January 2010

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Should I Give to Myself?

January 28, 2010 in Integrated Marketing, Online by Lauren McCabe | No comments

 

DNC State of the Union Email

Since taking a database marketing models class last year as part of my masters program, I have been very aware of data hygiene issues, especially as it pertains to direct marketing initiatives.  The email I received this morning from “President Obama”, ok, really the Democratic National Committee, clearly demonstrates the need for marketers to reach specific targets, not just everyone in your mailing list.

I signed up to recieve emails from the DNC during Sen. Barack Obama’s historical presidential election campaign.  They know I was interested in change and a new political leadership in the White House.  However, what they should also know about me is that I am part of the middle class that “the President” is looking to help by asking supporters to contribute $15.   Well, I’m one of those members of the middle class who needs to keep her $15 to help pay off my students loans, find a job and become a more productive member of society. 

I was deeply moved by what President Obama had to say in last night’s State of the Union address, especially during those last five minutes.  However, the Democratic party’s follow-up has left me with a bitter unhygenic taste in my mouth.

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What’s in a Joke?

January 22, 2010 in Television, word of mouth by Lauren McCabe | 1 comment

Team CocoApparently everything in the eyes of the executives at NBC.  According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, soon-to-be former Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien must adhear to a nondisparagement clause after he leaves the late-nigh show tonight.  This means no jokes, interviews and print and on-air appearances that could possibly cause the comedic host to say some not-nice things about NBC.  If he does, he could risk losing the $45 million agreement to vacate The Tonight Show hosting gig for a returning Jay Leno.

As stated in the article, NBC is no stranger to in-house heckling.  30 Rock makes fun of the corporate big wigs at General Electric every week and Johnny Carson even got a jab in calling the parent company a “conglomerate with a heart.” 

But what this recent development shows is how much NBC acknowledges O’Brien’s ability to connect with audiences and his pop culture leadership.  Sure, ratings of The Tonight Show have dropped since O’Brien took over this past summer.  However, buzz surrounding this late-night war has certainly increased in recent weeks.  The “I’m with Coco” Facebook page (which I am a member of) already has close to 605,000 fans.  This week in Chicago, fans of Conan O’Brien protested outside the local NBC5 studios donning orange-dyed hair to show their support. 

Only time will tell if NBC’s decision to remove Conan O’Brien from The Tonight Show was the right one.  Public relations representatives from both parties are working to make sure their side comes out on top.  But in the meantime, fans of late-night programming will have to wait to hear what O’Brien has to say about the matter.  Who knows?  NBC’s silence clause may possibly be O’Brien’s gain.

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Shake Your Booty for a Great Cause

January 20, 2010 in Integrated Marketing by Lauren McCabe | No comments

Chicago Dance Marathon

For the past couple of months I’ve been working to help kick off the first ever Chicago Dance Marathon.  It’s been a great opportunity to make new friends, become part of the Chicago community and help a great cause – Chicago’s Childrens’ Memorial Hospital.

On March 6, we’ll be dancing for 13.1 hours to raise money that will help purchase medical supplies, equipment and fun games and activity materials for the infants, children and teens who find themselves in the hospital.

Our integrated ad campaign just hit Chicago with ads in CTA trains and at stations, local radio spots, flyers at local businesses and, of course, a multitude of events to take part in to help raise awareness of this great event.  Here is a schedule of some of the events already planned by the committee:

  • Tuesday, January 26:  Wine Tasting at Quartino presented by the Players Sports Group from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

 

  • Saturday, February 6: $30 Wristband Night at STATE from 9 pm to 12 am ($10 of each wristband sold goes to Chicago Dance Marathon)

 

I hope to see you there!

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Hail to the Spokesman?

January 11, 2010 in Outdoor, Uncategorized by Lauren McCabe | No comments

 

Weatherproof Times Square BillboardDuring my visit to Times Square in New York last week, I noticed this billboard for Weatherproof.  At first glance it seems like President Obama has become the face of the outdoor clothes company.  But after further research, I learned that the marketer used the Associate Press image of the President in China without White House permission. 

According to CNN.com, the billboard will be taken down in the coming weeks, but it has already stirred much attention from major media outlets, bloggers (like me!) and the thousands of passersby in Manhattan’s busy midtown area.  In essence, it created buzz.  Sure, what Weatherproof did was not right, but I’m sure it received more publicity and, of course, an increase in sales of its Ultra-Tech jacket (the one worn by President Obama in the photo).

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