Yesterday marked my final day of class...ever. But strangely, life still feels the same. I was not sure what would happen when class ended, but I thought it would be a much more momentous occasion.
One reason for this might be because of my schedule all semester long. I worked around 20-25 per week and only had four classes (and one was a one hour class). After spring break one of my classes never even met. So essentially I was only attending two classes a week. On top of this, all of my classes were project based and the projects are still going on. Small homework assignments were never a big part of my classes this semester.
All this will change in about one week, or two weeks at a maximum. Next Wednesday I have my final presentation. This will truly mark the end of all school related work. If, for some reason that day does not seem grand enough, on May 18 I will be done with my internship. That will indeed be the day that this chapter of my life comes to an end. I will then have two weeks before the next chapter starts.
Ready or not, here comes real life.
Aaron Roecker
Advertising the United States?
Recently a commercial was released to draw tourists to the States. You can watch it here.
It is interesting, but I do not know if it will be effective. I was especially confused when it showed obscure locations in the United States. Many people seem to visit big cities, but I suspect that very few will go the swamps in the South, random fields of flowers, or large dinners in the country. It is also hard to know whether they are telling people to visit or move here.
Personally, I think a better technique would be to find what people like about America and promote that. This ad seems to show everything that we offer, thereby showing nothing specific that would draw tourists. I want to go to other countries to see specific and well-known sites. While this did show some big name locations, I thought it could have done better.
What do you think? Would you want to visit the US after seeing this?
Aaron Roecker
It is interesting, but I do not know if it will be effective. I was especially confused when it showed obscure locations in the United States. Many people seem to visit big cities, but I suspect that very few will go the swamps in the South, random fields of flowers, or large dinners in the country. It is also hard to know whether they are telling people to visit or move here.
Personally, I think a better technique would be to find what people like about America and promote that. This ad seems to show everything that we offer, thereby showing nothing specific that would draw tourists. I want to go to other countries to see specific and well-known sites. While this did show some big name locations, I thought it could have done better.
What do you think? Would you want to visit the US after seeing this?
Aaron Roecker
Apartment Hunting
Apartment hunting. You either hate it or love it - I have yet to make up my mind.
Now that the real world is starting in just over a month, I need to find a place to call home. For the past 22 years my home has been various places around the Peoria area, so I have not done any apartment hunting. I'm not really sure what I thought it was going to be like before starting the adventure a few weeks ago, but I am definitely realizing that it's no walk in the park.
It wouldn't be nearly as bad if I was moving across town and could easily visit an apartment at any time. But instead I move across the state and there are so many choices! The biggest (and probably most important) variable is cost. A one bedroom apartment in the Northwest suburbs can vary by hundreds of dollars and it is hard to know what you get for your money. Internet reviews make searching so much easier, but there are many locations with no reviews, so I am essentially walking in blind.
Due to the apartments being three hours away and school being busy until early May, I am going to Chicago this weekend to look for places. My goal is to find a place and fill out an application (and hopefully sign a lease) this weekend. I want to get something finalized so I can cross another thing of the list of activities I need to do before I move. I also want to try to find a place before everyone else starts looking.
This weekend is going to be crazy going from apartment to apartment, but hopefully at the end of the day Sunday I can relax knowing that I have my new home.
Aaron Roecker
Now that the real world is starting in just over a month, I need to find a place to call home. For the past 22 years my home has been various places around the Peoria area, so I have not done any apartment hunting. I'm not really sure what I thought it was going to be like before starting the adventure a few weeks ago, but I am definitely realizing that it's no walk in the park.
It wouldn't be nearly as bad if I was moving across town and could easily visit an apartment at any time. But instead I move across the state and there are so many choices! The biggest (and probably most important) variable is cost. A one bedroom apartment in the Northwest suburbs can vary by hundreds of dollars and it is hard to know what you get for your money. Internet reviews make searching so much easier, but there are many locations with no reviews, so I am essentially walking in blind.
Due to the apartments being three hours away and school being busy until early May, I am going to Chicago this weekend to look for places. My goal is to find a place and fill out an application (and hopefully sign a lease) this weekend. I want to get something finalized so I can cross another thing of the list of activities I need to do before I move. I also want to try to find a place before everyone else starts looking.
