by Stephen Denny on April 15, 2009
Dear CMO: For every pundit who proclaims that smart brands don’t cut marketing in bad economic times there are a thousand business owners who know differently. Everything tightens up when demand is down and marketing is no exception. Why do we assume we shouldn’t cut marketing when everyone – including us! – is reducing what [...]
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by Stephen Denny on March 24, 2009
Dear CMO: We’ve talked often about how reciprocity and liking play into the signal strength of your social media and branding message. One area we haven’t discussed at length is the role of scarcity and it’s been hiding in plain sight as one of the most powerful tools in your online arsenal. Scarcity is buzz. [...]
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by Stephen Denny on June 10, 2008
Dear CMO: I’ve heard three pieces of good news over the past few weeks. First, I understand that the feared AIDS epidemic within the heterosexual communities of developed countries is no longer a threat, according to the World Health Organization. Second, I learned that not only is the US not in a recession but that [...]
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by Stephen Denny on May 21, 2008
Dear CMO: Are we in a recession? No? It feels like it. Probably because the media believes that any economic growth less than “exuberant” means we’re heading for the breadlines and soup kitchens. Anyway. Let’s agree that everyone in a position to buy whatever it is you sell is nervous right now, so selling is [...]
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by Stephen Denny on March 2, 2008
Dear CMO: Brands tend to elevate perceived value in a market segment. Differentiated products are highly brand driven — look at the fashion industry — and even commodities have shown remarkable sensitivity to branding. Just ask Intel. Or Nutrasweet. So when an age old business that has evolved along side humanity since the dawn of [...]
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