Ever heard of fibromyalgia?
Key Points:
1. Fibromyalgia is an example of drug company marketing at its best: Convincing the medical establishment to pay attention to real suffering.
2. Fibromyalgia is also an example of drug company marketing at its worst: Using emotional tactics to boost prescriptions.
3. Regardless of the final judgment, we cannot ignore the power of giving a vague set of symptoms a legitimate name.
Macy’s fate is not (completely) Macy’s fault
Key Points:
1. Even smart promotional alignments can’t substitute for frustratingly complex fine print.
2. The department store model as a whole is in trouble, but Macy’s management (may be) showing signs of coming around.
3. However, in order to survive, Macy’s needs a complete realignment of its relationship with premium designer brands.
Pot Poaches the Phelps Phenomenon
Key Points:
1. Photos of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana seriously damaged his brand – and the potential that came with it. Some sponsors are staying on, but the damage is done.
2. Arguing Michael Phelps is “just a kid” or “just an athlete” does a disservice to his life of high expectations, but nonetheless highlights the inherent risk in corporate sponsorship.
3. Michael Jordan provides a suitable athletic role model, managing top-tier success and all the expectations and trappings that come with it, to create a top global brand.
Snuggie: The fourth horseman of advertising apocalypse
Clearly, for those with even a modest war chest, the rise of a brand like Snuggie represents the perfect opportunity to grab market share.
About
Jason Voiovich
Ecra Creative Group
Phone: 651.209.2778
Principal and co-founder of Ecra Creative Group, a Minneapolis, MN based creative services firm specializing in brand development, reputation process management, naming/trademark, and product launches to drive measurable business results.
