ReThinc Advertising

The Miami Heat made a “Harlem Shake” video this week. You may have seen it. If not, you are one of the few. 

You probably also saw the Minnesota Timberwolves response video. And chances are you have seen the dozens of other teams racing to make videos of their own and go viral.

The National Basketball Association used to rely on commercials to gain viewers and showcase creativity. And while those ads have not disappeared, it seems that players are doing a fine job of selling themselves.

Twitter, Instagram and YouTube bring fans closer to the superstars they love more than ever before. Players update frequently, until their posts become as common on a user’s news feed as their own friends’.

Want to know what Dwayne Wade thinks first thing in the morning? Chances are he tweeted it.

Or what the Clippers’ do on their private plane? Chris Paul just posted a picture.

Locker room rituals? Parties? Family pictures? What they ate? Check. Check. Check and check.

32% of online talk centered around the NBA this week and while much of it stemmed from televised games, players are attracting attention of their own.

The Miami Heat version of the Harlem Shake gained over 34 million viewers in less than a week.

So are viral videos and player tweets going to take the place of NBA ad campaigns? Unlikely.

However, there is no doubt that the players are doing their part in bringing [free] attention to themselves, and the league.

~Lauren Hillhouse

On the off chance that you have not seen the “Harlem Shake” heard round the world, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir2TdfSwH8g                                                                            

(Source: Mashable)

Permalink: http://tmblr.co/ZeTwtwffXXlp

Often during this time of year, in between spending hours waiting in line at the mall to buy your cousin a camo print Snuggie and having to deal with grandma asking you one more time why you don’t have a boy/girlfriend, it becomes easy to lose sight of the charitable spirit of the season. Well, I have the solution for your winter woes! Studies show that philanthropy and volunteerism can greatly improve your mood and not only add a sense of purpose to your life but also to the lives of those you help as well.

So if your heart is feeling two sizes too small this year, keep reading because there is still time left to bring meaning to your holiday season before Christmas. Below I have listed five charitable organizations you can give back to—one for each day remaining before Christmas.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities have been giving the families of sick children a comfortable place to sleep while their child undergoes hospital care. Ronald McDonald House Charities work not only to provide a bed for these families, but also to bring hope and courage into their lives whilst they face an array of life challenges. Like any charity, however, the Ronald McDonald House cannot function without the help of volunteers and donors. Donations are accepted year-round, and more information can be found at www.rmhcphoenix.com/donate. The House also schedules volunteers to go in and cook dinner for those staying at the House, and more information about that can be found at www.rmhcphoenix.com/cook-dinner.

http://www.rmhcphoenix.com/

American Red Cross

Of course, not everyone is capable of donating their time or money at this time of year. Times are tough, after all. But it is always possible to donate blood in order to save lives. The American Red Cross welcomes people to come in to one of their facilities (check www.redcross.org for more information about how to give) and check to see if they are eligible to donate. Blood is a precious resource that can be used year-round to save lives and help people, and donating won’t even hurt your pocketbook!

http://www.redcross.org/

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

Here in the United States, there are so many brave men and women who fight for our safety. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a great organization that gives back to members of the armed forces who have served our country dutifully and need assistance of some sort either in their daily lives or during a period of hospitalization. Though Memorial Day is long past for the year, the holidays are just as good a time as any to give to our veterans. More information can be found at www.semperfifund.org.

http://www.semperfifund.org/

United Food Bank

Canned foods will always be in demand by those who have nothing to eat for dinner. The United Food Bank of Arizona relies on its holiday donations in order to help feed the hungry throughout the rest of the year. So feel free to dig through your pantry or take a trip to the store in order to be able to donate nonperishable food items, because the food you provide today will help to feed those who are less fortunate not only tomorrow but all through next year as well.

http://unitedfoodbank.org/

Arizona Humane Society

During the winter season people often forget our furry, four-legged friends. Thousands of animals go without homes, food, or water just the same as people. Though Arizona’s winters may be mild, there are still thousands of animals throughout the state that rely on food and monetary donations to survive. The Arizona Humane Society has been helping animals of all kinds to not only find homes but to also rehabilitate them and give them a warm place to sleep. More information on donating to the Arizona Humane Society can be found at www.azhumane.org and giving can be as simple as donating a bag of animal food or a dog bed.

 http://www.azhumane.org/

While you finish up your shopping and are spending time with family, it never hurts to remember those who may not be as lucky as you are. Being philanthropic doesn’t have to mean spending endless amounts of time or money volunteering (though you are more than welcome to). It can be as simple as taking a bag of dog food to your local pet shelter, giving some cans to a food bank, or dropping a toy off for a child who would not otherwise get anything for Christmas. So if not being able to find a parking spot at the store has you in a stress panic and the holiday season seems to have lost its meaning, try squeezing some volunteerism into your life. You’ll be glad you did!  

                                                             -Ana Lopez

Permalink: http://tmblr.co/ZeTwtwZiOOGi

Ever wondered how you could spend $4 million in just thirty seconds?

No?

Okay, we haven’t either. But just in case you’re curious now, the Super Bowl would be a great place to start. That’s how much a half minute spot is selling for on CBS during the most-watched sporting event in the U.S. And that’s not even including costs of production of the spot.

Though it seems a bit early in most people’s minds (since the majority of America is focused on the holidays), the advertising-obsessed are looking ahead to February and what it will mean for contemporary advertising.

In an age of increasingly fragmented markets, it seems a near impossible task to communicate effectively with such a huge group of people at once. Yet every year, Super Bowl ads garner almost as much attention as the game itself, with entire websites dedicated to featuring and reviewing both the best and the worst for that year. While most of America’s attention is focused on which teams will make the Bowl, ad buffs are wondering what brands will pony up the cash for air time. A lot of spots are predictable: Coke, Pepsi, Budweiser, GoDaddy, though in a game changer this year, GM decided not to buy any spots at all, leaving many curious as to who will fill those gigantic shoes.

Ad geeks have also been wondering what ideas will thread together the Super Bowl ad sphere. A theme that proved popular last year was that of hope in the face of economic downturn—definitely an uplifting motif that mirrored American sentiments. This Chrysler ad with Clint Eastwood was a viewer favorite. 

So what will be the talk of the airwaves this coming year? It’s hard to say, because companies like to keep their brilliant ideas under tight wraps. But rest assured that corporations will be shelling out the cash in order to make sure you, the viewer, are as entertained by the breaks as you are by the game. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt if you went out and bought their product either.

                                                                           -Ana Lopez

Permalink: http://tmblr.co/ZeTwtwYE82SF

November is officially in full swing now, the holidays are upon us, and many a man has taken the initiative to participate in “Movember”, or No Shave November. “What is this?” you ask. Well, let me break it down for ya.

Starting in 2004, the Movember charity began gaining traction as it spread throughout the world, inspiring men to grow out their facial hair in the name of awareness for men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer. Since then it has become increasingly popular and garnered its own cultural following. Men are encouraged to shave one last time on October 31^st, and then register at Movember.com to keep them accountable and active within the Movember community. Their new facial hair is meant to prompt conversation surrounding the reason behind their new handlebar/pencil/Dali moustache, leading to awareness for various men’s health issues. They are allowed to bring the razor back out December 1^st, but until then are encouraged to get creative with their facial hair and have a little fun with it.

This movement has gained a definite pop culture following, inspiring men everywhere to get artistic with their newly-grown facial hair. There is even an infographic explaining what kind of moustache each man should grow, for the guys out there who are overwhelmed by all the options.

And for the guys whose ‘stache is still looking rather sparse after two week’s growth—never fret. Nick Offerman reassures that “It Gets Fuller” in his new hilarious video full of “Office” cameos.

Of course this is to say naught of work obligations that men still have to fulfill. The moustache is still not always welcomed at the water cooler. And let’s not even discuss the issues that girlfriends tend to take up with the Fu Manchu. But all those problems aside, the Movember cause is a great one that really brings attention to men’s health issues which often don’t see the light of day. So if you’re late to the game this year, fear not! You can always donate at us.movember.com or get more info at mademan.com/movember. And be sure to mark your calendars for next year, because Movember is only going to gain, both in popularity and in bristiliness.

                                                                                              -Ana Lopez

Permalink: http://tmblr.co/ZeTwtwXGbEMa

You’re an experimental, up-and-coming designer looking to revolutionize the game and snag a huge promotion. Unfortunately, your agency’s newest client reeks of a Gutenberg printing press and refuses to stray from the industry’s status quo. For a traditionalist marketing VP, thinking “outside the box” typically translates to “out of the question.” So, how do you appease the client and get that coveted Webby, ADDY or CLIO nod that you know is rightfully yours this year?

The equation for an effective marketing project or long-term partnership isn’t that complex and believe it or not, driving sales has little to do with lucrative, lasting business relations. Furthermore, whether your firm considers Reichheld’s Net-Promoter Score to be the Holy Grail or not, word-of-mouth marketing (referrals) can greatly impact new and old business. Over the years, we’ve figured out the secret to transforming radical concepts into genius campaigns. Here’s how we do it:

1.      Always have your client’s best interests in mind – ulterior motives are usually transparent from the get-go and can potentially ruin a great relationship. From start to finish, your design and executive team should be asking, “how can we truly help this company?” Instead of thinking about what your agency can sell or which design competition to submit an upcoming project to, dig deep and discover what your client really needs.

2.      Be graciously honest. If a client’s archaic paper mailer and outmoded 30-second radio spot are worse off than those singing Quizno’s rodents, please speak up. If you don’t, your creative department will lose credibility with the client, the local design community, and future prospects. Don’t be pushy but feel free to provide company case studies that resulted in advertising magic.

3.      Treat clients as friends. Do you constantly ignore friends? Would you help a buddy in need? How do you provide value in a friendship? Would you ever take advantage of a peer? Are conversations repeat gab about old stuff or new times to be had? To treat a clients as friends, think of how you treat your own. Answer a client call whenever possible or respond in a timely manner. When crises arise, offer your agency’s assistance instead of going on a company-wide vacation. In addition, don’t purposely render your agency obsolete but any carefully crafted information-sharing alliance can end up beneficial to all involved.

“The key to having a successful agency-client relationship is taking the time to truly listen and deliver what’s best for their business, not figure out the way to generate the most profit from them.”

-ReThinc Principal Stephanie Riley

Permalink: http://tmblr.co/ZeTwtwU86M8i