',0),
(188,4,'2008-11-16 21:06:47','2008-11-17 02:06:47','OK...now I have heard all types of advertising. I am listening to a rock station here in DC and a local church just advertised its \"services\" (almost a wordplay, right?).  The speaker (hard to say if it was the pastor) quoted, get this, the SPICE GIRLS (about stuff in your past). If this is not a naked attempt to appeal to a younger set, I don\'t know what is. In any case, the speaker informs us that therapy and/or drugs can never help us get rid of guilt--only forgiveness can (of course one can forgive or be forgiven through the help of therapy, but whatever). And then, he tells us to go to a website to learn more.  Now, I have heard of membership drives and spreading the word, but I truly haven\'t heard a church advertise on a mainstream radio station. This tells me two things--the church is seeking to increase its membership from a certain age demographic and the church has decided to do things in a more 21st Century fashion--get them where they are.  Interesting. I would be very interested in knowing if this type of appeal works. In theory, it should, at least stimulate some interest. I wonder if the church hired an ad agency, or a pr agency. This certainly is part of larger recruiting campaign.','Churches...advertising?','','publish','open','open','','churchesadvertising','','','2008-11-16 21:06:47','2008-11-17 02:06:47','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=188',0,'post','',0),
(190,4,'2008-11-17 17:40:12','2008-11-17 22:40:12','In the case of Verizon FIOS, about 100 million messages ago. OK, I am exagerating, they could have stopped at 1000. In all seriousness, Verizon is marketing the hell out of FIOS. They want everyone who has ever been near a Verizon phone to sign up.  There is TV advertising, telemarketing (these people have been calling my house at least 3 times a week for the past 8 weeks easily, even though I already told them I AM NOT INTERESTED) and direct mail. I get a direct mail piece from them roughtly once a week--whether it be a postcard or a full blown letter, like I got today.  What a great offer...they will bundle TV, Internet and Phone for $100 a month PLUS taxes and fees for one year (translation--you are locked in for a year no matter what and then your price will go up).  Still, I am not interested. I hate Verizon, and this marketing onslaught is making me hate them more. At some point, the costs outweigh the returns, and the many dollars they are spending trying to get me to sign up are ill spent, especially since, as I mentioned before, I AM NOT INTERESTED.  For anybody worried about the economy, I would like to point out that Verizon is both making money and spending money. They aren\'t asking for a government bailout, they are asking you to upgrade to their system. Of course, Comcast, their biggest competitor in this area, has a similar package. And they also try like hell to get you to sign up for it. It makes me wonder how big those margins really are.  They must be really big for there to be a decent ROI (return on investment) on this.','When does it become too much?','','publish','open','open','','when-does-it-become-too-much','','','2008-11-17 17:40:12','2008-11-17 22:40:12','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=190',0,'post','',2),
(192,4,'2008-11-20 08:41:59','2008-11-20 13:41:59','As if. But MacDonalds, the king of marketing, would like you to believe so. Or at least it is trying to use mothers as emissaries for this message--they call it their \"quality correspondents program.\"  I am not making this up. It is <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"McDs is healthy\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/19/AR2008111903618.html?hpid=artslot\" target=\"_blank\">reported in today\'s Washington Post</a>, and it is an attempt  to maintain already high levels of fast food consumption high.  Apparently, if mothers make the argument that french fries aren\'t so bad for you, other moms will listen. And if moms think its OK, then kids will be free to consume the \"healthy\" fries. What MacDonald\'s claims it\'s doing, is making sure through this type of PR, that people know they are concerned with food safety and quality.\n\nI have several issues with this. First of all, french fries are not healthy, period. They are deep fried and carry most of their calories from fat. It is inane for McDonald\'s to pretend otherwise. Perhaps a small order of fries does not have the calorie content say, of a quarter pounder with cheese. If someone wants to eat fries, they do so because they enjoy the taste and not because it is a virtuous choice on the menu.\n\nSecond, this type of person-to-person marketing, based on manipulated information, is not what I would call transparent. It is surreptitious. It is pretend.  If a woman who is my friend or acquintance tells me something, I have no reason to disbelieve what she is saying. I also don\'t have enough information. Lots of marketing shifts the burden for more information to the consumer, but this type of marketing is more opaque. Moms aren\'t going to include a website link to the company, or are they?\n\nWhat I really wonder is why McDonald\'s needs to this at all. They are a ubiquitous part of the landscape, and everyone knows what kind of food they sell. Lots of people eat there--what are the up to, zillions served? They have great brand identity, brand knowledge and good advertising. And in a weak economy, fast food places generally do good business since they are cheap and easy.  No one goes to McDonald\'s expecting fine or healthy dining. And as far as I know, everyone assumes you will have low-quality standards maintained across the board--clean and fast is what you expect, not high quality and good for you.','Fast food is healthy','','publish','open','open','','fast-food-is-healthy','','','2008-11-20 08:41:59','2008-11-20 13:41:59','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=192',0,'post','',1),
(194,4,'2008-11-21 15:59:45','2008-11-21 20:59:45','Nothing makes a celebrity like publicity. In fact, without publicity, there would be no celebrities. Yet, we often hear of scuffles between celebrities and the paparazzi or stars taking tabloids to court. Of course there is a not so fine line between publicizing and slandering, and anybody should be careful of crossing that line.  Some celebrities are known for being private (quite an oxymoron) and some for being rabble-rousers (Lindsay Lohan anyone?). In both cases, this is part of their carefully crafted public persona. They attempt to control the media\'s portrayal of them, to suit their purposes.\n\nIn today\'s New York Times, there is an <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Angelna Jolie\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/business/media/21angelina.html?scp=2&amp;sq=angelina%20jolie&amp;st=cse\" target=\"_blank\">interesting article about Angelina Jolie </a>and her masterful control of the media.  Apparently, part of the negotiation involved in giving her twins\' pictures to People Magazine included a clause for positive coverage. If this is true, and People denies it, it calls to question whether People can be considered a journalistic endeavour or simply a celebrity publicity outlet. Chances are, it\'s a bit of both. In any case, People would not exist without celebrities to cover and celebrities would not be celebrities if they were not covered. So, in a sense, People can\'t afford to alienate celebrities.\n\nI am not sure what I think of Jolie\'s \"carefully crafted\" persona. In a sense, what she has done is rehabilitate her image through the use of new imagery (adoptive children from underdeveloped countries, nomadic lifestyle, Brad Pitt). Prior to that, she was a tattooed, blood vial wearing wife of Billy Bob Thornton. In any case, Jolie is a case in point, in that what the media show about you, is what people perceive you as.  A lesson that is good for all organizations concerned about image.','Publicizing your image','','publish','open','open','','publicizing-your-image','','','2008-11-21 15:59:45','2008-11-21 20:59:45','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=194',0,'post','',0),
(196,4,'2008-11-24 10:08:45','2008-11-24 15:08:45','The economic-banking-credit crisis has spawned some new advertising selling points and language for financial institutions. These seek to reassure current and potential customers that their money-investments-assets are safe.  For instance, SunTrust Bank is using a new tagline: \"Live Solid. Bank Solid.\" Obviously, solid is a good word to describe a bank, especially in light of recent bank failures. Bank of America, one of the largest banks in the US, is still going with the \"Keep the Change\" campaign, and a headline to their newest ad is \"If you\'re going to spend, spend smart.\"\n\nI have seen lots of ads featuring words like secure, safe, solid,  smart, trust and so on. It is not about high returns or great investments any more, it is about keeping what you have in an increasingly turbulent marketplace.\n\nMeanwhile, Commerce Bank, which was a bank operating mainly in the Northeast, got \"rebranded\" into TD Bank due to a merger with TD BankFinancial Group of Canada.  Commerce, who used red as its color, is now green. The change was quite sudden and confusing. I am sure that current customers were aware of an impending change, but others must have been taken by surprise.','New selling points','','publish','open','open','','new-selling-points','','','2008-11-24 10:08:45','2008-11-24 15:08:45','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=196',0,'post','',0),
(199,4,'2008-11-30 19:33:08','2008-12-01 00:33:08','Something very interesting happened this Black Friday...it went well for retailers. But it wasn\'t expected to. The news media kept reporting that sales were expected to be lower, with fewer people shopping and shopping for fewer items. In fact, they reported this while they reported that people were camping out for sales and even that people trampled to death a security guard in their rush to enter a New York Walmart store. The final numbers are not in yet, but apparently, sales were better than expected and may even have been higher than last year.\n\nThis is interesting because a narrative has been formed in the media: economy is bad and people are not shopping, not matter what. Economy is bad,and people are not traveling not matter what. And yet, planes and roads are full and there is no parking to be had at local malls. Even my local bookstore was packed on Black Friday, even though they had no special sales.  In short, there seems to be a disconnect between what is being reported (or what reporters think) and what is actually happening.  Often, what is reported is not real but BECOMES real. In this case, it seems to be the opposite. I wonder if the panicked reporting about the dire state of the economy is partially a desire to create a black and white narrative or a true appraisal of reality. What do you think?','Reality versus reporting','','publish','open','open','','reality-versus-reporting','','','2008-11-30 19:33:08','2008-12-01 00:33:08','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=199',0,'post','',0),
