Who's in your fav 5?

Charles Barkley and Dwayne Wade

I decided to discuss an old commercial today that I thought was funny back then and would help gain business for the phone company, however the company has sold all it's right to a bigger phone company. T-mobile needed a new idea to draw attention to the company as Verizon Wireless and AT&T were bringing in most of the business, the result was the "Fav 5" idea. Each member of T-mobile was able to select 5 people from their contacts list and they were able to call these people and their minutes wouldn't count against these five people. A way of advertising how the Fav 5 could work, T-mobile hired NBA current superstar Dwayne Wade and 1980s superstar Charles Barkley to create commercials in which Wade is doing whatever he can to get into Barkley's Fav 5. In this current commerical, Barkley and Wade are at a golf course and Dwayne is attempting a putt. Charles makes fun of Dwayne for his sweater, and Dwayne says he is trying to concentrate on the putt. Charles makes the putt more intense when he tells Dwayne if he makes it, he will be put into Barkley's Fav 5. As Wade is in his back-swing, Charles calls him and Dwayne misses the shot terribly, then answers the phone to hear Charles say "I'm sorry, were you busy?" The commercial then ends with the highlights of being part of a Fav 5. These commercials lasted for a while, however T-mobile did not. This past year, AT&T bought out T-mobile for $39 million, and while T-mobile phones are no longer existent, AT&T grew stronger. I thought these commercials helped the business out, I guess it goes to show the business goes where the money is, and if there's no money sell out.

Above the Influence

Above the Influence

When people are partying, drinking, smoking marijuana, they often make reckless decisions without thinking because they were drunk or high, or even both. These decisions lead to carelessness and also accidents, which could harm innocent people or the one causing the accident. There is a way to preventing this, staying above the influence. Above the Influence is a website started to try and prevent kids from drinking or doing drugs. The website has facts about drugs, gives advice for those on drugs, and also talks about how to prevent drugs around you. This is a great idea, however the commercials are what make the advertisement known. The commercials normally show an adolescent involved in an accident or a problem and it is because the person did drugs earlier, the commercial then symbolizes how the person could have prevented this problem if the person didn't use drugs. These commercials are all different, but all show the same message. In this particular commercial, a son is being yelled at by his dad after the son crashed the car the night before. The dad is angry and saying how the son has changed so much and he is unsure why, because before this he would have never crashed the car. The son never speaks in the ad but only stares at his dad. At the end of the commercial, one of the sons friends shows up telling him he left something at the party: his brain. The ad then shows the above the influence slogan. This proves the message that dumb decisions are made if you do not stay above the influence. What sounds better, having a buzz for a small amount of time, or preventing injury by staying above the influence.

State Farm... There for any occasion

State Farm

Car accidents happen often, I am not quite sure what the exact number is but I am guessing it is at least five accidents a day, and when you are in the accident you need you agent, and of course "like a good neighbor, state farm is there"..... "with a new girlfriend." State farm has been a good insurance agency for quite some time, they have fair rates, they work well with you and also give you rewards for not getting into accidents. However, State Farm has recently been making commercials that not only sell their pitch, but add humor as well. Their slogan has always been "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." However they have added more to the commercial, giving people their dream wishes when the agent arrives. Whether it be a hot tub, a good looking girl, being saved by buffalo, or Bob Barker, a State Farm agent is there for you when you need him/her with whatever you need, at least that's what the commercials say. In this commercial, a couple is arguing after a fender bender and the woman is screaming at the man for misjudging his park job. The man after a time is irritated by the girl and says the slogan, "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." An agent appears and the girl sees that, she then says with a "New Boyfriend". The male character is replaced by a more handsome, muscular male. The male then says with a "New Girlfriend". The female character is replaced by a cuter girl. The two characters then argue over the new appearances, however the message sticks: State Farm will help you with whatever you need, whenever you need it. All you need to do is say the chant....

PC or mini-fridge?