This weekend is going to be crazy going from apartment to apartment, but hopefully at the end of the day Sunday I can relax knowing that I have my new home.
Aaron Roecker
Bradley University Recap
Since I am only a month away from being completely done with my college career, I though it is appropriate to take a look back at the last four years. I decided to go to Bradley because I wanted to stay close to home and didn't want to leave Peoria. A few years into Bradley my mindset completely changed and I started second guessing why I stayed in the area. But looking back at the past four years, I realized how many opportunities I had at Bradley.
One of my favorite experiences at Bradley have been my study abroads. I had the privilege to go to both China and Finland for a few weeks in 2010. This opened my eyes to how big the world is and gave me a desire to hopefully travel (and potentially work) abroad again.
Also, the marketing professors I have had at Bradley have been great. Although I have had many long nights and weekends trying to finish projects, these projects have taught me more than mere lectures could. The teachers make class interesting, relevant, and challenging.
Finally, Bradley has helped me land my most important internship. I simply put my resume on Bradley's career website and I was contact by the recruiter at Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, which has then led me obtaining a full-time position with the company. Although Bradley's career website helped me, it can be frustrating due to Bradley's lack of relationships with large, out-of-state companies.
All-in-all, I have enjoyed my time at Bradley. There are many things Bradley can improve upon and many schools that are better than Bradley, but it has been a good experience and I thankful for the past four years.
Aaron Roecker
One of my favorite experiences at Bradley have been my study abroads. I had the privilege to go to both China and Finland for a few weeks in 2010. This opened my eyes to how big the world is and gave me a desire to hopefully travel (and potentially work) abroad again.
Also, the marketing professors I have had at Bradley have been great. Although I have had many long nights and weekends trying to finish projects, these projects have taught me more than mere lectures could. The teachers make class interesting, relevant, and challenging.
Finally, Bradley has helped me land my most important internship. I simply put my resume on Bradley's career website and I was contact by the recruiter at Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, which has then led me obtaining a full-time position with the company. Although Bradley's career website helped me, it can be frustrating due to Bradley's lack of relationships with large, out-of-state companies.
All-in-all, I have enjoyed my time at Bradley. There are many things Bradley can improve upon and many schools that are better than Bradley, but it has been a good experience and I thankful for the past four years.
Aaron Roecker
Kiva - Amazon's Robots
I wonder how many know about Amazon's army of robots? Or how many know that Amazon spent $775 million to buy the company that manufacturers these robots?
You can watch the video explaining how the robots are used here.
It is amazing to see the behind-the-scenes work at Amazon's warehouses. I guess I take it for granted that my random orders can be found so quickly and delivered with the same speed.
Even more amazing is how these robots work! It is astonishing to see how these robots move throughout the warehouse and do so with such accuracy. I can now see how Amazon is able to keep their costs down. It would require an army of employees to find each product and transport it to the right place. These robots, to me, are a huge technological breakthrough! It would seem like it would be so easy for them to break down or run into each other, thus damaging all the products and slowing the process.
This video goes to show everything that must take place behind-the-scenes. In order for companies like Amazon to be successful, everything must perfectly align. The internet allowed for global access to their online store and personalization of ads, improvements in transportation allow products to arrive within one or two days, and machines like the Kiva allow for quick access of inventory. If any of these advances in technology were not available, Amazon would not be successful.
I can only imagine what new company will take advantage of upcoming new advances in technology to create the next powerhouse.
Aaron Roecker
You can watch the video explaining how the robots are used here.
It is amazing to see the behind-the-scenes work at Amazon's warehouses. I guess I take it for granted that my random orders can be found so quickly and delivered with the same speed.
Even more amazing is how these robots work! It is astonishing to see how these robots move throughout the warehouse and do so with such accuracy. I can now see how Amazon is able to keep their costs down. It would require an army of employees to find each product and transport it to the right place. These robots, to me, are a huge technological breakthrough! It would seem like it would be so easy for them to break down or run into each other, thus damaging all the products and slowing the process.
This video goes to show everything that must take place behind-the-scenes. In order for companies like Amazon to be successful, everything must perfectly align. The internet allowed for global access to their online store and personalization of ads, improvements in transportation allow products to arrive within one or two days, and machines like the Kiva allow for quick access of inventory. If any of these advances in technology were not available, Amazon would not be successful.
