Friday, February 24, 2012

Dear Future Brand Planning Me,

How are you future Director of Brand Planning me? You look great! Slimmed down, smarter than ever, really on top of your game.  Those brands are really benefiting from your insight and inspiration.

I was just recalling that night we watched that Colbert Report about his sponsortunity with Wheat Thins.  Remember that? Are you sure?  It was the perfect example of things that make us crazy:

1. Documents that describe the brand that are not
in easy to understand English.
2. Documents that describe the brand written for one audience,
then given to a different audience.
3. Having a goal, but no strategy.
4. Bullshit

Are you sure you aren't doing any of these things?  Are you?  If you hesitated in saying you are not doing these things, go back and watch this segment:

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/409087/february-23-2012/wheat-thins-sponsortunity

Branding at it's worst is #4, but at its best it really helps someone make an informed decision about products and services that will help address a need or want in a her/his life.  Remember that.

Gotta Go,
Stay Classy,
xoxo
Marianne

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Holy C&#% I love this gal's work.

http://www.colorbudz.com/2012/01/colorgraphically-speaking-orange/

In my last post -- a long time ago-- I mentioned that I love visual displays of information.  It seems this is getting really popular in the press, too.  But what I like is seeing info-graphics used by people who are not trying to show how clever of a graphic they can produce (although I have a strong desire to info-graph Downton Abby), but to actually communicate information to clients.  People who are actually trying to provide useful information in a useful way.  This gal on this site seems to do this with each post.  And her expertise is color!  Also in my last post I mention how much I like color theory, particularly how it impacts us emotionally.  So what does this post do? Combines info-graphics with the emotional impact of orange!  I could cry. In a good way.