In this helpful article in the Austin Business Journal (May 21), it’s seen that some angel investor “networks” are popping up to help startup businesses and product launches in need of funding.  In an economy where venture-capital funding is challenging, angel-investing is becoming more and more prevalent.  So, it makes sense that these networks are becoming more popular.  For small business owners looking for outside investment, this comes as great news.  We think small and start-up companies in Denver, CO and beyond will benefit from this.  When a small company is looking for investors for a new business idea or the launch of a new product, they tend to accept investment from almost anywhere.  These angel investor networks are a good place to start… and are an encouraging trend for new businesses.

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This article on portfolio.com (May 12) explains the unique marketing strategies that marketers and advertisers must undertake to appropriately target this younger generation (Millenials).  A marketing strategy aimed at this target market should heed the tips and stories offered in this marketing article.  As expected, social media and social marketing play an important role in this endeavor – as does mobile marketing and advertising.  However, some additional thoughts and marketing strategies were very useful: According to the market research cited in the article (from Mr. Youth), the following is some of the advice offered: “The study argues that new ideas, creative approaches, innovative products, open communication, connected communities, and an increased passion for change will be among the key elements of success in the next decade.”  A more specific finding was that a product’s marketing should invite consumers to share their experience with their peers.  Another worthwhile tip is to be genuine in all marketing efforts and marketing strategies.  We think this is the kind of marketing consulting any business could use – in Denver, Colorado or elsewhere!

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With all the financial regulation looming, angel investors got a scare recently.  Initially proposed in the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 were some new obstacles for angel investing into startups, small businesses, and new product launches.  In this article in the Denver Business Journal (May 3), it is reported that some of these concerns may be allayed.  We think this is good news.  But what about the ongoing need for fewer obstacles for investors as well as entrepreneurs in starting new ventures, new products, new companies etc.  Especially in Denver, Colorado, where new businesses comprise an important part of the business landscape, how can the Rocky Mountain region expect to compete when more and more obstacles arise?  From a marketing and advertising perspective, we believe Denver and the entire Rocky Mountain region would be best served in branding itself as a new business/start-up friendly part of the country.  A marketing campaign or an advertising campaign for this would be quite simple (and compelling).  Social media and mobile marketing tactics could easily enhance such a push, along with a new website and micro-site build-out.

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In this write-up on mashable.com (which originally appeared on American Express’ Open Forum), the subject is Twitter’s new advertising model… and how small businesses can ultimately leverage it to build their brands.  Some of the new features mentioned include the mobile marketing aspect to it, where users will be able to incorporate their locations in their Tweets.  As Twitter strives for a profitable ad model, we see it aligning more and more with the overall mobile advertising and marketing strategy.  Small businesses in Denver, CO could leverage these tools — if they know how to do it correctly.  There’s an argument for and against small businesses spending their limited time on social media, but then there’s also the consideration of using it sparingly as a part of your overall marketing strategy.  What are you doing to incorporate social marketing and mobile marketing into your marketing plan?  Has your ad agency guided you through this element of marketing consulting?

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In a study performed at Duke University, it appears TiVo hasn’t negatively impacted TV advertising.  In this article from the Triangle Business Journal, the professor involved explains his findings in this advertising study.  He explains the reasons why the ad-skipping device isn’t having the negative effect on advertising and marketing as many thought it would.  While this might come as surprising news to many marketers and ad agencies, we wonder how this might gradually impact pricing on ad buys in the future.  How will an ad agency or media agency take this new information into account when dealing with networks in negotiating rates.  In the marketing consulting and marketing strategy role, we think this new information should not be ignored – yet we don’t expect it will have serious pricing implications for marketers in Denver, or anywhere in the U.S.

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In this useful article from portfolio.com, we see how fast mobile advertising is growing.  It is expected to grow from $500 million (2009) to $13.5 billion (2013).  It details a couple small businesses’ use of the marketing campaign strategy.  How are you implementing mobile advertising and marketing in your overall marketing strategy?  Mobile media and marketing can seem nebulous if you are not in the field, but it is something worth exploring if you’re looking to build your business through this marketing strategy.  Can we help you as a marketing consultant with this new form of marketing strategy that can be used by almost any kind of small business?

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In this article in Advertising Age, the possibility of advertising agencies being affected by the new finance reform legislation is discussed.  If the legislation is passed, it appears the FTC would be given much more power with respect to an advertising agency’s creative work for its clients.  The idea is to eliminate deceptive or false advertising – which few would oppose.  However, it is argued that an advertising agency (this includes you, Denver, CO) that creates advertising or marketing campaigns for a product which is later proven to be false – will be on the hook.  Organizations opposed are: The American Association of Advertising Agencies, the Direct Marketing Association and the American Advertising Federation.  Marketers and advertising agencies should closely follow this (especially as it relates to their marketing strategy)…

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On the Advertising Age website, there’s an article that reminisces about the major marketing blunder 25 years ago by Coke.  The upshot of the article is to not mess with a successful product.  True, but it’s also a good reminder that marketing extends beyond the 30-second ad, radio advertising, print advertising etc.  Marketing is also strategic business decision-making.  The marketing strategy at Coke 25 years ago was one that will go into any hall-of-fame of poor marketing decisions.  To make matters worse, Coke naturally created advertising to support the big switch to the new formula.  Enjoy this article in Advertising Age, and remember that strong marketing strategy goes beyond the typical mindset of television, print and radio ads…

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This article on portfolio.com discusses what they believe to be the true meaning of interactive advertising is.  They say it should not necessarily encompass the digital or web-based marketing definitions per se, but more of what your customer experience should be.  It offers examples of what Microsoft and Madison Square Garden do for their “interactive” marketing experiences (some of the examples are a bit self-serving)… and it sounds a bit like experiential marketing.  It seems like this is a study more on the marketing jargon that marketers seem to quibble about more so than actual marketing consulting on how to make the client experience a better one.  Digital marketing and online marketing aside, this article is interesting in terms of unique ways to build a brand, but it doesn’t seem like something to create a brand strategy from the ground up.

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In this New York Times article (March 8, 2010), the writer takes us through a look at “space” advertising from the 50’s and 60’s.  It discusses the advertising and marketing of companies that tried to tie their fortunes and general interests to the space “movement” (i.e. NASA).  The largely illustrated advertisements often tried to marry man and space.  It was a visual advertising and marketing look that hoped to inspire people to make the connection between the space program and the respective companies.  It’s an interesting walk through “old school” advertising and marketing from 50 years ago.  If we were to compare yesterday’s advertising with today’s, it seems that visuals – while still important – do not drive the marketing campaign or messaging.  We, as an industry, have absolutely evolved… in ways that many of our esteemed advertising predecessors could hardly imagine.  The question we ask is – Are we more effective with all these new marketing and advertising tools?  And, for all the talk of return on investment, have we as marketers become better (and more accountable) for truly measuring returns on marketing investment?

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