I can only imagine what new company will take advantage of upcoming new advances in technology to create the next powerhouse.
Aaron Roecker
Goodbye Peoria, Hello Chicago
It's official - I now know what my future holds after Bradley!
On Tuesday I accepted a position with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation to work with digital media. This is a great first job and will allow me to develop my online marketing skills. I am joining a large and successful global organization and hope to continue there for many years to come.
My current internship at the company's offices in Peoria has helped me develop relationships in the organization and skills that will help me be successful in this position. I have managed the social presence of three brands at my current job, but I have not been able to focus on that due to numerous other projects that I need to complete. My new job will allow me to spend my time specializing in developing online advertising campaigns to drive traffic and ultimately sales. I met with three members of the marketing team on Thursday and am excited to be working with a great group.
It will definitely be a life change because I have lived in the Peoria area my entire life. I am not familiar with Chicago or the suburbs so it will take some getting used to, but I am ready for this adventure. I am going to have a large check list to complete, and I am guessing that I will overlook many small details.
The college chapter is coming to a close, and with it my life as a student. Now the next section of my book begins and I already like how it is starting.
Aaron Roecker
On Tuesday I accepted a position with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation to work with digital media. This is a great first job and will allow me to develop my online marketing skills. I am joining a large and successful global organization and hope to continue there for many years to come.
My current internship at the company's offices in Peoria has helped me develop relationships in the organization and skills that will help me be successful in this position. I have managed the social presence of three brands at my current job, but I have not been able to focus on that due to numerous other projects that I need to complete. My new job will allow me to spend my time specializing in developing online advertising campaigns to drive traffic and ultimately sales. I met with three members of the marketing team on Thursday and am excited to be working with a great group.
It will definitely be a life change because I have lived in the Peoria area my entire life. I am not familiar with Chicago or the suburbs so it will take some getting used to, but I am ready for this adventure. I am going to have a large check list to complete, and I am guessing that I will overlook many small details.
The college chapter is coming to a close, and with it my life as a student. Now the next section of my book begins and I already like how it is starting.
Aaron Roecker
Another crazy few weeks...
Even though I stayed in Peoria during Spring Break, I was able to spend some time relaxing, and it is a good thing I did. These next few weeks, and potentially months will be very hectic as my last semester comes to a close.
Our second marketing plan is due a week after we receive our results (and I doubt we will get the luxury of having the due date extended again). My other senior project is in full-swing and without proper management of the time frame we created, we will fall behind quickly. On top of both of these are my social media project and research paper on youth unemployment.
In addition to my school work, I have been given the opportunity to work on important projects at work which will require me to work more than my scheduled 20 hours a week. Combine that will helping establish the new American Marketing Association leaders and applying and interviewing for jobs, and you could say I have a busy rest of the semester.
Thankfully, I am not anxious as one would expect, but instead I know what lies ahead and am shooting for the goal of graduation. I thought that maybe the last semester could be slow, but school had other plans and will make sure that I am busy until the very last day. Then, hopefully, if all goes to plan, I can substitute a busy school life for a busy work life.
Aaron Roecker
Our second marketing plan is due a week after we receive our results (and I doubt we will get the luxury of having the due date extended again). My other senior project is in full-swing and without proper management of the time frame we created, we will fall behind quickly. On top of both of these are my social media project and research paper on youth unemployment.
In addition to my school work, I have been given the opportunity to work on important projects at work which will require me to work more than my scheduled 20 hours a week. Combine that will helping establish the new American Marketing Association leaders and applying and interviewing for jobs, and you could say I have a busy rest of the semester.
Thankfully, I am not anxious as one would expect, but instead I know what lies ahead and am shooting for the goal of graduation. I thought that maybe the last semester could be slow, but school had other plans and will make sure that I am busy until the very last day. Then, hopefully, if all goes to plan, I can substitute a busy school life for a busy work life.
