An Ad Campaign that Uses Color Literally and Metaphorically

One day three statisticians went hunting in Maine. Out overlooking an open meadow, they spotted a deer, and the first one took a careful shot but missed by a yard to the left. Miraculously the deer never moved, allowing the second to take his shot, this time missing by a yard to the right. The third took his turn to aim and – BINGO! “We got it!” exclaimed the third with high fives all around. The marketing planning process can seem precisely like this, and people remember the misses more than anything. Sales and customer growth forecasting is complicated under the best of circumstances, and when planning for 2021, we’re all in for some difficult challenges. One basic principle of forecasting is to plan for normalcy, but this year was anything but typical, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty ahead. Several years ago, when we had more human interaction with our peers, I remember my colleague Matt Morton referencing the planning process as being “a bit of alchemy,” which stuck with me. I thought that was a great way to put it. Naturally, we’ll have previous results from which to work, but the real skill involves the ability to make sound assumptions for planning purposes. Get more at: https://cohereone.com/planning-in-chaos/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=99162426&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Fe-e-x7FfpLs6vHkNUBAT-Qiz-lHoetPkpZ3bUZ_E7KVhQoQauWC908pY6r9_kJQFD3RcOl6hkg75lneVJTRK4snWbCwo_yJaUHmecdx01klgoPY&utm_content=99162426&utm_source=hs_email

As a creative agency, we often get asked “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is that sitting behind a desk makes creative ideas harder to come by. For real creative inspiration, it’s important to change your view. Get up, get out of the office, take in a sunset, or simply take a walk. The ideas will start to flow. See video at: https://jschmid.com/get-out-to-get-creative-inspiration/

Black Friday is one of the most competitive times of the year for retailers, with every brand vying for a share of the consumer’s attention and wallet. For CMOs, the pressure to make this Black Friday the best one yet is always top-of-mind. While it’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy of discounts and promotions, the key to a successful Black Friday lies in strategic differentiation and understanding what truly matters to your customers. Here are some expert insights on how to navigate the season effectively and set your brand apart. 1. Focus on Your Value Proposition, Not Just Discounts - In the lead-up to Black Friday, many brands fall into the trap of thinking that bigger discounts automatically lead to better results. But in reality, it’s the value proposition that sets your brand apart, not just the lowest price tag. 2. Timing Is Everything: Be Strategic About Your Promotions - One often overlooked aspect of Black Friday planning is the timing of your promotions. This year, timing could be even more critical with events like elections or other significant happenings that can distract consumers from shopping.