As the public demand more from everyone and everyone, we find out more about celebrities and sports stars than our own families and friends. So it can become increasingly difficult to sponsor a 'good guy'. The one brand I think who has suffered the most by making wrong sponsorship choices has to be Nike.
Unfortunately for Nike, it has sponsored some bad guys. Although, now not sponsoring Lance Armstrong or Oscar Pistorius. Does having these 'bad guys' really damage a brand? Did Nike make a mistake sponsoring these guys? Or is Nike just really unluckily in their pick of sport stars?
I think the letter, there's no way Nike could have known any of this, unless they have mystic meg n their team too. Maybe sponsors should start doing back ground and personality checks to see what's the percentage of a possible bad mistake/action a prospective sport star could make?
As far as it hurting the brand, I think it can do quite some damage. But as Nike is a well established brand and has three bad guys within about five years, and they are still doing ok. So I think it depends on how big the brand is to how well it can absorb those losses through these bad public figures.
Mostly, all the news would be about these people and the things they have done that has made them loose the sponsorship in the first place. Rather than the band being criticized for sponsoring these people. Good for the band, bad for those athletes.
Well I hope Nike can find a good guy soon, 3 is certainly enough bad press for one brand!
I am sure most of you have heard about BTs new project, BT Sport. BT Sport is set to rival the biggest UK sport media giant BSKYB. This will bring a new dimension into the UK Sports media world, but a much needed and exciting one at that.
With a new player in town not only would their be a fight for the biggest games, but hopefully more coverage for those teams that don't get enough. And what I am personally really hoping for is the smaller sports getting some more attention. So fingers crossed...
BT Sport has already unveiled some really exciting stuff, for example their purpose built offices will be built in Stratford, a stone throw away from the Olympic Park. And has surcured some big names like Jake Humphrey that will anchor the Barclays premier league. And Claire Balding will have a weekly show. Both of these names had huge success covering the the Olympics and other major sporting events. So I am pleased to them achieving a regular gig.
BT Sport will be released this summer, and the 2013/14 is shaping up pretty good with 38 live Barclays premier league matches, loads of match from Brazil, France & Italy. And exclusive Aviva premiership Rugby matches, lots of women's tennis from 21 tournaments from around the world. This is a great start for BT Sport, I am us between now and the summer more deals will be established.
One huge break through that will really challenge, rivals BSKYB is BT Sport have just struck a deal with ESPNs UK & Ireland's TV channels. BT will continue to broadcast at least one ESPN-branded channel. BT Sport will have the rights to show live coverage of the 2013/14 FA Cup, plus Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, UEFA Europa League, German Bundesliga. More excitingly, BT Sport will also have the rights to ESPNs America channel which will show US sports including NCAA College Basketball, NCAA College Football and NASCAR. This is great news for both BT Sport and the US Sports trying to make a bid in the UK Sport market too.
BT Sport is already BIG news in the game and I am excited to see where else it could lead. This can only be a positive for the UK Sports market. If you want to sign up for more information to BT Sport and start to register interest to sign up to it follow this link... www.btsport.com
I personally can't wait to sign up and watch even more incredible amount of sport. What do you think of BT Sports success? do you think it will last? Let me know!
Some of you may have already seen Facebook adverts for voice apps or seen/heard of the app called bubbly. Bubbly originated in Singapore and has been a big hit. It has been in the UK for a couple of months now and no one has really picked up on it. The only big name I have found is Rio Ferdinand, who actually uses it quite regularly, discussing important topics.
So how does it work?
Well once you have set up an account, you can add your Facebook & Twitter to it too, you then can record yourself talking about whatever you wish. You can record up to 90 seconds Long. So you can really get your voice heard (literally!).
You can also add sound effect like laughter, clapping and like a game show music thing. Once recorded you also add more special effects to it. For example, making it echoey, sound like a witch and lots more. These bits are really fun to use. You can play it back before you post is to your followers. You can also share it in twitter & Facebook.
