Think Pink

You will soon be seeing pink in the upcoming month.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is one of the most popular cause-marketing causes which is fantastic because if caught early, the five year survival rate is 96%.  Due to awareness and donations for a cure there are over two million breast cancer survivors today!!

Some cause marketing campaigns to be on the lookout for are:

• Fuze Hero for Hope Empower beverage - donating $650,000 to Susan G. Kohmen - visit their site to join the fight!
  
• Colgate - raising money to help women in need receive a free mammogram - visit their site for more info
• Sephora's moisturizing mini shower gel in Guava Passion - $1.00 from each sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
• Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Lip Balm - product costs $1.50 with $1.33 going to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
• Lather Soap for Hope - Gift set costs $20.00 with $12.00 going to the City of Hope Breast Cancer Program
• P&G brands partner with National Breast Cancer Foundation.  Look for the pink ribbon icon the products serving this cause.

Many great campaigns, many great organizations fighting together for a cure!  Join the fight!

Loss of One in the Pursuit of the Common Good

Sadly, we lost Paul Newman.  The actor turned entrepreneur, turned philanthropist left quite a mark on the world.  For the last 25 years, Newman's Own generated $250 million in proceeds to thousands of world-wide charities.

Newman's Foundation created the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps the leading global family of camps for children with life-threatening illnesses.  Central Ohio's own Flying Horse Farms will become the Midwest's first Hole in the Wall Camp in 2010.

Paul Newman's legacy of "Shameless Exploitation in the Pursuit of the Common Good" will live on.  Our world is a better place because of him.  He will be missed!

Non-profits looking for help

In-kind Connection is catching on.

Non-profits are streaming in and posting their needs.

Check out our newly created In-Kind Connection widget and visit the site to see which Columbus non-profits need your help.

Giving back feels great. Give it a try and support the greater good!

Brands Jumping on the Election Opportunity

Obviously the election is the hottest news story and attention grabber out there.  That's why some brands are using non-traditional marketing techniques to jump on this opportunity.

Burger King is using their "have it your way" tag line broadened supporting your right to vote - either at the polls or through customized ordering.

With an XBox live membership, subscribers can register to vote for free using their gaming system.

But our favorite is Qdoba with their Taste Bud Politics campaign.  They built a site analyzing the food preferences and personalities (or Qdentity) of each candidate.    You can also find out your Qdentity (I'm a Quesadilla), cast your vote for your candidate of choice in the presidential election, and see instant poll results.  Qdoba has also created Taste Bud Politics pages on various social networking sites.  

Very clever.

Terminal Brand Promotion

Not terminal as in the end, terminal as in airport.

A growing trend in media brand promotion is media retail stores in airport terminals.  CNBC has two retail locations in Port Columbus - one in Concourse A and one in Concourse B.  Other media outlets are joining CNBC, like The New York Times, USA Today, Fox News Channel and CNN.

People traveling through airports usually have a higher income and want immediate information.  The media has found a unique way to target these individuals giving them what they want.  In return, the media is also getting what they want - expanding the brand, heightening awareness and creating additional revenue.

Store set-ups vary, but the brand is clear and consistent throughout.  The CNBC stores provide stock quotes at CNBC.com.  Fox and CNN broadcast their cable network 24/7 on a number of monitors throughout the store.  USA Today has the color coded similar to their paper.  

Next time your in an airport stop by, check one out and let us know what you think.

Word of Mouth Marketing- Why it works.....

Two scenarios:

#1 You stop into the new deli to grab The Other Paper and a menu.  Smells good, nice atmosphere, prices seem decent.  You think, "I will add this to my 'bad food Sunday' collection of take-out menus."  You go home, the menu gets lost as you grab the mail and maybe makes it into the junk drawer.  

#2 You stop into the new deli to grab The Other Paper and a menu.  Smells good, nice atmosphere, prices seem decent.  Then the host offers you a sample, and mentions there will be a Thanksgiving-time fundraiser where proceeds go to the Mid-Ohio food bank.  You enjoy that bite of turkey sub, thank her and tell your BFF about it when she calls on the way home.  This time the menu makes it to the fridge and you meet that best friend forever for lunch there the next day.  Then you tell your coworkers about the Thanksgiving fundraiser and the whole office stops in in November......

That's why.   

Goin' Fishin' Kid

We love to fish.  Something we both have enjoyed ever since we were little kids.  It made us happy, and taught us some of life's greatest lessons.  

Everyone knows of Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Crackers.  I bet most people have tried and even liked them.  We have and we do. 

That's why this cause-marketing program caught our attention.  Pepperidge Farms has created Fishful Thinking.  A program that provides parents with tools to teach their children how overcome failure, be positive and achieve their goals.

This program and the website provides advice from medical professionals, recommends self-help books, and provides positive activities for parents and children all while subtly promoting their products.

Very tastefully done.  A perfect brand partnership.  

Patience and perseverance life lessons needed for fishing, as well as growing up successfully.

Game On

The war is waging between Apple and PC.  After the TV debut"teaser ad" with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Microsoft has moved on to cloning.  (Even though the Microsoft commercial with Seinfeld and Gates was a little odd and hard to relate to, Microsoft claims the ad were designed to tease a new branding effort redesigning the image of the PC).

Introducing "Pride" PC's clone to John Hodgman's PC in the MAC ads. The clone along with others including Eva Longoria and husband Tony Parker proudly exclaim "I'm a PC".   

MAC spots have been a viewer favorite and the through the roof sales are evidence of that.  

PC will try and message - "Life without Walls" sharing why billions of users love the PC.  The cost for the brand rebuilding effort?  A measly little $300 million.

So who will win?  Maybe they should hold a special "presidential election" between the MAC and PC guy.  Who would you vote for?  I would think the MAC would be the democrat and the PC would be the republican, if that matters.

Harrison's on Third

A new bar called Harrison's on Third will be opening in Columbus soon and we've been keeping an eye on them... not because we are drunks, but because of the importance of capitalizing on a grand opening. It's crunch time for business owners to make construction decisions, handle hiring, and SO much more, that drumming up interest and creating awareness can end up on the back burner.  Harrison's on Third is not launching their website until the location opens, but they are keeping the public in the loop in a unique and smart way.  A banner outside says  to visit www.harrisonsonthird.com where you can join their e-mail list.  Emails are sent with photos of the construction, updates and the readers are given short surveys asking for preferences on wall colors, beers on tap, etc.  The goal is to give people a chance to participate in making Harrion's "your bar."  

Great job Harrison's on Third!  What a great way to get your neighbors talking and also the online community involved.  I can't wait to have one of the beers there that I voted for!

Celebrate It's OneWebDay

Today is One Web Day - the Earth Day for the Internet.

According to its web site . . . The idea behind OneWebDay is to focus attention on a key Internet value, focus attention on local Internet concerns, and create a global constituency that cares about protecting and defending the Internet.   OneWebDay is an environmental movement for the Internet ecosystem. It’s a platform for people to educate and activate others about issues that are important for the Internet’s future.

So celebrate.  Make a short videos about how the web has changed your life or how you'd like to see the web used in the future and post it on YouTube tagged "onewebday2008" or write about it on your blog. 

How did the web change our life you ask?  In honor of OneWebDay we will post our thoughts on our blog below:

"Because of the Internet, columbus imPRessions has gone from posting opinions on a simple blog site to a dream come true of owning a successful business!  The Internet has allowed us to use our creativity and share with the world our expertise in marketing and PR, as well as allowed everyone to see our personalities getting to know who we really are. We love how our virtual world has crossed over into our real world creating many positive situations. We encourage everyone to use the Internet to express creativity and share ideas.  Who knows, you might be running your own business and achieving your dreams one day soon too.  Happy OneWebDay!"

Goodie Bags

This Sunday is the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards.  To mark this milestone celebration presenters and nominees will be raking in the goodies.  Exclusive brands from all over covet the chance to have their brand and products represented in the goodie bags that the Hollywood elite take home.

Every presenter will receive a Dooney & Burke satchel filled with goodies worth more than $30,000 - yes you saw it right - $30,000.  Some of the items include:  a certificate for a 15-inch Zenith flat-screen TV, an invitation to host a private dinner party at one of the Morton's Steakhouses, a day of services at Ona Spa in LA and a new Sprint PCS phone.

