The Web 2.0 Builder

September 23, 2009

Building contractors aren’t renowned for embracing technology, or delivering what you’d describe as a great customer experience.

But one enterprising Canadian homebuilder is trying to change that, using web 2.0 tools to reassure his customers that their build won’t turn out like a reality TV nightmare…

Read the full article →

Infomercials: still treating consumers like morons

June 21, 2009

As winter draws in down under, it’s tempting to spend more time in front of the TV. The downside is that you’ll find yourself subjected to a worrying trend: the rise of the infomercial.

While infomercials are hardly a new concept, in recent months, they seem to be interrupting prime-time breaks with alarming frequency.

At a time when consumers are increasingly choosing to fast-forward ads or rejecting traditional media altogether, isn’t there a danger in bombarding those that are still watching with infomercials?

Read the full article →

Virgin helps entrepreneurs pitch to high flyers

April 24, 2009

Following the news that Google is launching a $100m VC fund, Richard Branson has just announced that he too is keen to give start-ups a helping hand.

Given the fragility of the airline market, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Branson is hanging onto his own money.

However, he does have a novel way to help entrepreneurs get their ideas in front of other potential backers…

Read the full article →

Google: the limitations of design by data

April 12, 2009

The recent departure of Google’s Head Designer, Doug Bowman, has sparked a flurry of debate across the internet on Google’s design philosophy.

Google’s ability to efficiently harness information has been central to its success as a search engine.

However, there are question marks over whether an over-reliance on data in design has hampered Google’s visual identity and ultimately its ability to create a brand that people will pay for.

Read the full article →

Google ventures into VC with $100m fund

April 1, 2009

While the current business environment may not seem like the ideal time to invest in new start-ups, the launch of Google Ventures shows that where some see decline, others find opportunity.

Google’s interest in acquisitions has long frustrated rival VCs, however this news couldn’t have come at a better time for entrepreneurs seeking funding…

Read the full article →

Breathtakingly pretentious? Pepsi rebrand document

March 31, 2009

I hesitated about featuring this as I thought everyone had already seen it. However, apparently that’s still not the case and this is a must-read for anyone involved in marketing or brand strategy.

There’s a great PDF doing the rounds which purports to be the Arnell Group’s strategy doc for the much-derided new Pepsi logo.

You get a hint of what’s to come from the bombastic title: “Breathtaking Design Strategy”, with namechecks ranging from the Mona Lisa to the theory of relativity…

Read the full article →

Consuming less: how to sell value, not volume

March 23, 2009

We all know that unless we want the planet to turn into Kevin Costner’s Waterworld, we should be consuming less.

However, sometimes the green agenda can prove to be a bit of a troubling concept for marketers. After all, our traditional role has been to sell people stuff they didn’t know they needed, and preferably as much of it as possible.

So what can marketers do to reconcile their conscience with the need to make some cash?

Inspiration comes from IBM, Nokia, Streetcar, IKEA and howies…

Read the full article →

Gardening upsurge highlights DIY creative trend

March 19, 2009

Unlike many other sectors, the home gardening industry has had a great start to 2009, with strong demand meaning mail-order companies have run out of seeds for basic vegetables such as onions, tomatoes and peppers.

Most commentators put the upsurge in home gardening purely down to the need to cut back on spending. However, focusing just on these ‘push’ factors risks missing out on another trend to emerge from the economic downturn: a renewed desire to create, not just consume.

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →