Last month we asked if our readers were planning on sponsoring fewer events in 2010 than they did in 2009. About half said they were, while 10% said they don't sponsor events at all.

A few days ago we suggested that you consider corporate gifts that have the potential to generate sales for you. Today I ready that Ralph Lauren put this idea into motion. They sent an e-mail with an offer of 25% off all purchases before October 12.

I. Clearly Define What You Are Looking For
Are you looking for a vendor or a partner? Think about it and define it because there’s a big difference between the two. The best vendor may fulfill your demands very nicely with service and good pricing.

There’s no room for pork in your corporate gift bill this year, so chuck the honey-glazed ham idea and give a gift that provides returns to your bottom line. Which of your clients wouldn’t like more of what you provide for free?

60% of the U.S. population plans to wait at least four years before replacing their vehicle (new or used) according to automotive researcher, AutoPacific. The numbers are dismal compared to previous years for purchase intentions in the next: 6 months, year, 2 years, etc.

A recent research study by Nielsen revealed that the decline in television viewing has leveled off while other media continues to rise in usage. This means a few things: 1) Television is not dying (it never was) 2) Overall media consumption is on the rise. Much of the average person's free time today is being spent consuming media.

During the last economic downturn, marketers turned to event sponsorships to deliver their messages to narrowly targeted demographics and psychographic consumers: Birds of a feather flock together. But this time around, sponsorships seem to have fallen out of favor. So, what changed?

My dad used to tell me quite often that if I was going to do something, to do it right. I must admit that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree and I seem to have adopted this same philosophy- not that it’s always good to have a perfectionist mindset. In fact, there are times when it prevents progress. 

For almost a year, we’ve harped on the opportunity that exists for the aggressive marketer in a down market. This recession now has its first case study. Wal-Mart increased spending $300 million in 2008, according to TNS, who measures ad spending nationally. 

It’s hard to resist the urge to lower the prices of your retail products or services during these times, but you must realize that if you do so, you are taking a risk.

There's been a lot written about wasted marketing dollars lately. Not so sure I understand ‘tougher financial discipline' ‘belt tightening' and ‘optimizing the use of marketing funds' as they are being applied to marketing these days. We've talked before about the general mistake of cutting marketing efforts during a down economy as there is such significant opportunity for market share.

Should you find yourself with a smaller marketing budget and need to prioritize your efforts, start here: