"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).

I can be creative like you!

Creativity, the power or ability to invent. Now ever time I tell someone I graduated in Marketing I am then asked, "Oh you must be creative then, right?" My answer tends to be a little shocking for most but I at least feign creativity in life. I have heard that creativity involves relevant combinations (at least in advertising) and I can be very creative if need be. What gets me is the apparent lack of creativity in the marketing world for those that are truly good at what they do.

I am sure that whoever first came up with the term "Marketing Ninja" thought it would be funny to coin this phrase but probably thought it would not leave his group of friends. Now let's face it, in Marketing everyone has a little bit 'o nerd in them, I certainly do. What I do not understand is why can we not come up with a new term? Why does every company that is in the Marketing realm, looking for ninjas? Is it because a ninja can make something from very little? Well use the term McGeyver, a true modern day ninja. Or is it for the sneak attacks that the ninja are so famous for? Maybe we could be "Marketing Suicide Bombers!" (Maybe not)

This is my conundrum. Why are we so "creative but cannot think of a new term for ourselves that is not over-used. Creativity breeds new ideas or at least can breed new life into an old idea through a new way of looking at things. Let's start with a new label for our "elite." Time to brainstorm.

How about "Marketing gods" or "the supreme being of marketing." OK those may be reserved for Ogilvy, Burnett, Bernbach and the rest of the advertising minds.

Let's try "MVM -Most Valuable Marketer" or even something as simple as "Game Changer."

To move away from sports we will proceed to "P.H.A.C. - Pretty Hot and Creative" or the "Don Juan of Online Social Media." (I may claim that one one)

There are many more options to choose from. Most will probably be related to military positions but at least we can let the ninjas rest. If not i may bring out my Advertising Samurai for a legendary battle that would make Hollywood jump.