In 2000 we issued a white paper on the benefits of marketing during a downturn in the economy. Finding the research to support our theory was more difficult than we thought it should have been. But, this time around it appears that the best and smartest marketers of national brands are on board with our claims.

At VI, we’re not so much into new media as we are new marketing. Yes, it’s the digital tools that have provided us many of the opportunities that we’re taking advantage of. But, they’re just that: tools. And there are plenty of new opportunities in traditional media as well (we’ve developed several over the last few years).

Wendy’s red wig campaign is a bust. While the category showed growth in the 4th quarter, Wendy’s sales were down .8%.

While the Midwest seems to remain isolated from the pending recession that is affecting both coasts, there is a lesson to be learned about how and why to market during a downturn in any industry. Several years ago we published a white paper on the subject that was based on exhaustive research on how companies fared after a recession.

So, gasoline approaches $4 a gallon. Global warming discussions gain traction – lots of it. And, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are at the center of attention for causing both. Worst of all, you make Hummers. That’s a recipe for disaster if I ever saw one.

It can be a little intimidating to venture out into the new marketing frontier, especially with so many options to choose from and the arduous task of separating the hype from the fact.

I believe that Sonic is a great marketer. Not because of their television spots, which have been met with mixed reviews. Not because of their outdoor ads either, although I absolutely love them. What I think they do really well, is what they do really well.

I love the food at Braum’s. Love the ice cream. Crave the hamburgers. Even think that the grocery items are better than anywhere else locally. In fact, I appreciate their vertically integrated business model too. So, why don’t I go there more often?

For most organizations, sponsoring an event means little more than making a donation. A non-profit organization brings in a speaker, has an exhibit, or holds a golf tournament and sends out gold, silver, and bronze sponsorship ‘opportunities’ that are no more than

Harold's Clothing Stores, an Oklahoma institution, is in a real mess and can't seem to find their way out. In the past quarter, same quarter sales were down again, and even online sales were down from the previous quarter.

Once considered a stepchild in the marketing world, public relations may be the most powerful tool available to marketers today.