Brand Bandits

Stand Out From the Clutter

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:41:17 PST

Good grief, we are inundated with messages these days! It's getting tougher and tougher to be creative about how to make your voice heard. Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article, we hit some really unique marketing ideas that we think are genuinely effective in this month's podcast. How can an airport landing strip be a form of advertising? Listen and find out.

Also, think moms are a powerful group? Well, you ain't seen nothin' now that Twitter is giving them a new tool for communication. We'll discuss how moms took on a controversial Motrin ad and won -- in less than three days!

Should be good fodder for your Turkey drive wherever you are headed. Have a great one and get some new marketing ideas along the way!

Show Notes:

Intro
:20 - Unique Marketing Techniques:
10:48 - No Bull Tip of the Month
12:10 - Current Events Round up: Motrin Moms
18:17 - Close

Links:

Get Organized! Set Goals

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:10:01 PDT

I'm sure you would never create a marketing plan or a PR campaign without thinking strategically about your goals first, right? Well, why would you do otherwise with your business? Organization expert Stacey Crew joins the Brand Bandits to discuss the benefits of setting goals for your business, how to do it and how to make sure you make time for marketing. Did you hear a false report online caused Apple's stock to drop? We discuss the pluses and minuses of the Web as the new front for news. Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:

:00 Intro
:52 Contact Stacey
Interview with Stacey:

1:15 - Goal Setting Process
11:19 - Goal Setting for Marketing
13:29 - Making Time for Marketing

15:06 - No Bull Tip of the Month - Audit Your Time
17:34 - Current Events Round-up - Citizen Journalist Sends Apple Stock Plummeting!
20:55 - Close

Links:

Stacey's The Organizing Mama blog
Stacey's company Clear Vision Organization
False Citizen Journalist Report Knocks Down Apple Stock
Charleston American Marketing Association Spark! Awards

Bad Ads!

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:02:34 PDT

You know you've seen 'em. Cheesy. Busy. Poorly designed. We've gathered up some of the worst ads we've seen and used them as a guide for what not to do when you design and place an ad. And you've seen the new Microsoft-Seinfeld ad by now, I'm sure. We offer up our take and would love to hear yours. Take a listen.

Notes:

Intro
:39 -What NOT to do when designing and placing an ad
10:38 - Tip of the Month: Track your ads!
12:28 - Current Events Round Up: New Microsoft Ad
15:00 - Close

Links:

Tracking ROI for Marketing and PR

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:34:11 PDT

This month, we've invited business consultant Andra Watkins, owner of Positus Consulting, to offer up the best ways to measure return on investment for marketing and PR to ensure the maximum value for your dollar. We also discuss the latest newspaper staff reductions, Facebook overtaking MySpace in unique visitors (yea!) and, as always, give you some great tips. Listen.

Show Notes:
:10 - Introduction of Andra Watkins
13:15 - Current Events Round Up: Charleston Post & Courier Staff Buyouts
15:46 - Current Event 2: Product Placement on TV News
16:45 - Current Event 3: Facebook Overtakes MySpace
18:06 - Andra's Tip of the Month
19:29 - Lyn's Tip of the Month - HARO
20:25 - Close

Charleston American Marketing Association Spark Awards Info:
8/1 - Call for entries
8/14 - Spark Breakfast - Learn about last year's award winners. No fee.
10/13 - Entries due
11/13 - Celebration/awards ceremony
For more info., visit www.charlestonama.org/awards.

Articles/Links:

New York Times - A Product's Place is on the Set
Charleston Post & Courier - Post and Courier Employees Offered Buyout
TechCrunch Blog - F acebook Blows Past MySpace in Visitors for May
Just for fun: An Intervention for MySpace Video

Our Favorite Web 2.0 Tools

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:41:00 PDT

For some light summer fare, we thought it would be fun to talk about our favorite Web 2.0 tools. We share our top 10 from Facebook to Pandora and ask for yours, as well. Then we delve into the fallout around Scott McClellan's new book about his time spent as Press Secretary for President Bush and the impact it's had on the public relations community. Take a listen.

