Friday July 08, 2005

Branded audio: the bad and the bizarre

I'm a big fan of audio as an extension of brand -- it's a sorely undertapped way of communicating with customers in a possibly very resonant way. Emphasis on "possibly," because as with all media, it's very easy to screw things up. Let me rephrase that: it's very easy to add to the litter to the audiosphere.

And for some reason the web is rife with such examples today. Here we go:

-- Talking wine labels.
-- Personalized orgasmic ringtones.
-- Last and least: Talking toilet paper.

It's days like these that I'm embarrassed to be part of a marketing organization, any marketing organization. I can only promise you that the audio branding project I'm working on is far more interesting, useful and exciting than any of this dreck.

Except for perhaps the orgasmatones...wait, they don't have a "Noel." Looks like I'll just have to be "Flynn." Oh baby. Happy Friday.

( Jul 08 2005, 09:40:30 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]

The business ripple from a fancypants outfit

Some airlines are seeing dollar signs all over their employees' bods. Come again? Despite a total lack of ability to differentiate (my take), some airlines such as Delta are starting to realize that some simple, small changes -- like a sleek new uniform -- can affect employees' attitudes and quell customer tensions.

As seen over at USA Today (the lackluster paper of decent hotels everywhere -- what an opportunity for hotels...anyway...): Airlines hope new fashions make financial statement: "Marketing and security aren't the only drivers behind the makeovers. Delta, Air France and Korean Air believe that a suitcase full of new clothes will lift employees' spirits, which can improve passenger service." More power to 'em. hey, if it can work for cops, hospital orderlies and the Wal-Mart greeters, then uni-as-brand can work for airlines, too. Here's to hoping they get it right.

( Jul 08 2005, 08:45:28 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [3]

Carp make the heart grow fonder.

Any hotel can say they're all about customer service. Any hotel can offer me Starbucks in the morning (despite a crappy coffeemaker and powder creamer...pfft). And any hotel can claim to have the world's most comfortable beds.

But that'll only get you so far. After all, not every hotel can offer me the koi pond in the morning off my balcony. But this morning that's exactly what the Sheraton Palo Alto did. And I thank you for it, dear Sheraton. (Perhaps I'll even forgive you for the dairy-mateTM).

( Jul 08 2005, 08:01:04 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [0]