Will a 2-D character named Wit Oddoski convince you to try grass-flavored Vodka?

We already know that Gen Y craves variety in their alcoholic beverages and that companies are responding by creating all sorts of interesting flavored options.  Here’s a blog from last May about MillerCoors introduction of Coco Breve for Gen Y women.

http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/2012/05/millercoors-takes-another-shot-at-gen-y.html#comment-form

But as someone who has been struggling with allergies for several weeks now I can’t help wonder if Pernod Richard missed their mark with this one.  In addition to the fresh cut grass flavor, the line includes apple pie, salty caramel popcorn, wasabi and electricity.  No, I don’t know what electricity tastes like.  But according to the company it tickles the taste buds.

The campaign for the new line called Oddka, which features a 2-D character named Wit Oddoski is scheduled to run on Facebook and Twitter and includes an iTune app that has something to do with growing a virtual mustache. (Schultz, 2012)

So what do you think?  Will you try it? 

Schultz, E. (2012, October 24)  Pernod’s New Vodka Brand Includes ‘Fresh Cut Grass’ Spirits Industry Pushing Flavor Boundaries All the Way to Front Lawn.  adage.com.  Retrieved October 25, 2012, from

http://adage.com/article/adages/pernod-s-vodka-brand-includes-fresh-cut-grass/237942/

Does playing a game make you want to buy a house?

On October 17, Century 21 began a three week presence in Sim City on Facebook.  The promotion allows players to purchase and buy buildings, impact other people’s buildings and earn extra points by watching a commercial. 

But to what end?  Bev Thorne, Century 21 CMO says that they are attempting to reach Adults 25-34, who they see as the next generation of home buyers.   While she admits that the game is unlikely to generate immediate business, she is hoping that increased awareness and affinity will translate into sales when the economy improves. (Baar, 2012)

What do you think?  Is she right? 

Baar, A. (2012, October 17) Century 21 Plays 21^st Century Marketing Game.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved October 19, 2012, from

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/185393/century-21-plays-21st-century-marketing-game.html?edition=52542

Do you “like” brands on Facebook? Why?

According to a new study by Lab42, 87% of Facebook users say that they “like” brands on Facebook.  Are you one of them?  What brands do you “like?”  Why?

The study says that most people who “like” a brand expect something in return such as promotions and discounts (34%) or free product (21%).  Is this what motivates you too?

But the study goes on to say that 46% of users who like a brand have no intention of buying it.  They either can’t afford it (46%) or want it for free (52%).  (Loechner, 2012)

So much for Sheryl Sandberg’s outrageous statement that “engagement always leads to revenue.”  (Dauble, 2012)

So where do you stand?  Are you one of the people who “like” brands but have no purchase intent?

Loechner, J. (2012, October 8)  Like It or Leave It.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved October 10, 2012, from

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/184677/like-it-or-leave-it.html

Dauble, J. (2012, October 1)  CNBC EXCLUSIVE:  CNBC EXCERPTS: FACEBOOK CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SHERYL SANDBERG SPEAKS WITH JULIA BOORSTIN TODAY ON CNBC.  cnbc.com.  Retrieved October 10, 2012, from

http://www.cnbc.com/id/49167392/CNBC_EXCLUSIVE_CNBC_EXCERPTS_FACEBOOK_CHIEF_OPERATING_OFFICER_SHERYL_SANDBERG_SPEAKS_WITH_JULIA_BOORSTIN_TODAY_ON_CNBC

Will you fly Jet Blue because they support KaBoom?

Studies have shown that people are not only more likely to do business with companies that support charities they care about, but they may also be willing to pay a premium price for their services.  I remain skeptical.

Jet Blue has been sponsoring the “Swing for Good Golf Classic” since 2009 and the “Bid for Good” online auction since 2010.  This year, the recipient charities are KaBoom, a non-profit that envisions a place to play within walking distance for every child in the US, and PBS Kids, an educational brand for children.  They’re both terrific causes.

But, I don’t think Jet Blue’s support of them would impact my airline selection.  What about you?  Will you be more likely to fly Jet Blue because they support these causes?  Will you participate in the auction or golf tournament?

 

Irwin, T.  (2012, October 2).  JetBlue Continues Support of Charitable Partners.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved October 4, 2012, from

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/184319/jetblue-continues-support-of-charitable-partners.html