Getting Naked (BAMA 513 Project)

naked, according to Merriam-Webster (sixth definition):
“devoid of concealment or disguise”
 
To be able to converse with customers without concealment or disguise would be a marketer’s dream come true. To really listen to what customers want, and be able to respond without hesitation or worry about the official company ‘line’. Imagine that.

Listen your way to the top

Some fantastic submissions have been compiled by Forrester for their 2008 Groundswell Awards. In the ‘Listening’ category, one submission that caught my eye was The Local Scoop from Omni Hotels.
Unlike other tourism blogs or social communities where seasoned travellers offer up advice, The Local Scoop doesn’t just tap in to what travellers are saying. Residents [...]

Harsh times… how’s your brand doing? (My ten minute blog)

Following the AIG bailout, this NY Times article discusses how advertising agencies are now turning their attention to promoting messages of trustworthiness, long-term vision, and financial sustainability. 
If your brand isn’t already established as something tried, tested, and true, is it really going to make a difference to start promoting this kind of message now? And [...]

Why less is more… and why marketers need to understand this

The paradox of choice

Barry Schwartz is a professor of social theory and action, teaching courses ranging from basic psychology to economic rationality and decision-making.
His 2004 book, “The Paradox of Choice: Why Less is More” (Harper Collins) pulls together several years of musing and research over why we, in democratic societies, are fervent advocates of choice [...]

Tell me something I don’t know

I’ve been at this blogging thing for a few days now, and it has given me a new appreciation for some things:
1. Blogging is time consuming. It is energy consuming. Good bloggers have their facts straight, and I find that I will trust some bloggers’ words but not others. Checking facts makes bloggers credible, but [...]

And before I knew it, I was co-opted as an evangelist

Before my Cortland purchase, I had never done any personal shopping online. Other than internet banking, buying tickets, or purchasing class material, I had never completed a marketspace transaction completely online. It was a bit of a revelation.
I first stumbled upon Cortland while searching for plastic bag alternatives. The green design site Inhabitat was holding [...]