As industry tracking mechanisms go, the Ad Meter is one of the best. It tracks second-by-second consumer response to the commercials aired during the Game. Madison Avenue called it a fluke, and promptly spent months retooling.
This year's top honor went to Mars-Snickers for their (hilarious) commercial starring Betty White. The silver medal went to another amateur who entered the Dorito's contest (the "dog shock collar" commercial). The total budget to make this year's commercial was $200 and the featured dog belonged to a friend.
It's no small feat when Superbowl advertisers notoriously pull out all the stops to rank high on the Ad Meter. It's refreshing to see that good old-fashioned talent can still upstage glitz, glamour and celebrity endorsements.
Frankly, I was disappointed that the screaming chickens, compliments of Denny's, didn't score higher. It's apparently really hard for me (and those watching the game with me) to resist :30 of screaming chickens. To see how you're favorite commercials fared, check out the Ad Meter.
]]>Just about every sport is now a "rich man's sport"- meaning that in order to compete at the highest (and sometimes not-so-high) levels, you need all the gear. All that gear brings with it the hope of going just a bit faster, farther or more efficiently- and a hefty price tag.
Swimming had entered this second camp. It was painfully evident at the 2008 Olympics. Swimmers were decked out in "sharkskin technology", "seam technology" and every other kind of technology available. It eliminated the level playing field, and many are fine with this.
However, there has been a tremendous amount of backlash surrounding this technology. As a result, United States Masters Swimming, the governing body for "older" swimmers, just handed down a ruling stating that swimming is going "old school". That means no more "sharkskin technology"and no more "seam technology"; just good old-fashioned ability leaving the blocks to duke it out on a level playing field.
As a vocal member of the first camp, I couldn't be happier. Way to go USMS for having the courage to switch camps.
]]>I found this article that outlines the 10 anticipated trends for 2010 and was struck by the focus on wellness and prevention, rather than indulgence and pampering. It seems to be an overarching theme throughout many industries, and one that is surely a direct result of the economy of the past two years.
From my perspective, many of these anticipated trends are already ringing true. Give it a read, and see if you agree with what appears to be on the horizon.
]]>I'm traveling to Alaska next month to give a two-day workshop on entrepreneurship as part of the IEDC's certification curriculum. I'm not wild about Alaska in February, but I couldn't more excited to spend two days fully immersed in this industry.
As I work through my presentations, I intend to kick off the two days with this video on entrepreneurs. It was forwarded to me by a colleague at the Department of Commerce and every time I watch it, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
]]>Certainly, several things went well in 2009, and there are areas to improve. I have come to really appreciate the areas that creep up that could use a little attention and refinement. I believe it is in these situations that we really grow and business really has the opportunity to improve.
I always use this time to re-evaluate priorities and examine what is important to me in business. It's not a task to be taken lightly; if done well, it will provide the foundation for how you move forward in your business, how you treat others and ultimately, the reputation your business will acquire.
Some colleagues draft a list that is as long as it is ambitious. I know one colleague that prefers to pick one priority, and focus all attention in that direction. I have always found three priorities to be a valuable and manageable direction for the next 12 months. As such, I'm pleased to present my "Big Three":
1. Allow people the creative freedom to foster an environment that will help them flourish.
I work with several "creative types"- from graphic designers to packaging gurus and it is the creative talent of the individual that makes the work outstanding. Working 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday almost never lends itself well to these folks. If they do their best work from midnight-7am, so be it. As long as they're not responsible for answering the phone or attending client meetings, and as long as the work is done, and done well, it's easy to become less concerned with when and how it's accomplished.
2. Treat everyone with respect.
I know how I like to be treated, and how I don't like to be treated. When you move through each day valuing how you treat others- from clients to vendors to the barista- the day just seems to go a bit smoother. There's two ways to look at this: The first is a bit selfish and centers on taking the path of least resistance. A little courtesy never hurt anyone. The second shows that you truly value each and every person and what they bring to your day. The way I see it, either way it's a win for me.
3. Have fun!
Sometimes this is easier to say than do. But, we all have choices to make. If our work isn't fun, it's time to move over and let someone else try their hand. Life is short. And more often than not, when I've found myself in a situation that isn't terribly fun, a minor shift in perspective can make it not only fun, but often very funny.
Happy holidays. And here's to your "Big Three".
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I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with family, friends, laughter and memories. Enjoy!
]]>Social media has not only changed how we communicate and operate as consumers, it's radically changed how we do business. If social media is not part of your business and marketing plans, you're missing a significant opportunity.
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Lorinda's Salon has clinched the victory in the "Best Hair Salon" category and Lisa Power Salon stands at the top of the "Best Hair Color" category. Winners of the annual contest are decided by public vote. Over 190,000 votes were cast during the 2009 competition.
Evening Magazine is a well-known evening news magazine on King 5 television, the Seattle-area NBC affiliate.
A very big congratulations to Lorinda and Lisa, and all the team members who made these significant victories possible!
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Of note, 72.3% of respondents reported that they believed the recession will last up to another 18 months. 48% of respondents reported that buying less on credit cards is now a long-term trend. The majority of respondents reported making basic lifestyle changes as a result of the recession, including entertaining more at home, vacationing closer to home and eating out less.
Perhaps even more interesting is that 64.4% of respondents reported a commitment to buying more online for the long term. 72.1% of respondents are shopping with a price-conscious attitude and the majority admitted to leveraging business loyalty programs, using coupons and looking at store circulars.
If this survey provides a look at consumer attitudes and resulting behavior, it's a safe bet to assume that most business plans and strategies need to change in response. What is your business doing to adjust?
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