on HIATUS

...yes I said it :)

Agency Websites Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Who do agencies target with their website? It’s obvious that they want to impress their clients and draw in new ones as well but I think it also works as a recruiting tool. Below are some of my favorite agency websites. Judging was strictly based on pure likability so its 100% subjective. Enjoys (meerkat style)

In no order of preference (to visit the website, click on the logo):

Need I say more? Sign up for your social media experiment on their website. 

 Love the concept, right & left brain as it is used in an agency.

From my home country, it's awesome because it reflects African culture. Good Job!

 What happened to the blue characters? I thought they were cute. I like the new website for its interactivity, nice.

A periodic table, with a mix of account handlers, planners & creative. What’s not to love.

Yes, I want to know, at any given time, the make up of your employees. Now I know that 11% of the people are Brazilian. V. Cool.

Last but not least, more of a blog but that worked on me when I saw the website, applied and got a job (all the way from Nigeria). A good source for digital technology. Check out their humorous Obama mash up.

detour Tuesday, September 22, 2009

If I go any longer with posts about my family this just might become a *gasps* personal blog. Heaven forbid, it's only supposed to be about marketing and brands and well, not people. haha.

Today, I’m thinking of so many things and because of this I don’t think I’ve covered nearly as much as I want to. I opened my old notebook and noticed a doodle I made for my cousin. At the time I drew it I thought nothing of it. I often get asked by her to write my name in cursive (kids). Then it hit me, it’s those little interruptions that count. The doodles at the side of your notes, the tangents, the unplanned events. They all work to bring us a smile in some form or another.

Product Oomph Tuesday, September 15, 2009

DEFINITION

Oomph: the quality of being exciting, energetic or sexually attractive.

Not to be confused with “Oompah”

 

There’s nothing like a product that has that “oomph” factor and the one above (Hot Choc Chunks) is indeed “oomphy” Why drink hot chocolate any other way? I’m on the lookout for products & services that qualify as having the oomph factor and I’ll be posting them on here. 

Last week, I was at Sheraton Heathrow and I took pictures of the “products” with this quality.

 

 

Nothing major, but what stands out to me is the thought behind it. Anyone who has spent at least a night in a hotel will come across the need to use a convertor or at least hang wet clothes (tell me I’m not the only one).

Just as we appreciate thoughtfulness from people, I can’t help but think that we expect the same from brands. I remember working on a project for Pizarro Design Studio back in college and we were encouraged to create an integrated campaign. A group member suggested we contribute to Habitat for Humanity as the charity requirement. I forget the exact words but she could’ve easily said “requirement.” Make no mistake, brands are obligated to give and being that Pizzaro is a design studio, Habitat for Humanity was a smart strategic fit. However, it pays when such acts are done with thought. Whether it’s helping under privileged people or just creating happy moments, brands that show they care have a good place in my book.

Happy Birthday Blogger! Thursday, September 10, 2009

I promise to be graceful about your ability to mess up the widgets, fonts & layout on my blog. To be fair, you’ve really improved your rich text editor. Hip hip horray

OXO-factor Thursday, September 10, 2009

Yesterday, what started as an annoying online display ad for me (enabled music) turned out into a cute microsite  and YouTube channel. OXO, the popular stock cube/liquid/granules found in your local supermarket has taken a spin with its name in “The OXO Factor” campaign by MCBD. Families are being encouraged to film themselves for a chance to win £10,000 and the opportunity to star in a TV ad during “the final of this year’s X-factor.” It’s nothing new but I like the idea of following a script, it made me want to watch the different rendition. 

 

You can check out the script here. It’s interesting to note the different look its competitor, Knorr, is going for. A higher priced good with a elegant website to match. I use both products and they are equally good.

T-mobile UK & Orange Merge Tuesday, September 08, 2009

How can I put it? From the nerve endings of my brain, this merge is exciting, daunting and interesting. It’s exciting because I’m always curious to see what the end product will be like. Which brand will dominate?

source

In 2005, Cingular Wireless (now AT&T Wireless) acquired AT&T Wireless. After the acquisition, the AT&T brand name was changed to Cingular Wireless. At the time, I was surprised. Mainly because of the heritage attached to the AT&T name. However, the AT&T Wireless brand name was kept by the parent company: AT&T due to previous plans to launch a separate wireless company. Fast forward to a few years later and Cingular Wireless was switched to AT&T Wireless. Confusing! If you care to learn more, check out this post.

So yes, I’d like to see what enfolds in this case. Both brands are distinct in terms of their brand characteristics, personality & style and in my opinion it would be pretty cool to stick to the current “personalities” by creating distinctive premium & value packages that reflect the two brands. It’s daunting because I am a current T-mobile customer and the network is relatively affordable. Orange, last I checked, is not. Again, that premium / value package will come in handy. People willing to shell extra bucks for features on mobile apps that are otherwise wasted on others can go premium. In other words, apps can be made cheaper or free for premium users. And finally, it’s interesting because it’s a…wedding. A partnership of two organizations. Save the fact that a couple more people are involved -- I can’t help but think about it this way:

(Bubbly, Sociable)

WEDS

(Retro, Modern)

What do you get? The possibilities are endless! Orange’s penchant for movies will fit perfectly with T-mobile’s preference for karaoke. Should O2 & Vodafone be scared? Will this combined network become a mobile empire?

Stay Tuned.