STANANDLOU MARKETING/ADVERTISING

by Pete Blackshaw

Published: August 11, 2010

Ad Age Daily

So with all this relentless talk about Twitter accounts, Facebook fan pages and cool new apps, I have a serious and timely question. Do brand websites still matter?

Yes, I know — even asking this question is a bit digitally sacrilegious. Websites are to digital strategy as models are to fashion, but do we really need them?

I mean, didn’t things seem a tad curious during the World Cup when brands like Adidas and Nike actively promoted their Facebook page — not their primary website — at the end of their TV spots? Just this weekend, I saw a similar cross-feed to Facebook for Kohls. Talk about kicking the ball into a different goal.

Think about all the hoops we’ve jumped through to register proprietary domain names, in every country and business type — this perpetually rationalized by an almost unstoppable parade of GoDaddy ads (titillation and all). As a domain-name collector myself, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of asset deterioration.

But before you start penning the “ditch the brand website” memo, hold your tweets for a moment. Websites are not going away — they might be more important than ever — but they serve a different and evolved purpose today, especially in this new “social” context.

Think wholesale, less retail. Think distribution, less destination. Think serving, less selling.

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What a great day! Just got off the phone with Brandy Beverly who has accepted our offer to join the STANANDLOU and 504 family! We are extremely fortunate and thrilled to have someone of Brandy’s experience, talent and professionalism join our team as Account Director.

I personally look forward to working with and learning from Brandy as we take STANANDLOU to the next level of our journey. Brandy will officially start on July 15 but we hope to get her in for a couple days before for client introductions and stuff!

Welcome aboard, Brandy!

I was going through my photos from San Diego which are not nearly as interesting as Lou’s, but thought I would share this one with him and the group. Maybe there’s a marketing message for us here. Join IAN and your name will appear in lights. OK, maybe not.

Thom

My seat mates on Southwest Flight 1434 from San Diego to Houston last Saturday were Ayiiia from the MTV show, “Real World,” and friend, Monica Camacho. I didn’t know who Ayiiia was until she asked me to take a photo of her and her girlfriend/lover, Monica. Yes, Ayiiia was the lesbian instigator on the show. Ayiiia is the one with the hat.

MTV/Ayiiia Link

(L to R) Fatima Munir, Maricela Carbajal, Don’t Know, Rhondi Caruso
SEE ALL PHOTOS

all photos here

PHOTOS
Note from Reggie:
“Thought things couldn’t get any better. I found out yesterday things can always get better, Even though you are happy with the way things are going for you now. I Meet a lot of nice people in Austin. Our Austin friends are learning about neurofibromatosis and showing compassion about all who are affected by NF. Shouldn’t surprise me. I always walk away feeling great, as I know the new friends I met feel the same. A big thank you to all who took time to take photos with me! You are all very special to me!”

Just met one of the most interesting, fascinating, inspirational people I have ever encountered, Derek Steele. His book is the story of his life…how he overcame addiction, poverty and homelessness to become a millionaire by 35.

Here’s a trailer from the book that pretty much tells his story. Very powerful.

Derek Steele is a dynamic speaker and author whose story offers a powerful lesson in overcoming addiction and finding fulfillment. A highly successful entrepreneur and family man, he came to the American dream the hard way — by surviving a nightmarish youth. When most people his age were looking forward to college and careers, Derek was spiraling through a violent underworld of drugs, alcohol and homelessness. “A million guys who were like me are now dead or in prison,” he says. Recovering from his addictions and building a life that many aspire to, he found true purpose in faith and service.

“Addict at 10 is an amazing story of one man’s miraculous journey of transformation. It is a gripping account of how Derek overcame pain, hopelessness and substance abuse to find faith, purpose and fulfillment in life. Derek’s book is a wonderful example of how God leads us to His grace and how, with the right tools, guidance, and dedication, anyone who is willing and open to His will can overcome adversity.”
- Steven K. Scott, New York Times best selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived.

LINK TO CHAPELWOOD SERMON WITH DEREK STEELE