Dating in San Francisco

“The latest U.S. Census data paint a bleak picture of the Great Recession’s effects on mating patterns across the United States: big drops in the number of people getting married, sharp increases in the age of first marriages, much higher rates of marriage among college grads (i.e., those affluent enough to afford nuptial bliss—and bills) than the less educated and less well-off.”

via IT’S THE ECONOMY, CUPID | Modern Luxury.

I think this is an extremely insightful article on the dating scene not just in #Bikelandia but in a post-recession era. It’s not so much about cupid’s arrow anymore but about how his finances stack up.

For SxSW, a Crowdsourced Sam Adams Beer | Creativity Pick of the Day – Advertising Age

“Beer brand Sam Adams is letting Facebook fans in on the brewing action by letting them create their own brew.

Using an app called the CrowdCraft Project, Facebook fans can help determine the beer’s color, clarity, body, hops and malt. Those with the most votes will be incorporated into the beer, which will be created next month.

The crowdsourced beer will be available in select bars in Austin during the South by Southwest Festival in March and at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery.”

via For SxSW, a Crowdsourced Sam Adams Beer | Creativity Pick of the Day – Advertising Age.

Great use of a Facebook page and Facebook fans. Nice work, Sam Adams.

Wish the First Lady a happy birthday

Join Barack and Sign Michelle’s Birthday Card. Happy Birthday Michelle!

via Wish the First Lady a happy birthday — Barack Obama.

Not only was I engaged by the President of the United States this morning on Facebook:

“There’s something about her that projects such honesty and strength. It’s what makes her such an unbelievable professional, and partner, and mother, and wife.”—President Obama. Happy birthday to Michelle Obama. Make sure to sign the First Lady’s card today:

But, I was able to easily click-through to a birthday card for her. Wow. Is social media strategy something that the next president will value? Does he HAVE to? Or is Barack just that good? What are your thoughts?

Forget wedding planners, get a PROPOSAL planner to help you

But now a new industry has emerged, for helping men pop the question in the first place.

Proposal planners have discovered a demand for lavish scenarios, be it white doves, helicopter rides, a favourite musician – all with a photographer on hand to record the magic moment.

via Forget wedding planners – now there are PROPOSAL planners to help your man pop the question | Mail Online.

Jumbaco: Jingle or No?

 

via New Jack in the Box® Commercial – Jumbaco – YouTube.

I don’t ordinarily like fast food advertising but there’s something about this Jack in the Box Jumbaco that I love. And damn, it’s catchy.

The Power of Repetition: Wheat Thins

“For its latest spot from ad agency Being in New York, Wheat Thins has enlisted a famous pair of spokes-cartoons: Brian and Stewie from Family Guy.”

via Ad of the Day: Wheat Thins Recruits Brian and Stewie From ‘Family Guy’ | Adweek.

This spot capitalizes on the power of repetition. Simple and sweat.

Honda’s “Proposal” gets that times have changed

Honda CR-V: Proposal | Ads of the World™

I love this spot. I love it because it celebrates an ambitious woman, therefore appealing to ambitious women. Most ads aren’t this smart OR current. But in the year 2012 when the share of U.S. adults who are married has dropped to a record low of 51%, this spot hits home: us women (and men) have a lot more to do in life than get married and settle down.

Cheers to Honda for recognizing that times have changed.

 

UGC – More Risk Than Reward for Luxury Brands?

“We’re going to do something that’s really uncomfortable for people who market luxury products and services: import user-generated content,” says Susan Helstab, VP Marketing of Four Seasons.

via Four Seasons Embraces Digital Marketing, Virtual Experiences | CMO Interviews – Advertising Age.

I think this is really going to set the Four Seasons apart from the category, taking “risks” like this is necessary for short-term differentiation and long-term positioning.

IKEA Sleepover for Fans

“Create Something Amazing For the People That Love You.”

via IKEA Fans Ask For a Sleepover So the Company Gives Them One | MackCollier.com – Social Media Training and Consulting.

IKEA knows how to create advocates and amplify their message. One-and-done is the essence of the sleepover they held for 100 lucky Facebook Group members. This is a great way to leverage Facebook fans AND get a lot of press (90,000 links!) simply for providing a one-of-a-kind brand experience.

Our rational & emotional minds

“Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems—the rational mind and the emotional mind—that compete for control.”

via Amazon.com: Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard: by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

A planner’s job is to always balance the two.