Think that's good.  Check out what the nominees who don't go home with the golden statue receive:   Lasik eye surgery at the Assil Sinskey Eye Institute in California, Obagi Medical skin procedures, round-trip ticket to anywhere Song Airlines flies, year membership to Clay gym in New York City, Boucheron sunglasses, Mephisto shoes, fur and leather bag from Elliott Lucca, Vavamojo good-luck necklace, and a Tracy Place watch to name a few.  All these total about $25,000.

It's a win, win for everyone.  The brands get great exposure to some of the riches and most influential people in the country and the stars get more loot than they need.  Maybe some will have a kind heart and donate their goodie bag to charity.

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New Campaign

The Boys & Girls Club of America recently launched their new campaign - Be great!

View the spot here.  Reminiscent of Bob Dillon or INXS with the cue cards, yet modern and full of impact!  Without saying anything it tells kids that being yourself with all your unique qualities is great!

Thumbs up!

Frozen in Time

Because of the power outage all the news talk has been about electric, closings, how long it takes for your food to go bad, downed power lines, people in the dark, etc. etc. etc.

When the news is all about one big topic you might think getting 

attention in the media is impossible.  Think again.  

Take Whole Foods for example.  Sure they lost food and money because of no power for refrigeration, but so did other grocery stores.  That's unfortunate, but not a unique story. What they did to get media attention is brilliant.  They also created a good situation and helped many people in the process.

Last night and today, Whole Foods at both Columbus locations gave out free ice - 50 lbs. to each person so residents could try and save some of their food.  They also gave out free coffee. Also important.  I certainly missed my fresh java every day when I didn't have power.

People lined up for their ice and coffee.  News crews lined up to capture the story.  They got attention from the media.  They helped others.  The perfect formula to create awareness. Awareness that will capture customers.  Their good dead will go a long way in the media and for their business.

Nice job Whole Foods!  Way to turn a bad situation into something positive.

And We're Back!

Electric, cable and Internet are back up and running! While the down time had nice moments - neighbors talking to each other, more walks, family games and creative ways of cooking out - life without power, especially the Internet, was getting tough by day 3.

This power outage made me realize how important the Internet has become to everyone. Seeing the long lines in the coffee shops with power and wi fi, to the unending almost frantic searches for outlets to charge lap tops once seated, to even the incredible restlessness I was starting to feel yesterday. Sure signs of Internet dependence.

Internet Dependence - maybe not quite a medical term, but possibly the makings of a new urban dictionary word.

At any rate, we are back and new posts are on the way!

Winds of Change

Yesterday a crazy wind storm knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses throughout Ohio.  Its so easy to get frustrated and annoyed with missing work, dealing with traffic, wasting food from our fridges, and losing sleep with no air conditioning.  But this is the perfect opportunity to think about how lucky we really are.   Natural disasters often do more than disrupt daily routines, they destroy lives.  The American Red Cross is obviously a well-known organization, but now is the time to really appreciate their simple and powerful mission; "doing whatever it takes to relieve and prevent people from suffering - through lifesaving programs and services in your local community, across the country, and around the world."  

I have a tendency to find a silver lining in EVERYTHING, and yesterday's storm is a perfect example of my obnoxious positivity. As I mentioned, it was a reminder of how lucky we really are, the importance of disaster relief efforts, but also on a personal level, we discovered how nice our neighbors are when a tree fell on the roof next door and everyone came out to check on them and show their concern.  I'm usually not this cheesy, but the circumstances really created a bond among us and it's such a nice feeling to have neighbors you can count on.  

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio needs your help.  Click here to find out what you can do.   Giving back feels great!

Vote for Your Favorite Brutus

Brutus on Parade is in full swing and 37 life-sized Brutus in various costumes have been created. Now it's time to declare your favorite and pick an overall fan favorite. To view and vote for your favorite Brutus click here.

Your vote could wine you a prize pack that include two tickets to the OSU-Purdue game and a few other imPRessive goodies!

Our good friend, Greenshag Design is represented with Grandpa Brutus. Sponsored by Ohio Indemnity Company in memory of their founder.   Great job Dave!

Value Marketing

The new buzz word in marketing and advertising is "value".  You see it every where.  It's in the new McDonald's ad campaign that shows what a dollar can get you - from just a squirt of spray tan to a delicious mouth-watering burger.  It's in the new Microsoft ad where Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates tease a new product that is not overpriced therefore a value.  The state of today's economy is driving the marketing message.

