Damage Control
Have you ever had to do damage control? No, not explaining to your spouse why you had to hang out with your friends for a couple extra hours at the golf course. Damage control on your public image. Over the last few weeks, the sports world has been full of spin as athletes maneuver to try to protect their images.
The NBA and NFL have problems all the time but now, it's moved into, no it can't be, swimming. All-universe, Olympic medalist Michael Phelps was photographed last fall at a party smoking on a bong. It's hard to deny that he did it so he did the smart thing, said he was still just a kid and admitted it! Good job Michael, but it's still probably going to cost you millions in future sponsorships and endorsements. In fact, Kellogg's has already dropped him.
Then it was A-Rod, major league baseball's version of Phelps. Of course we've all heard about Rodriguez's supposed doings with Madonna. That's old news. Now, steroids… five or six years ago. How did A-Rod handle it? Well, on the smart side, he admitted he took something and said he was sorry. Well done. But then, he took a major step backward in image enhancement by saying he didn't know what he was taking and then blaming the writer that captured the story. A-Rod has nobody to blame but himself.
The point of all this is, there are positive ways to handle the media when your public image has been tarnished. It starts with telling the truth. When you're in the public eye and your image is in jeopardy, it pays to get good advice. If you ever need it, call us.
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Dana Johnson
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The Border War
College sports is huge business and interoffice gambling is big too! Recently, we at Callis experienced this first hand with the annual border war college basketball game between Kansas and Missouri. On the KU side was Kansas native and Account Coordinator Dana Johnson. On the Missouri side was practically everybody else, and especially, agency president Cliff Callis, who initiated a little wager with Dana. KU wins, Cliff wears the Jayhawk beak around the office the day after the game. Mizzou wins and it's a tiger tail for Dana, seen here sporting Mizzou black and gold and the tail worn smartly as a scarf. Mizzou won 62-60. Never fear Dana, we know there's a rematch coming March 1st. What's the bet going to be this time? Stay tuned. |
More Fun Than Ever
Every August, our staff, most of Sedalia and over 300,000 tourists attend the Missouri State Fair. As an agency client since 1995, we've seen a lot of great fairs over the years, but not too many better than last year. Perfect weather, lots of free entertainment and great promotions brought out the crowds. This year, the fair promises to be More Fun than Ever! Check out the fair's website at www.mostatefair.com and plan a day of fun.
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The Cost of Love
Every February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion Valentines are sent each year, making it the largest card sending holiday after Christmas. With Hallmark alone offering over 1330 different cards specifically for Valentine’s Day, you’re sure to find one for everyone on your list. Teachers seem to top that list. They receive the most cards, followed by children, mothers, sweethearts and then spouses.
Chocolates, jewelry and flowers, particularly red roses, continue to be the most popular gifts. 35 percent of Valentine’s Day gifts were flowers, while 16 percent were jewelry. According to The Washington Post, the average cost of love on Valentine’s Day this year is about $110; men typically spend double that. Despite the economy retailers are seeing only small losses.
Other items that were projected to sell this year were; iPod/MP4 players, mobile phones, lingerie, wine, cologne/perfume and spa gift certificates. The most popular activity on this day of love is a romantic dinner with your Valentine. Whether you’re single or attached, Valentine’s Day is a great day to show appreciation to the people you love. |
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Social Media Changing the Internet
Mom, Dad, (and Grandma?): Welcome to Facebook! You know that your high school and college-aged children are using Facebook as a social tool. But is Grandma a Facebook-er too? She just may be! A quick look at US Facebook demographics provides clear evidence that social networking has expanded well beyond the campus.
Users over the age of 35 account for one in every four of the 39million + adult Facebook users, representing the fastest growing age segment. Facebook's user numbers in this age range grew by 264% in the last 6 months of 2008 - growth that shows no sign of slowing. In fact, in the span of 26 days earlier this year, Facebook added another 1.77 million "older" users – a remarkable 22% growth.
The growth of Facebook is one example of how social media is changing the Internet. It's happening today. Users young and old are congregating in these places, sharing information, experiences, and recommendations. Today, successful marketers in every size and type of business are watching for (and seizing) opportunities to connect to their target audience using social media. |
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