(201,4,'2008-12-05 12:31:07','2008-12-05 17:31:07','Used car (and for that new car) salespeople are known for driving a hard sell.  And generally, consumers hate a hard sell. In fact, certain car dealerships (CarMax and Saturn) made their USP (unique selling proposition) the fact that what you see is what you get, and that you won\'t get hassled. Somehow, Verizon has not gotten the memo. I want to understand what the Verizon marketing folks are thinking, because from my perspective, they are driving a really hard sell, and not only that, they are being tremendously wasteful  (not getting the ROI they should). As I mentioned a few days ago, Verizon is in the middle of selling FIOS. I have received about two marketing pieces a week (direct mail), three to four hangups from Verizon on my phone (telemarketing) and have been exposed to more Verizon TV ads than I care to think about. The bottom line is, as I have told Verizon, I AM NOT GETTING FIOS!!!! Stop selling me PLEASE!!!\n\nAt some point, they have to stop. But they won\'t. Why? Because they have spent millions of dollars in research, development and roll-out of FIOS and until every single Verizon customer signs up, they probably will not make up the difference. They may have miscalculated that people would be all over FIOS, or they rolled out FIOS at a time when people are cutting back on everything. In either case, Verizon believes that marketing FIOS will eventually bring in the numbers. Otherwise, they would not spend the money. However, I think their approach is extremely wasteful (yes, even in an environmental way).\n\nSo, my bottom line is that Verizon is the used car salesperson I will avoid at all costs. I am not buying a car (or new TV/phone service) any time soon. So sell away but all you are doing is irritating me and making me consider alternatives.','The hard sell','','publish','open','open','','the-hard-sell','','','2008-12-05 12:31:07','2008-12-05 17:31:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=201',0,'post','',0),
(203,4,'2008-12-08 09:20:38','2008-12-08 14:20:38','I\'ve had lots of occasion this past week to think about branding as I led writing groups for a business school class on marketing. The undergrads had to write a marketing paper dealing with some sort of marketing strategy. Most of them wrote about \"brand extension,\" where a new product is introduced under the existing brand name.  The students had a bit of trouble relating theory to real world practice, but if anyone doubts the power of marketing and branding, they should look no further than <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Marketing\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/06/AR2008120600136.html\" target=\"_blank\">this article </a>in yesterday\'s <em>Washington Post</em>. The article talks about how exposure to certain brands (Coke is one of them) actually fires up areas in the brain that are also akin to RELIGIOUS experience. Why? Because marketers have spent years creating messaging that forms emotional connections for the brand. Of course, Coke is the prime example. I think it has the highest (here\'s another marketing term) brand equity of all brands. It logo is instantly recognizable, and they have had a particularly successful marketing campaign. When we think of Coke we may think \"a Coke and a smile\" or Santa or fuzzy bears or any number of campaigns designed to appeal to our emotions.  The bottom line is that good marketing and branding do work to create positive associations.\n\nMost everything that we are exposed to through the media has a (yet another marketing term) brand essence or personality. We associate certain behaviors/attributes/lifestyles/etc. to certain brands/products/people and countries? At least Howard Fineman of<em> Newsweek </em>seems to think that countries have brand personalities. And perhaps they do. However, he <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Branding the US\" href=\"http://www.newsweek.com/id/172573\" target=\"_blank\">writes</a> that Barack Obama is engaging in a branding exercise for the United States simply by the choices he\'s making for cabinet positions. Although I agree with the premise, I think Fineman is a bit sketchy on the details.\n\nBottom line: branding works. When something is not well known, it is because that something does not have a strong brand identity. Branding works for products (how many people out there have a preference Coke versus Pepsi versus store cola?) and it works for organizations. Apparently, branding also works for countries (let\'s see...England is traditional, some might say stodgy, Iran, more apt to incite violence, New Zealand has lots of dairy...).','The power of branding','','publish','open','open','','the-power-of-branding','','','2008-12-08 09:20:38','2008-12-08 14:20:38','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=203',0,'post','',2),
(206,4,'2008-12-09 12:36:19','2008-12-09 17:36:19','','photo_173_20080825','FreeDigitalPhotos.net','inherit','open','open','','photo_173_20080825','','','2008-12-09 12:36:19','2008-12-09 17:36:19','',205,'http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/photo_173_20080825.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),
(205,4,'2008-12-09 12:37:53','2008-12-09 17:37:53','I am sure that you heard of the Republican National Commitee\'s robo-calls during the 2008 election. People were very irritated to get them. And why wouldn\'t they? After all, it is bad enough to get an unsolicited call but then to pick up the phone to be greeted by a robotic voice? You can\'t talk back to a robot! You can\'t ask the caller to please never call you again.  And what is most interesting is that there is no data that show that these types of calls work. Here is <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Robocalls\" href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9978.html\" target=\"_blank\">an article in Politico</a> from earlier in the year pleading with the campaigns not to use robo-calls.  The author claims that one of the main reasons that these calls are employed is because they are cheap.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_206\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"FreeDigitalPhotos.net\"]<a><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-206\" title=\"photo_173_20080825\" src=\"http://deborahbrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/photo_173_20080825.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"FreeDigitalPhotos.net\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\n\nThis leads me to the latest in the Verizon FIOS push. Today, I got a robo-call. My only guess is that Verizon is conducting a marketing experiment to see which method works.  And hey, robo-calls are cheap! Especially if you are the phone company--you don\'t even have to pay for phone time.  In my opinion, Verizon\'s marketing geniuses are thinking that somehow they will get me to sign up. So they will try each option numerous times.  Meanwhile, have they checked the blogosphere for what is being said about them? No...haven\'t gotten a single comment. When I wrote about Comcast a few months ago, a representative contacted me to try to rectify the situation.  Verizon does not care what you or I think. The company only cares that you sign up for its services. I will tell you one reason I won\'t sign up for FIOS--because if something goes wrong with my TV/phone/Internet I will be forced to talk to Verizon. And I don\'t want to talk to Verizon, ever.','Now it\'s robo-calls','','publish','open','open','','now-its-robo-calls','','','2008-12-09 12:37:53','2008-12-09 17:37:53','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=205',0,'post','',0),
(208,4,'2008-12-10 13:47:06','2008-12-10 18:47:06','And writing clearly even harder? As a writer, I make mistakes and my stuff has typos. Occasionally, I use the wrong word. But most of the time, I catch these mistakes. However, most people seem to have no idea. Recently, through my work,  I encountered the frequent misuse of the following words:  effect/affect and ensure/assure. Check out this useful <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Commonly misused words\" href=\"http://www.copyblogger.com/commonly-misused-words/\" target=\"_blank\">post on Copyblogger</a> about frequently misused words, which is helpful for reference. Another frequent mistake is using the word which instead of that or vice versa. In general terms, we use which only after a comma, to set off a separate phrase. Also, referring to businesses or corporations as \"them\" or \"they.\" Use it/it\'s (the corporation, although employing people, is an entity not a person or a collection of people). Another pet peeve of mine is when people use that instead of who when referring to other human beings, as in: \"you know Julie that lives in DC?\" It should be \"you know Julie who lives in DC.\"\n\nBut what is most sad to me is how infrequently people even recognize mistakes. Grammatical mistakes abound in spoken English, especially on TV. I can\'t tell you how many times I have heard an anchor or reporter use a completely convoluted sentence. We are human and we make mistakes, but we can also correct mistakes and improve, right? In my opinion, this dearth of writing skills is linked directly to lack of reading. Readers, especially avid readers, are exposed to good writing. Readers can recognize spelling, grammar, usage by exposure. I know that this is true for me. I don\'t often know the grammatical terminology for something, but I recognize if it is used correctly.\n\nI may start keeping  a log of  writing goofs. If you would like to share some, please do so in the comments.','Why is writing so hard?','','publish','open','open','','why-is-writing-so-hard','','','2008-12-10 13:47:06','2008-12-10 18:47:06','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=208',0,'post','',0),
(211,4,'2008-12-11 09:36:11','2008-12-11 14:36:11','You\'ve got to hand it to Dell. It has figured out what its customers want--customer service that is understandable, and responsive. This customer service is not what its currently offers, since most likely if you call Dell you will end up talking to Raj in Bangalore or Juan in the Philippines (and by talk, I mean trying to make yourself understood to someone who has some understanding of computers and less regarding English). In response to this desire to talk to people who might understand what you are asking, and give you instructions you might be able to use, Dell has instituted a program called Your Tech Service Team, in which you will talk to support people right here in the U.S. The kicker is that it will CHARGE you a premium ($12.95  a month, which ends up being $155.50 a year).  So let\'s recap: for a mere $155 a year, you will get customer service in understandable English from an American company. Sounds like a hell of a marketing program.  If you think I am making this up, please read <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Bangalore Tech support\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121003574.html\" target=\"_blank\">the article</a> in the <em>Washington Post</em>.\n\nOn the other hand, the same article points out that Jitterbug, a cell phone company, has decided to 1) keep call centers in the U.S. because its customers prefer it and 2) it uses this as a point of differentiation.  Sadly, I think this is a good USP. If I was given a choice of computers, and told where customer service was located for each company, I would most certainly choose the one with U.S. based service. Having had a Dell myself, and having had to call Raj, I can tell you that Raj was NOT helpful. Raj did not understand me and I didn\'t understand him. This served to frustrate me and ultimately made me decide not to buy a Dell again. Unfortunately, most other computer and software manufacturers have also decided to cut costs and install their customer service centers in various South Asian locations. See the movie Slumdog Millionaire to see how this has impacted India, for instance.\n\nWhat is frustrating about Dell marketing this service at a premium is that it stems from an understanding that its customers are unhappy with receiving tech support from another continent. Instead of correcting the situation, they have opted to squeeze their customers some more. It is just like the airlines. The airlines know that you don\'t want a middle seat,  and that you want some sort of meal or beverage when you are shut up in the flying tube, so they will charge for the privilege.  <strong>All because companies actually know what customers want.</strong>\n\nSo much for the idea that companies aren\'t responsive to customer complaints.','USP: English that you can understand!','','publish','open','open','','usp-english-that-you-can-understand','','','2008-12-11 09:36:11','2008-12-11 14:36:11','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=211',0,'post','',0),
(214,4,'2008-12-11 12:32:28','2008-12-11 17:32:28','Here are few terms that I use often:\n\n<strong>USP</strong>: Unique selling proposition; what sets a brand/product/service apart from everybody else.\n\n<strong>ROI</strong>: Return on investment; what you aim for in your marketing expenditure.\n\n<strong>Brand equity</strong>:  The value (in dollars and in positive associations) for a brand.\n\n<strong>Brand personality</strong>: How a brand is perceived.\n\n<strong>CPM: </strong>Cost per thousand\n\n<strong>Target market: </strong>Who you are trying to reach. Defined by demographics (age, income, gender, location) and psychographics (lifestyle, personality, preferences).','Marketing terms/Glossary','','publish','open','open','','marketing-termsglossary','','','2008-12-11 12:32:28','2008-12-11 17:32:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?page_id=214',0,'page','',0),
(217,4,'2008-12-13 20:14:22','2008-12-14 01:14:22','How important is price when you are shopping? Do you ever buy store brands (also known as private labels) to save money? If you are like many Americans, increasingly the answer is yes, price is important. More and more, private labels are gaining market share, as is reported in this  <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Store brands\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/business/13private.html\" target=\"_blank\">New York Times article</a>. As the article points out, people are flocking to store branded staple items  and sticking to brands only for certain items. One such item, the article points out, is Heinz ketchup. I would bet other legacy brands like Tide detergent, Crest toothpaste and Coke are still doing well.  For certain things, like milk or eggs, brand does not mean much. For others, brand means quality or taste.\n\nWhat is interesting about the private label versus national brand struggle, is that it probably depends on the particular private label. Those who have experienced Wegmans probably have no compunction buying Wegmans brand. On the other hand, are you as likely to buy private label products from a lesser quality grocery store? Here in DC, we have Safeway, Giant, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe\'s, Whole Foods and a couple other markets. I wonder if the \"cache\" of each store translates into higher private label sales. For instance, would you be more likely to buy Whole Foods canned tomatoes than Giant tomatoes, prices being similar?\n\nThe bottom line is that price-sensitive consumers have always bought the cheaper alternative. But in tough times, everyone has become more price-sensitive, and thus willing to check out private labels, giving them increasing market share.','Brand versus Price','','publish','open','open','','brand-versus-price','','','2008-12-13 20:14:22','2008-12-14 01:14:22','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=217',0,'post','',0),
(219,4,'2008-12-15 09:39:52','2008-12-15 14:39:52','If something is wrong with your product, don\'t you want to know about it? I think you do (and if not, you should!). Well, many marketers sometimes \"forget\" to include an essential piece of information: an address and/or telephone and/or email address that can be used for feedback. Some marketers don\'t want to be deluged with calls or emails so they either exclude this information or make it very hard to find. This is not a good tactic. It can backfire--you could lose a customer or many, especially if the issue is one that is repeatable. Let me give you two examples.\n\nI had bought anti-virus software at a big-box store. I installed it, and it worked great. Of course, after  a year, it told me I needed to update. The update was more expensive (of course) and could only be received via online download. Long story short, the update did not work. It screwed up my computer, and worse, I couldn\'t get it completely off my computer. I had to have a computer guy come remove the hard drive and delete all files relating to the software. Well, I tried to contact this software company. Was there a customer service number or an email? No. For tech support yes (the aforementioned Raj in India was not very helpful getting resolution to the problem). In any case, I had no recourse and the company was not going to find out that their software has a bug in it. I will NEVER buy from this company again. Ever. Again.\n\nSecond case is maddening. For years, since I started my business, I advertised on a marketing site. I got a good number of hits from there, and so I paid for premium positions. Well, with very little fan fare, the site changed, and the writer category was transferred to a new domain. Apparently, the company did not advertise the new domain as well as the old one, and I got not ONE hit from the new domain. Meanwhile, every two months or so, I get an email from the site asking me to upgrade to a premium (read paid) subscription. I wanted to email that I would not because the site was not sending any hits. There was absolutely no email address to write to. And so when I see the emails coming from the company, I delete them. Is the owner of the site wondering why a former advertiser is no longer advertising? Is he concerned? If he is, he certainly doesn\'t want MY feedback. He only wants my credit card number. He can\'t even begin to address my concerns if he doesn\'t have them.\n\nBottom line, feedback is essential. Without it, you could have a defective or malfunctioning product on the market and no way of knowing about it. I am sure getting a ton of email can be a problem, but a bigger problem can happen if you start getting bad word of mouth and your sales start tanking. It\'s like putting a coin in the meter--it\'s annoying but not as annoying as getting a ticket!','Why getting feedback is important','','publish','open','open','','why-getting-feedback-is-important','','','2008-12-15 09:39:52','2008-12-15 14:39:52','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=219',0,'post','',0),
(221,4,'2008-12-17 08:53:16','2008-12-17 13:53:16','A couple of nights ago, I saw an ad in Burger King\'s new campaign \"Whopper Virgins.\"  The ad, which is shot in a documentary style, and takes us around the world to tiny villages (mostly in Asia) where \"people who have never tasted a burger before,\" are asked to sample a Whopper and a another burger. The villagers seem to prefer the Whopper.  Thus, \"Whopper virgins\" prefer Burger King, and so should you. Case closed, right? No.\n\nI was a bit astounded by this campaign.  First, I feel that labeling people and using the term\"Whopper virgin\"  is a bit tacky. And then, there is the negative reaction the ad has gotten, as is described in<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Whopper Virgins\" href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-burger-king-1216dec16,0,7830011.story\" target=\"_blank\"> this article</a> in the <em>Chicago Tribune</em>, which also ran today in the <em>Washington Pos</em>t.  The article claims the ad missed its mark. Other people are writing about this too, saying the ad is ignorant, or colonialistic or worse. <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Motley Fool\" href=\"http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2008/12/04/whats-a-whopper-virgin.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Motley Fool</a>(the finance \"educators\")  analyzed the ad, in light of Burger King\'s other \"risky\" ad campaigns, and says the company \"may have bitten off more than it can chew.\"  BK even issued a press release saying they are investing in the lands of the Whopper Virgins. This also sounds colonialistic.\n\nI am not sure it plays to the best in America to find people who have never had a burger and expose them to the lowest echelon of American cookery--the fast food burger.  I get the concept--people who are not biased like our product better--let\'s run with it. But the final product might be crossing a few boundaries of \"taste.\" In the end, this is typical ad agency behavior (in this case, Cripin Porter): let\'s sell a concept and then execute in a way that will be funny (to us). In fact, this campaign seems like it took the movie<em> Borat</em> to heart, and decided that it would reverse it. Take <em>Borat</em> back out to the country.  The thing is <em>Borat</em> was funny...but it was hugely offensive.\n\nUPDATE: BK is now selling Flame--a beef scented cologne. Retails for $4, available online. What a wonderful gift idea--perhaps the Whopper Virgins would enjoy. <strong>http://tinyurl.com/6pp2ra</strong>\n\n<strong>\n</strong>','Selling Whoppers or selling stupid?','','publish','open','open','','selling-whoppers-or-selling-stupid','','','2008-12-17 08:53:16','2008-12-17 13:53:16','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=221',0,'post','',0),
