Sci-Fi Invites Bloggers to Meet Cast and Crew†

First Web 2.0 Press Tour Opens Dialogue With Fervent Fans

Advertising Age, June 29, 2007 — The Sci-Fi Channel this week indulged in a new spin on an old PR move by hosting a junket, for bloggers. The NBC Universal science fiction cable network's first "digital press tour" rounded up a couple dozen of its most important and influential online enthusiasts and reviewers and whisked them off to Vancouver for an almost week long Sci-Fi shindig.

Tesco Studies Hard for U.S. Debut†

CEO Leahy Sends Teams to Observe How Americans Shop, See What's in Their Fridges

Wall Street Journal, June 28, 2007 — The chief executive of Tesco PLC, Terry Leahy, runs a retail chain that's twice the size of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in the United Kingdom. And this fall, even though the U.S. is considered over-crowded with stores, Mr. Leahy plans to expand into Wal-Mart's home turf.

Amazon Offer: Its Gigabytes Now for Sale†

Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2007 — Amazon.com Inc. is known as a place to buy books, gadgets and shoes. But in business circles, it's gaining fame as a place to buy digital storage and computing power.

In the last year, the e-commerce company has begun renting out space in its enormous computer network to other companies

Big Boxes Aim to Speed Up Shopping†

Time-Pressed Customers Get Help Finding Wanted Items; The Self-checkout Debate

Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2007 — The average shopper at a Wal-Mart supercenter spends 21 minutes in the store but finds only seven of the 10 items on his or her shopping list.

As Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, tries to boost flagging sales growth, one key is helping customers find and buy those eighth, ninth and 10th items before they rush off to their kid's soccer game. So the chain is attempting to make its sprawling stores easier to navigate

Brand Portfolio and Brand Architecture in Single Brand Companies

Prophet, June 27, 2007 — In this article, Sarah Essex of Prophet discusses how single-brand companies can utilize brand portfolio and architecture to maximize business results.

Finding That 'Sweet Spot': A New Way to Drive Innovation

Knowledge@Wharton, June 27, 2007 — Larry Huston was vice president of knowledge and innovation for many years at Procter & Gamble. During that time, he was the architect of its Connect + Develop program, the creator of P&G's Brand Bootcamp operation, and innovation leader for the company's global fabric and homecare business, among other initiatives. He is now managing partner of 4INNO, and recently joined Wharton's Mack Center for Technological Innovation as a senior fellow. Knowledge@Wharton asked Huston to talk about innovation and its role in the global economy.

Hellmann's Targets Yahoo for Its Spread†

Unilever Hopes Series Will Sell Mayonnaise; Hold the Food Network

Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2007 — Visitors to video-sharing Web sites have shown they'll watch just about anything, from cats chasing mice around to ordinary folks singing in the shower. But will they tune into a show about mayo?

Unilever sure hopes so. The maker of Hellmann's mayonnaise tomorrow is scheduled to launch on Yahoo's Food section an entertainment video series designed to subtly promote the popular condiment.

Outcome of an Ad Contest Starts an Uproar on YouTube

Some YouTube users cried foul when they saw the winning video in a Malibu Caribbean Rum user-generated advertising contest

New York Times, June 27, 2007 — Some YouTube users cried foul this week when they saw the winning video in a Malibu Caribbean Rum user-generated advertising contest.

The contest, which began in early May, solicited videos about Malibu Banana Rum set to the tune of “Banana Boat Song,” also known as “Day-O.” It offered a prize of $25,000 or, if the winner preferred, a banana grove in a tropical location.

Study: Internet 2nd Most Essential Medium, But #1 in Coolness

MediaPost Publications, June 27, 2007 — THE INTERNET HAS PASSED RADIO to become Americans' second "most essential" medium and swapped places with TV as the "most cool and exciting medium" since the subjects were last studied five years ago, reported Edison Media Research.

Bad News For Brands: Supermarket Shoppers Don't Care

MediaPost Publications, June 26, 2007 — WHEN SHOPPING IN SUPERMARKETS OR drug stores, are consumers likely to show any brand loyalty? Practically none. A new report from TNS Retail Forward finds that three-quarters of shoppers will happily switch brands, motivated not just by what's cheaper, but even what's at eye level. "Few brands are immune to switching behavior," the market researcher reports.

At Home Depot, How Green Is That Chainsaw?

Some environmentalists say that Home Depot is being too inclusive in its new Eco Options marketing campaign

New York Times, June 25, 2007 — Home Depot sent a note a few months ago to the companies that supply the 176,000 products it sells, inviting them to make a pitch to have their products included in its new Eco Options marketing campaign.

More than 60,000 products — far more than obvious candidates like organic gardening products and high-efficiency lightbulbs — suddenly developed environmental star power.

Don't Ignore the Boomer Consumer

Brandchannel.com, June 25, 2007 — Boomers are reported to spend a staggering US$ 2.3 trillion in annual household expenditures (twice the amount of 18- to 39-year-olds), enjoy the highest incomes of any age group, and were born during a fortunate crack in history to cash in on the real estate and stock booms. Yet despite Boomers' trillion-dollar spending power, Madison Avenue still views 18- to 39-year-olds as the prime demographic to target, paying an average of 25 to 50 percent more to target younger adults, according to research commissioned by TV Land (a unit of Viacom) with Boomer think-tank consultancy Age Wave.

Leading National Advertisers Report: Spending Up 3.1% to $105 Billion†

Traditional Media Pinched as Largest Marketers Extend Reach Via Internet, Promotions

Advertising Age, June 25, 2007 — The top 100 U.S. advertisers last year increased ad spending by a modest 3.1% to a record $104.8 billion. But most of that growth came from "unmeasured" disciplines. In a troubling sign for traditional media, the marketing leaders increased measured media spending by just 0.6%, the smallest gain since the 2001 recession.

Natural Marketers Can Strike Gold With 'Selfish' Green

MediaPost Publications, June 25, 2007 — WANT BRAND SUPREMACY? RESEARCH FROM the Natural Marketing Institute suggests that the most successful product strategies will offer consumers a two-fer, layering a slightly selfish payoff over a fundamental core value. "Consumers are aspiring to achieve the double pay-off of exclusive experiences while supporting guilt-free and eco-friendly goods and services," says Gwynne Rogers, business director for NMI's lifestyles of health and sustainability division.

O.K. Kids, Name That Chip

BusinessWeek, June 25, 2007 — Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch... X-13D? The mysterious name is on packages of the latest flavor of Doritos, which hit stores last month. Following its user-created Super Bowl ads earlier this year, Doritos is asking consumers to name the new product

Philips: We're Not Just Light Bulbs†

Marketer Uses Umbrella Tack to Show Consumers Breadth of Its Product Line

Advertising Age, June 25, 2007 — Millions of Americans became more aware of Philips thanks to its media campaign that brought the table of contents closer to the front of magazines, stripped annoying subscription cards from Hearst titles and pared 12 minutes of ad time from "60 Minutes." Yet the $100 million spent in the U.S. by the Dutch marketer on its "Sense and Simplicity" campaign didn't familiarize consumers as much with its products

Plaxo turns address books into Web social networks

Reuters, June 25, 2007 — Plaxo, which makes software for PC users to keep address books up-to-date, said on Sunday it is helping millions of members open up their online datebooks to build social networks like MySpace or Facebook.

Readers Are Key Ingredient as Virtual Kitchen Heats Up

Recipe searches are among the most popular online endeavors for women, and major advertisers want to be there to greet them

New York Times, June 25, 2007 — Food and recipe sites have ratcheted up their competition in recent months, with publishers like Epicurious, Martha Stewart, Time Warner and others introducing new features and redoubling offline promotional efforts to attract visitors.

Social Networking Reaches Near Full Penetration Among Teens and 'Tweens†

Study Finds 71% of Them Connect to a Social Net at Least Weekl

Advertising Age, June 25, 2007 — While 96% of online tweens and teens have used social networking technologies, 71% of online tweens and teens connect to a social network at least once a week, according to a study and white paper being released today from Alloy Media & Marketing, a youth-oriented marketing firm. And nearly half engaged with a brand in the space in the past month.

You, Too, Can Grace a National Magazine’s Cover

Wired magazine, in partnership with Xerox, invited subscribers to upload their photographs to Wired.com. The first 5,000 who did so are now the cover art

New York Times, June 25, 2007 — IN the old days — say, maybe a month ago — a “customized” magazine meant that it had ads tailored to your age group or articles about your region. Now, it seems, it has your picture on the cover, too.

In its April issue, Wired magazine, in partnership with Xerox, invited subscribers to upload their photographs to Wired.com. The first 5,000 who did so are now receiving their July issue with themselves as the cover art.

The Florsheims, Back in Their Own Shoes

New York Times, June 24, 2007 — IF a death notice had been drafted for the Florsheim Group in 2001, the year that the company went on life support, it might have read something like this: A well-known company, whose shoes outfitted generations of American boys and men for school, work, weddings and funerals for most of the 20th century, died yesterday.

Are network effects getting weaker?

Are social networks running out of steam? Judging by the rapid resurgence of Facebook, not yet. But the manner in which users are change allegiances is worrying for advertisers and media partners

MediaPost Publications, June 22, 2007 — The movement of Silicon Valley contacts from one social network to another highlights the fickle nature of social media. First, it was Friendster, then it was Orkut, MySpace, LinkedIn and now, Facebook.

Even MySpace apparently isn't hip anymore, according to industry bloggers, which leads to the conclusion that social networks are the Web's ultimate representation of flash mob mentality. The Internet is a place where travel is free and instantaneous, and people are instinctively drawn to crowds. Facebook, at the moment, has the momentum after opening its borders and its platform to new plug-ins. Still, MySpace is far from abandoned; rather it's still growing, just not at nearly the same rate as Facebook.

Facebook Gets Help From Its Friends†

Music, Horoscopes Help Boost Site's User Base; Will New Offerings Allow It to Catch MySpace?

Wall Street Journal, June 22, 2007 — No. 2 social-networking site Facebook Inc. has persuaded a 22-year-old college dropout, two Microsoft Corp. veterans and more than 800 others to help it do the hard work of catching up to News Corp.'s MySpace.

Just 12% of Senior Marketers See Value in Consumer-Generated Media†

Survey: Website Building Ranks as Most-Used New-Media Tool

Advertising Age, June 22, 2007 — Consumer-generated media and new media may be gaining popularity, but senior marketers say they'll stick with disciplines such as website production and consumer feedback, according to the fifth annual PRWeek/Manning Selvage & Lee Marketing Management Survey.

One-man Brands

Through innovative marketing and sheer persistence, these entrepreneurs have become business icons. Their next move? Telling you how they did it.

Business 2.0, June 22, 2007 — Who: Rachael Ray

Brand identity: Gourmet made easy

Brand extensions: Four Food Network shows; The Rachael Ray Show; five product partnerships; 16 cookbooks; Everyday With Rachael Ray magazine

Shaken and Stirred: For Liquor Campaigns, the Web’s the Thing

Marketers of alcoholic beverages are joining the list of purveyors of consumer products that are devoting ad budgets to digital media.

New York Times, June 22, 2007 — TO introduce Reyka, an Icelandic vodka, William Grant & Sons is running a quirky campaign with a wit as dry as a well-made martini. There are erupting volcanoes, enigmatic puffins, “fun facts” about Iceland and comely women dressed for the cold rather than as they typically appear in liquor ads.

But don’t look for the Reyka campaign in traditional media like newspapers, magazines or even television...

The Baby-Name Business†

Parents are feeling intense pressure to pick names that set their kids apart. Some are even hiring consultants. Alexandra Alter on the art of 'branding' your newborn

Wall Street Journal, June 22, 2007 — What's in a name?

Stress.

Sociologists and name researchers say they are seeing unprecedented levels of angst among parents trying to choose names for their children. As family names and old religious standbys continue to lose favor, parents are spending more time and money on the issue and are increasingly turning to strangers for help.

Yahoo Buys Rivals.com to Bolster Sports Content†

Adds More than 150 High School and College Sports Sites

Advertising Age, June 22, 2007 — Yahoo has purchased Rivals.com, a network of high school and college sports sites. The acquisition falls into the Yahoo Sports channel, which the portal has been building through fantasy leagues and content deals with brands such as Time Inc.'s Sports Illustrated. This deal significantly bolsters Yahoo's offering of nonprofessional-sports news and content.

Changing the Course of JetBlue†

New CEO Dave Barger Reviews Discount Carrier's Strategy, Seeks Calmer Approach to Growth

Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2007 — For nine years at JetBlue Airways Corp., Dave Barger played the quiet No. 2 executive to David Neeleman, the discount carrier's passionate, high-profile founder and chief executive. Now, the reserved Mr. Barger is manning the controls when the airline most needs a steady hand.

Generation Y Multitaskers Boost Media Time

Want teens' full attention online? Good luck.

eMarketer, June 21, 2007 — Multitasking is driving up the total amount of time that US teens spend with media, according to a Bridge Ratings study conducted in March to May 2007. US consumers ages 13 to 17 spend more time with media overall than other age groups do, and their total media time has grown by more than two and a half hours per day since May 2004.

T.G.I. Friday’s Finds Smaller Portions Add to Customer Traffic

New York Times, June 21, 2007 — Four months after it introduced smaller portions to its menu, T.G.I. Friday’s is finding that less food translates into more customers and, perhaps, bigger profits. At a time when the casual-dining sector is in a prolonged slump, the number of customers increased at Friday’s during the last 16 weeks by 1.4 percent, compared with the same period a year earlier. For the entire casual-dining industry, guest counts were down by 2.8 percent during that period.

The Boots That Kicked Off an Era Are Back†

Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2007 — One of Frye's most famous boots is called the Harness. If you're over 40, you know the one, even if you don't know you know. Rugged leather, squared toe, a simple belt around the ankle. It was created in the 19th century and became a huge fad in the late 1960s, but you needn't go to a museum to see this boot today: it's flying off the shelves of Nordstrom and Zappos

Are You Innovating Everywhere?

More Than Just Products Need Your Attention

CMO Strategy by AdAge, June 20, 2007 — More often than not, talk of innovation relates solely to products. In my experience, such a phenomenon misses some of the most important elements of this critical business quality. I've learned that the most effective strategies foster the discipline of innovation everywhere — including every component of a healthy brand: positioning, product, pricing, marketing mix, sales channel strategy, supply chain, finance and management processes.

Craigslist Meets YouTube

Springwise Newsletter, June 20, 2007 — What do you get when you cross online classified ads with web-based video? Realpeoplerealstuff.com is equal parts Craigslist and YouTube—a whole new way for customers to reach out to one another to sell their used appliances, automobiles, collectibles, concert tickets and countless other goods and services. “Realpeoplerealstuff.com combines the hottest internet trends in one, easy-to-use site: e-commerce, snarky writing, funny videos, everyone's desire to be a star and video sharing.”

Marketers Seek a Banner-Blindness Cure†

Videos, Mini Web Sites Help Steer Eyes to Ads Often Ignored by Users

Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2007 — Pity the poor banner ad. Cutting-edge just a few years ago, this pioneer of Web advertising is now scorned as hopelessly out-of-date, a neglected stepchild in an era of Web video, widgets, mash-ups and social networking

Outdoor advertising gets freshened up

USA Today, June 20, 2007 — Even as the Web and handheld devices shake up where marketers spend ad dollars, one of the fastest-growing media is tried-and-true outdoor.

