>Humanize Your Brand – Chico’s Found a Match

>When we develop brands from scratch, we often develop a personality to the brand – what does it look like, where does it shop, what books does this brand read, etc. It’s common to address every aspect of what a brand would be if it was human. Does your brand have kids in high school or is it a 20-something young professional livin up the social side of things?

Chico’s, the national women’s clothing chain, hit the jackpot last week. They found someone who represents their brand perfectly. She is a baby boomer who wants to wear color and look chic. She’s 57 years old and is a Maryland middle school principal. She’s been the most visible parent in the Olympic coverage. Any guesses yet? Debbie Phelps, Michael’s mother, has been shown wearing Chico’s clothes for every race and every television appearance. They even have a “Debbie Phelps Collection” section on their website.

Does your brand have a personality or is it dead? What does your brand look like if it was a celebrity? Leave us your comments.

~Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>The BLACKOUT – Will the Power Go Out Again?

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Ah, the anniversary of the big blackout that started only a few cities away from Twinsburg and brought down the power in seven states and parts of Canada.

So all morning the news reported that many measures are in place so this doesn’t happen again. Well it may not happen in seven states again but in Beachwood, Ohio, there’s a report of no power near Cedar Rd. Plus, the lights flickered in Warrensville, Hts at 9:58am. Hmm, let’s hope First Energy won’t have to go into another round of crisis communications.

Share your stories from the 2003 Blackout.

~ Michelle

>Marketing a Giant or Giant Marketing

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Whatever you call it there is no mistake that the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China has taken the world stage. From the impressive opening ceremony all eyes of the world are on China. This is their time and the international stage is set.
OK now that my intro is out there I must let you know I just watched the USA basketball team beat China in an impressive 101 to 70 victory. China started out strong and showed incredible speed and agility. This USA team took their professional stance and proved why we are being called the Redeem Team. Cleveland’s LeBron James was outstanding and made not only all of us in Northeast Ohio proud but the whole country as well. We wish him and the USA team well on our quest for the gold.

Michael Phelps beat his own record for his first 2008 gold medal. The marketing efforts we put into these games is equal to the Super Bowl. With this large of an audience we must make sure the spots are centered in strategic and creative ways. No time for second best. China has been outstanding in their marketing efforts leading up to these games and the lessons we take back when this is all over will be a model for the future. One World, One Goal for all of us. Please support our team and let’s discuss how the marketing and positioning of the most expensive Olympic Games will play out.

Bruce

>Send Us Your Favorite Olympic Commercials

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The time has come for laughter,
more laughter, tears and special advertising. The Olympics are finally here… let the games begin!


Send us your favorite Olympic ads. We know they are out there – NBC raked in over $1 billion in revenue.

~Michelle


>Can What I Wear Reflect My Company Image?

>The answer is yes. Branding has moved beyond the traditional print, TV, and radio circles. Now what we present in our overall look can set the stage.

See the recent article in Corporate Apparel Magazine http://www.corporateapparelmag.com/profiles.php?id=24. I would welcome your comments.


Bruce

>Another Way to Promote Your Business

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In today’s competitive world businesses are always looking for ways to stretch their marketing dollars. One way that is to participate in community events. Like trade show environments you can see more people with less dollars and increase engagement. Engagement is the key to this atmosphere of sales and marketing as involvement with your product or service will increase recognition and keep you ‘top of mind’.

This weekend many summer festivals will take place. In Twinsburg, our business home, we will have the annual Twins Day celebration. Just 10 miles down the road the city of Streetsboro is holding their annual Family Days event. Interestingly they also have a twin connection. Headline performer Bucky Covington, American Idol runner up, will perform with his band that includes his twin brother. Another double take performance will be the Nelsons (twin sons of the late Ricky Nelson). For other details and times see http://www.streetsborofamilydays.org/

I will be available during the weekend event as the Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce President, so stop by our booth for a visit.

Keep in mind that these events also help promote your community and state. So get out and enjoy the great weekend of events, food and fun.

Bruce

>Twins invading Twinsburg, Ohio!

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Its official… you are seeing DOUBLE. No, you aren’t going crazy. It’s the annual Twins Day Festival! Here in our hometown of Twinsburg, this weekend we’ll be doing double-takes as this city plans to welcome twins from across the world. Last year, 2,034 sets of twins attended the festival…

So what does this have to do with marketing? It’s a perfect opportunity to showcase Twinsburg, local attractions and your restaurant, hotel, etc. And what a great press opportunity, too.

>Highway Beautification Act

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Ah, the old argument of too many billboards around the city is back in the news again but this time with a new digital twist. Since Clear Channel debuted its digital boards in Cleveland (little known fact… Ohio is often seen as consumer test market) in 2005, the anti-billboard people went nuts.

Did you know for every new digital billboard that pops up, Clear Channel must remove traditional billboards that equal two or more times the space of a digital billboard? Read the latest argument happening in the City of Cleveland in this article. City Council’s President is getting an earful from everyone on this billboard issue. Hey, these billboards still fit within the Highway Beautification Act, right?!?

Lots of controversy this week in our city! Not to mention this is just a few days after the FBI raided the county offices, brush up on those details here.

So would you like to see those billboards gone? Leave your comments here.

~Michelle

>Finally a Sign.

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Logos. What are they and why are they so important? The dictionary describes it this way. “Logo – also called logotype. a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc., often uniquely designed for ready recognition”.

For those of us in marketing we know and understand the importance of the visual message a logo or typeface can evoke. Yet so many people put little thought into their design and use. Signs in ancient times were symbols of services and goods as many were not able to read or write. Today your image is everything and can cause a decision or mindset before the sales process even starts.

It is with this in mind we always encourage our clients to think about the feel, emotion and message points that their logo and brand will transmit to their publics.

Yesterday we were thrilled when our sign was added to our new location. Now people can find us easier and it is a reminder of our branding that will encourage the connection to our company.


So here is a question – What does our logo stand for? Send in your comments and I will share in my next posting.

Bruce

>Drink from a drop

>I have to thank my brother for this blog idea, as he can always be counted on for finding me out of the ordinary blog items.


This new carafe is designed to resemble a water drop, “frozen in time.” The tip of the drop is removed to become the drinking cup.



Is this a useful, unique item – or is the wacky item market getting carried away?

-Katy