Companies take a risk when they decide to comment on social issues. When done right, companies can make genuine connections with existing and potential customers. When done wrong, companies can turn off their audiences, which can lead to drops in sales, smeared brand reputations, and negative press.
Throughout the past month, the executives at 5W have repeatedly been approached by the media for our opinions on the major missteps made by a variety of widely recognized brands. Here’s a quick debriefing on the latest big brand scandals, and our take on each.
I recently spoke to NBC about Fox News Channel’s firing of Bill O’Reilly, which stirred up the public’s interest and indignation.
They say if you wait long enough, everything old will become new again. That certainly seems to be the case with vinyl records. From ubiquitous music providers to coasters to conversation pieces and decorative items, records have evolved a lot as time, and music fans have changed. A few years back, collectors and vintage audio niches caught the interest of the record biz, who started producing even current acts on vinyl again. But, at that point, it was still more novelty than cash … READ MORE »
Most people watching the tech sector said it had to happen sooner or later. Now, it looks like the “iCar” may be sooner than anyone really expected. Apple is finally in the race to develop the first consumer-friendly self-driving car. And, as is their habit, the company landed in the market with a massive splash.
Think your business or industry is safe from the growing and encroaching shadow of Amazon? You’re probably fooling yourself. The company that was once a silly little business trying to sell books online now practically sells everything … and they do it so well, they’re actually expanding into industries they literally replaced.
Lululemon landed in the marketplace with all the right stuff. It was placed in a high demand segment, offered unique looks and created a fierce fan following almost immediately. In fact, Lululemon fans were compelled to recruit other fans. That’s how their key marketing push worked. And it did work … for a while.
Journalism as a trade is undergoing a strange shift, both in ideals and applications. As this is happening, there’s an Old Guard who carried the torch for traditional journalism their entire lives who are dying off, leaving a legacy and an example for others to follow. One of these is Jimmy Breslin, who passed away recently at the age of 88.
Even if you don’t know the correct name for it, almost everyone is aware of influencer marketing. Kim K has become the reigning royalty, along with her sisters. Fashion, makeup, and lifestyle tend to be the key areas focused on by the Kardashian and Jenner clans, but every niche and industry has people who are known for their expertise – behind and in front of a camera.
While it wasn’t the first reality show to land on television, it has been one of the most popular, and it certainly has staying power. Survivor, the CBS juggernaut in which a group of contentious castaways is stuck in the “wilderness” together to “tough it out” through various challenges.
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