Faux Frugality: Are Consumers Really Any Different?

While much has been made of America’s newfound thriftiness, a new study suggests that shoppers are less focused on price than most marketers think. (read more)

Marketers Express Digital Frustration

More than two-thirds (67%) of global marketing executives say they already are running digital cross-channel ad campaigns, but only 12% are integrating their cross-channel performance data – across TV, outdoor, mobile, print and online – when they plan, execute and measure these campaigns, according to a survey of worldwide marketing executives by Eyeblaster and TNS. [...]

Cox bandwidth cap deceptive?

Cox Communications recently sent an email to customers in Lafayette, La. to announce the company is increasing internet speeds for FREE!  But when you look at the terms of limitations you notice that they are also putting limitations on bandwidth.  Bad news for anyone downloading large files, using Netflix, Boxee, Hulu, bit torrent…or anything else [...]

Are you sick of advertising salesmen?

Are you in advertising or marketing?  Bill Hicks has a message for you.  (We need a little laugh once in a while. )    (see the video)

The Company of the Future

Over the last several years, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Lee Scott has been leading an effort to transform the worlds largest retailer into The Company of the Future.  (watch the NRF keynote presentation)

What’s in a (Good) Product Name? Sales

  Can a clever product name translate to market share? And can an unpopular name sink it? Researchers at Strategic Naming Development say yes. In a consumer study, they found the most-favored cellphone names belonged to Samsung and LG, while the less-liked were from Motorola and Nokia. (read More)

A Preview of Coming Attractions

A new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging from the shadows. None of these is well funded but they are focused, relevant, and in step with the public. Some of them will grow to become business icons by mid-2012.  Here is a favorite Roy Williams Monday Morning Memo. (read more)

Traditional media sparks word of mouth

A new research study fielded among nearly 1,000 digital influencers demonstrates that traditional and online media are both important sources when it comes to sharing news. The study, developed by IM MS&L, MS&L’s influencer marketing practice to determine how to construct effective online influencer campaigns, in conjunction with leading research firm Ipsos Public Affairs, finds [...]

Retail sales will stay weak

TNS Retail Forward forecasts retail sales will remain weak through 2009 and not experience a clear rebound until 2010. (read more)

Don’t trim the marketing budget!

Resist the urge! Don’t trim the marketing budget.  That’s the advice of strategists specializing in small- to mid-sized companies as we head into an increasingly tight economy and competition for business gets tougher. (read more)