Maybe I’m a little bit biased, but Salvador Dali is clearly one of the most imaginative, intriguing, repulsive, flamboyant, peculiar, and inspired artists ever. Besides the fact he wore a cape and made highly distinguishable mustache, he worked with marketers. Since I happen to be a marketer, I wanted to look at what type of disruptive work he contributed to the world of advertising and marketing. Some of it is weird, other times just bizarre.
In 1968, Dalí filmed a television advertisement for Lanvin chocolates, in 1969 he designed the Chupa Chups logo, he also was also in a commercial for Braniff Airlines, he painted a woman for an Alka Seltzer commercial in the 70s, and did another commercial for Veterano liquor.
Hey, Salvador's Braniff commercial is way better than Andy Warhol's one:
Friday, November 30, 2007
Likemind SF – November 30, 2007
I am constantly searching for inspiration, trying to remain on top of what’s cool/new/hot, and striving to maintain relevancy. It’s a job in itself. I read like 20+ blogs a day, email and IM with friends and colleagues constantly, and mine the Internet for the best and brightest. Sometimes I just want it to come easy. Sound like you? Join my collective group of nerdly and intellectual buffoons. It’s called Likemind. We meet once a month and talk about lots of stuff. Conversations vary from why certain brands kicks ass to where the best coffee place is in the city to how/why consumers are utilizing the latest technologies. You don’t even have to be in SF to join, it’s worldwide people!
Its fun, the coffee is free, and you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. The only rule is that you wear a name tag. Indie attire optional. Founders Noah Brier and Piers Fawkes want you!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Experiential Marketing – November 29, 2007
The best way to make a connection between consumers and brands is via a meaningful experience. Sure things like T.V. ads and online banners have their purpose, but nothing is more effective than a one-to-one interaction with a brand or product.
I think it’s pretty obvious as to why, but I’ll elaborate:
Suppose you were in the market for a raincoat, and you head to North Face to look at some. Outside North Face happens to be this crazy RV vehicle branded with Gortex logos. On closer inspection the vehicle has all types of different demonstration exhibits on it that show off the amazing functionality of GoreTex. There also happens to be a portable rain storm room on the back of the RV where you can test one of their jackets out. While you do all this, a GoreTex representative talks to you about the benefits of using their product versus others. Oh yeah, the GoreTex chick was pretty cute, and the whole brand seemed pretty cool and with it.
Finally, you’re done with the experience, and you walk into the store. Overall, it was a fun and non-intrusive experience.
Are you more likely to buy a product that has an official Gortex logo on it or a generic brand? Even if you don’t buy a raincoat that day, wouldn’t you be more inclined to buy a Goretex branded product based on your previous interaction with it?
My whole point is that an experience with a brand or product can influence your purchase decision far more so than a T.V. ad or billboard. Doesn’t that mean anything to marketers anymore? I so rarely see what I did today (see pics below).
I think it’s pretty obvious as to why, but I’ll elaborate:
Suppose you were in the market for a raincoat, and you head to North Face to look at some. Outside North Face happens to be this crazy RV vehicle branded with Gortex logos. On closer inspection the vehicle has all types of different demonstration exhibits on it that show off the amazing functionality of GoreTex. There also happens to be a portable rain storm room on the back of the RV where you can test one of their jackets out. While you do all this, a GoreTex representative talks to you about the benefits of using their product versus others. Oh yeah, the GoreTex chick was pretty cute, and the whole brand seemed pretty cool and with it.
Finally, you’re done with the experience, and you walk into the store. Overall, it was a fun and non-intrusive experience.
Are you more likely to buy a product that has an official Gortex logo on it or a generic brand? Even if you don’t buy a raincoat that day, wouldn’t you be more inclined to buy a Goretex branded product based on your previous interaction with it?
My whole point is that an experience with a brand or product can influence your purchase decision far more so than a T.V. ad or billboard. Doesn’t that mean anything to marketers anymore? I so rarely see what I did today (see pics below).
Greenwashing Revisted - November 29, 2007
As you may or may not recall, depending on how often you read this blog, I recently posted about "greenwashing". It was essentially about how all sorts of companies claim to be "green" just so they can lure conscientious consumers to buy their products. It is actually a really huge and annoying trend right now.
Well...enter the Federal Trade Commission. As of now, they FTC will accelerate a review of how companies market environmental claims, including measures to offset carbon dioxide emissions.
Look out oil companies!!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Bzzzz – November 28, 2007
I’ve been noticing that there are some new buzz words out there in the sweet sweet world of web 2.0. I try to map these buzz words in context to what they mean to technology evangelists, budding start-ups, marketers, and everyday consumers. You might have seen a couple of my in-depth reports like this on my site before, but this time I’m going to keep it at a surface level. Here are some words that caught my eye:
Crowd Clout –
This is basically a sexy word for democracy. Lots of people converge to voice their views and ask for what they want. New idea no, but technology has really helped bring it to a different level. As pointed out by PSFK, companies such as Eventful and Threadless use this concept to promote favorite product lines. Also noted by PSFK, in China there is a practice called “tuangou” or “team purchase” where hundreds of flashmobbing people descend on a given retailer to get the price they want. Kinda sounds like Priceline.com from it’s beginning.
Like I said, nothing new, however, with technology helping people organize on the fly or in a premeditative fashion, this could be powerful. Really powerful. Calling all wanna be Naomi Kleins.