Aaron Roecker
KONY 2012
I realize that this will simply be another blog post about this huge trending topic, but I believe, as the director says, that this is one big social experiment
For anyone who have not seen the video, it can be found at http://vimeo.com/37119711
The film maker knows exactly what he is doing and how to appeal to the masses. What I find amazing about the beginning is how the director basically inserts us into a worldwide story. When you think that this is a 30 minute video and the call to action doesn't happen until the end, the director has to create the perfect video. Most viewers make a judgment call within the first few seconds, but this video manages to capture the interest of viewers. The first few minutes lays the ground work and shows viewers that this video deserves their respect and time.
I find it so amazing that this video has appealed to such a wide audience. Hundreds, if not thousands, of videos have gone viral, but very few explain such a difficult topic and can capture the interest of viewers for such a long period of time. It will be interesting to see how much momentum this movement can sustain, or if it will suffer from the great disadvantage of social media - that people quickly lose interest and move on to the next new idea/event.
This is the challenge of brands and causes. With the proper techniques it might be possible to consistently develop viral videos, but sustainability is almost impossible to maintain due to the onslaught of new ideas and the decreasing attention span of consumers and supporters. If Kony 2012 can maintain its support, then causes and charities can learn from this campaign. Awareness will keep growing for the next week or so, but it remains to be seen whether this idea grown through social media will fall prey to the next trending topic.
Aaron Roecker
For anyone who have not seen the video, it can be found at http://vimeo.com/37119711
The film maker knows exactly what he is doing and how to appeal to the masses. What I find amazing about the beginning is how the director basically inserts us into a worldwide story. When you think that this is a 30 minute video and the call to action doesn't happen until the end, the director has to create the perfect video. Most viewers make a judgment call within the first few seconds, but this video manages to capture the interest of viewers. The first few minutes lays the ground work and shows viewers that this video deserves their respect and time.
I find it so amazing that this video has appealed to such a wide audience. Hundreds, if not thousands, of videos have gone viral, but very few explain such a difficult topic and can capture the interest of viewers for such a long period of time. It will be interesting to see how much momentum this movement can sustain, or if it will suffer from the great disadvantage of social media - that people quickly lose interest and move on to the next new idea/event.
This is the challenge of brands and causes. With the proper techniques it might be possible to consistently develop viral videos, but sustainability is almost impossible to maintain due to the onslaught of new ideas and the decreasing attention span of consumers and supporters. If Kony 2012 can maintain its support, then causes and charities can learn from this campaign. Awareness will keep growing for the next week or so, but it remains to be seen whether this idea grown through social media will fall prey to the next trending topic.
Aaron Roecker
A Semester of Lasts
When the semester started I realized how this is my last semester at school, but as it goes on I start to realize just how many more lasts I will be experiencing. I took notice of my last first day of school, but these other last milestones continue to make themselves known
My occupation for the past 16 years has been that of a student. Yes, I have worked at various jobs since junior high, but my full-time occupation has been my schooling. Now that I am about to graduate, I realize how many times over the next few months will be my last time to do many things.
The halfway point of the semester is coming up in less than two weeks and it just hit me today that I will be having my last spring break. I also had my last, first test of the semester and will have my last midterm later next week. Not all of these things I will miss, but it does leave a bittersweet taste knowing that a whole chapter of my life is coming to a close, ironically, even for things I dislike such as my tests.
School has been my life and my identity has been based on this for so long that it seems strange that I will no longer be called a student. I have had so many great school experiences and now I am coming to the realization that it will all end and my life will no longer revolve around this.
As I am create my list of lasts and think about all my past school memories, I am excited to start another journey and create many new firsts.
Aaron Roecker
My occupation for the past 16 years has been that of a student. Yes, I have worked at various jobs since junior high, but my full-time occupation has been my schooling. Now that I am about to graduate, I realize how many times over the next few months will be my last time to do many things.
The halfway point of the semester is coming up in less than two weeks and it just hit me today that I will be having my last spring break. I also had my last, first test of the semester and will have my last midterm later next week. Not all of these things I will miss, but it does leave a bittersweet taste knowing that a whole chapter of my life is coming to a close, ironically, even for things I dislike such as my tests.
School has been my life and my identity has been based on this for so long that it seems strange that I will no longer be called a student. I have had so many great school experiences and now I am coming to the realization that it will all end and my life will no longer revolve around this.
As I am create my list of lasts and think about all my past school memories, I am excited to start another journey and create many new firsts.