PC or mini-fridge

What sounds like a better buy? A refrigerator along with a free ice cube tray or a PC with a free Xbox 360. This   is what PC is advertising now in order to compete with Macs from Apple. Over the last couple of years, there has been a big battle of what computer is better a Mac or a PC? While each has there different advertising approaches, PC's previous attempt at being the better buy is they always update a better type of Windows. Windows Vista is the second oldest one version, and over the last two years Windows advertised about Windows 7, the latest and greatest version that would be faster than any computer against it. However Apple still competed well for a couple reasons. The first is Apple's original brand and type of computer sells itself, Apple has done a great job with advertising, and one of the final reasons is Apple lately has given away a free iPod Touch with every purchase of a Mac. Now PC has come up with another approach at competing with Mac, giving away one of their own products. Whoever buys a new PC this year will receive a free Xbox 360 and controller. The commercial really shows why a PC is more important than to have a mini-fridge, especially when the character from the game destroys the mini-fridge. This shows that there's no contest, why buy a mini-fridge when you instead can have a PC and a free Xbox 360. This way PC will compete with Apple for which company is the better buy.

Free Credit Score

Free Credit Score

If you are trying to sign for a college loans, car loans, house loans, or personal loans, the bank needs to know one crucial piece of information before they approve your loan: your credit score. This part of your life that makes or break a loan, all of you history information on whether you made payments or not. Did you know that you have to pay in order to find out what your credit score is? Actually you get one free report through the government every year. However if you watch this commercial and apply to this website, you get a free credit score through freecreditscore.com. The commercial is a catchy commercial of two men golfing and on the golf cart is the man's credit score of 820, which is really good. This man is calm cool and relaxed. Narrating the commercial is a singer sitting on the back of the golf cart explaining how he keeps his credit score so high, by getting a free credit score through the website. This commercial is seen regularly on multiple TV channels. However this isn't the first type of website advertising a free credit score. Remember a couple years ago a man playing guitar in his basement, dressed as a pirate, talking about freecreditreport.com? Quite the same huh, well the only thing really different is the actor. I wonder if it is the same company but only different because it wasn't making profit. This goes with what we talked about in our discussion how you need to change advertising in company to find the profit.

Abercrombie and Fitch

All girls want to be with this kind of guy, all guys want to have this kind of body. Abercrombie and Fitch, an expensive brand name clothing company that symbolize if you are wearing their brand logo (a moose), you have a sense of class and are also elegant. While the brand symbolizes a sign of fancy, the advertisement stands for something else. All Abercrombie and Fitch advertisements have either a fit guy with a six-pack abs and toned arms, or a skinny attractive female with big breasts and an attractive face. The Abercrombie and Fitch models will always look like that, they will never be guys with no abs, or a guy with a large stomach. The girl can never have acne, or a larger body, or even a slightly unattractive face. These models are like all models, what American society represents as the "perfect" body type. While a small portion of society actually has this type of body, the advertisements still bring in a profit because society wants to be like these models. Abercrombie and Fitch benefits from the wants of American society and use their jealousy and needs by making these types of advertisements. The brand knows what society wants, and if people with a "perfect" body wear there brand, then people will want to be like them and also wear their brand. This company uses these ads wisely and also will make profit from them until society feels a fit body isn't the "perfect" body. Abercrombie and Fitch manipulates society because they use what we want. From this they are a successful brand, however they became successful by not thinking about the consumer's feelings but rather their wants, the want to be fit.                                                                              

