"I'm an ideas man, Michael..."

So I have been thinking of little things I could do to make the Marketing world a little better place. Figured I might as well get my head wrapped around the idea of brainstorming on a regular basis for that day when I get a job. Well I figured I would share some of my ideas.... with the knowledge that they may get stolen at some point.  Well here it goes (and I am not sharing all my ideas... that would be stupid).

My first thought is on the location-based app world that is starting to bloom. It is no secret that I really like Foursquare. It has become an addicting little pass time  for me as of late. I began to think of how Foursquare to monetize their business (and this goes for Gowalla, Loopt and the others out there) and came to a conclusion. All of this data that these companies collect is VERY valuable. You find out how many people they usually show up with, what they are saying and how often they go (probably what kind of phone they checked-in on as well). This can be a lot of use for marketers. Why not sell this information to the companies? Now before you grab your I-want-my-privacy pitchforks let me explain that they would not get any information you are not giving to your social networks and you could opt-out of the personal information sharing, just the location sharing would be shared.

Start off with a pricing plan that for each location you want info on you pay a certain price. Then if you want info on your competitors you pay more. Well you can see where I am getting at here. This would help with the market research and make sure these budding social media companies stick around a while longer.

Next up I figured I would put in a PR idea I have. This also deals with Foursquare and the adoption of social media into your integrated marketing strategy. So you already use email marketing... or you should, and now you are diving into the realm of location-based sharing to get your company out there. You have your Twitter, Facebook, blog, Flickr and other social media profiles on your website. Now what? Well you can check to see who is Mayor of your locations and give them a little bonus or discount. You then mention the discount on your website to entice others to jockey for that coveted position. Even better, you post the profile or name of the current mayor of your locations on your Facebook, blog and email newsletter to encourage competition. You make people want to gain that mayorship to gain that recognition. Maybe give discounts for kicking a mayor out. You want turnover in that mayorship because that means loyalty and repeat business.

These are just some of my ideas. Take them as they come. Ask me for more... but the next ones will cost you (I want a job).

Blockbuster idea or too little too late?

So it is no surprise that Netflix and Redbox are taking over how we rent videos. Less overhead to deal with then the brick and mortar counterparts. What is surprising is the deal they both signed with Warner Bros studios making it so the WB movies arrive in stock a full month after being released. Smart move on WB's part as it (hopefully) will boost DVD and Blu-Ray sales, although unlikely to make a big difference. This blog post is not directly about this deal or even the two previously mentioned rental companies. It is about Lackluster....er Blockbuster.

I had read this article today on CNNMoney.com about the fact that Blockbuster is in danger. They have way too much debt and, well let's face it, an antiquated business model. I am impressed with the flexibility Blockbuster has had in trying to change the way they have done business and using the brick and mortar stores to their advantage but is it too little too late?

Well the aforementioned article mentioned a possible competitive advantage that Blockbuster may now have up its sleeve. Blockbuster also recently signed a deal with Warner Bros but this deal lets Blockbuster have the movies when they come out for a sharply discounted price, allowing WB to receive more of the rental royalties. What does this mean for Blockbuster? More cash up front to pay down its debt. Also it gives it the chance to run store and print ads like this:

Now this is aggressive advertising. This is arguably one of the biggest movies of the last year and look you has it first! I applaud you Blockbuster and wish you well. I hope this works for you as you now deserve a little more street cred.

Social media 101 (reblogged)

So this is a little something for a side project I am starting up with a family member. What I have done here is explain a little about the social media realm for nonprofits. Sorry if it is a little shaky and hard to hear but I recorded it on my cell phone and at the park (in my car) because that was the quietest spot I could find at the time. Let me know what you think!
Originally from here.