Aaron Roecker
The Hunger Games and Word of Mouth
Just like I jumped on to the Pinterest bandwagon, last weekend I joined the crowd with The Hunger Games. I will gladly admit that it was a gripping story and I am ready to read the next two books and watch the movie, but this is not another blog post dedicated to proclaiming the awesomeness of The Hunger Games. Instead, I want to demonstrate how good, ol' fashioned WOM convinced me to read the book.
A few months ago was when I first about the book and one of my best friends said it was just like Twilight - that comment alone made me never want to read the books. Then, a month ago I stumbled upon the Taylor Swift song created for the movie. I liked the song, but I still have preconceived thoughts about the movie. I also watched the trailer and it looked intriguing, but could not change what I heard, and thus believed, from a trusted source. These thoughts were not based on extensive research, but from a simple statement made by a trusted friend.
Later, before one of my classes, some classmates were talking about the book and everyone was saying how great it was. Some guys in my class were praising it, which seemed weird to me because they did not seem like the people who would enjoy a Twilight copycat. I asked them all about it and they said how it was in no way like Twilight. These classmates are not as good of friends as my original source, but I trusted them and decided that I needed to read the book.
So the moral of this short story is that no form of advertising/promotion can compete with recommendations (and warnings) from personal sources. I believe WOM advertising is the best type of marketing available, but ultimately a company cannot create this. Brands can work to create ideas and messages that are easy to share via WOM, but they also need to make sure that consumers are excited and willing to engage in WOM.
As people continue to share more of their lives with others online, WOM will have greater importance. Social media by no means created WOM, but it has increased communication between more friends and at a faster pace. I am excited to learn about the next great book, movie, restaurant, etc. based on input from my friends.
Aaron Roecker
A few months ago was when I first about the book and one of my best friends said it was just like Twilight - that comment alone made me never want to read the books. Then, a month ago I stumbled upon the Taylor Swift song created for the movie. I liked the song, but I still have preconceived thoughts about the movie. I also watched the trailer and it looked intriguing, but could not change what I heard, and thus believed, from a trusted source. These thoughts were not based on extensive research, but from a simple statement made by a trusted friend.
Later, before one of my classes, some classmates were talking about the book and everyone was saying how great it was. Some guys in my class were praising it, which seemed weird to me because they did not seem like the people who would enjoy a Twilight copycat. I asked them all about it and they said how it was in no way like Twilight. These classmates are not as good of friends as my original source, but I trusted them and decided that I needed to read the book.
So the moral of this short story is that no form of advertising/promotion can compete with recommendations (and warnings) from personal sources. I believe WOM advertising is the best type of marketing available, but ultimately a company cannot create this. Brands can work to create ideas and messages that are easy to share via WOM, but they also need to make sure that consumers are excited and willing to engage in WOM.
As people continue to share more of their lives with others online, WOM will have greater importance. Social media by no means created WOM, but it has increased communication between more friends and at a faster pace. I am excited to learn about the next great book, movie, restaurant, etc. based on input from my friends.
Aaron Roecker
A Dude on Pinterest?
So I decided to request an invite to Pinterest. Now, you might be wondering what a dude is doing on this craft-oriented and female dominated social site, but I believe it does serve a purpose.
I might not spend as much time as more traditional users and I will not be creating huge lists or expecting a large following, but I do believe this is an important social site to understand. Social media and micro-blogging is completely changing how we as people gather and comprehend information. Whether for better or worse, everything is becoming shorter, concise, and more visual. I have even noticed on Facebook that about half of all the posts that show up on my news feed are pictures or videos.
It is a proven fact that humans are visual creatures and this idea is being supported by the rise of sites like Pinterest, and the existence of "old" social sites such as Flickr. I believe Pinterest is appealing because it allows the quick sharing of ideas presented in a way that is easy to comprehend. It also allows users to easily see what is most popular and add pictures that they hope can become the next big thing and thus increase their follower base. Likes, comments and repins help you see how successful your picture is among a mass market.
As a marketer, the main reason I want to check out a site like Pinterest is to learn how it can be used to reach customers. Companies can try to create sites that draw customers, but usually brands are the ones that need to go where the customers are. Pinterest is growing at huge rates and companies need to be aware of where their customers are. Not all companies can take advantage of every social site, but there are ones that can successfully use Pinterest. Any brand that has products based on nature, crafts, or creativity in general have the opportunity to add value to the users at Pinterest.
