In ‘Trust Me,’ a Fake Agency Really Promotes

A Fake Ad Agency and Real Products

New York Times, January 21, 2009 — Beginning on Monday, the TNT cable channel hopes to add Rothman Greene & Mohr to those ranks as it introduces a weekly series, “Trust Me,” about a Chicago agency that competes against nonfictional firms like Leo Burnett and DDB. In another realistic wrinkle, actual products are being written into the scripts of episodes — including some, like the Dove line of hair care products sold by Unilever, that are also sponsors of the series.

Messaging Behaviors, Preferences, and Personas

KenRadio, November 14, 2008 — 8% of those who are over the age of 65 use SMS, and 4% subscribe to social networks. Another surprising data point is that 42% of teens prefer to communicate via SMS, yet 62% prefer to receive promotions via email vs. only 1% via SMS. The new study by ExactTarget confirms that there are marked differences between age groups not only in the usage of media, but also their acceptance of and attitudes towards each type and using multiple forms of media concurrently.

"Cart Before the Horse" Marketing? Neigh!

Prophet, September 1, 2008 — For all the great marketers and marketing in the world, we still see too many instances of those who put the cart (or tactics) before the horse (or the need to meet critical customer needs) — and, as a result, strategies and initiatives that fail to make the finish line.

As Message Misses Mark, Target's Profit Drops†

Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2008 — Target Corp. is finding that its "expect more" message doesn't go over as well when shoppers are facing a possible recession.

After long benefiting from an image more upscale than that of archrival Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target finds itself on the losing end of the marketing game as Wal-Mart hammers home its "Every Day Low Prices" mantra to shoppers ready to cut back on cheap-chic.