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Obama, NFL players encourage kids to exercise for 60 min every day
Posted by: | Commentshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXsoDx9s0j0&feature=player_embedded
There is a series of great NFL commercials running on TV advocating for more active children. I think that this is a great initiative given the rising problem of obesity among young children and the common concern that children spend too much time at home infront of the TV and the computer. This is a great example of how advertising is good for society. I especially like President Obama’s involvement in the campaign as a role model to many Americans.
The campaign advocates not only active and exercising children, but it also encourages personal relationships among children. If kids spend too much time online while their parents are at work, their only friends will be the virtual ones and the ones on the online games. However, such kids are missing the personal touch and emotions they can have if they are playing outside with other kids.
This is a great example of a cause marketing campaign which proves one more time that advertising, if used right, is good for society. By recognizing the current problem in society of children obesity and addressing it in the campaign through providing a solution to it - exercising at least 60 min a day in a fun way (by playing with peers), advertisers can change behavior in a way beneficial to society. Here is when the persuasive character of advertising comes into play. Furthermore, by using of influential figures such as Obama and NFL players, the advertisers not only facilitate higher attention among consumers, but I also believe that consumers will elaborate on the message in the ad and hopefully change their behavior in the long run.
Kodak and “it’s time to smile” with “Little Moments”
Posted by: | Comments
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/creative/new-campaigns/e3ifc258f6318477ab031e7a2e66ac2774a
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2606029/
I saw this new Kodak campaign “It’s time to smile” which is Kodak’s first brand campaign since 2005 along with a couple of interesting articles above talking about it. ”The campaign aims to focus on the moments and relationships that define folks’ lives. The effort is a direct result of the “Future of Reconnectivity” report commissioned by the Eastman Kodak Co.” (Ad Week 2009).
I like this campaign and the whole Kodak initiative very much, because the company is trying to go back to the basic human values of connectivity and togetherness in a highly materialistic society. This campaign reminds me of the Mastercard campaign “Priceless” which was also hugely successful due to the basic values in it. I think that society needs to see ads like that along with the millions of luxury ads we see every day to remind us that there is something else besides products and money – there is family, friends and these magnificent moments we are lucky to spend with them. Thus, I believe that Kodak’s ad definitely breaks through the clutter and consumer notice it due to its emotional connection with the consumers.
Furthermore, I think that Kodak is making a very strategic decision in terms of capitalizing on the trend in society of going back to the family values in the times of economic downturn, which can actually be a critic against the company. And critics will elaborate to say that after all Kodak is also trying to sell products and make money. Although that is a valid argument, Kodak is still doing good to society by reminding all of us of the human values of sharing moments with the loved ones through pictures. And who doesn’t like looking through photo albums with friends and family? Those are the cultural values Kodak is promoting which definitely places Kodak on the list of socially responsible and ethical companies.
What do you think?
Haagen-Dazs and its social media campaign “Help the Honey Bees”
Posted by: | Commentshttp://adage.com/goodworks/post?article_id=140412
http://www.experienceproject.com/index.php
I have found this great Advertising Age article above regarding the media campaign “Help the Honey Bees” by Haagen-Dazs. Through the ExperienceProject.com website, the company raises awareness and educates the public about the mysterious epidemic of hive collapse, called Colony Collapse Disorder, and its threat to global well-being.
I personally think that this is a great initiative and is very memorable and involving. The website is structured in very personal way where real people share their stories, experiences and confessions. It also challenges the people to eat healthy thus promoting healthy living. It is a great cause-related marketing campaign which gives the opportunity both to the company and its customers to show they care.
Of course, there are people who can argue that at the end of the day, it’s all about money, about products and marketing. And they are right, but I will pose the question: so what? Of course companies need to care about profits, if they didn’t, then they could go bankrupt and thus the consequence will be severe – with many jobless people. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with a company trying to be profitable – after all that is why companies exist. It is the means to achieving this profitability that I believe matter. If companies are concerned with profits only and are ready to do anything to meet the quarterly sales (and by anything I mean without consideration for the people, environment, and society), then I see a problem. However, when companies show that they care about social issues and try to help social causes such as the honey bee crisis, then go ahead!!! It is a win-win situation for the companies, people, society, and environment. And furthermore, if the execution of the marketing cause is done in a creative and involving way such as the website Haagen Dazs developed, then I believe that the company has truly managed to make a difference and has made the world a better place.
What do you think?
