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When a Free Facebook Taco is a Little Loco

I received an email today inviting me to try a new crispy chicken taco via facebook. However, getting the coupon seems to be a little loco (their words, not mine).

The Elephant and the Rider

As marketers we advertise to induce change. A change in brand choice. Getting people to rethink their brand selection is about motivating them away from what they do today. Getting them to take a different path — a new path. The question is are we talking to the Elephant or the Rider?

Can I bribe you to be my brand fan?

On the first Monday of March I received an email from Nabisco. The email was an invitation to become a fan of Nabisco Cookies on facebook. Actually it was more than an invitation — it was a fan bribe. Nabisco is offering free cookies, sort of, if I become a fan. The email made me wonder how well bribes work. Secondly, if someone does join based on a bribe, how much of a fan of the brand are they?

Some thoughts on creating the Killer Mobile Shopping App

Right now mobile apps listed are rather impersonal, and a bit pushy. Pushing coupons to the phone. Pushing prices to the phone. Pushing reviews to the phone. We need to be a little less pushy, and take a more empathetic view of the shopper. Make it more about them. Make it personal.

Biggby offers a cool way to weather a snowstorm

An email synched up with the pending storm is clever, stands out, and the coupon is useful for many. Although the email by itself is not a grand strategy, sometimes the little “cool” things stand out, differentiate our brand, and are worth talking about.

Social Shopping on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is about the deal, getting a jump on holiday shopping, and for some people avoiding a little work. With a projected 68 million hitting cyberspace, it makes you wonder if it may also be a social opportunity. Like Cyber Monday, Black Friday is about the deals too, and for many a social experience too — normally hitting the malls with a friend or family member. So why not Cyber Monday?

A new economic low: A sweepstakes for a $4 Coupon

When I opened an email from Entenmann’s today, I did a double take. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Entenmann’s had a one day sweepstakes for a $4 coupon. That’s right, a $4 coupon (actually 250 $4 coupons to be exact). To enter you need to register at Entenmann’s 4 You by midnight tonight, Nov 19th.

The $100 Million Coffee War

McDonalds is taking on all comers — Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Caribou Coffee, Biggby, and don’t forget the Canadian underdog Tim Hortons. And Mickey D’s placed a $100 million down to gain share in the crowded coffee field.

The Power of the Almighty Penny

Back to School is the second largest retail period of the year. It is also a hectic time. Consumers do not want to be ripped off, and most are looking for deals. Every retailer has a sale, but I think the penny breaks through the clutter. The penny says deal. The fact OfficeMax is consistent in their approach over the past several years bodes well.