Popular TV show titled ‘The Big Bang Theory celebrates nerds everywhere. This show is a great example of focusing on a target market and keeping it accessable for a wider audience. And it’s just plain funny.
‘Live long and prosper!’ The Star Trek franchise which is over 40 years old, has done just that. I remember the classic TV show from the 60s. Much like the cowboy shows at the time, Star Trek had action, adventure and intrigue. However, the show had a captain instead of a sheriff. Captain Kirk, along with Spock, Bones, Scotty and Sulu, traversed the cosmos in search of new worlds to explore. The show was canceled eventually, but science fiction fans kept the brand alive through fan clubs and conventions.
I actually attended a Star Trek convention, for the most part to see if it was like an old SNL skit staring with William Shatner. It was. Although I must admit that I almost bought a Communicator (with authentic sound!) and a Klingon dictionary.
The new prequel movie will reintroduce the Star Trek brand to movie-goers. Heck, the kids that probably will attend are younger than a Tribble. The actors are also young and the action will be 3G enhanced. From the trailer it looks like The Fast and Furious in space. With the new Star Trek movie, the torch is being passed to a new generation. And I will boldly go to the new movie with my son.
Going Green Landscaping is a commercial and residential landscaping business located in Dublin, Ohio. The web site design won an international platinum award from the Davey Awards. The photo album is easily viewable from the Flash animation. The web site was produced by Marcy Design.
Segway of Ohio is an authorized seller of Segway products. The Segway is a self-balancing personal transportation device with two wheels; can operate in any level pedestrian environment. Segway of Ohio has 5 retail stores located across Ohio and is currently using their web site to communicate with businesses and consumers in an exciting way. This striking Flash animation contains photos, text and videos. The web site was produced by Marcy Design.
Got Myspace? Indeed, who would have ever thought that a website that aims to connect people will be such a hit, with millions of members from all over the world? What’s more, this is not the only one—there are plenty of them. In fact, Facebook is coming in close to Myspace in terms of market share.
Business wise, though, this only means one thing: you have a huge potential market in social networking websites. Making your marketing ploys a lot easier is the fact that there are several built-in applications that you can use to promote your products and services. To give you an idea, read below:
1. You have the blog. Admit it, people will always be hungry of information, whether it is about the weather, social issues, your business, or even about the life that you live. Your entries can be read by your friends, and if it is good, they can even be passed on from one person to another. Simply put, a blog can offer you a very effective free publicity.
2. You can set up groups. Would you like to have a very good idea about the size of your target market? Try to set up an online group right at your chosen social networking website. In here, only those who have interest in what you are offering would definitely like to join. You cannot really expect many, but you know that they will be ones that are the easiest to convince. You can update them about your business, share more information, or invite them to your mailing list, which then allows you to promote your products through their e-mail.
3. You can build up your authoritative character. Why are there some ridiculous products that still get sold every day? Well, it only proves that in business, it is not really what you have per se but how you are able to present them to your market. There are a number of social networking websites that have message boards that you can participate in. If you can just check on them, there could be some questions that you are relevant to your chosen niche. You can share your knowledge and expertise to others, thereby increasing your reputation as an authority in your own field. When there is trust, there is no way that you will not be able to persuade them to accept your business and make it part of their lives.
4. They are free. When you’re in e-business, social networking websites give you an opportunity to save yourself hundreds of dollars in advertising costs and yet be able to reach out as many people as possible. Most of these social networking websites, if not all of them, are completely free. All you need to do is to sign up.
5. You can choose your friends. If you’re using social networking sites to gain contacts, you might as well choose your friends. Fortunately, you can narrow them down by using the Advanced Search option. You can identify the profiles of your potential market.
I will tell you upfront that I love old cartoons. Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, even The Flintstones. Cartoons of the past told simple stories and used a lot of slap-stick routines. The Cartoon Network has created a series of commercials that blend a variety of cartoons together from the past and present. Even your kids might appreciate the comparisons.
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This commercial is a blend of two characters from the same era but different production houses: Tom and Speedy.
I will tell you upfront that I love old cartoons. Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, even The Flintstones. Cartoons of the past told simple stories and used a lot of slap-stick routines. The Cartoon Network has created a series of commercials that blend a variety of cartoons together from the past and present. Even your kids might appreciate the comparisons.
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This commercial is a blend of Dexter and Road Runner.
YKM, one of Turkey’s largest department store has created a very eye-catching shopping bag. The most interesting feature is the handle which represents a jump-rope. The concept works whether someone is carrying the bag or setting it on the ground. Why not let your shoppers help advertise your business?
As far as super-hero movies go, Marvel Entertainment is the top dog. Marvel has created the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Daredevil and of course the Amazing Spider-Man. Iron Man is the latest action movie produced by Marvel that opens this week. And in the future Marvel has thousands of characters in their arsenal that could be brought to the big screen.
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The real hero here is 3D special effects. With studios such as George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic, there is no limit to what can be achieved on screen. Effects such as characters flying are now so realistic, that it’s hard to believe it was actually created on a computer.
Other heroes are storytelling and marketing. Stan Lee, the original publisher of Marvel Comics in the 60s and 70s, sold millions of comics because of his ability to tell great stories about real people. Well, if you consider people being bitten by a radioactive spider and attaining super powers real that is. And he also knew his target market. If only I had kept my original Iron Man comic books #1 through 10.
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Number 1, Budweiser takes the top prize for the best commercial on this year’s Super Bowl with its Bud-Lite spot. Of the 97.5 million viewers this year, a Super Bowl record, the majority of viewers are male, beer-drinking individuals who love football. This is an audience tailored-made for Budweiser. Although this is not an epic TV commercial such as the original ’1984‘ by Apple Computer, it was a hit with the target audience.
