In an article in last week’s Brandweek, Roberto Ramos talks about lessons we, as marketers, can learn from FDR and his New Deal, regardless of where you stand politically. The whole article is worth reading when you have a couple of minutes, but worth sharing here is the fourth key lesson Ramos says we can learn from FDR:
Invest and stimulate your brand. While FDR was aware of the need for fiscal responsibility, the New Deal also demonstrated the benefits of stimulating the economy through public works. The lesson for brands here is a bit different, and more analogous to the traditional business thinking of “you have to spend to make money.” The Great Depression and other recessions allowed winning brands like Procter & Gamble to increase their market share due to continued marketing commitment while their competitors retreated. The key is to do this smartly, by focusing the additional spend on research, value-centric messaging and leadership programs.
Smart investing is key and P&G is certainly a great model to follow.

“Brand Lessons From FDR” [Brandweek]

Social Media consultants and ad/marketing/PR firms specializing in Social Media are becoming increasingly common. This week’s issue of PR Week has an article about one such (new) agency.

AdHocnium is particularly notable, as it was started by Chris Heuer, cofounder of the Social Media Club, with the help of other top-tier social media pros, including Brian Solis, Tom Foremski and Neville Hobson.

Many brands have yet to embrace social media, while still others simply have not figured out how to utilize it effectively. Those in the first category will eventually find themselves falling behind if they continue to resist social media. But for those who are trying, firms like AdHocnium may prove the key to staying relevant and current.

“Social media pros form a firm” [PR Week]