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Fun video

January 5, 2012

Have I shown you this?  A clever client wanted to do a video because she understands that they make powerful marketing tools. She knows it’s a good way to capture a company’s vision or personality.

So much to say though. Where do you start? One nice approach is to consider a series – even just one or two.  Keep it simple. They make the best ones for watching, sharing and appreciating, anyway.  If you feel really bold and excited to show-off your widgets, or your widget designers, or happy customers — think about a whole bunch of videos. Short, pithy high-definition snippets about your widgets tell a tiny story that gives folks a taste for a little more.

We’ve got plans at Cleverhood for a whole bunch more.  Friend them on Facebook if you’re up for it. I know they’ll appreciate it. By the way, the soundtrack is from the Providence band Deer Tick, which they kindly offered as good Rhode Island buds.

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December 23, 2011

Happy holidays out there!

Essex shipyard at Xmas Dec. 23, 2011Dec. 23, 2011Dec. 23, 2011

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Minds @ Work in Communications

December 15, 2011

Students of CMM220 at EndicottFox News exposed. Net neutrality illuminated. We’ve debated the Doctrine of Cooperation, the failed promises of big media and Newton Minow’s vast wasteland. “Communications professor” is my secret identity; it’s a passionate pastime that keeps me on my toes.

Rest assured, there are 20 new emerging professionals who understand the promise and potential of electronic media.  They can see Facebook and Twitter as a means to greater ends.  They know there’s something bigger than Snookie and the Khardasians.

We’ve gone over the History of Electronic Media in CMM220, looking at the perspectives of McLuhan through our rear-view mirrors to make some sense of where it’s all going. We’ve watched how Afgan Idol is advancing attitudes toward women. We’ve seen YouTube heroics bringing down dictators. We know “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Tim Wu’s Master Switch and the link between bike rides and 4G smartphones.

Snooie & the ShoreI’m hopeful these Endicott College kids will be better marketers and communications pros  – well informed citizens, too. They understand the privileges of education and probably make a better effort than my generation did. They see some of the Global challenges on our plate. But they’re optimistic about crowd-sourcing, American ingenuity, open broadband initiatives.  They know the ‘bit is it.’

Stay tuned to this generation.  You’ll see some good, new ideas. Of course, we still have the final exam left on Wednesday.

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Pericles & People

November 18, 2011

Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all. — Pericles

Corduroy styleI think knowledge is on the upswing. That’s invigorating. I have some terrific opportunities to see behind-the-scenes. Lately, I’ve been impressed by some  outstanding new technologies and the companies behind them. There are pressing global issues and it seems that American ingenuity responds well to pressure.

There’s more than just technology, of course, looking for clear distinction. In fact, we like to keep our hands in the consumer market, too. And our eyes open. It keeps us sharp.

It turns out that sophisticated businesses are actually people too. They read articles, watch YouTube, scan blogs, Twitter, Google … and strive to do their jobs better. Clarity and consistency are more important than ever before in this bountiful age of info.
Communicating to people requires engagement and relevancy. Working in the consumer market helps keep us on our toes in the B-to-B space.

One particular consumer client has some great ideas, real American ingenuity, and the audacity to buck the industry-wide’s reliance on overseas workers. They’re supporting the bike movement in cities and are imbued with a sustainable outlook on life. It’s an important value today.

So, that’s why we were in Manhattan last week at the Corduroy Appreciation Club. It was a smart strategy for that particular client to connect with important (albeit quirky) influencers in Manhattan. Amy Sedaris was the keynoter. Film maker Wes Anderson was recognized and a corduroy messiah was anointed. There was also a fashion show segment that we managed to wrangle into.

We were there in NYC last week as a duty. Ok? In case my wife asks.

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Serious Corduroy Communications

October 28, 2011

The Corduroy Appreciation ClubIt’s not like I had some unusual affinity for corduroy.  Yet, when I stop and think about it – maybe it is my favorite fabric.  It’s warm and comfortable, great for New England.  Sure beats wool. You can’t just brush up against someone in corduroy. No, there is an arresting lock when cords meet cords, which might explain its  “friendliness.”

They say it’s “the King’s cloth,” a proud fabric.  In fact, if denim is the fabric of the working man, then maybe it’s corduroy that suits the thinking man. Perhaps I do have this affinity for corduroy.

The Corduroy Appreciation Club is already casting its spell over me.  Next month, in Manhattan at the Desmond Tutu Center, they’re holding a very important gathering.  It’s on Nov. 11, the date that most resembles corduroy (11/11/11).  Three corduroy items are required.  There’s talk that Bill Murray or Wes Anderson may be recognized for their appreciation.  I’m slated to go for a client.

“I’d rather belong to a corduroy club, and wear corduroy than belong to the Shriners and have to wear one of those red fezzes.”

I’m a communications guy, which is primarily why I’m going. This event promises to expose my client to an array of important influencers.  But I’m impressed with the C.A.C.’s efforts to nestle into our greater consciousness…and their vilification of velvet (apparently corduroy’s evil twin).  The C.A.C. has been covered in The New Yorker, the NYT, plenty of fashion press and more.  Even their video speaks to me.  As the Financial Times said: “Corduroy is a funny thing.  People do get a bit serious about it.”

I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

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