Windows 7 Marketing Wars

While we're on the topic of marketing wars has anyone seen the Mac/ PC war now that Windows 7 is out? Here's the a commercial for Windows 7:



Windows 7 based it's ad campaign on 'regular' people who came up with ideas that would make their life easier. They probably got these brilliant ideas from using a Mac, but that's not the point. The point is that this marketing campaign is trying to reach the Average Joe by saying that Windows 7 is an organic creation of what 'the people' want. Windows 7 boasts speed, simple interfaces, and a better overall experience.

Take a quick look at Apple's response:



Obviously Apple's market dominance is clear, and they simply respond by making fun of Windows. If I were Apple, I'd probably laugh too. The bottom line is that people who want a seamless overall experience will be willing to pay the price for a Mac.

I wonder how long it will be until business actually start to adopt Mac's too.

Corporate Simulation

For our Understanding Organizations course, we were involved with an all day corporate simulation, which many other MBA's do as well. Each person received the company's 10k, and each individual took a role that was no less than a Senior VP. Before the simulation, each student received a set of email correspondence between their role and other VP's; however, this also meant that we all had a different set of knowledge and priorities.

Overall, I thought the day was particularly useful and relevant. Everyone worked hard to analyze what the primary issues with the company were (product sale slumps, poor budgeting in R&D, production and warehouse issues and marketing to the right audiences). Because we had to pitch our top recommendations for 2010 to the board of directors, I thought, as a group, we worked quickly and efficiently, and I anticipated more clashing priorities and personalities. However, we all seemed to agree and most conversations were really amicable - so much so, that we all thought it was a bit odd.

I took my ideal position of VP of Sales & Marketing, which was particularly interesting because the company faced issues with products and how they were marketed. In terms of the products, some consumers looked for a 'healthy' option, while others preferred taste. Even a 1% change in sodium consequently would change sales. We decided that we would revamp one of the products for a 'lite' choice, and an 'original' option - similar to the Coca Cola Classic marketing harkening back to the original formula versus the new one with artificial sweetener. Additionally, the company used general messages when advertising globally, and some messages were not appropriate to certain audiences. We decided that we'd take a more localized marketing approach to specifically reach the target consumers. Devising a plan that took all of the facets of the business was exciting.

However, one thing that stuck out to me from the simulation day was who 'held' the weight when it came to the presentation. The other VP of Marketing and I sat as we watched 6 members of our team present and noticed it was comprised of all alpha males and one female. At first I didn't think much of it, but then started questioning why the SVP of International was presenting on Marketing, and why the Marketing VP's weren't discussing the implications of the new marketing strategy. When it came time for the debrief, this exact point was discussed, and it apparently hadn't even crossed the mind of these alpha males.

Besides this situation, I found the day useful and hope that we'll actually be doing more of these. I think they are important reminders of situations that we could face in the near future.

3G Network Wars

Verizon has been slamming AT&T recently regarding their nationwide 3G coverage, which is undoubtedly poor, despite their marketing for being "the fastest 3G network". Verizon's "There's a map for that" commercial has stirred up some controversy, and AT&T has sued Verizon claiming that the commercials are "misleading" and therefore resulting in the loss of "incalculable market share".

So who is the fastest 3G network?



In response, here's AT&T's rebuttal:



Although AT&T's response really has nothing to do with Verizon's point, I think they've done a fair job in holding their position through the use of celebrity (Luke Wilson) and humour. However, AT&T is merely stating where there is cell phone coverage, rather than where 3G coverage is.

Everyone knows that AT&T's ,service is subpar, but the reason why people choose AT&T is and has been for the iPhone. True, they do provide a better selection in smartphones. However, I'd also like to point out that the iPhone drops a lot of calls not only because of the provider, but there has also been speculation that some of the components could be part of the problem as well - not to mention that AT&T users tend to be big data users.

I wonder what will happen when Apple's contract expires with AT&T, which is due in 2010. Some say Apple will stay with AT&T for the forseeable future, but we'll see.

Holiday Commercials

The best commercial of the holiday season goes to Gap. Not only are these kids ridiculously cute, but the quintessential American brand has some unconventional, cool and funky commericals this winter!




Although this is the first time the brand has had a holiday commercial in 3 years, Gap has stepped out of their typically conventional style with an energetic campaign with choreographed dancers and catchy cheers.

Gap North America's president, Marka Hansen said in a Gap press release that the company performs best when connected with the "pulse of how Americans are living their lives today". Hansen stated, "We are sending a strong message that we're proud to offer cool, American design with products that will stand the test of time -- something we believe will resonate with shoppers this holiday season."

The upbeat and catchy ad remains true to the classic image of the brand with products that always remain popular such as plaid, denim, scarves, and tshirts. However, the abundance of color and details shines a new light on the brand.

I don't know about you, but I either need something plaid in my closet immediately, or I need to learn how to look cool with that many colors, stripes and polka dots all at one time.

Good work Gap. Clever ad. Talk to the moose.