It will be interesting to see if the site continues to grow and what becomes of it. The exclusivity and grassroots origin of the site definitely caused it to grow fast, but I believe it does have staying power. People will join because it is seen as different from Facebook and as such it provides value to the user. Will Pinterest join the big three of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? Only time will tell...
Aaron Roecker
I might not spend as much time as more traditional users and I will not be creating huge lists or expecting a large following, but I do believe this is an important social site to understand. Social media and micro-blogging is completely changing how we as people gather and comprehend information. Whether for better or worse, everything is becoming shorter, concise, and more visual. I have even noticed on Facebook that about half of all the posts that show up on my news feed are pictures or videos.
It is a proven fact that humans are visual creatures and this idea is being supported by the rise of sites like Pinterest, and the existence of "old" social sites such as Flickr. I believe Pinterest is appealing because it allows the quick sharing of ideas presented in a way that is easy to comprehend. It also allows users to easily see what is most popular and add pictures that they hope can become the next big thing and thus increase their follower base. Likes, comments and repins help you see how successful your picture is among a mass market.
As a marketer, the main reason I want to check out a site like Pinterest is to learn how it can be used to reach customers. Companies can try to create sites that draw customers, but usually brands are the ones that need to go where the customers are. Pinterest is growing at huge rates and companies need to be aware of where their customers are. Not all companies can take advantage of every social site, but there are ones that can successfully use Pinterest. Any brand that has products based on nature, crafts, or creativity in general have the opportunity to add value to the users at Pinterest.
It will be interesting to see if the site continues to grow and what becomes of it. The exclusivity and grassroots origin of the site definitely caused it to grow fast, but I believe it does have staying power. People will join because it is seen as different from Facebook and as such it provides value to the user. Will Pinterest join the big three of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? Only time will tell...
Aaron Roecker
My Last Semester
It's is my last semester at Bradley University and school will not go down without a fight. Although my class load is lighter then normal because I am interning more hours, this semester is shaping up to be one of the busiest and chaotic.
I learned today that I have a 50-70 page marketing plan in my marketing capstone class next Thursday (I guess I should be thankful that I was told about it today instead of Thursday). I also have to work on a 30 page competitive analysis paper for our client in the business capstone class due at the end of the month. Thankfully, I this semester contains very few tests and the papers can be divided among group members.
In addition to all my papers, group projects, and internship I am working on finding a job. I believe I have found a great method for searching and applying, but the process is still anything but easy. The job market is still tough and I need to make sure I am spending my time applying for jobs I am both qualified for and will enjoy.
Even with all this work (and the stress that comes with it), I am looking forward to enjoying this last semester. I have had an amazing career at Bradley and been able to participate in great groups and learn from amazing teachers. I believe Bradley has given me the knowledge and experience to succeed in the workplace. Here's to my last few months on Bradley's hilltop.
I learned today that I have a 50-70 page marketing plan in my marketing capstone class next Thursday (I guess I should be thankful that I was told about it today instead of Thursday). I also have to work on a 30 page competitive analysis paper for our client in the business capstone class due at the end of the month. Thankfully, I this semester contains very few tests and the papers can be divided among group members.
In addition to all my papers, group projects, and internship I am working on finding a job. I believe I have found a great method for searching and applying, but the process is still anything but easy. The job market is still tough and I need to make sure I am spending my time applying for jobs I am both qualified for and will enjoy.
Even with all this work (and the stress that comes with it), I am looking forward to enjoying this last semester. I have had an amazing career at Bradley and been able to participate in great groups and learn from amazing teachers. I believe Bradley has given me the knowledge and experience to succeed in the workplace. Here's to my last few months on Bradley's hilltop.
Why I Love the Super Bowl
It's that time of the year again. In Illinois the weather is cold (although surprisingly warm this year with little snow) and school is just starting to get under way. And the Super Bowl is coming.
I am a fan of almost any sport, and I especially love watching sports as a group. The energy and excitement that surrounds games is great and the Super Bowl is one of the best. But as a self-identified marketing nerd, I enjoy the Super Bowl for so much more than the game.
