Lenovo defies gravity with YouTube Space Lab contest
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Since Lenovo bought IBM's PC business in 2005, the Beijing-based company has kept a low-marketing profile in the U.S., despite its standing as the world's second-largest PC vendor, behind Hewlett-Packard. Then in 2010, the company hired former Apple and HP executive David Roman as CMO in a bid to become a top-of-mind tech brand. Lenovo's new partnership in an online youth science project, The YouTube Space Lab launched by Lenovo, is a step in that direction. More



American Express, 'Billboard' launch Facebook entertainment channel
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American Express is joining with Billboard to launch an entertainment channel on its Facebook page that will provide cardmembers with exclusive ticket offers and other specials. Consumers (including noncardmembers) can "like" the Amex Entertainment Channel in order to engage with the financial services brand. By liking the page, they gain access to exclusive ticket offers, insider updates and innovative experiences with some of the biggest names in music. More

Kodak offers free printing of Facebook pictures
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Eastman Kodak Company announced it will offer free printing of Facebook photos from Oct. 17-23. The Rochester, N.Y.-based printing company is making efforts to remind the digital community the value of a picture in hand rather than a million on the hard drive. "Kodak is dedicated to providing customers unique solutions to help create and share their memories," said Larry Trevarthen, vice president of worldwide marketing for Kodak's Retail Systems Solutions, in a statement. More

Social Media + Charity Promotions: A Primer Does your 2012 marketing plan involve promotions tied to a charitable cause? Commercial Co-Ventures (CCV) that integrate promotions with a charity are an effective way to drive brand engagement while raising awareness and funds for a worthy cause. However, what does it mean to be fully compliant with regulatory requirements? What are the strategies with social media? Click here for an overview from Gage Marketing. more

Electric vehicles on display at 1st National Plug In Day
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Local electric vehicle advocates recently joined the first National Plug In Day, placing several electric cars, motorcycles and minivans on view in downtown Santa Cruz, Calif., as a way to draw attention to the benefits of the environmental alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. The event drew a small crowd to the parking lot of Ecology Action, which Ecology Action served as host. Included were test drives of the Nissan Leaf, which became available in 2010, and the chance to chat with electric car owners. More

Recognize sampling's increased social value! Considering product sampling for 2012? Plan to play using “New Rules” (apologies to Mr. Maher) required in our era of enhanced social communication? Today’s samples act not only to generate trial but also as valued and appreciated opportunities to get people talking. Check out this recent article in Promo Magazine article link

Social media influences brand reputation
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Social media plays an important role in how consumers discover, research and share information about brands and products, according to research from Nielsen/McKinsey's NM Incite. Consumers are very much part of the decision funnel for other consumers, says Radha Subramanyam, senior vice president of media and advertising analytics, NM Incite. "What is really surprising is not how many people are reading consumer-generated reviews today, but the vast swaths of people who are actively creating such content," Subramanyam says. More



Serving up comics in 'specially-marked boxes'
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A marketing mainstay of bygone days, prizes inside boxes of cereal, is alive and well, with brands like the Big G line of cereals from General Mills offering various free trinkets from time to time. Now, Big G is upping the ante with a partnership with the DC Comics division of Time Warner. Big G is offering custom editions of DC's Justice League comic books inside, as they like to say, "specially-marked boxes" of cereals that include Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms and Trix. More

Retailers get what they 'want': More Facebook
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As the old Rolling Stones song goes, you can't always get what you want. However Facebook and retailers across the Web will soon let you at least tell your friends what you want. Maybe they'll get it for you. Facebook and eBay have unveiled a partnership that signals the new "social verbs" announced at F8 in September, are likely almost here. GSI Commerce, owned by eBay, and its 180 major clients will be able to implement "Want" and "Own" buttons. More

5 holiday marketing ideas to boost sales
Practical eCommerce    Share   
The holiday shopping season runs from the end of October to the end of the year, and it can represent as much as 20-40 percent of a retailer's total annual sales. So even marginal improvements in marketing effectiveness can amount to significant improvements to the bottom line. Here are five marketing ideas that could help your business in this important shopping season. More

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Is this your moment? The 2012 PMA REGGIE Awards opens for entries
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Is this your moment? The 2012 PMA REGGIE Awards opens for entries. The REGGIE Awards are the most prestigious awards in the industry, honoring campaigns that promote brands, motivate consumers and accelerate sales. With 21 categories there are multiple opportunities for your best programs to earn recognition. New this year, the REGGIE judges are sharing tips to help you write your submission, as well as giving feedback on any entry from a PMA member company — an extra value since the REGGIE Awards are one of the earliest awards and always a strong predictor of other competitions. New Pro Bono category added. Visit www.pmalink.org/reggieawards for all the details.

Embedding Social Media Into The Marketing Mix Social media is embedded in every aspect of the customer journey - from ratings and reviews to "like" buttons and tweets. The opportunity for marketing has evolved from building individual social applications to using social media to enhance a variety of channels. Download the Forrester Whitepaper

PMA University 101 class starts Oct. 25, 201 and 301 classes begin in November
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PMA University picks up where many college educations end. The courses are taught by professionals in the workplace, and answer practical "how to" questions. The classes are small and encourage one-on-one discussions. Choose from Promotion 101 — perfect for the three-to-five-year promotion manager, Promotion and Integrated Marketing 201 designed for the five-plus-year manager, plus executive and ROI & Metrics 301, a companion class to 201 that focuses on results and how to measure them. See the full schedule and agendas here.