Basically, they provided additional value with relevant information. This reminds of social responsiblity and cause related marketing. Do something good for your customers relevant to your brand. The pharmaceutical manufacturers have caught on in the last decade, and are providing additional information on diseases and self help measures. Anthem health insurance is providing its insured with all types of information to help prevent illnesses. Utilities provide ways to help customers save energy costs. I like the new name, but I really don’t think there is all that much new with purposed-based marketing.         

After going to their site I really LOVE the logo. It’s a beer!!

I also really liked their brand platform. It is simple…..yet about big ideas and innovations. They are not exceeding customer expectations which was the old customer mantra of many businesses. Rather, they are amazing customers!!  Check out their website at www.millerscoors.com. It is worth the time.

In the meantime…..does anyone have a vote for who is currently the best beer company??     

National papers such as the Wall Street Journal and USA Today had slight increases…less than one-half of one percent.

I really enjoy reading my news. In fact, that is where I get most of my thoughts and content for this blog. I certainly hope the trend does not continue, but I do believe the local papers will continue to get smaller and smaller as they drive you to their website for the majority of their content.     

According to Ferris Research, businesses now spend $42 billion fighting spam. What I find more interesting is that there is some digital free speech organization that appears to like the idea that everyone can e-mail everyone.  

Why can’t we have a no spam e-mail registry like we do for solicitations and call it a day? Or you could elect categories for which you agree and disagree to get spam? The opt in thing is just not working.      

Our domestic core brands should be worried. While shipments of imported U.S. beers have fallen, sales by volume is still up for Heineken Premium Light. Their volume rose 15.5% through March 23 from the same period last year according to (IRI). Yet, this growth is slower than last year and the company is counting on marketing to help increase growth.  Now get this…, according to The Wall Street Journal they are counting on depressed drinkers to be alturistic. Are they serious? Seems they are. They are launching an ad campaing asking folks to “Be a Beer Samaritan.” That’s right. They think that since the economy is depressed giving beer away will lift your “spirits.”  I gotta see this to believe it. If I am short on money I certainly am not going to give away my beer. No sir. These ads are not meant to be funny. They are even going to distribute coasters that say “Adopt a Stranger.” “Share the Good.” I hope they don’t mean the guy on the street corner.  Do you think you can use the coaster as a receipt to write off the donation on your taxes?

Let’s keep our eye on the beer market. This should prove to be interesting.

Companies also monitor blogs to find customers complaining about service or product features as well as those on forums trying to solve problems.  This is a smart and legitimate way to keep in touch with customers and to monitor satisfaction.       

Ad spending grew only .2% in 2007 as more marketers pulled spending out of TV advertising, according to a study by TNS media intelligence.

Magazine publishers are buying small digital firms in order to create integrated digital marketing campaigns. Hearst for example bought Kaboodle. The site combines shopping with social networking. An ad on a digital magazine for a fashion retailer can then connect straight to Kaboodle where consumers can buy and also vote on top fashions.

TeacherTube is a video sharing site for teachers and students.

PQ Media has forecast that companies will spend more than $160.8 billion in 2012-up 82% from 2008 on emerging markets including online videos, store based TV screens, sponsored events, TV and movie product placements and more. Online search is expect to grou 113% to $26.1 billion. This includes Google, Yahoo and smaller sites such as ClipBlast and Citysearch.    

Media companies are launching what they call “vertical ad networks” to sell ad bundles on independent sites with complementary content. Forbes, for example is selling ad space across a network of of 450 finance focuses blogs. Martha Stewart has a network, Martha’s Circle made up of 25 lifestyle-focused sites.   

Interbrand has released its 2007 study of the 100 Best Global Brands.

wowoowow.com is a new facebook for baby boomer women. There are some pretty famous women on the site including Marlo Thomas, Lily Tomlin, Peggy Noonan and Lesley Stahl.