American Airlines Launches BlackAtlas.com | BNET Travel Blog | BNET -
Another bad idea unveiled today from American Airlines. This time it’s a special “online travel destinations for sophisticated Afircan-American travelers”. Well, about two years ago they made the mistake of launching a women’s online travel site with special tips on how to pack, what books to read and other soft little tips all bathed in the color lavender to make us female travelers feel all soft and cozy inside. The hoped result was this would make us want to fly AA more often than other less thoughful airlines. Uhhhh, no, we did not fall for it - in fact, we shouted out against it - and they quickly took down the website and went in search of the next big idea.
Well, while this site is not painted purple or brown, it is still trying to make a certain demographic of airline consumers feel “special” by pointing out what AA thinks is going to make their experience more special. But, bottomline, don’t we all just want to fly an airline that offers us low fares, on time arrivals and departures, good customer service and safety? Do you think this site is a good or bad idea for AA? Now that you know my thoughts, would love to hear yours…
MediaPost Publications 10 Trends For 2010 10/02/2009 -
I cannot even believe we are already looking the year 2010 in the face! It is amazing how time flies by so quickly! But, as we do look at 2010, these trends become important to consider when marketing to anyone, but especially women.
As we have identified, value and brand are among the key Factors that drive women’s purchases (hence our name, Factor 9). But, never before has the fact that women build relationships with brands way beyond the simple transaction been so important.
With social media allowing consumers to have direct conversations with brands, they have an open forum to tell you what ever is on thier mind - good or bad! Your loyal consumers will use this forum to invite thier friends to experience the brand and will sing your praises for all to see. But, one bad experience, and they may become a “fan” just to tell you (and all your loyal fans) just how their relatonship with your brand went sour. So, it is crucial to be transparent and consumer focused in everything you do, giving women every opportunity and reason to spread the word about how your brand is positively impacting their lives. Have a presence online, instore and treat her like she is your only customer every time and she will respond with loyalty that builds true relationships and sales.
The First Issue of 'Gourmet' Magazine: The January 1941 'Holiday Issue' | Serious Eats -
I cannot believe that an institution in American culture and cooking is closing down its doors. Gourmet magazine will be missed but for a smile on this sad day, take a walk down memory lane with the original issue from 1941. Reminds me why photography makes our mouths water so much more than illustration but the magazine promised then what it has to me in my lifetime to-date “good food, good drink, fine living … the universal language of the gourmet”. Cheers to a another wonderful publication that is bowing its head to the pressures of the ever growing strength of online competition.
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MediaPost Publications The Female Side of Green 09/23/2009 -
Great article