Because we believe we can add value
for users and, at the same time, help drive innovation on the web.

-Google on their new browser, Chrome

Open Source

Google launches Chrome, its open source web browser, today. News of the release, initially leaked in comic book form then later confirmed on The Official Google Blog, has the Internet abuzz with talk about the demise of Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Chrome is a natural addition—an integrated mechanism to deliver the search giant’s extensive suite of free, albeit ad-driven tools and services.

Open Season

Chrome bolsters Google’s efforts to prevent Microsoft from leveraging Internet Explorer to wrest Google’s position in the search market space.

But whether users adopt Google’s latest development en masse, or not, marketers in every sector will benefit from a viable communication partner offering an integrated delivery vehicle.

[image: ndanger]

Huggies: Nothing stops leaks better

Sell the Benefit

When it comes to conveying a message about your company, product or service, keep it succinct. Humor and hyperbole are great devices for memorability — as long as your core benefits are readily understood.

We think you’ll agree, the core benefit Huggies® hoped to convey in this 30 second spot is readily understood by anyone who has ever changed a diaper.

“Takes me basically 15 seconds [to come up with a game plan]. I know everything I need to know.�?

-Roger Federer, who competes without a coach, on scouting opponents.

Roger Meets Raphael

Roger Federer’s 2008 Wimbledon Championship loss to Raphael Nadal may inspire the tennis legend to consider his long-standing aversion to hiring a coach. And yet…

Cato meets Roger

In the above Nike spot, Roger harbors a secret “attack” coach, played by New Zealand comedian Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords). The ad draws inspiration from Cato vs. Clouseau surprise attack scenes in Pink Panther films.

While Darby plays an offbeat, albeit moderately skillful Cato, Federer simply plays himself - a coolly amused international superstar, content to indulge his odd, yet welcome house guest.

All in all, a real sweet spot.

An orbital 1,967,514 views,
and counting

Good. Clean. Fun.

For a good clean feeling, no matter what, we offer up this serial Wrigley’s Orbit® gum spot. Smacking wads of Orbit, this threesome pushes nearly every FCC boundary, yet never broaches one.

Add the signature Orbit brand sign-off: hand-held, frame-centered package; Vanessa, the onlooking, ever-white-bright and über-perky narrator with package-matching scarf; a tagline reinforcement finish; and this one’s a wrap.

Viral. Free. Fun.

At last count Orbit has enjoyed 1,967,514 brand impression-delivered views of this video on YouTube alone—part of what’s propelled Orbit to a top five chewing gum brand. Now that’s meteoric viral distribution. And for brand agents, that’s just good clean fun—key word, fun.

White Castle’s conversation-inspiring promotion.

Dining on Slyders®
by candlelight

What’s Wrong with this Picture?

This street sign isn’t advertising a 4-star restaurant, it’s a 24-hour White Castle that serves miniature hamburgers called Slyders®. A regional player, they consistently rank among the Top 100 U.S. foodservice companies, serving over 500 million burgers a year.

White Castle is running a serious business, but not too serious.

Love is in the Ambiance

A kitsch castle motif and hamburger joint ambiance doesn’t register as a romantic destination for most couples. Nor does dining on steamy Slyders® in a stainless-steel and plastic-laminate setting on candlelit, linen-draped tables. Which is exactly why White Castle’s charming Valentine’s Day promotion works.

Not your typical White Castle experience: waiters, flowers, candlelight and tablecloths.

Embrace Yourself

From a strategic marketing standpoint, White Castle understands and embraces their market space and brand persona—and are willing to leverage it by poking fun at themselves. This promotion transcends a one-way communication, inviting consumers to interact with the brand—sharing a little levity with others at White Castle’s expense.

Instigating Viral-ability

The promotion’s self-effacing humor became an opportunity for consumer-generated online viral buzz. The Brainstorm employee who took the picture emailed it to 3 people; two within Brainstorm and one in Oregon. Several weeks later she received the image back in an email from a former co-worker, unrelated in any tangible way to the original recipients with the subject ‘Valentine’s Day dinner plans?’ Who knows how far it traveled or how many people saw it?

Share the Love

Socially shared experiences both on and offline begin with transparency, relevance, and often wit. Inspiring people to talk positively about your brand requires involvement and reaching out to engage.

[Restaurant interior photo: Girlieleep]