Recession = Buy More Advertising

With rapid job loss, humble faces at the World Economic Forum, over 60,00 jobs lost in the US media industry, 1 in 10 newspaper personnel released, traditional media is "under siege." "Yet, history shows that companies that strengthen their brands during a recession emerge stronger." Those are the words of Michael Mendenhall, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Hewlett-Packard (seen in photo) in his speech to the American Association of Advertising Agencies in New Orleans, Louisiana this past March.

Advertisers should take advantage of this recession and seek advertising opportunities throughout the Internet--digital media. This is a chance to grow your business, your brand, your image, and to capture the all ever-present market share. An example Mendenhall used in his speech was the 1975 recession when Ford Motor Company reduced ad spending and Chevy increased theirs, taking more market share in the auto industry. That decision took Ford five years to get over.

Digital media can also "recession-proof" your advertising budget--it costs much less in comparison. Most people know this, but even more refuse to do anything about it or even attempt to try. A digital advertising strategy can help an advertiser continue their growth and branding. But what about traditional media? Contrary to popular belief, traditional media will not disappear but adapt.

Mendenhall suggests that national advertisers transform and operate as the "Big Three" syndicated television networks of the last century: CBS, NBC and ABC. By acting as the networks have, they are in control of the digital media growth and a national advertiser would then make a website, social network, or network of websites their "affiliate" to broadcast their advertising content.

More advertisers are now seeking a "return on information." Within a few months from today there will be more information online than books being published--creating much work to sort through it all. Ad agencies must work fast to sort out which websites and networks are strongest and which can help to reach an advertiser's desired audience.

Paper to Pearls launches PSA campaign

Paper to Pearls, an initiative of Voices for Global Change, launched their PSA campaign this season using the following ad shown on the left. The banner below the photo reads "Can you believe these beads are made out of recycled paper?"

The campaign was created to generate awareness about the paper jewelry made from recycled paper by the women of northern Uganda who survived the recent conflicts. With no other means available to support themselves, while living in refugee camps waiting for an end to the civil war and its aftermath, the women used their knowledge and tradition of making paper jewelry to generate an income.

This is a great story, and there is more to come. The beaders can use your support. To learn more and to buy their beautiful jewelry go to:
http://papertopearls.org.

Welcome to a New Consciousness

Consciousness Magazine is the creation of publisher Aaron Robinson. Based in Chicago with a growing readership nationwide, the magazine promotes health and wellness of the individual with the possibilities of overcoming one's challenges; messages that are certainly well received. Their most recent issue features legendary rap artist Heavy D (of Heavy D & the Boyz) on the cover pictured here. In the issue Heavy D explains how his Jamaican roots encouraged him to continue his musical career singing reggae.

This week we caught up with Aaron and asked him some questions about Consciousness:

So tell us, who was this magazine created for?

Consciousness Magazine was created for every male and female who are interested in self growth, awareness, urban entertainment and informative information. In Consciousness Magazine, you will find that we profile interesting celebrities and social figures who are making a difference in society. We also, promote inspiration and place our interest on people, in hopes that we will continue to change lives and make a positive impact on the world.

What do you expect readers to take away from an issue of Consciousness?

I expect readers to receive valuable information while reading an issue of Consciousness Magazine. The editorial content in each issue will challenge one’s views on life, which may enlighten the reader of things they may not have known before.

Can you share a preview on any new projects you are working on?

I am writing an autobiography of my life. I design, and also am the art director for Allezom Magazine; a high fashion publication that comes out every two months. I am also a graphic designer and currently working on designing and developing promotional and marketing material for companies.

You're From Where?

In today's world many people want to market their products or services worldwide and often forsake a very old reality that connecting to your local market FIRST is vital to the life of your business. Just think of all the famous people and products you know of and ask yourself of how many times you identified them with their place of origin. Now ask yourself: why is it important? For one simple reason--Credibility.

In most dictionaries the word credibility is defined with words such as (drum roll): believable, trustworthy, honest, and integrity.

Nothing beats credibility! The words credibility and credit are said to derive from the Latin word credo which means "I trust you." A classic example is a bank checking a company's or an individual's credit history. So never underestimate the power of your local market, or feel timid in reaching out to your local market before selling to the rest of the world in hopes of becoming a worldwide sensation.

Why We Love Summer, and Why We Love Rayne (Summer Rayne Oakes)

A spokesperson and advisor for Planet Green, Summer Rayne Oakes is best known for her work as a model and ethical-shopping fashionista reminding us to take better care of our planet by buying products that show we care.

She has gained attention by attending the eye catching Charity:Water events, and she also writes for the Huffington Post; where she recently wrote an article recommending our client Paper to Pearls.

The article is called Top 10 Coolest African Fair-Trade Fashions. In it she writes:

"Paper to Pearls, an initiative of Voices for Global Change, is a beading initiative that brings the voices of Uganadan women's struggles and hopes to the forefront of fashion. The colorful paper bead jewelry is handmade by women in the internal refugee camps of Northern Uganda who have been displaced by years of internal conflict by the Lord's Resistance Army. Each bead is carefully rolled by hand and cut from strips of calendar paper and secured with glue, varnished and assembled into necklaces. The women's dexterous workmanship is transformed into bold colors that can be worn singly or layered on." Thank you Summer!

Summer also has recently released her new book (cover photo see here) titled Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty. The book shows how our concern for the environment can take shape through our fashion. To learn more please visit the link: http://www.stylenaturally.com.