I spy a clever ad campaign and a brand that is taking the lead in addressing an industry-wide problem. Sony Electronics is re-using images from the 1970s, of quaint products like turntables and Beta video … Read on >
1) The U.S. Census Bureau projects a minority majority (as it were) by 2042. Much is said/written these days about gender stereotypes, but for marketers the cultural stereotypes may be an even greater challenge. Check out N.C. Aizenman’s article in the Washington Post for more information, and just … Read on >
After my Huffpo piece, “This Blank Ad Space, Brought To You By…,” published a few weeks ago, I heard from Jason Pelletier. He had remembered, and had a copy of a “clean … Read on >
I am officially a sucker for the Olympic Games. Just thinking about them brings back a lot of memories of my brother, sisters, parents and I feeling so proud of the athletes for … Read on >
In the digital age, even a print ad intended very obviously and specifically for the men’s luxury market can get “out” to the rest of the world. More’s the pity for … Read on >
Midst packing for a flight to San Francisco in a few hours, I caught the latest campaign profile from Stuart Elliott of the New York Times in my in-box. Would that I could write a longer post, but these are my bullet pointed thoughts on the new Timex … Read on >
Have you ever noticed how life lessons come when you least expect them, or when you head into something with a negative - “this will never work” - attitude? Yes, I’m talking to you.
It’s the same with marketing to women. The best examples of effectively reaching women are … Read on >
One of my favorite transparent marketing examples from Don’t Think Pink, which I use pretty often in my presentations (especially when my audience is fairly male-dominated) is that of ESPN: The Magazine. That brand (in … Read on >
A friend of mine in the photo retailing business forwarded this new Ritz Camera ad, and it seemed like something worth mentioning here. Why? Because the brand is obviously trying, but even with all those good intentions, really misses the mark.
I just came across a blog post that brings up a fairly common ad campaign phenomenon: two gender stereotypes for the price of one. Though the "chocolate man" television ad being discussed was clearly an attempt at humor, it actually comes off as either "off" or just plain … Read on >
The She Spot: Why Women Are the Market for Changing the World -- And How to Reach Them (BK Business)
by Lisa Witter and Lisa Chen
Social change driven by women - how much more hopeful about our world could you get? This book is well-written, and its nonprofit advice also applies, for the most part, to corporate marketing.
Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow
by Chip Conley
I'm a big psychology buff, so this application of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to the business realm fascinated (and resonated) with me. As Conley mentions, psychology in business has long been about "fixing it," but that won't necessarily "offer the opportunity for transformation to a more optimal state of being or productivity." Everyone can learn from this discussion.
The Sexual Paradox: Men, Women and the Real Gender Gap
by Susan Pinker
A fascinating examination of how sex differences play out over the life span. One interesting quote: "For most women it's less a question of who's able to win. It's whether competing feels good and is worth the cost."
Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes
by Katya Andresen
Andresen writes that causes can learn from traditional marketers, but after reading this, I'd argue that traditional marketers can learn from the causes profiled. An interview with Andresen is included in my eBook, 9 Minds On Marketing.
You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation
by Deborah Tannen
Men have a more asymmetrical, positioning approach to communication, while women have a more symmetrical, connecting approach. This is a classic worth revisiting frequently.
