Finding the right person to sponsor

Hello all,

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!

Charlotte x

BT Sport a player not to be messed with

Hello,

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.

BT Sport Logo Picture: www.thedrum.com



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! 

Charlotte Males x

Voice posts? Are these the way forward?

Hello,

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!

Charlotte Males x

Marketing- jumping on the fad?

Hello all,

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...