Show Notes:
:32 - Top 10 Favorite Web 2.0 Tools
15:46 - Current Events Round-up - Tim Russert & Scott McClellan fallout
19:35 - Tip of the Month - Think Strategically Before You Dig Into Web 2.0
21:15 - Close

Misc. Links:

Submit Your Favorite Web 2.0 Tool on Video
The Flak Over Flaks -- CBS News article
PRSA's Video Response
Why Linked In is the One Social Network I Couldn't Live Without

The New Face of the Local Business Publication: Part 2

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:17:14 PDT

The second in our two-part series taking a look at the changing face of the local business publication examines how the Internet has impacted the editorial side of these publications. Holly Fisher, research editor with SC Biz News, LLC, publisher of the Charleston (SC) Regional Business Journal offers her insight as a journalist into the Web's effect on business publications and other media.

And as our tip of the month, she'll give you the goods on how to get better coverage in these publications. Reel free to post additional questions for Holly here. (P.S. Turn up your volume a bit, we're a little softer this month:)). Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:

:36 - Introducing Holly Fisher
1:45 - Interview with Holly Fisher
14:55 - No Bull Tip of the Month - Tips for Getting Media Coverage
17:35 - Current Events Round Up - New Newspaper Circulation #s & Prudential's Change to Carolina One
23:38 - Close

Article Links:

Newspaper Weekday Circulation Falls 3.6%, ABC Reports
Prudential Carolina Goes Independent, Changes Name to Carolina One (from the Charleston Regional Business Journal, of course!)

The New Face of the Local Business Publication: Part 1

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:56:51 PDT

In this first of a two-part series, we talk with account executive Dave Shepp of the Charleston Regional Business Journal to discuss the changing face of the local business publication and its impact on advertisers. Plus, he shares a tip of the month regarding advertising in the slowed economy. And in our Current Event Round Up we'll debate the merits of publicity stunts and discuss two recent examples. Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
1:30 - Dave's Introduction
2:24 - Discussion with Dave
14:25 - Dave's Tip of the Month - Advertising in a Down Economy
16:00 - Current Events Round-up: Publicity Stunts
20:16 - Close

Article Links:

Starbucks Offers Free Cups of New Blend

Dr Pepper's Guns N Roses Campaign Gets Boost

Marketing With Philanthropy

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:01:16 PDT

Learn how to get marketing mileage out of your organization's philanthropic efforts and we discuss Hillary Clinton's 3 a.m. ad mistake. Plus, we offer up our No Bull Tip of the Month and explain the benefits of RSS feeds. Listen to the Podcast.

:00 - Intro - Philanthropy is Hot!
2:01 - Ginny's Side of the Fence: Philanthropy as a Marketing Tool
3:39 - Lyn's Side of the Fence: Philanthropy and PR
6:46 - Current Events Round Up - Clinton's 3 a.m. Ad Mistake
9:47 - No Bull Tip of the Month - RSS Feeds
12:54 - Close

Links:

Today Show Story on the 3 a.m. Ad
Lyn's recommended articles on RSS Feeds

Marketing in a Slow Economy

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:01:35 PST

This month, the Brand Bandits are back with tips on how to market when the economy is slow. Plus, how does your marketing plan measure up and what do we have to say about Yahoo and Microsoft's potential match-up? Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:

: 10 - Tips on marketing in the slow economy
4: 07 - Where to cut in the budget
8:46 - No Bull Tip of the Month: Measure one marketing initiative
11:02 - Current Events Round Up: Microsoft's Bid for Yahoo

Article Links:

Refresh Your Marketing Plan for '08

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:08:39 PST

Get inspired for the New Year! We've got some ideas on how to spruce up your marketing plan for '08. Plus, we weigh in on the controversial topic, recently brought to light by the Wall Street Journal, of Pay Per Placement Public Relations. Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
Intro
:23 - Refresh Your Marketing Plan
:36 - Consider Web Marketing
1:45 - Reallocate Your Ad Budget
2:58 - Update Your Look
3:35 - Consider Current Events
5:15 - Current Events Round Up - Pay Per Placement PR
8:48 - No Bull Tip of the Month - Compile an Overall Business Plan (if you need help call our friend Andra Watkins at POSITUS consulting)
Close