(225,4,'2008-12-18 17:50:18','2008-12-18 22:50:18','Public relations practitioners are generally good about getting their pitch across. There are those who do it with a soft touch, and then there is this story I had to share with you: <strong>http://tinyurl.com/3ka5h8</strong> I found it through Peter Shankman\'s twitter feed, regarding a woman who calls herself a PR person, but is really a list provider/spammer. And she\'s nasty (probably bitter).  Public relations is about building positive relations with your target audience, generally using media as a go-between. Insulting the media is never a good idea!!!!','How not to do p.r.','','publish','open','open','','how-not-to-do-pr','','','2008-12-18 17:50:18','2008-12-18 22:50:18','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=225',0,'post','',0),
(227,4,'2008-12-19 09:43:08','2008-12-19 14:43:08','Macy\'s is probably one of the nation\'s largest retail advertiser.  During the year, it probably runs a few full page ads a week in all major newspapers. With Christmas, a make-or-break time, coming up, Macy\'s seems to have pulled out all the marketing stops.  At least in the Washington Post, it has been running several junior or full page ads EVERY day. It has had a sale or coupons or both for practically every day of the week. And today, there is an ad that says that Macy\'s stores will be open 24 hours a day from Saturday until Christmas Eve.\n\nTo me, this seems almost desperate.  What is the ROI on this media expenditure? Of course, media prices go down with frequency, and Macy\'s must be on the highest frequency tier. I will be interested in seeing retail figures for December when they come out.','Macy\'s pulls out all the stops','','publish','open','open','','macys-pulls-out-all-the-stops','','','2008-12-19 09:43:08','2008-12-19 14:43:08','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=227',0,'post','',0),
(229,4,'2008-12-22 13:05:17','2008-12-22 18:05:17','If you have ever wondered how some movies end up getting Oscars and others don\'t, the answer just may be public relations. There are people devoted to publicizing movies to Oscar voters. This pretty much guarantees that smaller budgets will not likely get Oscars unless they are \"sleeper\" hits that everyone watches and loves. It takes money to make sure every Motion Picture Academy voter sees your movie, or at least hears good buzz.  The Washington Post had an excellent article on this topic, called: <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Oscar Publicists\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121900747.html\" target=\"_blank\">For your Consideration: The Oscar Publicists.</a>\n\nWhen a client asks you if public relations has any value just point them to the Oscar movie you love to hate (in my case, it is Brokeback Mountain, which I thought was terribly made).  There is a good chance the reason it won is because it had the best PR/publicity campaign.','How did that movie win an Oscar?','','publish','open','open','','how-did-that-movie-win-an-oscar','','','2008-12-22 13:05:17','2008-12-22 18:05:17','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=229',0,'post','',0),
(231,4,'2009-01-06 19:31:31','2009-01-07 00:31:31','After a nice year-end 2008 vacation, I am back.  I\'d like to wish you all a happy, productive 2009. New posts will be coming shortly!','It\'s a new year!','','publish','open','open','','its-a-new-year','','','2009-01-06 19:31:31','2009-01-07 00:31:31','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=231',0,'post','',0),
(233,4,'2009-01-12 09:58:13','2009-01-12 14:58:13','It\'s no wonder, given the sour state of the U.S. economy, that advertisers are choosing to portray their products or services as the most economical.  One such advertiser is NetZero. For those of you not familiar with it, or who don\'t watch any TV, NetZero is a dialup Internet Service Provider (ISP).  For years, NetZero has been saying it can take us to the \"same\" Internet for only $9.95 a month. However, NetZero has rarely said that it is the same Internet, yet slower compared to your more expensive broadband connection. Until now. A couple of nights ago, I saw NetZero\'s new campaign in which the company says each individual could save $300 a year using NetZero. The first ad in the campaign went so far to say that you don\'t really need speed if you can save money.  The rest of the ads have been truncated versions just focusing on the dollar savings and not on the speed loss.\n\nWhat makes this ad so interesting is that it is all about saving money. In fact, that is NetZero\'s USP--cheaper than broadband. I guess if all you are doing is getting text emails, and perhaps visiting a non-graphic website, you don\'t need more than dialup. If, however, you transmit files or you share pictures or you simply want to visit and see mainstream websites, you would be very badly served having dialup.  But yes, if you switch to dialup (and I am not sure who else provides this service), you could save some $20-$30 a month.\n\nI think we will be seeing more of these ads from diverse companies. They will focus on how cheap they are (this is what Walmart is doing with its Live Better campaign) and ignore any other issues. The feeling seems to be people want to/have to save money, and if we tell them they can save money using our company, they will buy our product or service.  A year ago I would have said there is no way this approach can work. People do not buy simply on cost...they buy on experience, promise, and whole slew of other issues. But today, when accounts are dwindling, jobs are being lost and people feel panicky, perhaps simply saving money is the way to go.','Save, save, save','','publish','open','open','','save-save-save','','','2009-01-12 09:58:13','2009-01-12 14:58:13','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=233',0,'post','',0),
(236,4,'2009-01-12 17:40:36','2009-01-12 22:40:36','I find this report hard to believe, but apparently, drug advertising is not resulting in patients asking for a drug by name. Read the <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Drug advertising\" href=\"http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28584952/\" target=\"_blank\">MSNBC article</a> here.  I can only theorize that the drugs that are advertised the most (Levitra, Viagra, Jenuvia) are for conditions that don\'t affect that many people. Hmm...','What? Brand advertising doesn\'t work?','','publish','open','open','','what-brand-advertising-doesnt-work','','','2009-01-12 17:40:36','2009-01-12 22:40:36','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=236',0,'post','',1),
(238,4,'2009-01-14 09:32:15','2009-01-14 14:32:15','Obviously, 2008 was not a banner year for anyone, except maybe foreclosure specialists and some lawyers.  It certainly was not a good one for print media. We heard of closures (<em>Christian Science Monitor</em> for one) and declines in subscriptions. Today, <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Ad  revenue\" href=\"http://www.foliomag.com/2009/consumer-magazines-take-huge-ad-hit-2008\" target=\"_blank\">Folio reported </a>that ad pages fell 11.7 percent as compared to 2007.  Wow. As anyone who works in media knows, advertising is the lifeblood of publishing. No advertising, no publishing. Subscriptions and newsstand sales alone don\'t make up the income stream needed to publish a magazine. I am sure the cost of paper is up, as well as transportation costs. In short, as it has become more expensive to actually publish the magazine, the main source of revenue has declined. To me this spells a tough year ahead for magazines in 2009. I think we will see more magazine closures and consolidations. Some may cut back to fewer issues per year. I think it will be worse for newspapers. A few days ago it was reported that the<em> Seattle Post-Intelligencer</em> was looking for a buyer. If it does not get a buyer in two months, it will fold. This is the MAIN newspaper in a large city.\n\nIn short, I think the future of print advertising is less growth. I don\'t think it will disappear just yet, but I am sure online advertising will continue to grow while print advertising continues its decline.','What is the future for print advertising?','','publish','open','open','','what-is-the-future-for-print-advertising','','','2009-01-14 09:32:15','2009-01-14 14:32:15','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=238',0,'post','',0),
(240,4,'2009-01-16 10:38:41','2009-01-16 15:38:41','We\'ve established that advertising and publishing are symbiotic, right? Well, today I found more bad news affecting newspapers across the country, courtesy of Mediabistro.com.: The <em>Boston Globe</em> is cutting up to 50 jobs and the Minneapolis <em>Star Tribune </em>is filing for bankruptcy.  This is a case where it could be the chicken or the egg. Did advertising drop and cause financial losses at the newspapers or did cutbacks and diminishing influence of print media lead to less print ad expenditure? Not sure which, but maybe a bit of both.\n\nOf course, newspapers are still relevant. I would bet most people check out a newspaper every day, albeit, online.  Perhaps we can brace now for an all electronic future.','What is the future of print advertising, part II','','publish','open','open','','what-is-the-future-of-print-advertising-part-ii','','','2009-01-16 10:38:41','2009-01-16 15:38:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=240',0,'post','',0),
(242,4,'2009-01-20 08:03:02','2009-01-20 13:03:02','Inside today\'s <em>Washington Post</em> not only was there a special \"commemorative\" inauguration insert, but another insert that is titled \"Progress\" and has today\'s date on the bottom. You could be forgiven for thinking it is yet another adulatory piece about Barack Obama, due to the progressive, historic nature of his inauguration today. However, you would be wrong. It is about Audi, the car company. This insert tries to define progress for me--for instance, \"Grown men spraying giant bottles of champagne,\" and \"leaving behind yesterday\'s idea of luxury.\"  These inane headlines are being equated to \"progress is a woman dominating a man\'s sport,\" and most egregiously, to the idea that our country is finally embracing a person of color as president.  Audi wants you to believe that the company is just as progressive as the United States. What exactly makes Audi progressive?  That of course, is not answered.\n\nI have seen lots of advertising that takes advantage of momentous events. Many companies advertise during special events in what is generally image advertising or brand-building. And I get that Audi is engaging in the same. However, I wonder what the strategy is. The insert, even though it is on newsprint and not glossy, is expensive. Audi is also running the same campaign online.  So is the idea that people will buy today\'s newspaper as a keepsake so they will also read the Audi ad? Is the idea to equate Audi with Barack Obama? In my opinion, this will fall flat.  Like I said before, I don\'t find evidence in the insert of Audi\'s \"progressive\" nature.  Also,  people who buy the paper today will be totally focused on two things: information about the nuts and bolts of the inaugural and info on Obama. An extra supplement that is irrelevant will get thrown out.\n\nDid you see this insert/campaign? If so, what did you think of it? Please leave comments.\n\nUPDATE: Also, Audi sponsored Inauguration night\'s NBC and ABC newscasts, so that they could be presented with limited commercial interruption. That\'s a lot of marketing dollars....and again, is it worth it?','Trying too hard?','','publish','open','open','','trying-too-hard','','','2009-01-20 08:03:02','2009-01-20 13:03:02','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=242',0,'post','',2),
(244,4,'2009-01-21 10:48:28','2009-01-21 15:48:28','One of the first things that signaled the start of the new Obama administration was the changeover of the <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"WH Official Web\" href=\"http://www.whitehouse.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">Whitehouse.gov</a> website. The new website, which shares many elements with the Obama campaign website, was up and running at 12 noon, even before the flubbed swearing-in took place. In a sense, the new website is the product of people who haven\'t been in the White House very long. It still has the campaign feel, talking about the Agenda, and showing the Whistle Stop tour Obama and Biden took the weekend before the Inaugural. What is more updated about the website is that you can now sign up for email updates and like many other organizational websites in America today, it has a blog. And, as the website claims:\n\n\"WhiteHouse.gov will be a central part of\nPresident Obama\'s pledge to make his\nthe most transparent and accountable\nadministration in American history.\"\n\nThe website has been getting a lot of attention. Here\'s <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"WH website\" href=\"http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090121/pl_politico/17709\" target=\"_blank\">an article from Politico via Yahoo</a> on the presidential bios on the website.\n\nObama will certainly be a more \"electronic\" president. Much has been made about his BlackBerry \"addiction.\" He was able to garner much of his support among the GenY/media/social media savvy people because of his campaign know-how regarding Web 2.0.  Let\'s see how this plays out.\n\nUpdate:  <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Obama PR\" href=\"http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/01/22/raudonised0122.html\" target=\"_self\">Interesting take</a>from the<em> Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em> on the PR skills of the new administration, helping create a positive perception, and apparently an area where Bush was not as media-savvy.','The dawn of a new (communications) era','','publish','open','open','','the-dawn-of-a-new-communications-era','','','2009-01-21 10:48:28','2009-01-21 15:48:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=244',0,'post','',0),
(247,4,'2009-01-22 10:56:33','2009-01-22 15:56:33','I have never been a huge fan of shelter magazines, mostly because they make me feel very inadequate in both the decorating and housing areas. However, they are usually at least inspirational...some day, maybe, I will have the taste and the money to decorate my house with shabby chic or whatever. However,  I may lose inspiration (and jealousy) because many shelter magazines have ceased publication, including <em>Home and Garden</em>,<em> Oprah at Home</em>, <em>Martha Stewart Blueprint</em> and others. The <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Home magazines\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012101128.html\" target=\"_blank\">article</a> in today\'s  <em>Washington Post</em> blames low ad revenue and not declining circulation. So folks, we have our answer to the print question. It is all about advertising. Advertisers are cutting back on their print advertising budgets, and thus, magazines are dying. What this may lead to is a rise in advertising costs as fewer magazines are left to provide ad pages. Demand vs.  supply. And  then, fewer advertisers will want to advertise.','Shelter magazines ','','publish','open','open','','shelter-magazines','','','2009-01-22 10:56:33','2009-01-22 15:56:33','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=247',0,'post','',0),
(250,4,'2009-01-26 19:35:41','2009-01-27 00:35:41','You know how you recoil when someone starts telling you much more than you want to know about his or her personal life? We call it TMI, and there\'s a good reason for it. We don\'t need to know EVERYTHING.  We understand that some things just are better kept private. Well, apparently the folks at Pfizer in charge of marketing Celebrex do not believe in TMI. Currently, Pfizer is running a really long (at least 1 minute) commercial for Celebrex, airing on the ABC World News with Charles Gibson. It goes into way too much detail  about the RISKS of Celebrex, and other NSAIDS. You may recall that NSAIDS  have been linked to heart problems. This is not the first time that Celebrex goes this route. Last year, they ran a two and  a half minute commercial, in the same, graphic style (no actors, just voice over).\n\nThe problem for me is that the message is lost. In fact, I am not sure what the message is meant  to be.  Is it to recap the various risks of NSAIDS? Is it to say Celebrex is just as risky as other NSAIDs? The commercial mention benefits, but I didn\'t see those communicated clearly.  That is why I  think this commercial is faulty...it doesn\'t make me want to consider Celebrex (not that I need it, but that is another issue).  As a marketing professional, it makes me question Celebrex\'s savvy.\n\nJudge for yourself. Here\'s  a link to the commercial on the Celebrex website: <a class=\"wp-caption\" href=\"http://tinyurl.com/26cqok\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>http://tinyurl.com/26cqok</strong></a>\n\n<strong>\n</strong>','Too much information','','publish','open','open','','too-much-information','','','2009-01-26 19:35:41','2009-01-27 00:35:41','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=250',0,'post','',0),
(253,4,'2009-01-28 16:01:19','2009-01-28 21:01:19','No,  this isn\'t about about Paris Hilton\'s Carl Jr.\'s commercial or about Janet Jackson having a \"wardrobe malfunction.\"  Instead, it is about PETA\'s new commercial promoting vegetarianism, because, get this, it leads to better sex. NBC has effectively denied the commercial the right to appear during the high-stakes Super Bowl. I found out about it on CNN\'s Headline News, which gave the commercial lots of free publicity, and maybe, that was the whole point.\n\nI am not sure where to start on this one. First of all, NBC\'s shows are full of sexual innuendo and actual sex talk, so I am not sure where NBC  thinks it is drawing the line. But then, there is the commercial itself, which shows women flouncing around in skimpy underwear holding (and caressing) vegetables. I get it. The  Super Bowl is seen by  a bunch of men who love to see attractive women in various states of undress. GoDaddy certainly ran a fairly racy commercial showing some nearly-naked woman.  But then, I don\'t get how showing women as sexual objects furthers PETAs cause.  I am not sure that beer-drinking, nacho-devouring men watching the Super Bowl are suddenly going to give up the tailgate burgers and steaks because being veggie is sexy.\n\nI am not sure which irritates me most: NBC\'s false sense of \"morality,\" especially in light of its programming, or PETA\'s  decision to use sex, and sexist visions of women to sell their message.\n\nSee the commercial and commentary<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"PETA commercial\" href=\"http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/01/27/hot-peta-ad-banned-from-superbowl-sex-doesnt-sell.html\" target=\"_blank\"> here.</a>\n\nThoughts?','Too sexy for TV','','publish','open','open','','too-sexy-for-tv','','','2009-01-28 16:01:19','2009-01-28 21:01:19','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=253',0,'post','',0),
(255,4,'2009-01-29 12:26:51','2009-01-29 17:26:51','Sometimes speaking your mind, especially when you are in the public eye, is not a good idea. Media trainers really hate the idea of their proteges saying whatever comes to mind, and for good reason. President Obama may have just learned this the hard way. Yesterday, prior to talking about the economic stimulus package, he \"joked\" with reporters about how Washington, DC is not as tough as Chicago when it comes to snow. I saw the exchange on live television, and I thought to myself that some people (namely Washingtonians) would be insulted by this. Sure enough, the comment was carried on tons of Internet sites like DCist, WJLA.com, and even on the network news. Some people did not see what was so funny about icy, slippery sidewalks,  especially when they figured the President does not have walk outside to get to work at all.\n\nOf course, of all the things that Obama could have said, this was not close to being the worst. However, it should teach him that nothing is off the record and that joking comments are not always seen as such.  Obama has been in such a bubble of adulation that it was almost refreshing to see people bristle at this comment. He will have to adjust to the idea that people will be listening to his every word, and many will be looking for missteps and mistakes.\n\nSo to wrap up PR 101--don\'t speak off the cuff, ESPECIALLY if there are journalists in the room.','Speaking off the cuff','','publish','open','open','','speaking-off-the-cuff','','','2009-01-29 12:26:51','2009-01-29 17:26:51','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=255',0,'post','',1),
(257,4,'2009-01-30 17:31:28','2009-01-30 22:31:28','I don\'t really care much about the Super Bowl this year, although I will probably be rooting for the Arizona Cardinals. However, I do care about the most expensive ads on TV. So, I will be Twittering on Super Bowl Sunday. Follow me at twitter.com/dbmc\n\nOn Monday, I will post a round up.\n\nHave a happy weekend!','Super Ad Twitter','','publish','open','open','','super-ad-twitter','','','2009-01-30 17:31:28','2009-01-30 22:31:28','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=257',0,'post','',0),
(259,4,'2009-02-01 18:37:54','2009-02-01 23:37:54','First off, go Cardinals! Super Bowl 43 is on.\n\nFrom what I have seen so far, here are a few predictions (about the ads)\n\nMovies will be big--they have already shown a trailer for a movie openining in August. Movies do well in recessions.\n\nSaving/Smart/Value/Solid--all touchwords for tonight\n\nEnjoyment will be a theme\n\nAnother theme: Get ahead if you can, in spite of the economy (Careers.com, Monster.com and Avon will carry this message)\n\nWe are a scrappy people (continuation of above).\n\nWe\'ll see lots of commercials for beer. (No duh)','Super Thoughts','','publish','open','open','','super-thoughts','','','2009-02-01 18:37:54','2009-02-01 23:37:54','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=259',0,'post','',0),
(262,4,'2009-02-02 09:15:56','2009-02-02 14:15:56','Last night,  I suffered through a football game in which the team I was rooting for lost. I was in it for the ads in any case, and that also was a bit underwhelming. As I had predicted, there were lots of ads for movies (about 10 by my count), some of them not opening until late summer. The beer ads were as always for Budweiser, Bud Light, and Bud Lime, plus one for Heineken (again, that I saw).  There were ads from CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com and Avon touting the time to change your career.  Other advertisers included:\n\nIn the automotive category:  Hyundai, Toyota, Audi, cars.com, carmax.com, Bridgestone tires, Castrol Oil\n\nBeverages (non-alcoholic) : Pepsi, Coke ,  SoBe Lifewater, Super G (I think this was Gatorade)\n\nFood: Taco Bell, McDonalds, Cheetos, Doritos\n\nProducts and Services: Etrade, GoDaddy.com, H&amp;R Block, Teleflora, GE, Cash4Gold.com, Overstock.com, Kellogs Frosted Flakes, Pedigree adopt-a-dog campaign.\n\nOverall, some of the best (and more memorable)  ads came from the usual suspects, Pepsi and Coke. Pepsi seemed to have taken over the Obama logo and used Bob Dylan and Will.I.Am. Coke went the animation route (this is after all the company that brought us cola drinking polar bears). Budweiser had two memorable commercials-one in which business people are having a budget meeting while drinking Bud Light (what?) and one of the recommends, albeit jokingly that they cut out the Bud to save money and gets booted out the window. The other featured the Clydesdale horses recounting their epic immigration to the United States. Bridgestone used Mr. Potato Head. SoBe used ballet-dancing  football players.\n\nMy least favorite ads by far were for GoDaddy.com.  Not only were they juvenile but they were also sexist. I am not sure what their target audience is for their services, but unless they are only trying to appeal to teenage boys and immature men, they missed the mark. I also did not like the CareerBuilder.com commercial. There was something so patronizing about it. Just like last year, I didn\'t get the Doritos ads.  And Cheetos ads  were funny, but disturbing: women who eat snack foods can tap in to their inner witch.\n\nI think when the tallies come out, this year was not the year for Super Bowl ad spending. Many of the ads (and some of the funniest, actually0 were for NBC and their shows. I especially liked the one dealing with the LMAO. That was funny.\n\nIf you missed the game, but want to see the ads, you can go to Hulu.com.','Not so super if you ask me','','publish','open','open','','not-so-super-if-you-ask-me','','','2009-02-02 09:15:56','2009-02-02 14:15:56','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=262',0,'post','',0),
(268,4,'2009-02-05 08:33:04','2009-02-05 13:33:04','Although we think of marketing communications as mostly printed and electronic promotional pieces, there is one part of the communication process that is completely personal--you. Most of us represent our companies or even ourselves, if we are looking for a job or a project. We may have nice business cards but what else are we doing to market ourselves? Yesterday, I attended a networking/educational event where I saw <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Kate Perrin\" href=\"http://www.prstaffing.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Kate Perrin</a>, a fabulous networker and business person. We discussed (among other things like the Daschle debacle) how people present themselves.  This area, which I consider personal marketing, is rarely addressed but it is crucial nonetheless.\n\nWhy is your personal presentation a part of marketing? Simply,  because  <em>all marketing is about perception</em>, and how we look (how we are dressed, our body language, our demeanor in general) determines the perception others have of us. If I show up to an interview in sloppy clothes, doesn\'t it seem that I didn\'t put any effort in and that I really don\'t care what people think? Similarly, if I go to a business  event where everyone is wearing \"business attire\" and I am wearing flip-flops and shorts, don\'t I look out of place? Creative people generally dress creatively and corporate people also tend to dress in corporate attire. There is a reason for this--they are branding themselves.  This extends to business  cards as well. A lawyer probably will hand you a linen embossed card and a designer might give you a colorful one.\n\nA few months ago, I attended a networking event. The woman in charge was a business owner, and had a direct marketing firm. She talked about email campaigns and such. However, I was distracted from her message because she was dressed in a suit circa 1985, and had  unstyled long hair. She was clearly stuck in an earlier era, so my impression of her was that in no way could she conduct a 21st Century direct marketing campaign.\n\nOf  course not everyone should be cookie-cutter, dressed in navy blue suit and showing no hint of personal style. But there are some generalities about personal marketing:\n<ul>\n	<li>Clothing style reflects your brand--what do you want your brand to be?</li>\n	<li>Sloppiness never looks professional</li>\n	<li>Business cards are part of your  personal marketing package</li>\n	<li>Your handshake speaks volumes about you</li>\n	<li>A smile goes a long way</li>\n</ul>','Personal marketing and communications','','publish','open','open','','personal-marketing-and-communications','','','2009-02-05 08:33:04','2009-02-05 13:33:04','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=268',0,'post','',2),
(266,4,'2009-02-05 08:35:10','2009-02-05 13:35:10','By various reports over the past week or so,  it was clear that Pope Benedict does not understand PR. Why? Well, the Vatican recently revoked the excommunications of four priests, one of whom has publicly denied the Holocaust ever happened, going so far as to claim that Jews were never gassed and that at most 300,000 Jewish people lost their lives  not the 6 million. Now, Holocaust denial is outlawed in certain countries, most notably Germany and Austria. Holocaust deniers in other countries such as England, have been taken to court. Jewish groups were outraged and Angela Merkel, Germany\'s premier, spoke out against the Pope.  Finally, today, the Vatican called for the priest to recant and retract his statements about the Holocaust. (Here\'s the NYT Times article)\n\nIn my opinion, the damage is done, and in more ways than one. First, it makes the Vatican appear  callous in the face of an outraged public. And second, it makes the Vatican seem to finally buckle, but only under pressure. Either way, it is not good public relations practice.  Public relations is concerned with how your publi\n\nTo extract for more real world/corporate settings, here are a few thoughts:\n<ul>\n	<li>Vet your candidates properly (this goes for President Obama too)</li>\n	<li>If  there is a problem  with someone you are publicly supporting, immediately look into the matter. Do not pretend everything is A-OK.</li>\n	<li>Do not let others dictate your response--then you have lost credibility</li>\n	<li>Deal with problems as they arise,  especially with sensitive matters</li>\n</ul>','Vatican is a bit late in the PR game','','publish','open','open','','vatican-is-a-bit-late-in-the-pr-game','','','2009-02-05 08:35:10','2009-02-05 13:35:10','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=266',0,'post','',0),
(271,4,'2009-02-09 07:58:33','2009-02-09 12:58:33','<em>Fitness Magazine\'s</em> latest issue contains an insert...of coupons, just like you would find in newspapers. <em>Newsweek</em> is revamping its content/look and will try to up its price to subscribers  (<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Newsweekchanges\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/business/media/09newsweek.html?_r=2&amp;ref=media\" target=\"_blank\">story</a> from the <em>New York Times</em>). Last week, I looked up <em>Pink</em> magazine in the store, and found a thin magazine that resembled a supermarket tabloid or newsmagazine instead of a more solid (thick) magazine a la <em>Real Simple</em>. Why? Very little advertising. I can predict now that <em>Pink</em> will be folding within a year or going to a completely online iteration.The changes in the print world continue as magazines and newspapers try to grapple with a new economic panorama. Basically, magazines are looking for any source of additional revenue or cutting back to save costs.\n\nThe reality is advertisers are cutting back, but why? Why are advertisers circumventing print advertising?  Print used to be attractive because it was targeted and print media have two things going for them: shelf life (especially for special editions) and something called readership, which is the total amount of readers per issue (not to be confused with circulation, which is the number of issues that are distributed). Has print advertising become too expensive? We know for certain magazine subscriptions were unchanged, so it is not the drop in circulation.\n\nAnd in a related change, there is a new company in Germany producing a light plastic reader that can serve as a place to read newspapers or magazines electronically. The company is claiming that this way fewer trees will suffer the fate of the paper pulp machines. That might be the end of print altogether...\n\n<strong>UPDATE: Reuters is reporting <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Magazine sales down\" href=\"http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssMediaDiversified/idUSN0951724720090209\" target=\"_blank\">here </a>that magazine sales in supermarkets and at newsstands fell 11% during the last quarter of 2008. Apparently consumers are saving money and not buying magazines. This is truly bad news for the print industry. </strong>This does impact circulation AND readership numbers and makes it even a harder sell to advertisers. Brace for more closings....','Those changes in print--UPDATED','','publish','open','open','','those-changes-in-print','','','2009-02-09 07:58:33','2009-02-09 12:58:33','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=271',0,'post','',0),
(275,4,'2009-02-10 13:32:33','2009-02-10 18:32:33','If you are active in marketing communications, you  most certainly do want to attract attention for your organization or yourclients, right? Well, here is how NOT to do it:\n\n1) Have a lousy website: The uglier the better,  extra points if it looks like it was self-designed, designed in 1995, or has a distinctly 80s look and it is 2009.\n\n2) Never put out news about your organization. And make sure any news you do have on your website or other place is from two-three years ago.\n\n3) Ignore social media, after all, it\'s something the kids are doing, nobody serious. Who needs Twitter, LinkedIn, and all that stuff. Hard to keep up with all that stuff.\n\n4) Never network. On the rare ocasion that you do wander out, be sure to forget your business cards and dress sloppily.\n\n5) Don\'t sweat the small stuff. Sure, it\'s a great name for a book, it should be a great thing to do. Don\'t spell check, or keep your phone numbers updated on your website, or let your memberships lapse, don\'t pay bills...\n\n5) Be rude. After all, if someone contacts you,  they shouldn\'t expect a response, right?\n\nHow many marketers do you know that are dead-set on not getting any attention?','How to not attract attention','','publish','open','open','','how-to-not-attract-attention','','','2009-02-10 13:32:33','2009-02-10 18:32:33','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=275',0,'post','',0),
(277,4,'2009-02-16 09:08:59','2009-02-16 14:08:59','<strong>UPDATED INFORMATION</strong>\n\nEver since the steep rise in gasoline costs last summer, we\'ve seen a steep rise in image/issue advertising from energy providers. What is interesting is that it continues, even months later. The big ones here are traditional oil companies like Chevron and Exxon/Mobil, the coal and natural gas industries  and nuclear energy. Steadily, these three are competing for attention, one has to wonder from whom and to what end. And of course, before I forget, there is T.Boone Pickens, the millionaire, who is self-paying for ads pushing wind and natural gas energy as a way to \"stop our dependence on foreign oil.\" Pickens is part of <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Clean Energy\" href=\"http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com/main.html\" target=\"_blank\">Clean Energy</a>, an outfit promoting natural gas.\n\n<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Chevron\" href=\"http://www.chevron.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Chevron</a> is running a campaign that is centered around the tag line \"human energy.\" It is designed to make gasoline look environmentally friendly (in fact,  that is exactly what all three types of energy want you to think--that they are the most eco-friendly). There are two types of commercial--one saying Chevron is a company concerned about the human race, and the future and another about conserving energy--for instance unplugging more. I am not certain who the target audience is for the campaign, nor am I certain the campaign works.\n\nMeanwhile,  the <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Nuclear\" href=\"http://www.nei.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Nuclear Energy Institute </a>(I think) is running a commercial with the tagline \"nuclear--clean air energy.\"  In searching for info about the ad,  I came across <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"AREVA\" href=\"http://advertising-us.areva.com/ad-campaign.php\" target=\"_blank\">AREVA</a> (a nuclear company) that was running an ad campaign with the tagline \"pure energy.\" You see the theme here?\n\nAnd finally, there is the omnipresent commercial <span style=\"text-decoration:line-through;\">for the clean coal</span> oil and natural gas industry. You\'ve seen it--a woman in a black pant suit is walking around talking about how we can tap our own<span style=\"text-decoration:line-through;\"> (clean) </span>energy resources at home. This commercial has been running fairly steadily since before the election last year, <span style=\"text-decoration:line-through;\">and still, I can\'t find a link to it.  (If you can, will you send it to me or post in the comments?).  Of course, clean coal has come under fire, because apparently, there is no such thing.</span>I saw the commercial again last night and saw that it is for the <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Energy Tomorrow\" href=\"http://energytomorrow.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Oil and Natural Gas  Industry</a>. The concept really is not about eco-friendliness but rather using American resources (you know, drilling more at home). It is quite anachronistic in a way because it has no mention or acknowledgment of the impact of the energy industry on the environment.\n\nIn the end, <span style=\"text-decoration:line-through;\">all</span> some of these energy sources are trying to prove to us that they are the most ecological/green alternative. The gas/oil  industry is the one running the most scared. After the rise in fuel prices last summer, people made changes in their energy usage, and are now demanding fuel alternatives. So, gas has to position itself as somehow clean and friendly.\n\nDo you find any of these commercials compelling or convincing?','Energy (ad) wars','','publish','open','open','','energy-ad-wars','','','2009-02-16 09:08:59','2009-02-16 14:08:59','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=277',0,'post','',0),
(280,4,'2009-02-18 10:09:57','2009-02-18 15:09:57','In case you haven\'t heard by now, Facebook had silently changed their terms of service a few days ago and then, when caught by a media observer and reported all over the news, was forced to backtrack because of public outrage over the ownership of information.  What is interesting about this is that yet again, Facebook shows a complete lack of awareness about public opinion, and more importantly, how to handle such public opinion. It may have something to do with the very young, and obviously not media savvy, CEO Matt Zuckerberg.  Facebook is a new concept and a new company, and as such, does not have methods in place to disseminate information effectively to both its members and the public at large. It does not seem to understand that there is always someone watching and that you must have a plan to deal with issues as they arise.\n\nUnfortunately, this is the second time that Facebook is being reactionary because of public outrage. The first was last year when it announced a rather invasive advertising plan based on various items on people\'s  profiles, and then selling things to their friends based on those profiles. There was outrage over privacy. In fact, privacy seems to be Facebook\'s Achilles\' heel. The company cannot seem to find the right balance between protecting its users\' privacy and the needs to grow revenue and membership.\n\nIt hurts any company\'s credibility to have the media inform its customers of a change in terms of service. It hurts Facebook to have to retract and retrace steps. Many people are now confused about what is private or not private on their profiles.  It will cause some people to get off Facebook and others to change the way they use Facebook. In short, a failure to communicate clearly and directly has created a load a negative publicity for Facebook, and has alienated its core customer base.\n\nI hope that this time Facebook reconsiders its public relations program, if indeed it has any. I would advise Facebook to hire PR counsel and to focus on how to best communicate with its public.','Information dispatch','','publish','open','open','','information-dispatch','','','2009-02-18 10:09:57','2009-02-18 15:09:57','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=280',0,'post','',0),
(283,4,'2009-02-23 09:58:07','2009-02-23 14:58:07','A couple of weeks ago, The Washington Post decided to merge its online personality (washingtonpost.com) with it print personality by using the print Washington Post brand online.  The company had decided a while back to separate it online content from the print content although it was mostly the same. Now, it is definitely trying to make it all one.\n\nI think  that in the next few month we are going to see changes in print and online newspapers as subscriptions go down and costs go up, as advertisers continue to dial down their presences.  Eventually, newspapers will have to deal with the fact that they are giving away all of their content for free online.  It begs the question of why someone should subscribe to the print edition.  Of course, some people do not have online access or simply prefer to read printed matter. But those people  are probably a distinct minority. Overall,  most people that follow news are online and comfortable reading news online.  The other question for newspapers is how can they make money from their online ventures? There is online advertising, but what kind of metrics are they giving their advertisers? With print, you have geographic based demographic information. But online, anyone can read the content on a site. What will this do to local advertisers?\n\n[polldaddy poll=1395553] ','In print or online','','publish','open','open','','in-print-or-online','','','2009-02-23 09:58:07','2009-02-23 14:58:07','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=283',0,'post','',0),
(285,4,'2009-02-23 17:03:24','2009-02-23 22:03:24','Sometimes, when you are writing or speaking to a group you try to frame things by using examples or metaphors.  Nothing wrong with that. Except when your audience doesn\'t get it.  The other day I was listening to a professor speak and he referred to the Iran-Contra affair. Nothing wrong with the example but it did not work as a frame of reference for the students, many of them born well after the time.  Or perhaps you use cliched expressions like \"you sound like a broken record.\"  Guess what--kids probably have never ever seen a record. In fact, I am starting to think they will rarely see a CD.  Lots of our jokes and references are generational--and we need to consider this as we try to communicate with the younger set.\n\nDo you have good examples of generational frames of reference? Please post in the comments.','Frames of reference','','publish','open','open','','frames-of-reference','','','2009-02-23 17:03:24','2009-02-23 22:03:24','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=285',0,'post','',0),
(287,4,'2009-02-24 06:02:09','2009-02-24 11:02:09','Yesterday was a good news day for the airlines, specifically for US Airways and United Airlines. Why? Because both apparently have engaged in some good, old-fashioned PR.  Both companies released good stories about themselves, that then translated into major and positive coverage. Just like it is supposed to be.\n\nUSAir posted a story about how it is going to bring back free soft drinks to its economy cabins as of March 1. The news was reported across the board, from wire services to the evening news. And, USAir released this out as a news item before it sent out a notification to its frequent fliers. The company was seeking to get as much good mileage as it could out of this trite bit of news.  USAir \"admitted\" that it miscalculated the negative impact of charging for beverages and that this negative coverage undermined its gains in on-time performance and baggage handling. I am sure it is also undermined employee morale as people silently shook their heads when asked to pay $1 for a cup of lukewarm, ill-tasting coffee on board.\n\nUnited did USAir one better. NBC Nightly News ran a piece about how United is now really cleaning airplanes between flights, something that had gone by the wayside. The piece talked about a guy dubbed \"Mr.Clean\" who has a title something like Director of Cabin Appearance. The point was to show that United is taking steps to improve customer experience onboard its aircraft. Again, this is classic PR.  I am sure the airline pitched the angle that most airlines are filthy (they are)  because in these economic times, airlines are cutting corners on cleaning crews or the amount of times a plane gets fully cleaned. United is bucking the trend because United wants to enhance its passengers\'s experiences. Here\'s a link to NBC\'s Daily Nightly<a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"Daily Nightly\" href=\"http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/23/1805702.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">\' blog </a>discussing the story.\n\nBottom line: A bit of positive news can go a long way. Proof positive that PR works!\n\n[polldaddy poll=1398136]\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa100m02.png\" alt=\"\" /><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/a-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines/\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa101m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Facebook\" /></a><a href=\"http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa102m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Digg\" /></a><a href=\"http://del.icio.us/post?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa103m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Del.icio.us\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa104m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Stumbleupon\" /></a><a href=\"http://reddit.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa105m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Reddit\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.blinklist.com/index.php?Action=Blink/addblink.php&amp;Description=&amp;Url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;Title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa106m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Blinklist\" /></a><a href=\"http://ma.gnolia.com/bookmarklet/add?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;title=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa107m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Ma.gnolia\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.technorati.com/faves?add=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa108m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Technorati\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.furl.net/storeIt.jsp?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;t=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa109m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Furl\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.newsvine.com/_wine/save?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fa-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines%2F&amp;h=A%20litte%20old-fashioned%20PR%20(for%20the%20airlines)\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa110m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Newsvine\" /></a><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa111m02.png\" alt=\"\" /></p>','A litte old-fashioned PR (for the airlines)','','publish','open','open','','a-litte-old-fashioned-pr-for-the-airlines','','','2009-02-24 06:02:09','2009-02-24 11:02:09','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=287',0,'post','',0),
(290,4,'2009-02-26 09:26:32','2009-02-26 14:26:32','In the midst of economic crisis, we don\'t flaunt wealth or advertise luxury goods.  Instead, we emphasize savings and value.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about banks emphasize how solid they are,  and how some retailers like Walmart are running campaigns about saving. In fact, Walmart is currently running a commercial that talks about eating in as a saving strategy (and you can get all your ingredients at Walmart). And in today\'s <em>Washington Post</em> there is <a class=\"wp-caption\" title=\"DIY\" href=\"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/25/AR2009022504009.html?hpid=topnews\" target=\"_blank\">an article </a>that says Americans are doing more things for themselves, things they used to pay someone else to do.  Things like mowing the lawn, walking the dog, dying hair, and others. The Post reports on one retailer that is using the trend in its advertising: Target, with its \"brand new day\" campaign. Target\'s advertising has consistently been cutting-edge.  In the ads, which you may have seen, against a catchy tune, Target shows you how several products it carries can be used to save money. It is clever and it is really responsive to the culture.\n\nIn general, advertisers are most definitely acknowledging the new economic realities. More and more I see the word \"save\" or \"savings\" in ads, across the board.  Big Lots is running an ad showing a couple who bought a dining set for a lot less than it would have cost elsewhere.  So basically the theme is you can save money but please buy from us.  I wonder what advertising was like during the Great Depression. It must have been similar, putting emphasis on value and savings.  If anyone has any examples, please share in the comments.\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa100m02.png\" alt=\"\" /><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/diy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa101m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Facebook\" /></a><a href=\"http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa102m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Digg\" /></a><a href=\"http://del.icio.us/post?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa103m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Del.icio.us\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa104m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Stumbleupon\" /></a><a href=\"http://reddit.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa105m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Reddit\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.blinklist.com/index.php?Action=Blink/addblink.php&amp;Description=&amp;Url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;Title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa106m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Blinklist\" /></a><a href=\"http://ma.gnolia.com/bookmarklet/add?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;title=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa107m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Ma.gnolia\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.technorati.com/faves?add=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa108m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Technorati\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.furl.net/storeIt.jsp?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;t=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa109m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Furl\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.newsvine.com/_wine/save?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcuppamarcomm.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fdiy-and-other-…omic-realitiesdiy-and-other-economic-realities&amp;h=DIY%20and%20other%20economic%20realities\" target=\"_blank\"><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa110m02.png\" alt=\"Add to Newsvine\" /></a><img style=\"border:0;margin:0;padding:0;\" src=\"http://getsocialserver.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/gsa111m02.png\" alt=\"\" /></p>','DIY and other economic realities','','publish','open','open','','diy-and-other-economic-realities','','','2009-02-26 09:26:32','2009-02-26 14:26:32','',0,'http://cuppamarcomm.wordpress.com/?p=290',0,'post','',0),
