Don't You Wish Your Grandma Was Hot Like Me?

By Scott, Monday, 17 November 2008

For the record, I normally wouldn't post something like this. In fact, I don't have any purpose in doing so. But, for some elusive reason, I can't resist. The first time I watched this video of the Funky Fresh Seniors Choir, I almost felt a little guilty-like someone slowing down at the scene of a car accident to catch a curious glimpse. The second time I saw it, I began to wonder why and how.  The third time, I moved past all of that and simply enjoyed the experience...

Save yourself the first two steps and enjoy the Funky Fresh Seniors Choir.

I Told You So...

By Nathan, Friday, 14 November 2008

In case you didn't check out fivethirtyeight.com (as I so astutely suggested several weeks back), here's a quick update on the results of their 2008 election predictions. They predicted Obama would win 349 electoral votes-he won 365. They were only wrong about Indiana and the Omaha, Nebraska electoral area (home of one of Grand & Weller's very own). 

Let this be a lesson to all who didn't heed my advice.  Only joking... But seriously...

G&W Promotes Alternative Fuel

By Scott, Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Grand & Weller is pleased to announce its growing relationship with a dynamic Texas-based hydrogen fuel system company that has declared war on fossil fuels and dependence on imported oil.  An innovator in economical and environmentally-friendly hydrogen technology, this rapidly growing organization has developed a line of consumer and commercial products that will save Americans money at the gas pump while significantly reducing emissions.  That's not to say this organization's influence is limited to the United States, though. In fact, the impact of the technology will be greater around the globe where older, less fuel efficient engines are common.

We're excited about the opportunity to work closely with the leadership of this organization to further define and develop their brand, marketing their products across the country and around the world. Stay tuned for more specific information about Grand & Weller's successes with this tremendous company.

Research with Caution

By Nathan, Monday, 10 November 2008

In order to stay current on market research, I am continually reading new books on the subject. As of late, though, I've been going back to the basics with "The Market Research Toolbox" by Edward McQuarrie. With regard to planning market research, McQuarrie offers three cautions:

1. Do not fund market research in a reactive mode.
2. Do not fixate on a favorite market research tool.
3. Do not assume that one tool or one research study will be enough.

This is great advice. Organizations should think through their research efforts strategically; research shouldn't be used as a knee-jerk reaction to the minor bumps in the road that affect every brand.

Read more: Research with Caution

Threadless

By Ashley, Friday, 07 November 2008

You’ve probably noticed the rise of graphic tees over the past few years. From online stores, to major fashion labels, to the local Wal-Mart, it seems like we're inundated with t-shirts that make a statement, either literally or artistically. As a result, graphic tees have all but lost their novelty. But there's one place you're sure to find something fresh.

Before the Christmas rush begins, I'd suggest checking out Threadless.com. Although I can’t take full credit (Scott introduced me to the site), I am now a true fan. Not only does the site encourage innovative design (which everyone can appreciate), but it also encourages individuality.

Read more: Threadless

Microsoft's $300M Mistake?

By Scott, Wednesday, 05 November 2008

Last week, Apple released another of the infamous Mac vs. PC ads; this one, entitled "Bean Counter" pokes fun at Microsoft's $300M attempt to rescue its image. Microsoft needs to do something... Apple's year-over-year computer shipments are up 29.4%, far outpacing the industry average of 4.6% (representing Windows-based products). In fact, one in three dollars spent on new computers is spent on Apple products—a trend that doesn't bode well for Microsoft in the long-term.

The $300M "I'm a PC" campaign seems to be based on two premises: 1. Microsoft is a highly desirable lifestyle (just like Apple), and 2. A majority of people have adopted this PC lifestyle. The former is a stretch; the latter is certainly true. There are a couple of problems with this approach, though. First, with regard to the lifestyle label, Microsoft is trying in vain to beat Apple at their own game (even going so far as to mimic elements of Apple's advertising). Second, the fact that a majority of people use PC's is not a convincing sales proposition. Apple has succeeded by telling people why their product is better—not by citing market share or flaunting sales statistics.

Read more: Microsoft's $300M Mistake?

G&W Welcomes Baby Judah

By Scott, Monday, 03 November 2008

This past week, Angela and her husband Brian welcomed Baby Judah, their first bundle of joy. For those who are interested in the stats, here's a note from the happy family:

"We joyfully welcomed Judah into this world on October 28, 2008 in Springfield, Missouri. He is a healthy 7lbs 12oz, 19½ inches long, and the most beautiful boy ever!"

Read more: G&W Welcomes Baby Judah

Guerilla History and Urban Exploration

By Nathan, Friday, 31 October 2008

What exactly is Guerrilla History and Urban Exploration? I'm glad you asked, because I recently found out. 

Washington, DC, (my new home) has started its version of a monthly First Friday Art Walk. I'm not sure, but I think they got the idea from Springfield, Missouri (my former stomping grounds). As a part of this new event, I was invited to an exhibition in an old four-story townhouse in Dupont Circle-one of DC's trendy culture hubs.

Read more: Guerilla History and Urban Exploration

Big Change #3: We're doing our homework (and loving it).

By Scott, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Homework isn't usually fun. Why, you wonder?

