Christmas Gift Idea- Pooch Portrait

A very talented and creative friend of mine has come up with a product that I just had to share.  Jennifer Beck is a photographer and graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design and she is selling these hilarious portraits of YOUR pet in the early 1900s.  For the best quality, she will come and photograph your dog and then magically transform them to antique photos.  (photoshop is like magic, right?)   On the left are a few of her pieces.  What a perfect gift- hurry she may be able to get a few orders in time for Christmas!  (Be sure to tell her Coley referred you)

For info and pricing, contact jbeck@go.ccad.edu  

MonaVie- thoughts?

Do any of our readers out there have an opinion on the popular and intriguing juice product, MonaVie? We just don't know what to think with some claiming it's a scam and others raving about the benefits of acai.  

What I have noticed, is that the simple bottle design, availability through individual distributors, and expensive price seem to be working well for the product.  When my husband's "dealer" (: moved away, I was thrilled to find out over thanksgiving that a relative was selling it.   I do like the taste although I just don't know how much I believe the hype.  

Here is why it works for me personally:  I start with a shot in the morning and experience that satisfaction of starting the day off right.  I take a little bit of a longer walk in the morning and try to make healthy choices the rest of the day.  So, essentially, that expensive drink of MonaVie somehow keeps me conscious of my choices, and in the end, I truly do feel better.   But is it the drink or the rest of the choices?  

Any thoughts, opinions, experiences?...

Chocolate Introduction

Today is National World Chocolate Day - one of our favorite holidays that we intend to practice quite a bit!

To tie in this fun holiday we created a gorilla marketing campaign for our client, The Culinary Table.

Natural Designs created lovely arrangements.  The Culinary Table's chef has made delicious chocolate goodies.  Combined with this postcard that we created they are going to drop off gifts to some current and potential corporate clients.

 

 A beautiful and delicious way to introduce themselves, not to mention very inexpensive with big impact.  After all, who can turn down chocolate?

Happy National Chocolate Day to everyone!!

Fundraising Luncheon

Friday afternoon we were invited to be guests at the Annual Camp Fire Luncheon and to sit at the table of Camp Fire's President and CEO.  

This one hour lunch was delicious, informative, celebratory, nostalgic and very moving. The room was filled with over 400 captivated people.  Learning about the organization and their impact over the last 80 years was powerful.   Camp Fire really has changed the lives of many central Ohioans. Former campers stay connected and loyal to this non-profit organization and many become camp counselors, advocates, or board members.  

A short video of a few long-time campers being interviewed clearly expressed what Camp Fire means to them and so many others.  The video setting was the beautiful camp grounds.  It made you want to be there, especially when hearing the birds chirping and the young campers singing in the background.

The moving part of the program was when a single mother and her older son told their story. For them Camp Fire was life-changing.  The mother, unable to afford camping, was able to get funding for her son to attend, funding that changed their lives. The mother spoke of how proud she was of her son and of the man he has become.  She tearfully attributed that to his Camp Fire experience.  Her son, now a camp counselor himself, has become a positive role model to current day campers.

After the short heartwarming program their Board Chair spoke of thanks for 80 wonderful years, as well as the desperate needs for the coming years.  Funding is needed to get more children into nature.  It's important for their health.  So many central Ohio kids have never even seen a forest and spend way too much time in front of the TV, computer or video games.

Table captains passed out pledge envelopes and everyone filled them out pledging financial assistance for the next year. Looking around we saw that everyone was writing, getting out check books and wallets.

This simple luncheon and program was an incredibly smart fundraising tool. Having a luncheon lowers the fundraising expense over having a huge gala dinner.  The program was simple, but compelling.  A connection was made with the audience.  Using the nostalgic slide show, short video, and most importantly, the mother and her son had a lasting and powerful impact.  Camp Fire's event was a success.  Many non-profits could learn from this smart, well thought out event.

Thanks to Amy Boyd for allowing us to be guests at her table.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and look forward to helping Camp Fire Central as they begin planning their 100th celebration!

We Smell A Nittany Lion

This weekend is the biggest, BIG Ten match-up thus far - OSU and Penn State.  All the makings of a great game - both team undefeated in the conference and a night game.  Even though the game is being played in Columbus, there might be an overpowering smell of Nittany Lions.

Why?  Because a company called Masik makes Collegiate Fragrances and one of their scents is of Penn State University. The only Big Ten school to have a scent so far.  