Articles and Links:

Sample Before and After Client Ads
WSJ article on Pay Per Placement PR - Paying for PR, But Only When It Works
Comments on the WSJ article

Top 5 Holiday Marketing Campaigns

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:21:47 PST

Just in time for the holidays, we're highlighting our top 5 favorite holiday marketing campaigns, both past and present. Get some ideas from the big brands about how to leverage your own company or product during the holidays and beyond.

Plus, there's a lot of talk that Facebook's new ad program goes a little too far invading privacy. We offer up our thoughts and would love to hear yours. Listen here.

Happy Holidays from the Brand Bandits!

Show Notes:
Intro
:20 - No. 1: Sears Wishes
2:59 - No. 2: Starbucks
5:00 - No. 3: The Magic of Macy's
6:34 - No. 4: Hershey Kisses
7:38 - No. 5: Dell
9:11 - Current Events Round-up: Facebook Advertising
11:53 - No Bull Tip of the Month
Close

Links:

Facebook Rethinks Tracking
Starbucks TV ads
Sears' Where Wishes Begin Site
Yours Is Here Dell Site

Experiential Marketing

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:49:29 PST

Find out how to create an "experience" for your clients that will resonate with their life and ultimately promote your product or service. We also weigh on the "fake" FEMA press conference and as always offer our No Bull Tip of the Month. Take a listen.

Show Notes:
:15 - Announcements
1:50 - Ginny's Side of the Fence
5:50 - Lyn's Side of the Fence
7:29 - No Bull Tip of the Month
9:34 - Current Events Round up (FEMA press conference)
10:47 - Close

Related articles and sites:

Have a happy Turkey Day!

Top 10 Scariest Marketing Mistakes

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:57:37 PDT

In honor of Halloween, we're highlighting the Top 10 Scariest Marketing Mistakes and how to avoid them. Plus, thinking about going "green" with your company? We weigh in on whether that's a good idea or not from a marketing and public relations perspective. Happy Fall! Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
:23 - Announcements: Step Ahead Web Strategies & AMA Award
1:48 - Top 10 Scariest Marketing Mistakes
9:53 - Current Events Round Up: Green Marketing

Articles:

Most Americans Say Green Advertising is "Just a Marketing Tactic" -- Media Post, Sept. 27, 2007
Taking Green Message to Great Outdoors -- Wall Street Journal, Oct. 2, 2007

Plus, check out Lyn's new blog detailing all things Web 2.0: New World PR Blog

Crisis Communications

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:43:27 PDT

Now is the time to prepare for a future crisis, and we'll get you started on all the basics of creating a crisis communications plan. In our Current Events Round Up, we discuss the handling of Mattel's and Countrywide's recent crises and how could we not weigh in on Miss South Carolina Teen USA? Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
:20 - What is a crisis?
2:20 - Lyn's Side of the Fence: Crisis Communications 101
9:00 - Ginny's Side of the Fence: Advertising and Message in a Crisis
10:49 - Current Events Round Up: Mattel Vs. Countrywide
14:56 - Miss Teen South Carolina: PR Lessons Learned?
16:35 - No Bull Tip of the Month: UPS and Consistency Across Ad Campaigns

Articles:

Tactics Differ for Two Firms in Crisis - Comparing Countrywide with Mattel
Miss South Carolina Video
UPS Delivery Intercept Challenge
Quick Take: PR Pros Evaluate JetBlue’s Crisis Response

Push Versus Pull Marketing

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:09:54 PDT

This month we offer tips on how to get your target audience to "pull" information from your organization versus you "pushing" information to them. Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
Introduction
1:17 - Ginny's Side of the Fence
3:07 - Current Events Round-up - iPhone
4:33 - Lyn's Side of the Fence
6:52 - Tip of the Month
:26 - Conclusion

Article Links:
Aligning Yourself With Popular Trends

Break Out of Your Marketing Routine

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 04:46:55 PDT

This month, we've got tips to get you out of your marketing rut and start the creative juices flowing! Plus, what do you think about the London Olympics logo? Share your thoughts as part of the Current Events Round Up. Listen to the Podcast.

