After viewing Aaron’s blog post about “Is Gay Right?” It left me hopeful and inspired. Aaron referred to the response in Sochi’s 2014 Olympics to homophobia in Russia.

I have been fortunate to be brought up in a very multi-cultural, diverse and understanding culture of Canada. I have many friends who are gay, and I would never treat them differently because of this. For Sochi to initiate such an ethical dilemma, passing a law that “perpetuates the homophobic mentality in Russia”, it is truly disturbing.

Aaron speaks of the power that large corporations posses, they can either stay silent, or take action to make a difference. A company’s vision, mission, ethics and their brand image all come into play, and I believe that they are very capable to drive social change.

For example, The Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion released a popular video that sent the message “The Games have always been a little gay. Let’s fight to keep it that way.” I feel that this ad was extremely effective because it mixed together humor and was relatable. I actually had the honor to meet the very creative Tom Shepansky the creator of Rethink, at a UBC Marketing club event, and he said that it was one of the most powerful and important ads that he has created.

The Games have always been a little Gay Ad

Thank you for the great read Aaron: Aaron’s Blog

Assignment 3’s video project was by far my favorite project of my university life thus far. It allowed for my creativity bone, love for art, and my passion for marketing to unveil itself. I can recall the numerous brainstorming sessions that my group went through. The beginning was a bit tricky because we had so many ideas, and didn’t know how to choose just one. We wanted various types of media such as photos, film, animation, so a majority of meetings was just about how we wanted to present this! We even tried using the program called “Prezi”, but in the end decided to pick animation and film.

Each person was responsible for one aspect of the video project, animation, printing and the audio. We all worked on the script containing the 4 P’s of TD Bank. After the script was done, I was more than happy to begin painting. The vision that we had for our video was to have a storyline. We began with a beautiful animation that Arai composed, where the protagonist, “Nik”, was wanting to open up a bank account. He fell asleep and dreamed about visiting the “Bank Gods”. In the dream, Nik was confronted with the TD Bank God, where he shared the 4 P’s of TD Bank to him. This is where my role came into play, I filmed myself painting numerous drawings with acrylic paint to describe each scene.

The main key of working so well with my team was – Support. Everyone laid their strengths on the table, and contributed to their best ability. Filming and editing went well, and I learned even further how talented my group members were!

Here are a few snap shots of our video!

Beautiful animation that Arai created

The classic TD Bank Green Chair

Painting a piggy bank!

“Frozen” is an achievement on a whole new level.

Katie’s blog, “Advertising Outlet” refers to the successful marketing of Disney’s new Frozen movie.

Similar to her, I wouldn’t have known that from that numerous advertisements and trailers that I observed before watching the film. Of course, Frozen was an amazing musical with heart warming characters and unforgettable songs. Though, based solely on the film’s deceptive marketing campaigns, it does not do this movie justice.

When I first watched the trailer, I did not even know that Frozen was (a) a musical and (b) about a kingdom with princesses, music and queens. The billboard focuses on Olaf the snowman, and deters attention away from the main human characters. Provided with this misleading image, confusion and stereotyping of the movie surfaces, and ultimately daunts off the older audience.

Furthermore, even the official trailer focused solely on Olaf as the protagonist.

Frozen's Official Trailer

My opinion is that Disney should have taken advantage of the huge target segment that they could reach with such a relatable story plot. There are vital life lessons about the peril of falling too quickly for a boy, which parents of young girls will appreciate. As well, a significant message about the bond of siblings, which relates to many people.

Disney has reconstructed the critiqued stereotyped theme of a love story that the princess always needs her prince. Frozen has taken a leap of innovation and gives young girls a character to look up to.

Although Frozen was highly successful, marketing could have been done much more efficiently. It was primarily the strategy of “word of mouth” that scored this movie in the top box office.

This post was in response to the blog post DISNEY’S UNIQUE MARKETING APPROACH FOR “FROZEN”–AND WHY IT WORKED

Instagram is the key to instant viral marketing. Starting in October 2010, Facebook owned “Instagram” has reached over 150 million active users from all around the world as of December 14, 2013! It is incredible to see the vast expansion of this simple app which has grown from taking simple “selfies” and “foodie” photos, to being a significant marketing strategy and promotions device.

Here are a few reasons why Instagram is the new trend of social media:

Easy Mobile – Mobile phones are the easiest way to access customers because everyone has one. As well, according to the Global Web Data, PC’s are out of the picture when it comes to accessing social media. Mobile phones are the IN trend now. There are 66% usage of mobile devices verses the 64% of tablet and PC use.

Hashtags – A major part of marketing is being able to connect your product to the customer. Hashtags are a significant way of how users can search up their interests. As well, there is no limit on the character count (compared to Twitter where there is) #YouCanMakeAHashTagsAsLongAsYouWant.

Liking & Commenting – An interesting feature with Instagram is the ability to “like” and “comment” on photos. Companies are able to stay in close reach and communicate on a personal level with users. The characteristics of personalization and transparency is a large bonus as of why Instagram is such a popular medium for marketing.