So here goes our shameless messaging plug . . . . 

By hiring columbus imPRessions as your PR & marketing experts you will receive professional talent without the long-term cost and commitment of hiring full-time employees.  Throw in our personal attention to the client's needs and we call that quite a value!  Interested, call 614.725.2561 or email info@columbusimpressions.com

Back 'Dat Hard Drive Up!

I have now lived through the nightmare of losing my entire hard drive (documents, files, pictures, music, I don't want to talk about it). But I am taking this experience and using it to help others... BACKUP YOUR FILES! It's one of those things you don't think about until after you have lost honeymoon photos, thousands of songs, and documents you have been working on for months. But one of the things I have learned is that this happens often- even the genius in the apple store said it happened to him 3 times! (That was not sarcastic, the apple tech guys are called geniuses).

So as a friend, I strongly suggest saving all valuable info on an external hard drive or at least on a disc periodically. I don't know a lot about how to do it, but I am about to find out after I pick up my laptop from Easton today. (Also, I am going to renew my warranty before it runs out in 2 weeks, phew).

There, I did it, made it into a way to help others.. again, I don't want to talk about it.

Grazie Marcella's

Last night we celebrated my son's birthday at Cameron Mitchell's Marcella's.  We had a delicious meal, enjoyed the atmosphere (felt like we were eating at our Nonna's house) and had a fantastic time.  What topped of the night was the complimentary dessert.  Not just the birthday cake for our son, but the complimentary dessert sampling tray they gave the rest of us "on the house."  When the very nice waiter presentato (presented) us our dessert it sure made an impression!

Not sure why we were treated to this squisito (delicious) surprise - maybe we were the 1,000th guest of the day. But it sure made us feel like VIPs.  This generous offer, and genius marketing move, lived up to Cameron Mitchell Restaurant's tag - great people delivering genuine hospitality.  They sure live their brand.  

This definitely solidified another visit.  In fact, our daughter has made her birthday dinner reservation four months in advance.

Grazie (thanks) Marcella's.  You are one smart biscotto!

Ciao'

Creative Brainstorming

We apologize for the late post.  Today we spent the day in a creative brainstorming session! Putting together a proposal for a potential new client required our "beyond the box" thinking. Working in a not so traditional office setting gave us the opportunity to let the creative ideas flow.  Something that working in a cubicle can stifle.  

If you work in an office setting and frequently suffer from cubicleitis - the stifling of creative ideas -  we recommend temporarily changing the work environment.  Go to a coffee shop, a park, clear your head and take a walk, or if you are as lucky as we are, work from home.  It's amazing how the creative ideas return once you're in a new setting.

Red, Red, Wine

We love red wine. We love red wine even more when we find out that a winery dedicates their time to philanthropy. Today we found out that Five Rivers Winery makes it their mission to build awareness for the treatment, prevention and advocacy of women's cancers.

The Five Rivers Winery lives in the Central Coast of California. They've won awards for many of their wines - merlot, cab and pinot noir among the red. We think they should also win an award for their Save a Goddess stories. Now this is a company that is running their business with a big heart!

Can't wait to try these wines!

Power of Partnership

Who you partner your business with not only says a lot about your company, but also helps your company.

We suggest exploring the idea of partnering with a non-profit organization, especially small businesses.  By partnering with a non-profit everyone wins - the organization, the beneficiaries of the organization and your company.  Run your business with a giving heart.

Some of the benefits you could see might include:

• Exposure to a new group of potential clients you might have never reached before
  
• Potential media attention
  
• Increased brand awareness
  
• More unique visitors to your web site

Not sure how to partner with a non-profit . . .

• Host a cultivation event in your location
  
• Sell a particular product or have a sales day with a percentage of the proceeds going to the non-profit
  
• Donate an in-kind item like a coupon or auction item (check out InKind Connection)
  

The majority of non-profit organizations welcome the partnership and will promote the partnership - to their donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, on their web, etc.

It's for the greater good and a win win for everyone!

