K Y R A

In order for an organization to be successful, employees need to be taken care of. 

PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: MARCH 29, 2019

GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 29, 2019 (ana.net) -- This week in the ANA magazine something interesting happened in a Texas Petco. A man and woman decided to bring their leashed African Watusi steer, Oliver, into their local Petco to explore its “all leashed pets are welcome” policy. Shockingly, Petco’s employees seemed unphased and greeted Oliver with open arms -- it’s the “big-little” things in life. Moving on, this week’s topics focused on the happiness of employees. In the ANA Purposeful People Series, Leigh “Perk” Perkins talks about his changes in the Orvis company -- more specifically his goal to change the culture in the organization. After being handed the company from his father, Perkins noticed there needed to be a shift from old-school to a more enlightened and transparent management. He states, “I want to be remembered for changing the culture, where people feel more included and empowered and involved.” According to the article, “Six Ways to Ensure a Happy Workforce,” Robert Half identifies six factors that will influence employees happiness. Happy Employees equals happy workforce and happy customers.

According to Robert Half, marketing and creative professionals among several industries are the happiest employees -- on top of having the highest interest in their work. However, marketing organizations are constantly competing for employers for other industries that seem more “glamorous.” Half identifies six ways the marketing organizations can do to win talented employees and create the ideal work environment.

Organizations should make sure the new employees are the right fit for the job and the company.

Organizations should give their employees a real sense of empowerment.

Companies should let their employees know that their work matters and that it is always appreciated.

Bosses should give their teams interesting and meaningful work.

The work environment should develop a sense of fairness.

Organizations should foster workplace relationships.

Organizations should embrace the importance of taking care of their employees. For example, Leigh “Perk” Perkins continued his father’s company as well as increased its worth, and he believes the employees should feel empowered by their involvement in the company. Happy employees will be motivated to keep the company running, as long as they are taken care of and recognized. Not only it is beneficial to the employees, but to the company’s environment.

Boilerplate: Since 1910 the Association of National Advertisers has commanded the industry agenda, enhanced career development, and advanced the interests of marketers.

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Kyra Agustin

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More opportunities arise for brands to grow their audiences

PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: MARCH 15, 2019

GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 15, 2019 (ana.net) -- According to the ANA magazine, this week’s topics cover marketing efforts to reach the companies’ audience. Hello 2019, it seems like this year is the technology’s time to shine -- from autonomous driving to a ultra-modern training facility for esports players. Technological advancements are popping up like it is nothing, so much that marketers have an eye on esports. On the other hand, Chick-fil-a is making some marketing efforts for their customers with a Christian background. Since Lent is approaching, the popular fast-food chain is bringing back their cod filet -- similar to McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich. A company that pleases their consumers more than anyone is making some more decisions to benefit them, Amazon. Amazon has decided to close all 87 pop-up stores in the United States -- starting in next month, April. According to an Amazon spokesperson, “After much review, we came to the decision to discontinue our pop-up kiosk program, and are instead expanding Amazon Books and Amazon 4-star, where we provide a more comprehensive customer experience and a broader selection.” Makes sense because Amazon is known for their selection of books, starting off with the Kindle. Will it work out for Amazon? Stay tuned.

Companies, like Chick-fil-a and Amazon are already familiar with their audiences and know how to strategically attract them with their marketing efforts. However, today, brands are looking to reach a more niche and growing audience through esports. Thanks to technological advancements, gaming software is crisper than ever. Games, such as Fortnite are off the charts because the concept and quality is intriguing. Esports is an opportunity for marketers to advertise brands, but how? According to the ANA, esports fans are hostile towards any marketing efforts that disturb their gaming -- whether watching or playing. Also, research is clumping all gaming categories together into one whole category. For example, “they will lump a 25-year-old woman playing a game on her phone while waiting for public transport with a Call of Duty player on a console all day (Warren).” The esports Marketing and Talent Management Agency, REV/XP, is helping brands reach out to the esports audience in a similar way that traditional sports marketing is currently doing -- that is how one does it.

Overall, the articles from the Ana Magazine showed that companies’ marketing efforts are important and sometimes can be difficult starting up. Chick-fil-a and Amazon are emphasizing the importance of their consumers by making decisions that their consumers will hopefully enjoy. Chick-fil-a is a religious and family-based fast-food restaurant, closing their chains on Sunday for their employees. Although the fish sandwich did not become a thing until 2015, it makes sense to offer it during Lent for those who are giving up meat, specifically chicken. Amazon is going back to their original roots and expanding their Amazon Book collection, so their book junkies will have a more selection of books. Marketers are still figuring how to exactly market their brands to the growing esports fans, but as time progresses, so will marketing.

Boilerplate: Since 1910 the Association of National Advertisers has commanded the industry agenda, enhanced career development, and advanced the interests of marketers.

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Kyra Agustin

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Gender Equality + Sustainability Efforts = Happy People

PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: FEB 22, 2019

GAINESVILLE, Fla., February 22, 2019 (ana.net) -- This week in the advertising world, social and environmental changes are being highlighted in a positive light. Based on the ANA magazine, this week’s topics centered around progressing gender equality; driving hopeful social change from the Ad Council’s president and CEO; and making sustainability efforts within large companies. Jodi Harris, Vice President of Marketing Culture and Learning at Anheuser-Busch is making strong endeavors for social change in her traditional and male-dominated industry. According to the article, she believes society is always evolving and marketing should speed up the pace to help shape society. In order to achieve her goal, Jodi began “Women In Beer” within her company, this new vision was initiated by Anheuser-Busch’s in-house agency, and it is creating a new vibe of cultural inclusion and respect for women. Moving on, Lisa Sherman, Ad Council’s president and CEO is also promoting social changes and has been since 2014. In the article Purposeful People Series, Lisa addresses a few questions on a variety of subjects, such as effective purpose-based campaigns. According to Lisa, brands are becoming more aware of purpose-driven marketing and has become a vital key to their company and many want to partner with the Ad Council to tackle issues. Lastly, huge companies such as, Ikea, P&G, Kimberly-Clark, and Siemens are making moves to develop a success sustainability program within their companies. Based on the article, these companies along with a rising number of other brands are upping their game towards the environmental watchdogs, environmentally conscious consumers and to their companies themselves. They are thinking ahead to long-term growth, since it requires a large amount time, effort, resources and patience to obtain a sustainable program running.

To continue, the article expert advice about how a company can design a successful sustainability program for themselves and provide key takeaways.  "Marketing is in a state of disruption, and people expect more from brands and companies. They expect us to do good for society and for the planet. Brands really have the opportunity and responsibility to step up and do good — and do so in a way that's good for growth." says Marc Pritchard, chief brand officer at P&G. This emphasizes the importance of what marketing towards green efforts can do for brands. Here is the step-by-step process to move forward with a successful sustainability program: 1) Tie It to Your Brand Purpose 2) Find Your Partners -- and Activate Your Suppliers 3) Get Senior-Level Buy-In 4) Energize the Internal Culture 5) Share Your Successes Honestly.

A major insight in this article is the fact that large corporations such as, P&G and IKEA are making efforts to become more environmentally friendly -- not just for selfish reasons like, to make them look better, but because they care to develop long-term growth for the planet. It sets a good example for other companies to follow the trend and making our planet cleaner. 

Boilerplate: Since 1910 the Association of National Advertisers has commanded the industry agenda, enhanced career development, and advanced the interests of marketers.

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Kyra Agustin

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Burger King and Taco Bell, meet your new competitor?

PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2019

GAINESVILLE, Fla., February 8, 2019 (ana.net) -- This week in the advertising world are some quick updates. Kentucky Fried Chicken, abbreviated as, KFC recently introduced their newest item on their menu -- the Cheeto sandwich. According to the ANA, the newest sandwich will only be tested out in select locations, but maybe it’s worth a shot. Moving on, Introducing Hulu ads when you pause an episode! Hulu is now showing ads when you pause your tv show, but it will not be a video. According to TechCrunch, the pause ad is a translucent banner that will hover over the show. Lastly, Kohl’s and Weight Watchers are uniting brands. According to the Chicago Tribune, the two companies seem like a “natural tie-in” because they both target the same audience.

The new Cheeto sandwich from KFC will only be at the selected states: North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. Although, KFC is not as popular as Burger King and Taco Bell, this marketing effort could possibly step-up their game because Burger King and Taco Bell features Doritos and Cheetos. Not only the crunchy snack will be on the sandwich, but their new Cheetos sauce will be drenched on the crispy chicken -- for all the Cheetos fans out there.

Cheetos sandwich could be a hit or a miss. The odds if this this product does succeed, the sandwich will be in KFC stores across the nation -- maybe the risk will be a pay off. Taco Bell seems like their Doritos line is very popular, so we’ll see where it goes. Cheers to all the chip lovers out there!

Boilerplate: Since 1910 the Association of National Advertisers has commanded the industry agenda, enhanced career development, and advanced the interests of marketers.

Contact:

Kyra Agustin

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PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: JANUARY 25, 2019

GAINESVILLE, Fla, January 25, 2019 (ana.net) -- Based on the articles published on ana.net, this week’s topics cover some big play moves in the advertising world. First, the rebranding of Dunkin’ Donuts to Gillette’s new ad campaign “The Best Men Can Be.” These already strong brands are taking a big step towards modernizing their company, but is it the right time? Another article mentions advice from the marketing executives from big companies, such as Denny’s, American Express, and Deluxe Corp.

Dunkin’ Donuts has been around for about 70 years -- for traditionalists the rebrand might not be pleasing. However, the company is on it’s way to “modernizing the brand to connect with a larger audience and build long-term relevancy, while still embracing the restaurant chain’s 70-year heritage…” The typography and color will remain the same, besides the fact that they shortened the brand name. As for Gillette, they have been around for 117 years. The company recently launched their new ad campaign emphasizing a call to men and help eliminate “toxic masculinity.” As society becomes more progressive, this big move could be a right fit for today’s market because of the societal changes.

Overall, the Dunkin’s rebrand and Gillette’s new ad campaign are both bold moves that benefited both companies (of course, all companies will receive some backlash). These companies have been around for 70+ years -- both have developed strong brand loyalty with their customers. Therefore, a risk and some backlash won’t hurt the brand tremendously. New changes should be made to keep these brands alive.

Boilerplate: Since 1910 the Association of National Advertisers has commanded the industry agenda, enhanced career development, and advanced the interests of marketers.

Contact:

Kyra Agustin

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Chipotle’s ad campaign really hit the spot. Instead of a 30-second generic commercial, it was three minutes and 22 seconds of a creative storyline. I think Chipotle did a great job with trying to engage an emotional response from the audience with the Scarecrow’s life. As well as, pushing for a more sustainable and fresh lifestyle by emphasizing the steroids injected in chickens (shown above), and the poor treatment of cows in the video -- throwing the food industry under the bus.