Masik is the only company of its kind to make distinctive fragrances reflecting each schools unique and distinguished characteristics.  Creating a product like this will surely connect with consumers that our passionate about their Alma mater.

When creating a school fragrance they consider school colors, mascot spirit, landmarks, campus trees and flowers, and traditions.

OSU doesn't have a fragrance yet. But if they did what do you think it would smell like?  We'd love to hear your comments.

Want OSU to have a fragrance?  Email Masik at newuniversity@masik.com.  If they license the product a percentage of each bottle sold would go to the university scholarship and athletic fund.

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.

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!

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!

Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis- post event press

Friends, family take steps to raise money to cure Crohn's
By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF
Published: Friday, June 27, 2008 9:37 AM EDT

Katherine Raderstorf lived a pretty typical and active life as one of three triplets, until the summer before she was to enter the eighth grade.

"I was having quite a lot of pain, all summer long," she said.

When September came and summer left, the pain didn't.

Finally, after a lot of tests, in November 2004, Katherine learned what was causing her to be in pain -- Crohn's disease.
It's a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes breaks in the lining of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere, according to information from MedicineNet.

The disease also can cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye.

There is no known drug-based or surgical cure for Crohn's disease and treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, putting and keeping the disease in remission and preventing relapse.

Katherine led Team Raderstorf at the "Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis" event in Bicentennial Park June 14. Katherine and Team Raderstorf were led by the Bishop Watterson Drum Line, said Watterson spokeswoman Lynn Winters.

The Central Ohio walk was a part of a national effort to raise awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, to raise funds for a cure and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases, Take Steps Manager Joy Watson said in an information release.

More than 60,000 people in Central Ohio are afflicted by either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, she said.

"At first, it was pretty scary," Katherine said, when she and her Clintonville family, including her triplet siblings Grace and Rose, and her younger brother, Brian, learned of her diagnosis.

Following the news, Katherine said her treatment involved surgery, bloodwork, lots of routine checkups and lots of different medicines.

"I started out with taking 15 medicines a day, including (nutritional) supplements and vitamins," she said.

Katherine will be a senior at Bishop Watterson High School this fall. Today, she said, she is down to taking four medicines a day, as well as her nutritional supplements and vitamins.

"I'm feeling great," she said, following a trip to Cleveland to visit family prior to the Take Steps event.

"But, I really have to stay on top of my health."

Indulging in dairy products is a strict "no-no" for her, she said. Otherwise, Katherine said she is pretty busy spending her summer, "just hanging out with my friends," she said.

"We like to shop, go to the pool or go and see a movie,"

"They are always there for me," she said, regarding her friends and family. "They are really supportive and always look out for me."

While she has her senior year to complete at Watterson, and is still thinking about what she would like to do after graduation, "I think I would like to study nutrition," she said.

As far as words of wisdom she would like to share with anyone who is facing a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or colitis, she said,

"The most important thing to do is to just keep your head up."

"It's really hard and scary at first, and you should surround yourself with family and friends, and work with your doctors," she said.

For more information about the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, visit ccfa.org.

Kmart Short Stories

So last night I was watching House Hunters on HGTV. Yes I do love to try and pick which house they will end up buying - I try not to pick the "Whang" (pronounced Wong) house. Only those who watch the show will appreciate my weak attempt at humor.

Between segments they ran a series of advertisements for KMart. These ads caught my attention because they were actual short stories and each one ended with - "to be continued". Because the short stories were on HGTV they were of course about home improvement and decorating. I love home improvement and decorating so I found these short stories very interesting. This one was about a mom's 40th birthday and how their patio needed a makeover. So, for her birthday they surprised her not only with a patio makeover but a surprise party as well. They split this up into three different segments and in the end the mom was obviously pleasantly surprised.

In between each segment I was looking forward to seeing what would come next. I felt like I was watching a design show within a design show. Wait a minute, I was actually excited and anticipating seeing a commercial. Wow, crazy. Then to take my craziness even further, I tried to Google the ad series but came up with nothing. In this Internet age I was very surprised I couldn't find a thing on this - not even at the Kmart, HGTV House Hunters or DraftFCB (which I believe is their agency) web sites. Go figure.

Anyway, major points goes to their ad agency who bundled this passion, target and niche marketing package into an interesting ad series. It had my attention and made me want to spruce up my backyard deck area for summer celebrating!

