>Branding into every kitchen – It is not a nightmare
>
Contact me to find out how you can brand and communicate to a huge audience at almost any budget.
330-963-3664 x 2. brucefelber@felberandfelber.com
>Are you a V.I.P?
>
How many times in your life have you wished you could be treated like a V.I.P? When dealing with customers, we all want them to feel special and be treated the way we would like to be treated.
We have a new concept in branding and marketing that will assure you that your clients and prospects will always have that special attention. Our new VI.P. CONCIERGE CARD offers the recipient “personal assistance anytime, anywhere” through a live operator assistant available 24/7 every day of the year. Just call the toll-free number and your client be greeted personally by name and personal message by your company. And at the end of the call they will hear a small marketing message. The cards are also printed in full color with your brand and ad copy to make this a multi-touch product.
Typical questions the operators handle are weather forecasts, driving directions, dining recommendations, restaurant and event reservations, travel arrangements and the list goes on. The other important use is not just to ask questions, but to have a personal assistant who can remind you of appointments, purchase tickets, help with hotel arrangements and even help you find and direct that lost suitcase for you. Cards are used in almost every industry from banking, travel & lodging, education, membership and as a personal business card.
I recently used the card to help a visitor in town. I was leaving the local grocery store when I was approached by a lost traveler. The conversation went like this:
“Excuse me sir, but do you know if there is a liquor store around here?” I proceeded to tell him I was not sure and he said he was in town for a month working on an engineering project and wanted to purchase some cigars. He thought he would go to the local liquor store and purchase cigars. Well, since I did not have any immediate answers, I went to my trusty V.I.P. Concierge service. This is what took place: I called the toll-free number and was greeted, “Hello Mr. Felber and thanks for pulling up a chair with Felber & Felber’s Personal Concierge Service. How can I help you?” I then told the operator I was looking for a place to buy cigars and told her my city and zip code. The friendly operator gave me the name, phone number and address of a store about 5 miles down the road. I placed the call on speaker phone and the gentleman who needed the information wrote down the address and phone number. The operator then said, “Would you like a text or email of this information?” I thanked her and she said, “Thank you for calling Felber & Felber’s Personal Concierge service where everyone is treated like a V.I.P.”
This is just one of many examples of how this new promotional product and service can work for you as well. A custom printed card and message will be most appreciated by your customers and prospects.
So, are you a V.I.P? Call me for more information about treating your customers as a V.I.P.
>Commercial Bowl Sunday 2010
>
For those of you who are commercial freaks like me, you were more interested in the commercials than the Super Bowl game between the Saints and Colts. Were the commercials as great as previous years? My opinion – not really. There were definitely a few that receive special recognition but also a few of the big brands that just missed the mark.
After my 6th Annual Commercial Bowl Party was over, I watched the commercials again to make sure I heard and saw everything. Here is my ad meter (compared to USA Today’s Ad Meter ratings) in order of my favorites:
1. Volkswagen Punching – this commercial got the loudest laugh out of me.
2. Snickers – a nice surprise and who doesn’t love Betty White? Much better than their strange commercial they have been running in the last few months about “where does hunger go?”
3. Doritos w/ the dog collar – the best one of the Doritos series but not as good as the “rat” from two years ago.
4. Google – who says you have to be funny? Google scored a touchdown… people can relate they stuck to their brand.
5. E-Trade – between the wolf call and the name calling (aka milk-a-holics), I thought it was well done considering how long can E-Trade keep this campaign going?
Which ones were your favorites? I have to give an honorable mention to Teleflora, Bridgestone (Your Tires or Your Life/Wife) and the Budweiser human bridge.
I was pretty surprised by the various commercials that played on the insecurities or unhappiness of men… did Dove’s real women of beauty spark brands to take back their man-day? Do the underwear, pantless and mall sucker commercials really make you feel motivated to buy their brand now that they just insulted you? Those commercials were such a disappointment that they aren’t even worth adding to my other disappointed list:
1. Coke – what were you thinking? You had the best opportunity to clobber your opponent (Pepsi promoted online advertising and withdrew after 23 years of advertising in the Super Bowl). “Happiness” from drinking Coke could have been done better.
2. Budweiser – “fences don’t come in between friends” was okay but just didn’t move me like previous years.
3. Bud Light – I was looking forward to the house made of beer but it was like watching a movie that you know how it would end… boring.
4. Denny’s – once was enough.
5. Diamond Foods – no comment; it was that bad.
6. Focus on Family – way to take a risk and blow it. There was so much hype and people were ready to see what would happen and then the shocker – nothing happened. Big whoop in technical terms. They had such an opportunity (whether right or wrong) to “market” and they didn’t. I’d be curious to see the web stats on that one.
7. Go Daddy – its time for a new campaign.
8. Letterman – sorry Oprah, I love you but your acting during this commercial wasn’t the greatest. I expected more from this commercial considering the history between all three parties.
That is it for my recap. What are your thoughts on this year’s commercials? Are any of my favorites going to join the ranks of the classic Super Bowl commercials?
>Social Media & Cuyahoga Falls Chamber
>
Rob Felber recently presented Social Media – Then and Now. A group from the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce listened and engaged with Rob Felber, President of Felber & Felber Marketing during their monthly Lunch & Learn held at the chamber’s offices.
Rob presented a comparion between traditional media and social media, a recap of 2010 predictions from key articles around the world and left the group with some key ‘Do’s and Don’ts’.
The articles used in the presentation are listed below.
Social media presentation – Rob Felber
Thank you for attending my presentation. Below are links to several articles I reviewed and referenced in my talk. I would be grateful for any comments about my presentation. Please post at: http://www.felberandfelber.com/useblog/2009/09/art-of-social-media-its-rapid-pace.html
All the best, Rob
Ten enterprise social media predictions for 2010
Dell Rides Twitter to $6.5 Million in Sales
http://mashable.com/2009/12/08/dell-twitter-sales/
10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010
http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/onlinemarketing/article204480.html
Talking Back – Top Five Advertising Trends
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/talking-back-top-five-advertising-trends
10 Predictions for 2010-2019
http://www.perrymarshall.com/10-predictions-2010/
6 Social Media Predictions for 2010
http://amyporterfield.com/index.php/2010/01/6-social-media-predictions-for-2010/
100 Social Media & Content Marketing Predictions for 2010http://blog.junta42.com/content_marketing_blog/2009/12/social-media-content-marketing-predictions-2010.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Junta42-ContentMarketing%2FCustomPublishing%2FMedia+%28The+Content+Marketing+Revolution%29
100 Things to Watch in 2010 (and the 40 That Might Matter to Your Business)
What’s Working for Social Media Marketers?
http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1007449
10 Ways to Get Serious About Social Media
>Michelle Seeber interviewed for Plain Dealer Superbowl story
>Michelle Seeber was interviewed, for the second year in a row, by the Plain Dealer’s Janet Cho for the article:
Some Super Bowl advertisers use social media to grab your attention
Read the full article by clicking here: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/02/some_super_bowl_advertisers_us.html
>Unfettered Access: Content unrestricted by logins or registrations
>
In the early days of the Internet, we were all enthralled with both the tractability of visitors and the ability to gather prospect information as they surfed our websites. Now that we all get tons of email newsletters and routinely visit websites for additional information, our attitudes towards constantly registering have changed.
So, it occurred to us, why did we restrict access to our newsletter just to registrants? Yes, we would love you to register so we can keep you informed of the latest tips and techniques in public relations, marketing and advertising. But, should you choose not to register, enjoy our content nonetheless.
Click here to read the current and all the past issues:
Marketing Dimensions from Felber & Felber Marketing
Best wishes for a successful and rewarding 2010.
>
We would like to wish everyone a very healthy and happy new year. May we all reach for continued success in 2010.
Felber & Felber Marketing
>Happy Holidays From Our Team
>
Our relationship with you is the foundation of our business. We thank you and wish you and yours a very special and peaceful holiday season.
FELBER & FELBER MARKETING
>Entrepreneurship in CLE and beyond. Check out the latest
>
RSVP – www.ohioventure.org
–
OVA LUNCHEON MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
2020 Vision: Venture Investment Opportunities for the Next Ten Years
Focused on the regional core competency of
Power and Propulsion
Richard Stuebi
Early Stage Partners
&
BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement – Cleveland
Friday, January 8, 2010
11:30 Networking/12:00 Lunch Served/1:30 Adjourn
The Union Club –
Richard Stuebi works with a broad spectrum of public sector and private interests to promote commercial activity in advanced energy in the
Richard has nearly 20 years of experience as an executive, entrepreneur, and consultant in the energy industry, with most of the past decade focused on advanced energy technologies and business opportunities. He shares his perspectives on energy and environmental matters weekly at www.cleantechblog.com and his own Cleveland Foundation blog. Prior to his current involvements, Richard founded NextWave Energy, a professional firm helping client companies capitalize on new business opportunities involving innovative energy technologies, including strategy and capital formation.