This does seem like a good idea, however for those who don't like hearing their own voice it will take some getting use to. I believe if it does take off the people who could profit the most from it would be clubs & teams. As they could do a 90 interview,match report or over clips. Fans would love what the man of the match actually said, hearing the chanting of your favourite football team if you ccaouldnt make it to the match.
Motivational speakers and sports stars could make a killing from it. As the demand grows for 'access all areas' from the people we love to see, perform and do what they do best. This could be the way forward.
Apps like bubbly really break down even more barriers and can bring you a lot closer to people, events and life. Your not just reading what people are saying, your actually hearing them. Picking up on peoples emotions and feelings. It's a very powerful tool.
Overall, I think there are a lot of positives going for this. But it's just a case of when people pick up on it. It's certainly something to look out for! try it for yourself and see what you think!
As I am sure most of you are aware there has been a new YouTube sensation, the Harlem shake. If you don't know what I am talking about take a look at this....
I am not a 100% sure on how it came about, but it's now the latest craze. So much so I think even my University wants to jump on the band wagon and make one... I shall let you know how that goes!
My focus for today is, is it right for brands to jump on these crazes for their own product? I am of course talking about Pepsi version. See below.
I find it quite an amusing advert myself and they were quick to jump on this opportunity. Let's face it,
if Pepsi didn't do it, some else would have. Just like Oreos Super Bowl black out social media advert that went out within minutes.... (just wow! At the power of social media!)
The difference is between these two is, Oreo was smart and original. But Pepsi has just jumped on a bandwagon of crazy YouTube lovers. Is it worth it?
I guess it is worth it otherwise people wouldn't be talking about this advert. I think brands and marketers are right to embrace these YouTube craze. As that's want people to watch and copy. I think it's a brilliant idea, it's easy, you didn't really have to think of much and it's in the here and now.
Granted the fad might be over soon. But at least you can say you did it. You tried and most of all you most likely got watched (it has over 35,000 views already!).
So I want to congratulate Pepsi, I think it was a bold but great move. And no doubt the next craze I am sure we will see other big brands getting involved.
Wally woman
X
Ps I would have loved to one of those cans explode due to all the shaking at the end...
I went to a fashion show on thursday, I know it's not related to sports or what I usually chat about but I do think its worth a mention.
The show was in the eve of London Fashion Week. A big week for the fashionista up and down the country. I have always wanted to go to see what it was like. So I ended up with some free tickets and had a look.
Despite turning up slightly underdressed, it's was quite an enjoyable occasion. A free glass of bubbly with entry and a free goody bag, who could say no! The collection was by Mary K, the clothes were lovely, the bold prints were mesmerising. But way too bold for me to pull. Although, I hear she has a lovely collection in Top shop.
The clothes were lovely, the models however.... Give these girls some food! I understand that it's not a bout them it's totally about the clothes and the designers artistic impression through them. But I do not understand why the model have to be that thin? Surely if the clothes are that good you would want to see more of it? And as they are designing CLOTHES that are WORN by people, why not get an average person to model? A very strange concept for me to understand.
The models aside, it was a truly lovely evening and for all those that have no interest in fashion I still think its worth a look and expand your knowledge of other things. You never know it could give you inspiration for your next big idea :)
Theres has been an age old debate about what sport is more manly or less girly or just better. Of course I am talking about Rugby Union Vs American Football. Now naturally, I would support Rugby Union. But as I have got older and finally understood and now enjoy American football. It gets harder and harder to choose a side. Hence the need for this blog post. I have come up with a few categories to rate each sport in and hopefully we shall crown a winner.
Aim of the Game:
Well both sports are pretty similar in this aspect, need to get the ball (which is oddly shaped the same too), over the line. The only difference in Rugby Union you HAVE to touch the ball on the ground, but in American Football you can just catch it in the end zone.
Another similarity, is the team with the most points, wins. simple. RU: 9/10 AF: 9/10
Rule Complexity:
Here is where we can see some differences, in Rugby Union you must throw the ball backwards (an odd concept) but in American Football its all about throwing forward.