Marketing Wines With Artistic Labels

Wine labels are they art, a marketing tool or both?

Wine labels have a certainly changed over the years - not only their look, but their purpose. In the early days, most labels were rectangular in shape and included only one or two colors briefly illustrating the name of the winery. With the bland design all bottles blended together on the shelf. Today, wine labels burst from the shelves standing out because of bold colors, vibrant art and torn, warped shapes.

Why has there been so much change and focus on the label? Because nothing is as important to a wine's brand's identity as its label. One would think that the juice's nectar is the most important. That's not completely true. Because, today's consumers can't help but link their feelings about what is in the bottle to what is on the bottle. Therefore, in today's highly competitive world market, the wine label is more crucial than ever.

Some wineries a creating labels with a pull off tab so you can remember a good bottle. Brilliant idea!

Using pets for your brand's success

Over 43.4 billion dollars is estimated to be spent in the US on pets this year! That's up from $41.2 billion in 2007.

Pet owners have money to spend and they don't think twice about spending very generously. Yes, this is favorable for the pet industry, but other company's are jumping on the pet band wagon in order to connect to new customers.

If you want to tap into this vast group with a deep passion and a big wallet why not try these tips to enhance your brand awareness:

1. Feature pets in your ads and messages - who can resist a cute puppy
2. Create products that can intersect with pets - posh pet hotel packages are all the rage
3. Create brand extensions for pets - how about a brand specific dog sweater or collar with your brand image
4. Host a social event around a pet - dog parks are the newest hot spot for dogs and their owners. Great for word of mouth networking.

Visit the Franklin County Dog Shelter site see a listing of the Columbus Ohio area dog parks:
http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/programs/shelter_dog_parks.cfm

Capitalizing on our Canines

Colleen is right - dogs are a HUGE passion point. So many people treat their dogs incredibly well, like their children. They really are part of the family!!

The market is booming with many doggy boutiques where you can buy anything from apparel, to treats, to the best bling any dog could want. Worthington, Ohio based Moochie and Co. http://www.moochieandco.com/moochie/ has thought of everything to pimp out your pooch! But not only are they making a profit on their products at their various stores in the Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Michigan and Indianapolis areas they also give back and support local rescue groups, shelters, and animal organizations through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, volunteerism, as well as welcoming these groups into their stores.

Our hats go off to this wonderful company for providing us with products to spoil our furry children as well as for helping our local four-legged friends!

Here's my puppness extraordinaire - Cora. I told her she was going to be famous and to get ready to share her pawtograph with the world!

Colleen's Passion Point.... STEVIE

I don't carry him around when I am shopping at Fendi, socializing at charity events, or walking down the red carpet, but I do have to say, Stevie, my chihuahua is the love of my life (my husband isn't into blogging- he'll never know that he's my #2). If I hear someone mention a chihuauhua on tv, see a "wittle guy" on a walk, or meet someone who shares my affinity for the breed, my ears perk and I am immediately interested. It is embarrassing, but it is a perfect demonstration of a common marketing buzz word... "passion point." Sports, art, music and animals are a few common examples associated with the phrase. Camping, beer drinking, relaxing with friends may also be passion points. Side note- those things were also captured in this photo with Stevie (but cropped out).

What are your passion points? How can they be used in the marketing world?

The Power of the Purse and Passion Marketing

You know the names . . . Coach, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dooney and Bourke, Fendi, Kate Spade, the list goes on. Designer purses aren't just for supermodels, Wall Street women or celebrities anymore. In fact, more and more purses can be seen on the shoulders of tweens and teens as they walk to their locker or down the aisle of a mall.

Just how are younger girls finding out about these "it" bags? They typically don't advertise, but do they?

Watch an episode of MTV's "My Super Sweet 16" or the CW's "Gossip Girl" and you see a slew of designer bags. Read "Teen Vogue" magazine or the "Clique Series" books and you will read about all different styles of designer totes.

Check out the celebrity rag mags and you see photos of young Hollywood strutting around with designer bags matching every outfit - celebrities like Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Lindsey Lohan, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Simpson.

Retail and designers are smart. By subtly connecting with their target's passion points they've made their imPRession and they can't lose.

To read up on the latest designer bags I found a pretty cool blog -http://www.purseblog.com/. Check it out.