As I surf around the net this morning, tickled that I am fulfilling 2 of BRANDEMiX corporate values- continuous learning and inspiration, I have landed on this:

Generation X-tasy

(Add it to my growing list of demographic terms including: Milenials, Generation X, Technosexuals, Echo-boomers, Digital Natives.)

Think Lindsay, Paris, Britteny.
Think Vegas, think luxury, think experiences.

Think about the fact that Global luxury sales to the US have risen to $150 billion, according to the Telsey Advisory Group.

The term is relevant to me as it stems from the continuous search for new thrills to shake up that sense of "been there, done that."

And, that's how I feel each day when my e-mail inbox is clogged with articles on using Social Networking sites for recruiting, how to start a successful blog, and all the other information that we at BRANDEMiX have been writing about for the past 2 years.

The learning curve is sometimes so slow and we are all so mired in triage that it is difficult to keep up with emerging trends. I can't even read emails anymore if they're too long.

My promise to you is that I will continue to forge ahead in my quest to stay at the forefront of technology marketing success strategies- (the term success critical because technology for the sake of newness is wasteful) and report back. Just remember- the foundation is in the message and the key to success is integration.

If anyone would like to contact me, I'll send you a copy of my presentation entitled: "Staying Ahead of Curve in New Technology: The Rules of ME marketing. Learn how to make the most of your Message, Media Options and Meager Budget"

Speaking of Budgets- Lets look at what marketing managers are shifting substantial sums of their 2006 budgets to.

If any of these items are on your to-do list, guess what! Next week is August and there are only 5 more months left of 2006.

PS: How do you like the new template. I know I said I was done but isn't it my prerogative to change my mind? (Did you ever know the correct spelling of prerogative?)

Labels: Branding, generation x-tasy, marketing

There are lessons to be learned everywhere-- Even the TV. And though Sunday nights haven't been the same without Carrie and Tony -- at least we still Ari, Turtle, Vince, E and Drama. For those of you new to the scene, Entourage follows a movie star, his agent and his 3 trusted consiglieres through the trials and tribulations of fame in Hollywood.

The boys from Entourage have been busy producing a movie- Medellin.

Recap: We're watching TV about making a movie and last week's episode centered on the trailer being leaked to YouTube. Not only did HBO run the trailer after the show but it did actually appear on YouTube-- currently receiving hits into the thousands.

Check out the Trailer-- not an at-home, do it yourself job but the type of production that makes us wonder if the full movie might actually be coming down the road.





This type of integration, the blurring of lines between TV, internet, fantasy and reality is a great example of the building of a buzz, a brand and a blockbuster series.

Gotta love it.

Labels: BRANDEMiX, Branding, HBO, integrated campaigns. Entourage

I often get emails from BRANDEblog readers who want a more complete picture of what BRANDEMiX does. So, for that audience, I would like to share more information about our unique niche in the marketplace and make available some case studies with greater detail.

If you know us already, you can skip this one.

BRANDEMiX is an independent advertising/communications agency that develops brand-aligned employee communications around business goals.

Think of us as a bridge connecting your marketing, advertising, internal communications and Human Resources. This powerful synergy creates a veritable BRAND FORTRESS – consistent, indisputable, relevant and meaningful messages across all print and interactive channels. All with one singular goal—to create a line of sight from your business strategy to your employees.

Our unique value is in our ability to create, deliver and manage an end-to-end program from strategy through launch.

Our services include:
Advertising
Brand DevelopmentBenefit CommunicationsChange Management Communications
Corporate Identity
Corporate Social Responsibility
Employer BrandingE-MarketingEvent Marketing & Support
Internal Communications
Investor Communications
Market Research
Media Planning & Placement
Public Relations
Recruitment Advertising
Viral Marketing
Website Development

So, by now everyone knows I've been out on vacation for 2 weeks but did you know I was out of the country? And did you know that 4 days before I was leaving, I discovered that my passport had expired earlier this year?

Getting the passport in a matter of 3 days is another story-- this is the story of my brand new passport. I mention it here because it is a shining example of using every touchpoint in the communications process as a chance to inspire--- multi-purpose at its best.

28-page version of the passport comes with 13 inspirational quotes, including six from United States presidents and one from a Mohawk Thanksgiving speech. The pages, done in a pink-grey-blue palate, are rife with portraits of Americana ranging from a clipper ship to Mount Rushmore to a long-horn cattle drive.

“We thought it really, truly reflects the breadth of America as well as the history,” said Ann Barrett, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services. “We tried to be inclusive of all Americans.”

This is the first redesign since 1993 and the layout has been in the works for the past 6 years! I wonder what my clients would say if I worked on their projects for 6 years.

Labels: BRANDEMiX, engagement

Here's What Mashable said at the close of a very interesting article on Google entitled "Google-vs-everyone" which you can read here.

"As the most watched, scrutinized, and reported-on company in the web space, Google’s every move is analyzed by competitors big and small. Its rapid expansion into areas beyond search and seemingly insatiable appetite for acquisitions has the company strongly positioned to dominate numerous key parts of the Internet. "

So since all eyes are on Google, I was only mildly surprised when I saw this "HRPR" video from BNET on How Google taps into New Talent. You can watch it here.

I love Google, although I am a much bigger fan of Yahoo because I root for the underdog.
But I gotta tell you, I was bored by the video and disappointed when I didn't see it also available as a download from You Tube or even Google downloads. I didn't even see it on the Google Careers site.

Now, if you want to make a video about your approach to hiring talent off the college campus (are you with me Kristina?) I would love to help you film and then promote it. And you could be the next star!

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Labels: google, HRPR, Mashable, University Recruiting, Videos