MarkThink

What does Google think you like?

Cars! Really fast virtual cars!

And thanks, Google, but I'm pretty sure I'm Male. Just because I live in San Francisco...

Find out what Google thinks you like: http://www.google.com/ads/preferences/view

 

PS. I'm not really planning a wedding, either. Or a water park trip.

Here's a link you might find interesting

digital ninja from moon stuff on Vimeo.

(Via Ginevra.)

Post-Modern and Consumer-Friendly

7. Quadrangles

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It’s not a rectangle, it’s not a square, but whatever it is, it’s popping up everywhere. Quadrangles are, if the web is to be believed, the new dots. From rhombuses to parallelograms to indescribable yet angular blobs, these shapes strive for post-modern and consumer-friendly.

via mashable.com

I think I tried to combine all of these trendy cliches in a recent branding project. I never thought to combine "post-modern *and* consumer-friendly." You know, like Michael Graves.

Who Knew Aaron Was a Shopholic Spokesperson

via techcrunch.com

Congrats, Aaron.

And more importantly, couldn't the "guys" spend $75 and get some decent clothes? It's obvious why they did the demo at a Best Buy.

Why People Make Fun of Social Media Marketing

How? There is no shortage of ways:

 

• Have a contest
• Post a poll
• Give away free stuff
• Engage and chat with them – build relationships
• Have a “fan of the week”
• Create a quiz
• Create a mobile app

via www.openforum.com

Um. Yes. This is what passes as marketing plans. I know for a fact. And, sadly, they all work. I just wish there was a way to make it sound less childish.

A Novel Approach to Conversation Starters

If you could be invited to any dinner party in the history of mankind, which would you choose to attend? For me, it would be one of the legendary gatherings at Philip Johnson’s Glass House, where the table was often surrounded by the greatest minds in art, design and architecture. Fortunately, I’m not the only one, and a new website is here to satiate our thirst for inspiring conversations. Check it out at GlassHouseConversations.org – a website experience that begins with a provocation each Monday. People have only five days to respond.

via blog.dwr.com

I love this. Just wish the questions were a little easier to answer.

For the love of music

via scenariosandstrategy.wordpress.com

I've argued to many folks that this is a golden age of music and music discovery. It totally sucks if your goal in being a musician was to make gazillions of dollars and be as big as The Boss, The Prince, or The Stones.

But if you just want to find great artists that you would have never found listening to Q102/WEBN [insert your loud, local radio station circa 1987] then you just need to find the right friends on your favorite social music spot (Rdio, lala (rip), spotify, etc.) or experiment with Pandora and follow recommendations.

And musicians have more tools at there disposal for finding an audience, controlling their message and music, and living a life of making music. No, it ain't easy, and it's not what it was, but it has a chance to be much better in the end.

Now if someone will just bring back my woxy.com I'll be a happy man.

Social Media Strategies from CPG CMOs

Realize that the big challenge -- and greatest ROI opportunity -- lies in using consumer and employee feedback to drive innovation. Economic downturns offer excellent opportunities to draw on these insights and launch successful products, noted General Mills EVP/COO of U.S. retail Ian Friendly. Unilever reported launching custom online communities to engage customers throughout product development. 

via www.mediapost.com

Interesting observation about the ROI of social media. What social media adoption really means is total company, customer-participatory innovation, something that folks like Seth Godin have been shouting about for years.

(Victory! ROI + CPG + CMO + EVP + COO all in one post!)

The Game of Shopping

The good news from Deloitte's "New American Pantry" is that the vast majority of consumers don't feel bad about the recession -- they actually love it: 81% of those surveyed say they find saving money, using such techniques as coupons or loyalty programs, fun.

via www.mediapost.com

It's going to be harder than ever for brands to have loyal customers. To be successful, brands need to understand the relationship with the brand, but also the environment where the customer experiences with the brand. The best brands will tie into the retail experiences directly to the consumer, owning the relationship directly. The smart folks will be using Foursquare (et al), Twitter, Facebook, mobile apps, and massive amounts of customer data to connect with customers and provide exceptional experiences.

You, Too, Can be a Bike Bro with Old Spice

via www.youtube.com

Old Spice builds on their successful campaign by taking it to Twitter and YouTube.

I love it, but I really hope the Most Interesting Man in the World doesn't end up there.