Can you remember what life was like before we had the internet? I try really hard sometimes, but I can’t. It’s become such an important part of our work and personal lives, that I can’t imagine a world without it. However, it’s hard to find innovation in something we look at as much as the internet. We’re jaded. I think we take web design for granted.
Once in a while, though, we’re treated to something really special online. Something that makes us pay attention. Something like this:
http://truthaboutsmart.co.uk
Take the time to explore this site. Play with it, and look for hidden gems. Then just leave it open and listen to what happens. It’s worth it, I promise.
I attended the WOMMA (Word of Mouth Marketing Association) conference last week in Las Vegas. In past years WOMMA has been one of the highlights of our marketing education and this year was no exception. Meeting up with peers, brands, and thought leaders in WOMM gives us a fantastic perspective on what’s happening in our industry and how others are leveraging WOM to create unique and engaging marketing programs. As I listened to the speakers and networked with my fellow attendees, I noticed a few common themes began to surface:
Twitter – Social media is always a large part of the WOMMA conference. After all, it is one of the best mechanisms for spreading WOM online. This year we were all atwitter about Twitter. Every third person at WOMMA (including me!) spent the conference tweeting presenter sound bites, planning in-face meetings (called tweet-ups), and getting to know each other over the twitterverse. Figures on how many people are using Twitter are actually hard to come by, but some estimate it’s as many as 11 million users. With that many users, it’s become obvious to marketers and brands alike that Twitter is here to stay. So, as marketers, how do we use it?
On day one, keynote speaker Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, talked about the company’s unique culture and corporate transparency via twitter.
Hsieh has his own public twitter account that consumers can use to communicate with him and over the years he has encouraged over 450 Zappos employees to join twitter as well. Together they field customer service questions, earnings inquiries, and describe a day in the life of a Zappos employee.
Additionally, Zappos has set up a website that tracks any mention of their company on twitter. The good, the bad and the frivolous are all documented on this online WOM community. Zappos is a fantasic example of a young cutting edge company using social media to create an online culture, amplify their own WOM and set themselves apart with excellent customer service.
Continue reading ‘Spreading WOM @ WOMMA’
Thank you, the academy, method, mom...
We attended the Pro Awards at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago last night. Both Melissa and Amy served as judges for this year’s competition, so we were dying to find out which programs would come out on top! We were also ecstatic to be finalists in three categories for our method Detox Seattle program; Best Use of Event Marketing (five or less venues), Best Campaign Targeting a Micro Audience, and Best
Loyalty Program. We’re happy to report that we won third place in the first two categories and are thrilled to have scored the top honor in Best Loyalty Program category! Those of you who have been following the Detox Seattle campaign know that at the heart of this program are method’s amazing word-of-mouth enthusiasts who champion the brand every day. We were honored to meet each and every one of you and we couldn’t have done it without you.
We’re firm believers that the company we keep says a lot about our culture and philosophy. This is true for our employees, clients and even competitors. I know everybody always says this, but it was truly is an honor to be nominated for this year’s awards. The companies and projects we were up against last night represent the most innovative marketing programs from the biggest and best agencies. Projects like the Meow Mix Acatemy, The Gore-Tex Weather Chamber and last night’s big winner, the Simpson’s 7-11/Kwik-e Mart Pop Up are so cool, they help all of us become more dynamic and creative agencies.
Going to the Pro Awards is always a really great time. It’s a fantastic chance to catch up with our peers in the marketing industry and chat with our friends at Promo Magazine. Last night was no exception. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
No more looking back–We’re off to the next big thing; A live Oprah taping for the presidential election. Don’t forget to vote!
A Squared Group is heading to Chicago for the fourth leg of method’s Detox Your Home campaign this month. Method’s goal: to get everyone in Chicago to stop using the nasty, dirty, toxic stuff to clean their homes. It’s not an easy job, but after Seattle, Boston and New York we think we’re up to the challenge!
We’re reaching out to the Chicago market with an ultra hip pop-up shop in Lincoln Park. Open to the public daily from 11am-8pm, the shop features method’s best selling favorites as well as some new faces in their product line. In addition to selling home products, the space contains a cleaning confessional photo booth, interactive scent station, hand-soap sample bar and green educational materials.
To encourage the use of non-toxic cleaners, the temporary store has been designated a toxic household chemical drop off site. Just collect any of the nasty stuff from under your sink and bring it by the store. We’ll dispose of it responsibly and give you a free product for your good deed (while supplies last).
The chic shop is also the location of very special invitation-only VIP parties throughout the month. The parties will feature a range of green lifestyle programming like The Liquid Muse’s, Sustainable Sips cocktail class, Eco-Crafting with Danny Seo and Green Beauty demonstrations by Gorgeously Green author, Sophie Uliano.
Store Location:
2054 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
September 15 – October 12, 2008
11am-8pm daily
What inspires you?
Gap wants to know what people are inspired by this election year, so A Squared Group is hitting the road to find out. During September, we’re traveling to over 15 Gap stores across the country to customize blank Vote For ______ T-shirts to get a feeling for what Gap customers are passionate about. The best of the T-shirts will be chosen for display in Gap windows during late October.
This is self-expression at it’s best, so anything goes. So far we’ve seen hundreds of T-shirts and no two have been the same. We’ll keep you updated on the best of the best and who makes it to the windows during election time.