Hershey's Kisses

Hershey's Kisses

Everybody loves chocolate, children, teenagers, adults, parents, the elderly. While any kind of chocolate tastes great, nothing beats the tiny treat of a Hershey's kiss. Pure milk chocolate, crafted into a unique shape everybody knows, and put into a wrapper proving it is Hershey's, these kisses can get past around easy. But while Hershey's kisses are world known for their flavor, they got it from the creative advertising used. One appeal Hershey's tries to go for is that all kids love a Hershey's kiss. This commercial shows a kiss being made and prepared for delivery, with a bunch of other kisses celebrating the departure of this tasty treat. The kiss is then catapulted into a hole that says "Spread Happiness". There are also holes which say, "Spread Love", and "Send a Smile". This is showing the kisses goal is to do one of those three or overall make the world a better place. There are many commercials displaying kisses and how they make people happy. The main target of these ads is always children, because if children like kisses, then so will the rest of the family, and the happiness will be spread. Hershey's kisses, making the world a happier place.

Nike Free: Free Yourself

Nike Free

After selecting Nike to do my major project, I felt it is good to blog about a Nike product that has become popular as of recent. One of their newest shoe lines, Nike Free. This show is one of the lightest Nike has to offer and is made so you barely feel like you have shoes on when you are wearing these shoes. The Nike free is also designed with many ridges in the bottom which enables you to move freely, hence the name Nike Free. In this commercial, there are no famous athletes, just a bunch of unknown people, performing either a stunt very well or playing a sport well. The commercial is long because it reaches out to all people, no matter what sport or activity you are involved in, Nike is trying to reach everyone. After it shows these people performing well, the ending is a race with many people all wearing the same design of shoe but different colors. This is the Nike Free, after the race begins, the words free yourself appear on the screen, representing this shoe. This line launched in 2010 and has become a huge success, they are already beginning to create the third version of this shoe. I own a pair of Nike Frees and it is the lightest shoe I own. Nike does stick to its advertising, because this shoe is light and is very flexible, enabling you to "Free Yourself". Another way Nike allows people to "Free Yourself" with the Nike Free is you can customize the shoes and they come in a variety of colors, showing your true colors. Mine are bright pink with neon green laces. Competitors are trying to create their own line of shoes similar to these because of how successful Nike has been with this shoe. This shows how Nike makes a successful shoe, because they aren't targeting a specific person they just want you to be you and free yourself.

iPod 3G

iPod 3G
Because our discussion is discussing brands we find as outgoing, I decided to blog about an advertisement my brand created. The brand I have chosen is Apple and the advertisement as an older one from 2007. In this ad there are many backdrop colors and then there are characters in black dancing to music, and the music is coming from the white device they are carrying throughout the commercial, and this device is the iPod. This commercial is catchy, interesting and people enjoyed these commercials so much, they made multiple variations of them, one to match the description of any music listener. The commercial was advertising how iTunes is now accessible for Windows, but it received attention for more than that. The ad showed how people can have fun and do whatever they want with their iPod. They don't have to worry about being judged or anything. They can be and express themselves through music. Apple made these commercials and it stuck for a while, and eventually the commercial idea was put into the product as Apple soon made iPods with different colors, another way to have people express themselves. Apple wants people to be themselves, and this commercial was the beginning of Apple's idea to express yourself.

Apple's iPad

iPad

The iPad, Apple's newest line of products. A product that is bigger than any iPod but not as big as a MacBook. This device is good for any age and also either gender. This commercial shows how useful an iPad is by stating the first words, iPad is.... The list then grows by showing one thing and iPad can do, then selecting a verb that fits what it just did. This commercial shows how useful an iPad can be. Both my parents have an iPad and they use it everyday. After using an iPad, I too have found out how it is a reliable piece of technology because it is an iPod, but it is bigger and has more features than an iPod. One example of the features is it displays a full newspaper, and the image is actually a paper compared to the website. But the iPad is not just for newspapers, full magazines can be read on it and it looks like magazine because to turn the page, you must use the motion of turning a page, and then it turns the page.
In terms of marketing, the iPad has expanded another line of products for Apple, which is constantly upgrading and using the newest technologies in order to make a product work faster and easier for the consumer. The iPad has already come out with it's second model, the iPad 2, and Apple will make a large profit from it. While some found the iPad as a joke originally, it has become a household product that no one jokes about now, as its usefulness is seen everyday, and also in commercials. When in doubt, all you need to ask is what the iPad is....