My game takes place when the players take their breaks. I love the commercials the Super Bowl produces because of the creativity and hype that companies create for their ads. Watching the ads with a group of friends makes it even better as I try to look at people's reactions and give passing and failing grades to the commercials. The Super Bowl usually introduces the year's new advertising campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands. It also has a great collection of new movie trailers, and each are done differently to try to be more memorable than the last.
The last Super Bowl had a few standouts, but overall I was disappointed. I have seen some of the new commercials for this Sunday and so far I have liked what I have seen (except for the Audi commercial that showed no originality and simply jumped on the vampire bandwagon). So this Sunday afternoon you can catch me eating great foods, hanging out with good friends, and anxiously waiting to see who wins the game - Pepsi or Coke.
I am a fan of almost any sport, and I especially love watching sports as a group. The energy and excitement that surrounds games is great and the Super Bowl is one of the best. But as a self-identified marketing nerd, I enjoy the Super Bowl for so much more than the game.
My game takes place when the players take their breaks. I love the commercials the Super Bowl produces because of the creativity and hype that companies create for their ads. Watching the ads with a group of friends makes it even better as I try to look at people's reactions and give passing and failing grades to the commercials. The Super Bowl usually introduces the year's new advertising campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands. It also has a great collection of new movie trailers, and each are done differently to try to be more memorable than the last.
The last Super Bowl had a few standouts, but overall I was disappointed. I have seen some of the new commercials for this Sunday and so far I have liked what I have seen (except for the Audi commercial that showed no originality and simply jumped on the vampire bandwagon). So this Sunday afternoon you can catch me eating great foods, hanging out with good friends, and anxiously waiting to see who wins the game - Pepsi or Coke.
Volkswagen "The Bark Side"
I am impressed by the Volkswagen Super Bowl commercial teaser. "The Bark Side" and its television premiere were both great examples of product placement and viral videos.
The commercial first aired during an episode of "The Middle" on ABC on Wednesday. The episode's storyline was about the Super Bowl in Indianapolis and featured the Volkswagen Passat. This is a great example of integrating multiple types of marketing. Volkswagen used the perfect episode to feature its vehicle and show its new commercial.
"The Bark Side" currently has over five million views within four days. The video is already going viral, but Volkswagen had to find a way for its video to stand out among the increasing number of viral videos. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow for quick and easy sharing of YouTube and Vimeo videos. The marketing team at Volkswagen was able to create a video that built upon the success of its past Super Bowl commerical, "The Force."
Volkswagen seems to have found a theme that works in its videos. Star Wars is universally known and can be used to bring up emotions from years past and feelings of amazing storytelling and quality. The use of children and dogs is also not an accident. Many of the most popular YouTube videos include either small children or dogs.
Volkswagen has created another commercial (or commercial teaser) that has gained widespread attention and is liked by almost everyone who views the video. Unlike other viral videos that might have gained attention through sheer luck, this commercial's success is anything but luck. Volkswagen has shown that it is possible (twice) to create viral commercials based on research and understanding consumer behavior.
The commercial first aired during an episode of "The Middle" on ABC on Wednesday. The episode's storyline was about the Super Bowl in Indianapolis and featured the Volkswagen Passat. This is a great example of integrating multiple types of marketing. Volkswagen used the perfect episode to feature its vehicle and show its new commercial.
"The Bark Side" currently has over five million views within four days. The video is already going viral, but Volkswagen had to find a way for its video to stand out among the increasing number of viral videos. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow for quick and easy sharing of YouTube and Vimeo videos. The marketing team at Volkswagen was able to create a video that built upon the success of its past Super Bowl commerical, "The Force."
Volkswagen seems to have found a theme that works in its videos. Star Wars is universally known and can be used to bring up emotions from years past and feelings of amazing storytelling and quality. The use of children and dogs is also not an accident. Many of the most popular YouTube videos include either small children or dogs.
Volkswagen has created another commercial (or commercial teaser) that has gained widespread attention and is liked by almost everyone who views the video. Unlike other viral videos that might have gained attention through sheer luck, this commercial's success is anything but luck. Volkswagen has shown that it is possible (twice) to create viral commercials based on research and understanding consumer behavior.