Branded - Literally

Being college football Saturday we thought it appropriate and a little funny to post on this recent story.  Apparently the Idaho Vandals football team purchased new uniforms this year. Only problem, Nike placed the logo - large Idaho I with Vandals written in script across it - in a very unique place.  No words needed, just take a look at the photo.

           

                     

    

Needless to say, Idaho became the "butt" of all jokes (sorry couldn't resist) and removed the logo from all pants.  Logo placement proved to be very important in the case!

Treat Receipt

Great marketing idea I experienced at Starbucks:  Yesterday, we met over coffee with a new contact in the non-profit marketing industry, and as I was paying the cashier asked if I wanted my "receipt for later."  I thought she was a genius because she knew I was planning to write off this overpriced coffee, but realized it's a clever marketing ploy.  She stamped the receipt and handed it back to me, and it read " TREAT RECEIPT:  Bring this in after 2 p.m. today and get any grande cold drink for just $2 (plus tax)."  What a great way to get customers to return during the slow hours!  And my favorite part, is that it's a cheap tool- that stamp probably cost less than a blueberry muffin and from there it's word of mouth.  Wizardry, once again.  

Ebay Spreads Good To the World

Ebay created a brand new site that promotes social responsibility, being Eco-friendly and helping a cause.  WorldofGood.com offers a new and easy way to show the positive impact your purchase has on people and the planet.  You can shop in ways that align your values.  Unlike the original Ebay site, this is NOT an auction. These items are available for purchase right on the spot - no bidding wars with this one!  Items range from food, clothing, art and housewares.  

Very cool idea, very unique items.  I see lots of shopping in the future on this site!  It's nice to know I can shop and make a positive difference in the world!

Getting to know JDRF

Yesterday we met with JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Mid-Ohio Chapter here in Columbus.  We will be assisting them with PR and awareness for their Spring 2009 "Promise Ball" gala event.  Meeting with Amy, the Executive Director and Meghan, the Special Events Coordinator was inspiring.  They both were so excited and hopeful about the strides JDRF is making for children with Type I Diabetes.  In our meeting we learned that 85% of every local dollar is spent on research!  That is a great percentage for donors looking to support a cause.  

We are honored to be involved with this children's organization and look forward to helping raise awareness for the event and this great cause.

Looking for a fall walk - JDRF Mid-Ohio Chapter will be holding its annual Walk for a Cure on OSU Campus this October 5th!

Non-Profit In-Kind Connection

Non-profits have constant needs and are challenged by tight budgets.  It is crucial to be efficient with donor money, but there are only so many interns available to make calls looking for in-kind donations!   Bananas and water for a 5k, trinkets and coupons for goody bags,  auction items, desk chairs for the office... who wants to spend precious donor dollars on these items?

But there are companies in Columbus willing (and looking) to help!  Since we work with both entities and have an online presence, we created the In-Kind Connection blog.  Charities and businesses can send us an email at inkindconnection@columbusimpressions.com, we will post your request (for free!), and everybody wins.   What do we get?... Other than good karma, we get some exposure for columbus imPRessions, new friends, and site traffic!

Boo - Just a Little Earlier

This year marketers are banking on Halloween earlier than ever.  Halloween decorations, candy and home decor can already be found in stores and on-line.  Why so early, because Halloween is a very lucrative time of year.  Last year alone, Halloween generated $5.07 billion (yes, B as in Billion).  It is estimated that Halloween candy sales will jump another 2.8% from last year.  We don't see any tricks there, just plenty of treats!

Want to help out a non-profit this Halloween?  Purchase a "green" Halloween treat bag from Ballard Designs and they will give a portion of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  The tote costs $12.00.  It's worth it when you know some of the money is going to help children and the jute bag is another way to go green and help the environment.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Nearly 22,000 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer this year. Unfortunately many women don't survive because the disease is not found early enough to save them. We need to help raise awareness for this devastating disease.

You can help too . . .

Purchase items with proceeds going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You can find some really nice items at the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation on-line shop. Or you can look for one of their cause marketing campaigns - Flicker of Hope with Soya Love Hope Candles, Obsidian Jewels and their Mary Ann Earrings, Notecards by Mer, or various Callaway Golf items like the Teal FT-1 driver, golf towels or golf balls. Callaway's 2008 Ambassador for the cause is Halle Berry.

Help support the cause!