Well, for one thing, there are a million more exciting things you could be doing instead. Another reason we avoid homework is because we don't realize the benefits immediately. Granted, we may get a grade on an assignment, which contributes toward a grade in the class. But the real benefit is realized down the road when, consciously or unconsciously, we apply the principles learned through practice to the situations that matter most in life.

Conversely, when a student doesn't do their homework, they risk failing an assignment or class. The real tragedy, though, is the fact that they miss an opportunity to grow. If your organization isn't doing its homework, it's missing an opportunity to grow.

Read more: Big Change #3: We're doing our homework (and loving it).

Smashing

By Nathan, Monday, 27 October 2008

Pepsi vs. Coke

By Nathan, Friday, 24 October 2008

It looks like Pepsi isn't going to sit around and let its arch-nemesis Coca-Cola get too comfortable with its status as the world's best brand.  

Pepsi recently announced plans to spend $1.2 billion over 3 years in a marketing push that includes revamping "every aspect of the brand proposition for our key brands."  

How large will the effect be? Time will tell... One thing's for sure: comprehensively evaluating your brand is the first step in taking it to the next level.

Speed The Light

By Ashley, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

This fall, Grand & Weller wrapped up an exciting project with a fantastic partner, Speed The Light (STL).

Speed the Light is a student-initiated, volunteer charitable program that provides much-needed equipment to missionaries across the nation and in over 180 countries around the world. Since 1944, STL has raised over $220 million for transportation and communication equipment and is now one of the most effective youth missions ministries in the world.

Read more: Speed The Light

Apple's New Macbook: Marketing Manufacturing

By Scott, Monday, 20 October 2008

Last week, Apple released all-new versions of its popular Macbook notebook line. Over the last couple of years, Apple has been crushing the competition when it comes to industry growth (one in three dollars spent on new computers is spent on Macs). The new Macbooks all but ensure that this trend continues: Yes, they're faster. Yes, they look even better. And yes, anyone unfortunate enough to have dropped more than a grand on the previous version just days before the announcement is undoubtedly cursing the Cupertino-based computer-turned-lifestyle-company.

Read more: Apple's New Macbook: Marketing Manufacturing

Best of Brands

By Ashley, Wednesday, 15 October 2008

According to Interbrand's annual list of the Best 100 Global Brands, Coca-Cola is once again the world's most valuable brand. IBM moved up to numero 2, knocking Microsoft to third, with GE and Nokia coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Technology brands saw the greatest brand growth over the past 12 months: Google is up 43%; Apple, up 24%; Amazon, up 19%; and Nintendo, up 13%.

Read more: Best of Brands

BLIK

By Angela, Monday, 13 October 2008

A couple of years ago I discovered the wonderful world of BLIK (think giant stickers for adults). BLIK is an easy, affordable decorating solution that is both colorful and modern.

In commercial settings, large format stickers are a great way to get a message out to the masses (or to look cool trying). Consider how Method utilized this concept in their SoHo store.

BLIK is also great for consumers. It's easy to add some color to a room with your own piece of Pop-Art. For more information, check out BLIK's site: whatisblik.com

A Match Made in Heaven

By Nathan, Sunday, 12 October 2008

It should come as no surprise that I love good research. I also love politics. Combine the two and, in my opinion, you get a match made in heaven.

That's why fivethirtyeight.com is so pleasing to my soul. It's a new website that uses all the election polls around the country, placing different weights on them based on historical accuracy, sample size, and how recent they are. Basically, it mashes them all together and gives visitors the results. It's actually a little more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it.

The accuracy of 538's results in the primaries were unprecedented. You will definitely want to use this site throughout the election season. Where else can you find the statistical probability of a recount?

The G&W Economic Stimulus Plan

By Scott, Friday, 26 September 2008

From plummeting housing values and rising gas prices to stock market volatility and credit-crunching bank failures, we're all affected by the slowing American economy. Chances are, your organization is too.

Interestingly, when the economy takes a turn for the worse, marketing is usually the first thing to get trimmed from the budget. And that's unfortunate, because times like these are ideal opportunities to grow a business through wise investment in marketing. Why? We thought you'd never ask...

Read more: The G&W Economic Stimulus Plan

The Obama Brand

By Nathan, Friday, 19 September 2008

Whether you love him or loathe him, you have to agree on one thing: Barack Obama has built a great brand.

Andrew Romano of Newsweek recently wrote, "Obama is the first presidential candidate to be marketed like a high-end consumer brand."

Even Obama’s logo is becoming iconic. Design guru Michael Bierut told Romano that the stand-alone logo, consistent use of the Gotham typeface ("very American ... conversational and pleasant"), and his attractive website make Mr. Obama the first candidate with a "coherent, top-to-bottom, 360-degree system at work.”

Read more: The Obama Brand

Cliché with a Capital C

By Ashley, Friday, 12 September 2008

Ever get tired of corporate jargon? We try really hard to stay away from clichés here at Grand & Weller. Every once in a while, it just slips out. Usually, we have a good laugh when it does.

One of the reasons we’re not cliché fans is that they tend to be pretty tacky. But beyond that, clichés clutter up communication that would otherwise be clear.

Read more: Cliché with a Capital C