Marketing Spoonful

When I was a kid I used to watch my dad mix concentrated weedkiller chemical with water in a big metal spray can. He would put a spring-loaded pump down into the can and screw it on. He would pump the pump about 20 times and turn the handle to lock it in place. Then [...]

Tags: chemicals, food marketing blog, Innovation, Monsanto, Roundup

Remember, just a few short years ago when there was one small spot on the convenience store refrigerator shelf for a lonely little energy drink called Red Bull? Now there are several coolers filled with every kind of energy drink one can imagine.
Funny thing, though. When I was at Big Lots tonight (part of a [...]

Tags: AMP, Crayola, Crayon, Crayon Sports Drink, energy drink, food marketing blog, G2, Gatorade, Hansen's Natural, Red Bull, sports drink

Beer ad featuring wheat shock and beer bottle romance: Check.
Beer ad featuring guy talking to dog after telling girlfriend his beer is more important than her: Check.
Beer ad by major company featuring small business during the Big Game: Check.
Miller High Life is planning to purchase air time during the Big Game and give it to select [...]

Tags: beer ad, beer commercial, Bud, cause marketing, Miller High Life, small business marketing

I like to watch the Family Guy of an evening and enjoy some snacks. Tonight, it’s Diet 7-Up with Trail’s End  Butter Light Popcorn (it’s tasty stuff, and 70 percent of the proceeds go to the Boy Scouts).
While watching, I saw a commercial for Spangles, a regional burger joint with an eclectic menu that includes [...]

Tags: cinnamon roll, food marketing blog, local food, Spangles, Yoder

I asked friends what invention they would like to take credit for. Their responses were interesting.
 
ASW: The mute button, because it has saved countless relationships of various natures. ‘Nuff said.
 
MB: Al Gore is great at this game!
 
LSK: I would take credit for fire and the wheel. Just power hungry I guess
 
SO: Guinness. [...]

Tags: food marketing blog, Innovation, invention, Marketing, Product Development

I had the pleasure of watching Andy Roddick beat some Brazilian dude named Belucci at the Australian Open last night, and I was really impressed.
Usually, Roddick seems to have this firepower and intensity that is almost palpable. But last night, it was as if he was guiding each shot to place the ball exactly where [...]

Tags: business strategy, finesse, food marketing blog, marketing strategy, sports and business, Strategy

I don’t get to sit in front of the television very often and work, but today was a rare treat. There is an amazing array of food commercials that tantalize and tempt the hungry viewer in a variety of ways. There are some things we can learn.
McDonald’s has a new ad for its Angus Third-Pounder [...]

Tags: food marketing blog, LifeSavers, lunchtime advertising, McDonald's

One of my favorite things about the Harry Potter movies is when all of Hogwarts is in the great hall for the feast and everyone is eating all this wonderful-looking food that is loaded onto the massive, long tables. Maybe it’s because I am such a foodie, but I love the way the food shows [...]

Tags: food art, food marketing blog, food on camera, Harry Potter

Land Rover shows us there is an alternative to “Buy American” as a way to talk about our current dire economic straits and what to do about them.
Now, a Land Rover is not an inexpensive vehicle. Land Rover has a brand reputation as a well-made vehicle and a name that inspires adventurous thinking.
Maybe that’s why [...]

Tags: auto advertising, car ads, economic downturn, Land Rover, Range Rover

When you stop and think about it, successful brainstorming sessions require people to do two things: show up for the session and participate in a way that is meaningful for them and the group. I call this commitment and engagement.
I was talking with a client the other day about the difference between commitment and engagement.
Commitment, [...]

Tags: brainstorming, creative thinking, group planning, strategic planning