Zone/Geo Tagging –
This feature is prevalent on many photo and video sharing sites where users can geolocate where they took the picture or video such as Flickr or YouTube. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time to zone tag countless pictures and videos, and I’m not sure people are going to want to do it for all their shared media. However, if we can convince them to do it, the possibility to combine zone tagging and mobile alerts would be phenomenal. Essentially, you could set your mobile device to locate zone tagged stuff. That stuff could be categorized into topics like food, bars, cool things to see, hot girls, etc. You get to decided what types of zone tagged topics you want sent your phone. Maybe throw a little Twitter in there and we might be able to zone tag on the fly. Hmmm….now that’s an idea.
Fan Labor –
Essentially, this is asking fan bases of any types to create content for the brand/community/organization of which they are apart of. Does this type of user generated content adversely affecting the communities in which they come from. Does offering a reward for their work convert them into mass producers? Do they lose credibility? I’m not too sure this buzz word will stick, but I like it, because I do think companies are asking too much of their consumers in today’s 2.0 age.
Crowd Clout –
This is basically a sexy word for democracy. Lots of people converge to voice their views and ask for what they want. New idea no, but technology has really helped bring it to a different level. As pointed out by PSFK, companies such as Eventful and Threadless use this concept to promote favorite product lines. Also noted by PSFK, in China there is a practice called “tuangou” or “team purchase” where hundreds of flashmobbing people descend on a given retailer to get the price they want. Kinda sounds like Priceline.com from it’s beginning.
Like I said, nothing new, however, with technology helping people organize on the fly or in a premeditative fashion, this could be powerful. Really powerful. Calling all wanna be Naomi Kleins.
Zone/Geo Tagging –
This feature is prevalent on many photo and video sharing sites where users can geolocate where they took the picture or video such as Flickr or YouTube. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time to zone tag countless pictures and videos, and I’m not sure people are going to want to do it for all their shared media. However, if we can convince them to do it, the possibility to combine zone tagging and mobile alerts would be phenomenal. Essentially, you could set your mobile device to locate zone tagged stuff. That stuff could be categorized into topics like food, bars, cool things to see, hot girls, etc. You get to decided what types of zone tagged topics you want sent your phone. Maybe throw a little Twitter in there and we might be able to zone tag on the fly. Hmmm….now that’s an idea.
Fan Labor –
Essentially, this is asking fan bases of any types to create content for the brand/community/organization of which they are apart of. Does this type of user generated content adversely affecting the communities in which they come from. Does offering a reward for their work convert them into mass producers? Do they lose credibility? I’m not too sure this buzz word will stick, but I like it, because I do think companies are asking too much of their consumers in today’s 2.0 age.
More Secret Places – November 28, 2007
In a previous post I outlined some of my favorite secret places in San Francisco. Here are some more to chew on.
5. Molinari –Mana Park
This eensy tiny park is located close to the top of Union Street in North Beach towards Russian Hill between Taylor and Jones St. There is an interesting history behind the park, but you’ll have to go there to find out for yourself. Watch out for older Italian women stalking you!
4. Irish Bank
Want to get drunk downtown at a place where your boss will never find you? Off of Mark Lane between Kearny and Grant on Bush Street you can! It’s a great open and cozy alley atmosphere where the Guinness and Smithwicks flows like water.
3. Wave Organ
Created in 1986 by Peter Richards and George Gonzales, this sound sculpture is meant to bring life to the undulation of the waves against the surface of the sea wall. Sound is created by the movement of waves in and out of a series of pipes extending into the water. They also used old mauseleum stones and PVC piping in creating the wave organ. This unique piece is located just above the Sir Francis Yacht Club on a narrow strip of land protecting the boats.
2. Langdon Court Road
Want an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the massive Pacific? Want it without the traffic? If you can find it, it’s well worth it.
1. Clarion Alley
In the land of crackheads and drunks lives an alleyway between Mission and Valencia streets in the Mission that has been gleefully painted in a plethora of graffiti. It was established in 1992 by a volunteer collective of six North Mission residents: Aaron Noble, Michael O'Connor, Sebastiana Pastor, Rigo 92, Mary Gail Snyder, and Aracely Soriano.
5. Molinari –Mana Park
This eensy tiny park is located close to the top of Union Street in North Beach towards Russian Hill between Taylor and Jones St. There is an interesting history behind the park, but you’ll have to go there to find out for yourself. Watch out for older Italian women stalking you!4. Irish Bank
Want to get drunk downtown at a place where your boss will never find you? Off of Mark Lane between Kearny and Grant on Bush Street you can! It’s a great open and cozy alley atmosphere where the Guinness and Smithwicks flows like water.3. Wave Organ
Created in 1986 by Peter Richards and George Gonzales, this sound sculpture is meant to bring life to the undulation of the waves against the surface of the sea wall. Sound is created by the movement of waves in and out of a series of pipes extending into the water. They also used old mauseleum stones and PVC piping in creating the wave organ. This unique piece is located just above the Sir Francis Yacht Club on a narrow strip of land protecting the boats.2. Langdon Court Road
Want an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the massive Pacific? Want it without the traffic? If you can find it, it’s well worth it.1. Clarion Alley
In the land of crackheads and drunks lives an alleyway between Mission and Valencia streets in the Mission that has been gleefully painted in a plethora of graffiti. It was established in 1992 by a volunteer collective of six North Mission residents: Aaron Noble, Michael O'Connor, Sebastiana Pastor, Rigo 92, Mary Gail Snyder, and Aracely Soriano.Tuesday, November 27, 2007
In the Spirit of Casting - November 27, 2007
I recently discovered that TAP plastics has videos on its website that educate laymen like me on how to make better molds, cut plastic sheets, apply window films, etc. I buy my all my equipment from Douglass and Sturgess, but I still think it's worth supplying this link to the makers out there.
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