Questions For ... Wendy Clark†

Rebranding AT&T: Cingular's Demise and iPhone's Rise

Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2007 — Apple isn't the only company with a lot at stake from this month's heavily publicized launch of the iPhone. AT&T, the telecommunications giant that negotiated a deal to be the sole carrier of the phone, is hoping the alliance will help re-establish its name as a wireless brand. Earlier this year, AT&T renamed its Cingular Wireless service with the AT&T brand, a couple of years after Cingular itself took over the AT&T Wireless name.

Retailers' Panty Raid on Victoria's Secret†

New Lines, Shop Openings Target Hot Fashion Lingerie; 'Inner-wear as Outerwear'

Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2007 — Lingerie wars are coming to a mall near you.

Retailers including J.C. Penney Co., Target Corp. and Kohl's Corp. have discovered that fashionable underwear for women is a hot trend. To cash in on it, they are launching lingerie lines or giving old ones a makeover or redecorating dressing rooms and offering professional fitting services. Other companies, including Chico's FAS Inc., American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and Charming Shoppes Inc.'s Lane Bryant, have created stand-alone lingerie stores.

How Licensing Helped an Artist Pull a Rabbit out of His Hat†

Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2007 — It's Happy Bunny, in true rabbit fashion, has multiplied quickly.

Thousands of products feature the rude cartoon. His quips have slipped onto socks ("I just realized I don't care"), wafted onto air fresheners ("Let's focus on me"), and slid onto key rings ("It's cute how stupid you are"). The bunny — and his creator — have hippity-hopped into licensing lore.

How Marketers Hone Their Aim Online†

Consumer-Specific Ads Gain in Popularity Due to New Efficiencies

Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2007 — When Pepsi-Cola North America wanted to make a splash on the Web this spring to promote its new low-calorie vitamin-enhanced water, Aquafina Alive, the beverage company didn't run ads just anywhere on the Internet. It placed ads only on sites it knew would be visited by people interested in healthy lifestyles.

RC2’s Train Wreck

The company that recalled Thomas the Tank Engine wooden trains, which were contaminated with paint containing lead, is learning about crisis management.

New York Times, June 19, 2007 — In the toy business, RC2 was the little company that could.

Though much smaller and less prominent than Mattel and Hasbro, RC2 has grown steadily and its stock price has soared over the last five years, thanks largely to a strategy of sewing up licensing deals with big-name brands like Sesame Street, Winnie the Pooh, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Thomas & Friends.

A Store of Only No. 1-Selling Products†

Japan's ranKing ranQueen Changes Shelf Items Daily

Advertising Age, June 18, 2007 — Imagine a store whose stock consists of only No. 1-selling products. From tea and bath powder to cellphones and disposable cameras, the shelves of Japan's eight ranKing ranQueen outlets constitute small supermarkets of the top sellers across a broad range of consumer product categories. It's the power of ranking or wisdom of the crowds brought down to the retail floor in a way that requires much of the shelf inventory to be changed almost daily.

EBay Moves to Recharge Its Auctions

In making upgrades intended to make its site more friendly, eBay may endure criticism from more than 700,000 sellers who rely on it for their livelihoods.

New York Times, June 18, 2007 — At eBay, subtle change is about to become a thing of the past. Under pressure from analysts and investors to jump-start growth in its core auctions business, eBay is making a series of upgrades intended to make the site more friendly to buyers

Give It Away: Fast Feeders Favor Freebies†

Giants Run Out of Places to Build, Use Sampling to Fuel Same-Store Growth

Advertising Age, June 18, 2007 — These days, it seems as if restaurants are literally giving away the store. After years of trying to wean themselves off deep discounting that cheapens brands and conditions consumers to look for deals, Starbucks, McDonald's and a host of others are doling out free product, no strings attached.

Gore to Bring Talk of Green to Ad Festival

The embrace of Al Gore by the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival shows how "green" advertising has galvanized the marketing community

New York Times, June 18, 2007 — The brightest lights in the advertising business are gathering in Cannes, France, this week for an annual celebration of the art of persuading consumers to part with their money. In the industry’s biggest international get-together, awards will be given for the best ads for products like cars, clothing, food and air travel.

And then, on Friday, Al Gore will come to town.

Hasbro banking on “Transformers” hitting it big

Film based on hit toys, �sort of opens another chapter for us,� executive says

MSNBC, June 18, 2007 — Hasbro hopes the upcoming release of "Transformers" — based on the company's "robots in disguise" toys introduced in the 1980s — will herald a new era for the company that in the past few years has remade itself from a toy maker to an entertainment company.

How Surveying Workers Can Pay Off†

Companies Are Finding Engaged Employees Become More Motivated

Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2007 — Houston KFC restaurant manager Joanthan McDaniel surveys his staff of about 20 every three months. Earlier this year, workers complained about their hours — some felt they worked too many, others too few. As a result, he now talks with them more often about scheduling.

How To Reach Teens? It's All About the Brand†

Brandweek, June 18, 2007 — Teens have a love-hate relationship with brands. While they tend to be brand loyal, most say they are savvy enough to know that they are being marketed to, according to a new Teen + Brands study by Viacom's The N channel. Nearly half (46%) of teens surveyed said they tend to stick with a few of the brands they really like. But, 52% felt, "Brands are created by marketers just to get more money."

Is Google Killing Radio Advertising?

Bigger isn’t always better, and this is particularly true with regard to the power of radio as an advertising medium. But advertises like Google just don't seem to understand radio's true potential.

Fast Company, June 18, 2007 — Google makes so many announcements about so many things that you may have missed that it has joined forces with Clear Channel Entertainment to make radio advertising quicker, easier, and even more ubiquitous than it already is.

Latest 'Indiana Jones' Film Digs Up More Products†

Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2007 — When Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones next year, he will have more accessories than just a rumpled fedora and leather whip. For the first time, the action-adventure archaeologist will carry a plethora of products, from Lego sets to special packages of M&M's.

Men Online More, But Still Influenced By Traditional Media

MediaPost Publications, June 18, 2007 — SOME 71% OF MEN AGES 18-34 spend more time online now than a year ago, according to Maxim's latest annual Man Study--but a resounding 74% still felt that putting an ad on TV would be the "most effective" way to get it seen by guys.

No Sugar and Spice Here†

Under Armour Targets Females With Ads That Put Premium on Sweat, Not Style

Advertising Age, June 18, 2007 — Under Armour built a men's-sports-apparel empire on the back of sweating, chest-thumping, testosterone-fueled creative, and now it's betting heavily that same approach will sell just as well to women.

Restaurant Reservations Go Online

After decades of relying on telephones to book tables, the restaurant business has gone high-tech.

New York Times, June 18, 2007 — In the restaurant’s office, a different scene is playing out. In a veritable mission-control setting, a reservationist answers eight phone lines while seated in front of two computers that log reservations and hold an archive of past and future electronic bookings

Retail Giant Will Remake Private Bank

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, can burnish its private bank’s reputation in catering to the very rich.

New York Times, June 18, 2007 — Bank of America built its brand as a financial supermarket that could be all things to all people. Now, it will see if a new name can burnish its private bank's reputation in catering to the very rich.

The Fanatic: A Brand's Best Friend?

Brandchannel.com, June 18, 2007 — We all know them. Say the magic word—"Apple"—and off they go. They preach the virtues of the superior Mac and denounce the skeptical population of PC users. They are fanatics; they love Macs and all things Apple. And they are probably Apple's most effective sales force.

Upstart Websites Aim to Consolidate Social Networking†

Concept of Aggregating Digital Life Has Consumer Appeal but Holds Few Opportunities for Marketers

Advertising Age, June 18, 2007 — Having trouble keeping up with the explosion of niche social networks? The latest trend in the space is aggregation — websites such as MyLifeBrand, ProfileLinker, Open ID, OtherEgo and even the salaciously named Profilatic all present variations on the theme of organizing or simplifying a consumer's social-networking experience.

Who's at the Door? J&J With Your Meds†

Brandweek, June 18, 2007 — Johnson & Johnson wants to turn Girl Scout troops into "drug dealers"—but it's all for a good cause. The drug giant said it will launch a promotion this month, in which churches, charities and nonprofit groups—such as the Girl Scouts—will be encouraged to sell J&J's painkillers and cough medicine to their friends and neighbors. For every purchase of a J&J brand, including Tylenol, Sudafed, BenGay and Motrin, J&J will donate 8% of the sale to the community group.

Not Quite YouTube To Go

Forbes, June 17, 2007 — Go nuts, YouTube fans — your favorite goofy-video site is now available anywhere, via cell phone data connection. Sort of.

Online Sales Lose Steam

Online commerce has enjoyed hypergrowth, but now that growth has slowed sharply in a trend analysts call a turning point

New York Times, June 17, 2007 — Since the inception of the Web, online commerce has enjoyed hypergrowth, with annual sales increasing more than 25 percent over all, and far more rapidly in many categories. But in the last year, growth has slowed sharply in major sectors like books, tickets and office supplies.

Vacuum leader Dyson sets sights on hand dryer market

USA Today, June 17, 2007 — Dyson is about to enter rare air. Not satisfied with its wild success in turning the mundane vacuum cleaner into a high-tech, high-style, high-priced device, Dyson on Monday will announce plans to try to do the same in the USA with commercial hand dryers. Next month, the upstart British company whose vacuums costing up to $599 quickly became top-sellers in the USA, will roll out the $1,400 Dyson Airblade hand dryer.

M&A Blind Spot†

When negotiating a merger, leave a seat at the table for a marketing expert

Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2007 — Pulling off a successful merger or acquisition is a daunting management challenge. Only about one in five deals actually succeeds in creating shareholder value.But there's a step companies could take to improve their odds: pay more attention to marketing during the negotiations.

ANA Confab Seeks To Define, Illuminate Integration

MediaPost Publications, June 15, 2007 — BREAKING DOWN SILOS WITHIN AN agency's communications disciplines means nothing if marketers don't understand that "consumers are driving the bus, and none of us anticipated how fast it has changed," Bill Gray, co-CEO of Ogilvy, told a roomful of them Thursday. "You have to think like friend and foe," Gray said at the ANA's Masters of Integrated Marketing event in New York. "It's 5D tic tac toe with the lights out."