Show Notes:
Introduction
:21 - Lyn's Side of the Fence
2:21 - Ginny's Side of the Fence
4:00 - Current Events Round Up
5:57 - No Bull Tip of the Month
Close

Links:
New York Times Article on the London Olympics logo

Knowing Your Target Market

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 14 May 2007 14:20:29 PDT

Join us this month as we discuss how zeroing in on your target market can help your marketing and public relations efforts be more effective. Download the Podcast

Show Notes:
Introduction
:18 - Ginny's Side of the Fence
4:20 - Lyn's Side of the Fence
6:40 - No Bull Tip of the Month
7:34 - Current Events Round Up
Close

Links:
Beaufort Gazette Article - Red Cross Chapter Hoarded Katrina Cash

Credibility in Marketing and PR

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 19:03:48 PDT

Credibility is everything when it comes to marketing and public relations. This month, we address why it's so important in light of a recent Charleston-area news story regarding Al Parish, a well-known local economics professor who is being investigated by both the SEC and FBI for money laundering and conspiracy. Download the Podcast.

Show Notes:
Introduction
:22- Current Events Round Up - Al Parish
3:10 - Lyn's Side of the Fence: Credibility in PR
7:00 - Ginny's Side of the Fence: Credibility in Advertising and Marketing
9:30 - No Bull Tip of the Month
10:00 - Question of the Month: What is the importance of Web video?
Close

Links

Article on Web Video
Article on Al Parish

PR and Marketing on the Web

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:41:09 PDT

Learn how to generate a buzz on the Web using the latest technologies as PR tools and by ensuring your Web site is up to snuff. Plus, weigh in on the controversial Dolce and Gabbana ad and a creative marketing technique used by AirTran in the Current Events Round-up. Download the Podcast here.

Show Notes:
:40 - Lyn's Side of the Fence: Web PR
7:47 - Ginny's Side of the Fence: Creating an Effective Web Site
9:35 - No Bull Tip of the Month: E-mail Newsletters
10:51 - Current Events Round Up: AirTran Flamingo Promotion
12:54 - Current Events Round Up: Dolce & Gabbana Ad
14:43 - Conclusion: Send us your questions!

Links:

Lyn's Article: PR 2.0: Using the Latest Web Technologies as PR Tools
Article on Dolce and Gabbana ad

Maximizing Your Ad Dollar

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:30:45 PST

Learn how to maximize your ad dollar by creating an ad campaign that will reach -- and grab the attention of -- your target audience. Plus, weigh in on the current controversy surrounding the guerilla marketing tactics of The Cartoon Network to promote its Aqua Teen Hunger Force show.

Generating Media Coverage

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:42:28 PST

This month, we're giving you the goods on how to get media coverage for your business or organization. Plus, we weigh in on the Donald Trump/Rosie O'Donnell saga in the Current Event Round Up. Listen up!

Sample HTML News Release

Sample Media Kit

Creating Your 2007 Marketing Plan

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:37:40 PST

This month, we offer our best tips to help you put a marketing plan into place for 2007. Also, check out our new segments, including the Current Events Roundup where we discuss a hot topic from a marketing perspective and our No Bull Tip of the Month.

Check out these links to see examples of Christmas cards and gifts mentioned in the December podcast:

www.decorumllc.com/brandbandits1.asp
www.decorumllc.com/brandbandits2.asp

Real Estate: Maximizing the Slower Market

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 06:56:41 PST

Get some help from the Brand Bandits on the basics of "beefing up" your marketing campaign to better compete in the new real estate market.

Meet the Brand Bandits

lmettler@mettlerpr.com — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 11:57:51 PDT

Meet the marketing minds behind the Brand Bandits and learn about the concept behind the series.