Aug 2009
seize the moment
08/24/09 05:47
Summer is over and perhaps, it takes with it our economic slump. As our children return to school, we, the parents, awaken to our regularly scheduled school routine. What does this mean?
Well, for my family, it means:
· NOT going to bed very late at night BUT going to bed at a decent hour
· NOT eating at home everyday BUT eating out a little more
· NOT sleeping in BUT waking up earlier
· NOT staying at home as much as possible BUT driving to school and to practices and weekend games
· NOT staying away from retail stores BUT buying clothing and supplies for school (all school year long since our children seem to grow faster during the school year)
There will come a change in the economy for the better. This yearly awakening brings with it many economic opportunities. Parents will:
· Be shopping more, and shopping smarter than ever before
· Go out to eat a little more often, looking out for the best deals
· Be driving more, looking out for the best gas prices
Money will definitely start flowing again, and our economy will either hold at its current position or will perhaps start its very slow upturn.
But, what should marketers realize?
This is the moment. Seize it.
The main lesson of this economic awakening is that our success lies in our own marketing abilities. Brands who give people a strong perception of value, those that understand a lifestyle, will enjoy the fruits of the beginnings of an upturn.
-SS
Well, for my family, it means:
· NOT going to bed very late at night BUT going to bed at a decent hour
· NOT eating at home everyday BUT eating out a little more
· NOT sleeping in BUT waking up earlier
· NOT staying at home as much as possible BUT driving to school and to practices and weekend games
· NOT staying away from retail stores BUT buying clothing and supplies for school (all school year long since our children seem to grow faster during the school year)
There will come a change in the economy for the better. This yearly awakening brings with it many economic opportunities. Parents will:
· Be shopping more, and shopping smarter than ever before
· Go out to eat a little more often, looking out for the best deals
· Be driving more, looking out for the best gas prices
Money will definitely start flowing again, and our economy will either hold at its current position or will perhaps start its very slow upturn.
But, what should marketers realize?
This is the moment. Seize it.
The main lesson of this economic awakening is that our success lies in our own marketing abilities. Brands who give people a strong perception of value, those that understand a lifestyle, will enjoy the fruits of the beginnings of an upturn.
-SS
multicultural: learn it, live it, love it.
08/19/09 05:00
mul·ti·cul·tur·al
adj.
1. Of, relating to, or including several cultures.
2. Of or relating to a social or educational theory that encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in only a mainstream culture.
Google’s top ranking image when searching “multicultural” is this:
Pasted Graphic 3
So, if Google gets it, why doesn’t the ad industry?
I could argue that the ad industry defines “multicultural” as Hispanics, African Americans, Asians and everything under the sun…except the “General Market”.
What does this mean?
The “General Market” is made up of Caucasians, who are a mixture of culture in their own right. So, what’s so general about that?
Well, at Cartel, we’re tired of playing that game. We call it like it is. Multicultural advertising embraces races and groups. Multiculturalism is inclusive not divisive. Yes, we understand intrinsic differences, but we embrace them and find common threads.
We recognize cultures, we don’t create pseudo-barriers. We see the world how it should be. Full of People. People that talk, maybe in different languages, but they talk and listen just like you and me.
Cartel is in the business of cultural marketing.