Insights
Loyalty Programs: Points, Codes, and Gift Cards–Oh My!
March 16, 2011As Dorothy Marketer and her team skip down the Yellow Brick Road, they gaze longingly towards the gleaming, green Emerald City in the distance, filled with loyal customers and financial profit. They decide that a loyalty program will help bridge the gap in brand communications and deliver them squarely to the gates of the Emerald City. But have they forgotten that there are real dangers along the way that may prevent them from a safe arrival?
Read More...Ten Steps for Managing Employees in Social Media
March 8, 2011As companies embrace social media in 2011, they should consider the role of their employees as their online representatives. Instead of prohibiting social media activity all together (a practice that may sustain legal challenge), companies should allow their employees a social media presence while providing some rules to govern their conversations. Well-written policies prevent public relations disasters and potential legal liability. In addition, when done properly, they also create environments that foster productivity and loyalty among employees.
Read More...And the Oscar Goes To….Brand Marketers with a Clear Vision
March 3, 2011Were you as bored by this year’s Oscar presentations as I was? James Franco and Ann Hathaway were supposed to provide a young and hip version of the Oscar brand. I’m not sure that seeing James Franco in drag qualifies. But when technology revived Bob Hope as a host, or when Billy Crystal took the stage, the Oscar brand came back to life!
Read More...Restaurants Gobbling Up Social Media Marketing
March 2, 2011Restaurants have always relied on word of mouth marketing and repeat customers to keep their businesses thriving. Social media platforms offer the restaurant industry unique strategies for public relations, by encouraging their customers to return and spread the word about their establishments. Restaurant owners are gobbling up these marketing opportunities.
Read More...Fox Business News quotes Kyle-Beth Hilfer on Trademark Protection
February 15, 2011On February 3, Fox Business News published an article for small business owners on how to handle a trademark violation. Kyle-Beth offered advice to readers about how to confirm trademark infringement exists and how to use a cease and desist letter properly.
Read More...Privacy Policies and Data Collection: Top 10 Steps to Take in 2011
February 15, 20112011 will test the boundaries of personal privacy in marketing. Consumers share their personally identifiable information (PII) on social media networks with little understanding that marketers silently track their preferences, their dislikes, and their PII. In many instances, marketers store the information and even resell it to third parties. The conflict between marketers’ targeted use of personally identifiable information (PII) and respect for consumers’ personal privacy will be at the forefront of regulatory efforts this year.
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