Scholarships for Advertising & Marketing College Students

Attention Ohio college students: The American Advertising Federation-Cleveland is accepting applications for their annual scholarship program.

To be eligible, a student must:
• Be an Ohio resident qualifying for in-state tuition at an Ohio college or university
• Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a communications/marketing-related major (advertising, marketing, graphic design, photography, public relations, market research, illustration, web design, etc.)
• Carry a full course-load and hold a current minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
• Currently be in his/her senior or junior year (graduating between 2009 and 2010)

Applications are due no later than Friday, October 17, 2008. See application for more details.

If you are a professor at an Ohio college or university, please help spread the word by hanging posters in your classrooms and making announcements and send e-newsletters.



Thanks!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

Microsoft Campaign Update - Jerry Canned?

As reported by the NY Times, it seems as though the stint with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates is over. Was that meant to happen or did they pull it after the poor reviews? According to this article, this was Microsoft's plan all along... create buzz for a few weeks then begin the "real ad campaign." What a campaign it will be!

We all love the Apple commercials with the PC and MAC guys going head-to-head. So after years of watching those two, Microsoft is retaliating. It's attack time. A similar looking PC guy will be on camera with regular Vista users. Hmmm, remember how much trouble the Alltel spoof caused?

I believe the spots should start airing by next week. More to come!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

Word of Day: Share of Voice

Word of the Day: Share of Voice (SOV)

What does it mean? This is the percentage of a particular brand or company's total advertising volume in that product category. The higher the percentage, the larger voice you have in the product's marketplace.

Why is this important? In a Recession, its important to keep your SOV as high as possible. Continuing to advertise when your competitors are cutting their budgets gives you the opportunity to keep and develop new customers. This keeps you top of mind when the recession is over... giving you the advantage in the marketplace.

Seinfeld & Gates

We are all fans of Jerry Seinfeld, especially Bruce and Rob Felber! So what are your thoughts on his new ad with Bill Gates? If you haven’t seen it, you can watch the commercial here including the little shimmy Bill Gates does at the end!

So what does this ad mean? Well for one it’s creating buzz but will the buzz lead to a bigger goal of... more sales, launch a new product, or lead to nothing? Read about what others are saying about this commercial.

The first time I saw this commercial I thought, well that’s strange. Then after watching it a few more times I actual chuckled. The second ad released within this new campaign can be found on YouTube. The message is all about Bill Gates (and Jerry) learning what Microsoft customers want – but isn’t that a little too late? If I was Apple, I'd be not only laughing but also giving my research department a bonus for doing their homework years ago.

Tell us what you think by leaving your comments. And yes, you can leave your favorite Seinfeld quotes here too!


~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

CMO from The Plain Dealer Speaking on Wedneday

AAF-Cleveland's September Luncheon will feature Matt Kraner, CMO, The Plain Dealer
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Join us for the this informative event on Wednesday, September 17 at Windows on the River. Matt's topic: "Black and White and Ready For The Future." The newspaper industry is experiencing its most challenging time in history. Matt Kraner will share his insight about the realities of the industry and how The Plain Dealer is facing the challenges head on.

Tickets are $25 for members and $40 for non-members. Program starts at 11:30am.

More information here.

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing