I don’t want to get Daewoo on my hands —Queen Latifah
As much as I like to harp on the importance of communications and the true value it has on business, you can quote me on saying that communications isn’t a magic bullet. Some people rely on marketing and communications to “perfume the pig” or make their offer look (or smell) better than they really are.
That’s what I was thinking about this morning when playing “Logoz Quiz” on my iPhone. Man, I really impressed myself by identifying some pretty obscure branding elements — especially when looking at brands that I could really care less about. Example, Daewoo. No offense, but I if I had my way, you wouldn’t see me driving a Daewoo anytime soon. The brand’s got good awareness, but it has little attractiveness (for me anyway).
In short, don’t sell crap. You should only promote the products that you’re proud of.
![Now a look at a good ad. “No one understands the world of work better than Manpower Group (TM). That’s why China asked us to examine the DNA of their workforce and reshape it for the future. […].”
“DNA” was a great choice for the copy and it translates well into the visual. And the dragon screams China to me. Enter in some streamers and you’ve just given readers a sense of celebration and accomplishment for working with Manpower Group.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3m0xnIYrl1qzh2nso1_1280.png)
Now a look at a good ad. “No one understands the world of work better than Manpower Group (TM). That’s why China asked us to examine the DNA of their workforce and reshape it for the future. […].”
“DNA” was a great choice for the copy and it translates well into the visual. And the dragon screams China to me. Enter in some streamers and you’ve just given readers a sense of celebration and accomplishment for working with Manpower Group.
Sure, you might get some rubberneckers with this photo, but what the heck does the copy mean? I thought this would be some kind of AT&T version of “drink responsibly,” but the copy is about “data doing more” … whatever that means. Your wrecked car gets fixed faster because of AT&T? Messaging > sexy graphic.
I don’t find this ad effective for the following reasons… The graphic doesn’t scream “Asia.” And it’s strange to write “Fly” under a vehicle that has wheels. The copy near the gutter does not warrant a read, but is good info. And what does “Hello Tomorrow” mean? (Taken with instagram)
[Flash 10 is required to watch video]
Sweet music to his ears.
Playing with stock photos is my new favorite thing.
Profiled on GE.com
They asked to profile me on the GE website. Check it out by clicking the link above.
Highlighted in GE Careers blog
Here’s a post that GE Careers put on their blog after the GE Communications leadership meeting. It references my old blog, which was much more boring than this one and thus has been shut down.
—
Ray Lapena, a member of the Communications Leadership Development Program (CLDP), expresses his gratitude for working at GE and for being in communications.
“GE’s communicators are the most insightful, thought-provoking and energizing people I have ever worked with. This morning, I depart from the best leadership meeting I’ve ever attended so far. It is truly impressive to see what putting everyone together in a room can do for our function, our respective, businesses, the company, and for us personally.”
He then lists the reasons why GE ranks top for leadership.
—
You can check out the GE Careers blog by clicking the link above.
Two of my favorite things. “Call me maybe” and Arrested Development.
I do this occasionally.
Going green
I’m not really against eating meat. But I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed vegetarianism for the past three weeks. It’s definitely elevated my appreciation for plant-based foods and I’ve learned to cook and dine more creatively. It really makes you think about what you put into your body, and you’d be surprised to know how much protein and iron you can get from vegetables alone. Even if I do start eating meat again (which, realistically, is probable) I think I’ll have a better handle on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet. We all could use some extra chlorophyll on our plate.
Pescatarian.