Richard was also senior vice president at Louis Dreyfus, the global commodity-trading firm, and was a management consultant in the energy practice of McKinsey & Co. He earned degrees in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
Member: $25 with reservation/$35 without reservation
Non-member: $45 with reservation/$55 without reservation
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Reservation Form – Luncheon Meeting –1/8/10
Uncancelled reservations will be billed
Name: Company: ______
Guest: Company:
Phone:
Enclosed is $____ (____members @ $25; ____ non-members @ $45)
Make check payable and mail to: Ohio Venture Association
Phone 216-566-8884 Fax 216-696-2582 E-mail admin@ohioventure.org
>Promotional Products Play Important Role in 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games
>We all know the importance of brand management and in sports it is a key factor. From endorsements to sponsorships this is not only a financial gain but the positioning of the brand is crucial for sustained growth. Read this most recent press release:
Irving, Texas (PRWEB) December 7, 2009 — According to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the non-profit, international trade association for the promotional products industry, pins, shirts, hats and other promotional products will be as popular as ever as they are purchased, collected or traded in celebration of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
“As a spectator, whether you are viewing the games at home or in person, promotional products are among the first things you notice,” said Sherri Lennarson, MAS, PPAI board chair. “Apparel and souvenirs with the iconic rings, host city logos and designs from participating countries help create the sense of team spirit and unity associated with the Olympic Games.”
In addition to building excitement, promotional products are a key medium of brand marketing. “Some of the world’s leading corporations invest millions of dollars in Olympic sponsorships for the widespread brand exposure and association with such a historic event,” said Lennarson. “These Olympic marketing programs typically incorporate a variety of promotional products. For the Winter Games, products will include t-shirts, key chains, buttons and drink ware, among others, all branded with official Olympic or sponsoring company logos.”
Many sponsoring companies and official licensees are turning to eco-friendly products to highlight their brands. Suppliers such as Vancouver-based Boardroom Eco Apparel, a PPAI member, provide branded apparel to Olympic apparel licensees like the Hudson Bay Company, which is created under strict eco-friendly guidelines. “Promotional products have an undeniable impact when used during the Olympics, especially when they are eco-friendly” said Mark Trotzuk, president of Boardroom Eco Apparel. “These branded products are a key tool for promoting both leading brands and environmental protection worldwide.”
Collecting promotional products from Olympic Games has become a sport in itself. The frenzy over Olympic promotional items began at the first modern Olympics and has grown ever since. “Mascots, pins and stamps have become highly-sought after items, allowing spectators to have ownership of a part of history,” said Lennarson. “An Olympic pin from the 1960 Olympic Games can sell for nearly $300 today.”
Coca Cola is known to be the longest, continuous corporate partner of the Olympic Games and has helped drive the phenomenon of pin trading. The company creates anticipation with a new pin design for each Olympiad to be worn by residents, spectators, Olympic officials and athletes.
Promotional products don’t have to be all about business. Stuffed animal mascots are usually among the most popular Olympic memorabilia purchased and traded among spectators. The 2010 mascots, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi can be found on a variety of products designed to appeal to both kids and adults.
Items that are difficult to acquire are in high demand, such as the Olympic torches used in the around-the-world relays leading up to the opening ceremony. “Worn jerseys are coveted items and serious collectors often attempt to purchase these products directly from athletes,” said Lennarson. “From rare souvenirs of Olympics past to collectable items from modern games, Olympic promotional products have a long tradition of being rewarding for both sponsors and spectators, alike.”
About PPAI PPAI—the promotional products industry’s only international not-for-profit trade association—offers education, tradeshows, business products and services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its more than 7,500 global members. Promotional products are an $18.1 billion industry and include wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drink ware and many other items, usually imprinted with a company’s name, logo or message. PPAI created and maintains the UPIC (Universal Promotional Identification Code), the industry’s only free identification system and universal company database.
For more information about Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) or to learn more about the proven power of promotional products (including research and case studies), visit the PPAI website at www.ppai.org or contact PPAI at 972-258-3040 or PR(at)ppai(dot)org.
So what can you do on a local level? Show your support for your favorite event or sport or even better just USA Olympics in general. For promotional product ideas on how to use your brand during this time, contact Bruce Felber at 330.963.3664.