I am not Burger King’s target market.  I don’t even eat fast food.  However, I have to admit that I got a little chuckle out of their “Flame” cologne….originally released for the holidays, apparently it was hard to get your hands on.  But it is now back in stock at http://www.firemeetsdesire.com/
The Barry White-esque voice and overly cheesy graphics are just bad enough to be kinda good.  Plus, for just $3.99 you can enjoy the flame-broiled qualities of the Whopper calorie-free.  Read More

As I watched the inaugural festivities today, I couldn’t help but be affected by the vibe of optimism radiating from so many. I’m no Polly Anna. We certainly have a tough road ahead, but despite the difficult tasks to come, the last couple of days have been filled with a palatable feeling of renewal for me.

In an economic downturn, employees may feel like they’re holding on for dear life – glad to have a job and empathetic for those who aren’t so lucky. 
For now, it’s an employers market.  There’s a larger supply of talent than there is demand for employees.  But, as the economy rebounds, we’re likely to see a quick shift back to an employees’ market.  Those who may have stayed in jobs where they weren’t completely satisfied, start a wave of turnover as job options become more readily available. Read More

A recent brand launch for Gatorade is worth keeping an eye on.  Titled “What’s G” – the TV spots, launched January 1, are designed to create conversation and intrigue.  http://www.youtube.com/whatsg1965
The spots leave much room for interpretation and many (my sons, who are Gatorade loyalists included) didn’t get the association that “G” is Gatorade.  I informed them after seeing the new packaging on Gatorade products at Costco.  I have to say that there was no confusion with old packaging and new – as there was not a trace of old packaging. Read More

The following article about JVC and their New Year’s Eve initiative is interesting – a fun and innovative way of mixing new media and consumer engagement with a viral intent.  This article appeared in MediaPost Publications on 12/31/08.
Electronics manufacturer JVC will ring in 2009 with an advertising campaign that makes consumers the stars of its new 19- by 34-foot high-definition LED electronic billboard in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Steve Bumstead, PixelFire Productions’ founder, Read More

After a long look in the mirror, I realized with horror that from an image standpoint, we had really let ourselves go. We had been so busy with client projects and focused elsewhere, we had neglected our own brand nurturing and external marketing efforts. So with a brutal intensity we began the process of a thorough self analysis. Of everything. Top to bottom. From the inside out. Painful to say the least.

Ever question the power of advertising? A recent article published on Yahoo! News states that banning fast-food advertising on TV in the U.S. could reduce the number of overweight children by as much as 18% . Interesting enough, simultaneously, Subway announced a deal with Michael Phelps to be their new pitchman across all marketing channels. He will be touting healthy, smart choices for food. The celebrity endorsement combined with a timely message seems to be right on target! Read More

Recently, the Motrin controversy was still unfolding.  Instantaneous response to the advertiser’s campaign caused their TV spot to be pulled off the air – and some people may even have lost their jobs.  Who is in charge of a brand?  The tables have turned and obviously the consumer really is king now.  This can work to a brand’s advantage, if the brand is response, involved and engaged with the appropriate audiences at every level.  Consumers must be your advocates – as they will make – or break your brand.  Read More

A company that we have used the past couple years in NCC which focuses primarily on Spot Cable today announced that it has booked $1 billion in annual ad sales for the first time in its 20-year history.  This is a network that we have used to help us plan and buy media in multiple makets simultaneously dating back to the FNB One-of-a-Card Campaign.  By way of comparison, when NCC launched in 1988––at the time it was known as National Cable Advertising––total billing was around $10 million, Read More