Geotag posts – Location, location, location! Being able to target the locals in the are using a photo map locater to tag where you are is a competitive advantage. I feel like it is similar to modern day’s style of the radio where people look for information in their area for.

In conclusion, Instagram is the future of marketing. Better go #hashtag that!
This post was inspired by “52 tips of Instagram”

“over 87,000 possible drink combinations at Starbucks” – Woman’s Day

I am a coffee drinker. I’m EXTREMELY picky and particular about the taste and smoothness of my daily pick-me-up. My desire – even need – for coffee is so strong, but I always choose Starbucks. Every time. Even if a random coffee shop were a few steps away, I would walk across the city to reach that Starbucks.

Let me present to you the reasons why Starbucks shines, through a 600 bonus points system.

+100 – Launches new items – Starbucks takes pride innovating and creating new drinks to excite their loyal customers. From special peppermint mochas in the Christmas, to the caramel flan late that just came out in January 2014, Starbucks never fails to promote these items.

For example: Promo video of the New Caramel Flan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efKPgE9rGYE

+100 – Uses the Social Tool – Starbucks stay very connected to their customers through interactive mediums such as face book and twitter. They’ve held several contests through social media as well.

+100 – Location, location, location – Hand it to Starbucks for being in the right place at the right time.

+100 – Lingo – Starbucks has created both a new culture and coffee ordering language. Being able to order that “Iced Tall Soy Easy Ice Americano Misto”, gives customers that sort of “cult feeling” which is very desirable. There is an endless possibility of combinations of drinks that you can order to customize to your liking.

+100 – Great Staff – Fast, skilled, very friendly. Starbucks baristas are well trained, efficient and can churn through 220 customers/hour (At Brooklyn’s busiest Starbucks location, Business Insider).

+100 – YOU CAN PAY WITH YOUR PHONE! – Greatest innovative creation ever.

I was inspired to write this post as I sat inside a Starbucks coffee, and pondered on how I got sucked in, yet again.

The annual day of love will both melt your heart… and your wallet. As Valentine’s Day approaches, you will find people projecting their love by spending anywhere from $50-$150 on Valentine’s Day goods.

Valentine’s Day isn’t even a public holiday. Though, businesses, post offices, public transport and schools are open as usual. Conversely, restaurants, stores and hotels are busy with people flaunting glamorous displays of affection for their loved ones. Valentine’s day has grown into a lucrative holiday for all marketing businesses.

I’ve gathered some points on why people cannot resist the pull of Valentine marketing campaigns.

1. Thinking INSIDE the chocolate/flowers/jewelry box. Let’s face it, merchandise is everywhere, and it can become very overwhelming. When I walked into Superstore, the first thing I noticed was red, pink, chocolate and flowers. According to Statistics Canada, 10.5 million stem of roses were produced in Canada in 2011 for Valentine’s Day.

2. Everyone’s doing it. If you see someone making valentine cards, strutting a red sweater with hearts, or just holding a bouquet of flowers on the 14th, it’s a marketing scheme. We’re all walking billboards if we participate in some type of Valentine’s Day activity.

3. Social media. Today, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram have been mixed into our daily lives. Ads, statuses and photos have a powerful affect on people. People are persistently reminded that February 14th is the day of love! Though, it has the power to either prompt couples to splurge on expensive gifts, or the complete opposite with those resenting Valentine’s Day who will want to throw their laptop across the room.

www.infographicszone.com

My advice for this holiday? Think from your heart, not from your wallet. Treat your loved one to a homemade dinner or sentimental card 🙂

This entry was inspired by viewing some of the most “Wildly Expensive Valentine’s Gifts” on: http://www.cnbc.com/id/29053542

From the first moment you see your baby at the hospital, you marvel at his delicate skin, tiny fingers and toes. How can a human being be so innocent and pure? This moment has no price tag. Though, can it be marketed? Can hospitals advertise and be involved with social media?

As higher demands for medical equipment and research increases, hospitals are engaging in “case marketing” for a socially responsible business. However, does the altruistic nature of hospital services being marketed the same way companies in other sectors seem a tad odd?

Marketing has been portrayed as selling products in order to fulfill the customer’s wants. Conversely, it CAN also be used to save a patient’s life, and enhance the health care of the community.

The RCH (Royal Columbian Hospital) Foundation has reached out to residents through social media, TV news and newspapers to raise money for new equipment and research. The target market ranges from people with loved ones at the hospital, large companies and people who just want to help.

I hold the RCH Foundation very close to my heart, and I was able to share my story in order to market a $40,000 revolutionary stretcher that needed funding.

My personal story was promoted through CBC News, Vancouver Sun, Burnaby Now, and Sing-Tao Newspaper. RCH uses patient’s miracle stories in order to target people’s emotions.

On the other hand, hospitals also use marketing tactics that involve creating anxiety and concern of people’s own health. For example, using the SARS scare to enforce people to donate money for needed equipment, which is a highly inappropriate means of advertising.

As long as the hospital is being truthful and honest, I see no unethical issues about using marketing for a hospital.

Adhering to ethical marketing CANNOT be undervalued!

This blog was inspired by a video I created in 2013 about my health care story at RCH:

Article in the Vancouver Sun: Donor Steps Forward