Each sports has different rules regarding, punishments, substitutions and general game play rules that affect game play. However, American football has more rules and are slightly more based on the judgements of the referee.
The pitch sizes are different as well, the rugby union pitch is 20meters bigger than an American Football pitch. However, it probably goes without saying the American football stadiums are A LOT bigger!
Rugby Union is played in 40 minute half's, the time is stopped for injuries etc. But in American football, its played in 15 minute quarters, but stopped each time a play has broken down.
Another interesting fact is the amount of players in the game. Rugby union can only have 15 out field players with around 5 substitutes. However, in Professional American Football there can be 11 out field players with lots of subs. But the main difference is in American football there is essentially an attacking team and a defensive team for each team. I think this only increases the complexity of the game. As a Sport scientists I can see how it can make a difference to play like this, but as a sports fans its gets a little more confusing. RU: 7/10 (the higher the score the easy to follow) AF: 4/10 Average Rating (for big events):
The biggest event for American football is of the Super bowl, which 167 million people tuned into the Super bowl in 2012! Making this the most viewed broadcast in American history!
But, the Most watch final in Rugby Union History was the England vs Australia 2003 final, it was broadcasted in 205 countries and 3.5 BILLION people tuned in! RU: 9/10 AF: 7/10
Global Awareness:
Rugby Union is played across over 100 countries a study concluded in 2012. Whilst only 62 nations play American Football.
This may be due to that fact that American football is just a variation of Rugby Union. RU: 9/10 AF: 7/10
The Bigger Hitter:
Last, but certainly not least the most probably talked about subject between these two sports. Who tackles harder? Pads Vs No pads? Who wins..... This videos finds out using Sport Science, Or if you can be bothered to watch then drum roll please..........
(Drum Roll!)
The Biggest Hitter Award goes to: BOTH!
American Football may hit harder, but Rugby Union hits more! So I think I shall split 50/10 here. RU: 5/10 AF: 5/10
Total Score for each is as follows: RU: 39 AF: 32
So the end scores were close, but RUGBY UNION just pinches the win!
Hope you find this as interesting and fun to read as I did to write!
Until next time...
Wally Woman x
Well what a sporting weekend we just had, the start of the RBS 6 nations and the NFL Super Bowl. Both were highlights of my weekend.
RBS 6 Nations
It was such a delight to watch England play the way they did. So smooth and creative with their play. They are certainly looking very strong. Well, of course they are from beating the infamous All Blacks not so long a go. I am really looking forward to what they cam accomplish in the coming weeks. Not to mention Farrell... WHOA one for the ladies to look at ;)
Super Bowl
Well where to start, there was defiantly a moment in the first half that it looked like it was just going to be a beating to the 49ners. They just didn't seem to get going. I was rooting for the 49ners, so I was not liking the look of the first half at all. Although, I am English and live in West London, it does seem odd to take a notice into the Super bowl but I think its popularity has defiantly grown over the years as its even show on the BBC now! However, we don't get the classic super bowl advert, which I am quite upset about as Companies and Brands have reportedly spent over $1.4 Million dollars on just 30seconds of TV.... So only spending that much money could only mean great adverts!
After the disastrous first half from the 49nes point of view, it was time for the beloved half time show and Beyonce! and what a show that was!!!! I loved every bit of it! here is a link for you to watch it if you sadly missed out on this greatness... http://bit.ly/XiRTdb Then for whatever reason (lots of speculation on Beyonce) there was a power outage.This power outage last for 87minutes. Long enough for the 49ners to take a breather, regroup and get their head in the game! When the third quarter began the 49ners came out with a bang and two touchdowns withing the first 7 minutes. Amazing stuff! The game was super dramatic and amazing to watch, depsite the final score that meant the Ravens won. If that was interesting and exciting enough, the coaches of these two teams were Brothers, How proud must their parents be! A lot of family bragging rights for thanks givings and Christmases to come I think. I hope you all enjoyed the weekend of sport as much as I did. Wally Woman x
