This Sucks. Let's Play.

It does suck, doesn't it?

Advertising Age is hosting a different kind of networking event in March at MJ Armstrong's in NYC. It's a great concept positioned with humor which we all sorely need right now, don't we? Excerpting the content of their email campaign for it, which I received today:

When the going gets grisly, real players get busy. As the industry leader we believe it's our duty to amply supply you with whatever you need - and what you need right now is a much needed break.

So come circulate. Fraternize. Work it. Mingle. This Sucks. Let's Play.

A networking event featuring original games and a brand/advertising quiz hosted by Ad Age editor, Jonah Bloom. Plus, for $35 there's food AND an open bar. These Ad Age types really are industry leaders!

You can register online here.

Yes they did

Whether or not you agree with Obama's politics - or what he's done so far in office (the clock's ticking on the ole "First 100 Days"...), his online presence is impressive.

His adept use of the internet to bolster and veritably redefine grassroots campaigning has been touted throughout the press. The whitehouse.gov redesign going live exactly at noon on Inauguration Day? Nice. Not only symbolizing the distinct change from one administration to another but providing a much cleaner and streamlined information resource to anyone in the US with an internet connection. Just this morning, 2 blog posts about what the President and First Lady are up to (follow Obama on his first foreign trip - to Canada!)

Some might argue this level of transparency is a security risk, but his embrace of technology and social media is to be applauded. There is a wide swath of the country that's felt removed from government and kept in the dark, and no - not solely due to the past administration's actions. One's comments submitted via the 'contact us' page may not be directly addressed - I can only imagine the volume - but isn't it refreshing to feel that you can contact the White House so easily?

It will be interesting to see how this continues, particularly once the shine has dulled a bit on the Obama brand.

Say Hi to Kate

I'm excited to announce that the Sing It blog is now a collaborative effort. And I'm happy to welcome Kate Moore as a contributor! Kate is an excellent writer with extensive marketing experience. She has spent the last decade creating B2B marketing solutions in both the online and offline worlds. I'm confident that having her on the team will mean better content and more real-world experience. Welcome Kate!

Why 'Sing It'?

At least once, you've walked out of a vendor pitch meeting feeling like you don't remember anything that went on in that room for the past hour.

That's the opposite of what happens when you hear a good song on your way to work. When I hear a good song in the morning, I often find myself singing it all day (see earworm). Songs don't only get stuck in your head, they evoke feeling. Songs have the power to make you feel like you did ten years when you heard that song. That's powerful.

And that's the idea behind Sing It. In vendor marketing, you need to do more than say something. You need to Sing It. You need your audience to leave the room with an idea in their head and a feeling associated to your brand. So, the next time they see your name, they'll have a feeling and a thought to go with it. Then you'll know the pitch was effective.