Is iPhone AT&T's Magic Bullet?†

Other Carriers' Customers Appear Itching to Switch to Obtain Apple's Gadget

Wall Street Journal, June 15, 2007 — AT&T Inc. stands a good chance of stealing customers away from other wireless operators by carrying Apple Inc.'s highly-anticipated iPhone, two new consumer surveys show.

MySpace Mini-Episodes, Courtesy of Honda

Honda plans to run smaller commercials for a smaller car in smaller versions of television series.

New York Times, June 15, 2007 — Honda will be the sole sponsor of what Sony Pictures Television is calling the Minisode Network, which is scheduled to begin next week

P&G Using Influence To 'Bring The Love Back' To Brands

MediaPost Publications, June 15, 2007 — PROCTER & GAMBLE IS "BRINGING the love back" through what it calls influencer marketing--sort of a public relations on steroids. P&G's Anthony Rose described it in depth at yesterday's ANA Masters of Integrated Marketing event. Rose, associate director, Global Beauty External Relations, and co-leader, Influencer Marketing Center of Excellence at P&G, was really echoing a message others had delivered during the day: telling consumers what they need to hear doesn't work.

Strange Bedfellows: Marriott, Schrager†

Wall Street Journal, June 14, 2007 — Lodging giant Marriott International Inc., one of the industry's most conservative companies, has struck a deal to develop a boutique chain designed by Ian Schrager, the entrepreneur known for his style-driven hotels. The agreement, to be announced today, is intended to give Marriott a presence in the boutique segment of the hotel industry, which it has been unable to crack even as rivals like Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. have found a lucrative vein with brands such as W.

'Widgets' May Snag More Ads†

Photos, Other Content Aided by Web Tools Draw Big Audiences

Wall Street Journal, June 13, 2007 — New data on viewing photos, videos and music on the Web may have an impact on the way advertisers and social networking sites perceive firms that help create this content. Nearly 177.8 million people world-wide viewed Web content in April made with online tools from companies that let people post photos, videos and music on other Web sites, according to data that Web-tracking firm comScore Inc. plans to release today. The comScore data is among the first to measure the reach of companies such as Slide Inc., RockYou Inc. and PictureTrail Inc., which create applications known as widgets that consumers can use to produce videos, photo slideshows and music playlists.

Average CMO Tenure Creeps Over The Two-Year Mark

MediaPost Publications, June 13, 2007 — SO IT ISN'T EXACTLY JOB security. But a study by executive recruiter Spencer Stuart shows that the average chief marketing officer at big companies isn't managing to hang on to the job for just over two years. The study, which tracks CMOs at 100 leading consumer companies, found that the average tenure for CMOs today is 26.8 months--compared to 23.2 months in 2006, 23.5 months in 2005 and 23.6 in 2004.

Online Video Ads Bringing Results

Does pre-roll equal pre-sold?

eMarketer, June 13, 2007 — Online video ads are leading to sales, according to the Online Publishers Association (OPA) "Frames of Reference: Online Video Advertising, Content and Consumer Behavior" report, conducted in partnership with OTX. Of the 80% of viewers who had watched an online video ad, just over half had taken some sort of action. Nearly a third had checked out a Web site, while 22% had searched for more information, 15% had gone into a store and 12% had actually made a purchase.

UK Marketers Shifting Focus from Ads

British quivers are getting stocked with different arrows.

eMarketer, June 13, 2007 — Ads are falling in importance in the UK compared to other marketing activities, at least in terms of budget, according to the Chartered Institute of Marketing's "Marketing Trends Survey," conducted by Ipsos MORI. Marketers surveyed said that advertising would account for just under 15% of their 2007 marketing budgets. Lead generation, customer relationship management (CRM), direct mail and field marketing were each estimated to account for 11%-12% of marketing budgets.

A reason to skip Starbucks

CEO Patrick O'Dea tells Fortune's Matt Boyle how tiny Peet's can challenge the giant of the specialty coffee industry

FORTUNE, June 12, 2007 — Despite the ubiquity of Starbucks, only about one out of six Americans drink specialty coffee on a daily basis, according to the National Coffee Association. To Patrick O'Dea, that smells like opportunity.

Consumers Aren't Happy With Your Call Centers†

Study Finds One Out of Five Callers Gives Up; PC Companies Worst Offenders

Advertising Age, June 12, 2007 — When customers call, marketers aren't doing a very good job addressing their concerns. That's the conclusion of a new call-center-satisfaction study, which found one-fifth of callers hang up with unresolved issues. Callers to personal-computer companies were most unhappy, with a satisfaction score of 64 out of a possible 100.

Marketers Get More Efficient With Ad Spending, Leading to Less of It†

ROI Allows Cuts to Media Spending Without Losing Effectiveness

Advertising Age, June 12, 2007 — If you're looking for expansion in U.S. measured media this year, dig out a magnifying glass. Ad spending will total just $152.3 billion in 2007, for an anemic 1.7% rate of growth and the smallest gain since the 2001 advertising recession, according to a forecast from TNS Media Intelligence.

Miller Gives Lime-and-Salt Beer a Shot at Boosting Sales†

Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2007 — Miller Brewing Co., known for its conventional slate of American beers, is hoping a brew with a Mexican twist can help pull it out of a sales slump.

Renewal: Not Just for Library Books Anymore

New York Times, June 12, 2007 — There is the Security Council and the World Council of Churches, the Council of Europe and innumerable city councils. Now, a leading lodging chain is adding to the assembly of assemblages with what it is calling a Renewal Council

Test-Driving Your Saab†

European Car Makers Sweeten Vacation Deals For U.S. Drivers who Travel Abroad to Buy

Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2007 — Europe's luxury auto makers are taking an unusual tack to lure American drivers: offering them incentives to travel abroad to buy a car and merging the experience with a high-end driving vacation. European-delivery programs, which are offered by such auto makers as BMW AG, Daimler-Benz AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo unit and Porsche AG, allow U.S. customers to take ownership of a new car overseas before shipping it home.

A Smoothie You Can Chew On

To appeal to diners as well as drinkers, Jamba Juice is adding heft to its concoctions

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — known for staples including Banana Berry and Strawberries Wild, Jamba is busy bulking up its menu as part of its bid to become the Starbucks (SBUX ) of the smoothie

Apple Seeks a Deal to Make Movies Available for Rent Via iTunes Service†

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Apple Inc. is in talks with the Hollywood studios to make new movies available for rental for its iTunes service, according to two studio executives familiar with the matter.

At 3M, A Struggle Between Efficiency And Creativity

How CEO George Buckley is managing the yin and yang of discipline and imagination

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — McNerney was the first outsider to lead the insular St. Paul (Minn.) company in its 100-year history. He had barely stepped off the plane before he announced he would change the DNA of the place

Dell Quells Critics With Web 2.0 Tack†

Social Media Has Turned Customer Service Inside-out for All to See

Advertising Age, June 11, 2007 — Back in the summer of 2005, Dell ignored Jeff Jarvis' complaints about a lemon laptop at its own peril. The blogger's "Dell Hell" rants teed up a mainstream story starring the PC manufacturer as an arrogant giant that became a case study in how one man's website could shred a corporate reputation. Now Dell, working to shrug off that image and right recent business declines, might be on to a different kind of web-based watershed. In mid-February, it launched IdeaStorm, a place for customers to submit suggestions about its products that's become the repository for more than 5,500 recommendations and 24,000 comments.

Disney Rewrites Script to Win Fans in India†

China, Latin America Are Also in Turnaround; A "Princess" in Mumbai

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Disney has struggled to make big money in India with its classic American fare. Now it has persuaded Yash Raj to make Disney-branded animated films, with the voices of Bollywood stars.

How Innovation Can Be Too Much of a Good Thing†

Reducing the Number Can Speed Introduction of New Product Lines

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Avery-Dennison Corp. loves to innovate. In recent years, the adhesive-label maker has expanded into areas such as stick-on automotive trim and heat-transfer inks to label clothing. But Avery executives grew vexed a few years ago at how long it took to turn ideas into products. Schedules were slipping. Customers were chafing.

Ideas made here

The designers at Nottingham-Spirk take their inventions from scratch pad to store shelves. You probably own a few.

FORTUNE, June 11, 2007 — Nottingham and his partner, John Spirk, run Nottingham-Spirk, the most successful industrial-design firm you've probably never heard of. What they're doing on their frequent Wal-Mart reconnaissance missions, Spirk says, is "looking for what's not there."

Macy's Drops 'Mock Homes' for Martha Stewart†

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Last spring, Macy's Inc. Chief Executive Terry Lundgren came up with an ambitious plan to display a massive new line of home goods produced exclusively by Martha Stewart: creating 3,000-square foot mock "homes" in key stores. Home builder KB Home planned to build the huge showcases inside Macy's stores in such cities as New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

But Macy's now has canceled the mock-home plan, citing a sharp decline in the housing market.

Marketers Are Joining the Varsity

Marketing and media companies are now capitalizing on consumer interest in high school sports and becoming big boosters of them

New York Times, June 11, 2007 — Athletes, if they are talented, train hard and get a break or two, can climb the sports ladder from high school to college to the pros. Madison Avenue, sensing a lucrative opportunity, is heading the other way.

McDonald's Recruits Mom to Be Ultimate Influencer†

Gatekeepers to Go on 'Field Trips' and Hopefully Return as Brand Evangelists

Advertising Age, June 11, 2007 — Battered by attacks blaming the fast-food industry for making children fat, McDonald's Corp. is recruiting the gatekeeper for its side. The Golden Arches has been quietly amassing an army of moms — often its toughest critics — as "quality correspondents" to act as citizen consumer reporters

Not Too Juiced By Joost

Who really wants to see full-length TV shows on the Web?

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — The new Web video service Joost is barely in beta, but it's already subject to inhuman amounts of hype. It's not hard to see why.

Room Service, Send Up Some Slime

Want a night with SpongeBob? Marriott and Nickelodeon will accommodate you

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — The idea of putting a brand name on a hotel has attracted everyone from Hard Rock Cafe and Walt Disney (DIS ) to Giorgio Armani, L.L. Bean, and possibly Martha Stewart (MSO ) and Ralph Lauren (RL ). Is there room for Nickelodeon?

Sempra Energy: All Charged Up In California

No longer just a utility, the company is moving into booming, unregulated markets

BusinessWeek, June 11, 2007 — Today, California utilities and energy generators face some of the strictest green rules in the country. But what others saw as onerous, Sempra Energy (SRE ) saw as opportunity. Chairman and CEO Donald E. Felsinger seized the moment to reinvent the company, turning it into a fast-growing energy utility with few parallels.

Where's the Money Moving? Out of Media†

Ad Dollars Drop, but That Doesn't Mean Marketers Have Stopped Spending

Advertising Age, June 11, 2007 — U.S. ad spending — at least the measured kind — fell 0.3% in the January-to-March period, the first down quarter since the ad recovery began in 2002. But a drop in reported ad spending does not mean a drop in marketing spending. That's because what marketers need isn't just measured media; it's measurable results

Wii will rock you

How Nintendo's new game machine won over the world - and beat the pants off Sony and Microsoft

FORTUNE, June 11, 2007 — Nintendo's legendary videogame designer Shigeru Miyamoto is lying face down on the floor in Kyoto, Japan, hobbled by a right cross and struggling to regain his composure. The man some credit with the very existence of the $30 billion videogame industry, the Walt Disney of our generation, has taken one blow to the face too many.

Sprite Looks to Mobile Community to Build Brand†

Campaign Aimed at Young Adults Depends on Cellphone

Advertising Age, June 8, 2007 — The little screen got a boost to becoming a bigger media player this week when marketing leader Coca-Cola Co. revealed marketing plans for its Sprite brand — one which puts mobile at the center of its ad effort to snag teens and therefore future generations of customers

Lessons from Apple†

What other companies can learn from California's master of innovation

Economist, June 7, 2007 — For a company that looked doomed a decade ago, it has been quite a comeback. Today Apple is literally an iconic company.

Marketers Try 'Conquesting' -- to Get on Rivals' Nerves†

Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2007 — In the ad business, it's called "conquesting." Another way of putting it: raining on the other guy's parade.

In an increasingly popular form of online advertising, marketers are taking out ads right next to editorial content about their rivals. The aim is to convert consumers from one brand to another — and also to issue a public challenge

Rivals Answer the iPhone†

Other Makers' Feature-Rich Phones Could Benefit from Apple Device's Buzz

Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2007 — Apple Inc.'s iPhone may be the most anticipated device in the history of the wireless industry. But when it hits AT&T Inc. and Apple stores June 29, it will face plenty of competition.

To Appeal to Women, Too, Gadgets Go Beyond “Cute” and “Pink”

Women are embracing consumer electronics just as the technologies are reaching out to embrace them.

New York Times, June 7, 2007 — A growing number of women are embracing consumer electronics just as the technologies are reaching out to embrace them. Behind this quiet revolution are engineers and designers who are bringing a more feminine sensibility to products historically shaped by masculine tastes, habits and requirements.

Who Blogs?†

Odds Are Marketers Have No Idea

Advertising Age, June 6, 2007 — America is going to the blogs. Every year millions of people create blogs, and even more check in daily to read them. They have the power to send stock prices plummeting, and consumers count them as more credible than advertising and e-mail marketing. But odds are you have no idea who they are. Marketers, meet the bloggers.

Ex-Cisco Executive to Lead Joost, Internet TV Provider

New York Times, June 5, 2007 — The high-profile Internet start-up Joost plans to announce today that it has hired Mr. Volpi, 40, as its new chief executive. Joost, which is based in London, is building a global television network of full-length TV shows and movies and sending it to viewers over the Internet

Listen to Music Free, but Pay to Carry†

Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2007 — The music industry is so desperate for new ways to make money that a Silicon Valley start-up is trying a counterintuitive approach: giving the music away as a way to jump-start sales

P&G Rekindles an Old Flame†

New Febreze Candles Aim to Extend Product Line; Is Growth a Burning Issue?

Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2007 — Procter & Gamble is selling candles again, nearly 90 years after the rise of electric lighting forced the company to stop making them.

This time around, though, the company says its candles will do more than just light a room. P&G claims they can trap bad odors using new technology, and quickly fill a room with fragrances such as "Linen & Sky" and "Meadows & Rain."

Tiny Apparel Maker Gets Boost by Aligning with Big Firm†

Cabana Life Receives Exclusive Deal; Partner Gets Access to Consumer

Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2007 — Cabana Life LLC, a maker of ultraviolet-protective clothing, is less than two years old, posted revenue of just $250,000 last year and is barely a blip on the New York fashion scene.

Yet the start-up has scored a notable partnership with a $13 billion chemical giant, Huntsman Corp., whose products are included in apparel made by the likes of Polo Ralph Lauren and Patagonia.

Agencies Don Lab Coats to Reach Consumers†

Firms Deploy Scientists Within Creative Groups to Make Messages Stick

Wall Street Journal, June 4, 2007 — Madison Avenue, home to black-turtleneck-wearing creative executives, is opening the door to lab-coat-wearing scientists as it seeks to get deeper into the heads of consumers.

Brand Vs. Street: The Classic Clash Fells Macy's CMO†

MacDonald's Long-Term Vision Lost Out to Public Co.'s Short-Term Pressures

Advertising Age, June 4, 2007 — The surprise departure of one of the country's top chief marketing officers — Anne MacDonald from Macy's — underscores a disturbing reality for all marketers: Increasingly, public companies and long-term brand building don't mix