McDonald's--Hand Dance

Hand Dance
Have you ever seen this commercial before? Well it is by McDonald's new commercial that is trying to sell their new Mocha Café. I found the song that is playing in the background catchy and also upbeat that makes whoever is watching television stop and watch to see what is being sold. It is crazy how McDonald's tries to attract a wide range of people during the commercial. The commercial is targeting the younger to mid 20's age group because it is trying to sell the product coffee, but the age of the actors and actresses are younger, which attracts the attention of the youth. This commercial I feel is successful because McDonald's new line of coffee is becoming a hit at the store, and this ad is trying to show if you drink this product, you will have energy and feel upbeat based off the product. 

In terms of marketing, the McDonald's McCafé line is an up and coming line of coffees, milkshakes, cappuccino, and other types of drinks that is helping McDonald's make an even large profit than the profit they currently make. Now people go into McDonald's specifically for their line of McCafé for a specialty drink. This commercial benefits the line and will help it grow and produce profit.   

Pepsi Max

Pepsi Max

The super bowl, one of the best times to see this year's newest advertisements, it also was a great year because my team won the Lombardi Trophy. While the game was exciting and fun to watch, everyone knows a good portion of the viewers watch the game only for the halftime show and the commercials. I decided to talk about one of my favorite commercials from this past Super Bowl. This commercial is promoting Pepsi Max and it's about two people on their first date. On the date each person is smiling at each other, then the commercial goes into each person's thoughts. The girl thinks all these questions of what the guy thinks of her, what he does with his hair, if he wants to kiss her. The guy is thinking a recurring thought. "I want to sleep with her." He says this over and over until he sees the girl's beverage, a Pepsi Max. The man's thought then changes to "I want her Pepsi Max", over and over. The girl either notices him staring at her drink or reads his mind and thinks back "Not a chance". The commercial ends on a funny note with the guy thinking. "Dang. Oh wait to which one?" The commercial's last image is of a can of Pepsi Max.
This to me was a funny commercial but also showed how Pepsi is trying to reach all age groups. Pepsi has multiple commercials during the Super Bowl each year, all revolving around humor and all try to get a mixture of age groups. This one is specifically targeted and the younger age group, more specifically people in their early 20s. The ad is saying, Pepsi Max is so good, it will take a man's attention away from sleeping with a girl. This ad I feel was successful because Pepsi Max is still being sold regularly and hasn't discontinued. Pepsi is successful at marketing because of the wide range of age groups they reach out to with their humor. Another reason Pepsi is successful is Pepsi ran a campaign telling people to make their own Pepsi Max commercial and the winner's would be on during the Super Bowl. This ad was the winner, but the main point is Pepsi is trying to attract viewers by getting them involved, and involvement does attract attention. Pepsi could have used a catchy slogan to go with the commercial to make it funnier, such as "Pepsi Max... better than sleeping with someone" or something to that extent.

Assignment # 1

Animas Corporation

       The brand that I chose to write about it is Animas Corporation.  Animas Corporation is a company that deals with diabetes by selling cutting edge product such as an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a device that administrates insulin into the body through an injection site connected from the pump to the body with plastic tubing. The plastic tubing is connected to the body by a needle inserted into the body and the needle is removed and a plastic tube is left in the body. Pumps are also described as an external pancreas. While an insulin pump eases life for the diabetic, it is not a cure. However, the pump eliminates multiple needle injections daily but still have to check blood sugar.

      This company can be described as a helping hand to the treatment for diabetes. The personality of this company is seen as helpful and caring because it tries to ease the pain of treatments for diabetes. Animas’ goal is “finding ways to make diabetes exceedingly manageable in every way”.  What makes Animas unique is the type of product it sells. While the insulin pump market is a competitive market, I feel there are two main companies, Animas and Medtronic. I have used both types of pumps and what makes Animas unique is the helpfulness of their support system. If I ever had a problem, I would call them and they could answer my questions easily, showing their helpfulness. Also, I went out of the country and they set me a backup pump in case of an accident, showing how they are one step ahead and ready to lend a helping hand.
           The first reason I am like Animas because I am a diabetic. I have had diabetes since I was four years old and prior to using a pump, I had to take daily injections using multiple needles each day.  I am similar to Animas because I use their kind of pump. My pump is part of my everyday life, which makes me similar to Animas because I represent what they stand for, easing the pain of a diabetic. Another reason I am similar to Animas is because I am like to be a helping hand to other diabetics.  I attend Children with Diabetes Conferences each year and this is how I became aware of Animas Corporation. For the last couple of years I have been a part of the faculty at these conferences, which has given me the opportunity to help children who have diabetes feel comfortable with this disease and their families. By doing this, I feel like I am lending my helping hand to those who have diabetes, just like Animas. The last reason why I am like Animas is because like Animas I use the newest technology to help treat diabetes. Animas as a pump company, tries to find the newest technology and constantly upgrade their pumps for diabetics so they have less pain and do not have to rely on daily needle injections for their insulin.

Work Sited:
Animas' Goal

Reebok Zig Tech: Chad Ocho Cinco

Here is the link:
Zig Tech Commercial



Have you ever wanted to know what makes your feet feel like an energy drink?

Well the answer is that you should buy Reebok Zig Tech shoes. Their slogan says it all it is the "The energy drink for you feet". This ad was first displayed on TV a little over a year ago, introducing Reebok's new line of shoe. The ad displays a superstar, Chad OchoCinco, wearing these shoes and doing all of his training for football. This shoe ad is different than Nike or Adidas shoe ads because in the beginning of the ad, you do not know who the person is in the ad. The ad is also animated, and one does not initially know a person will be in the ad. Reebok uses only a black backdrop and neon red lines to animate the ad. It is very eye-catching because not many ads appear like this.

I found this ad appealing because it was a new and upcoming thing, and this type of shoe has not been seen before so it caught my attention. As I said before, Zig Tech is the "Energy drink for your feet". This slogan caught my attention: What makes it the energy drink for your feet? How do you get more energy from it? How does the design of the shoe give you more energy? This slogan is what made me purchase a pair of these shoes.

From a marketing perspective, this ad is extremely successful. Not only is the ad eye-catching, this new line of shoe became successful. This is a brand new kind of shoe, and from this one ad, Reebok made a high profit. They were also able to create different kinds of Zig Tech shoes including the Zig Tech basketball shoe. Also another thing is in some ads, the ad says to go online and see all of the options available for the shoe and how you can customize it with nearly any color, which then appeals to all consumers. This ad reaches a wide age range and also reaches both genders because of this. This type of ad also displays the message if you wear Zig Tech, you will be to perform like Chad OchoCinco.

Blog #1

Gatorade Commercial
This is one of my favorite ads of all time, representing Gatorade. This was first aired on TV in 2006 and each superstar in the ad (Dwayne Wade, Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Maria Sharapova) all won a big event in their respected sport. The ad shows highlights from these events such as a touchdown pass or a game winning basket. This ad is inspiration because it shows the hard work and dedication that is athletes must do in order to succeed. When these stars need to rehydrate, they turn to Gatorade to replenish themselves. This ad is a successful marketing tool because younger kids look up the these athletes and they see the stars drinking Gatorade and improving their game, then if the kids drink it they will improve their game as well. Also from a marketing perspective, this commercial, this ad helped set off more ads and also more products that Gatorade has made, which helped them find a marginal profit. In 2006, there was only select types of Gatorade, now the product has expanded to a G series, or even a weight loss series. This ad is a prime example of how a product succeeds from an ad, and then expands off it as well.