Ray Kroc of McDonald’s fame said, “When your competition is drowning, stick a hose in their mouth.” (via Cameron H)
That’s exactly what Richard Branson is doing to British Airways: calling the multi-billion dollar commercial airline ‘almost worthless’, and encouraging the British Goverment to NOT bail them out.
BA was ruthless to Virgin in the early years, so Richard’s unceasing antagonism is almost expected. I find it beautiful. He is most definitely capitalizing on a fresh PR opportunity as his main competitor wobbles.
Smaller companies can apply this rival-killing drama, but only do it if it creates headlines.
I wonder how complex it is to become a ‘cultural icon’. At the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, all they do is throw fish.
They. Throw. Fish.
That’s it – people come from nigh and far to buy fish just to watch it be thrown.
Stop thinking so hard. Becoming iconic usually happens with something simple.
The Doodle Bar opened in London about a month ago. It’s covered in whiteboards and washable surfaces, with pens everywhere. They have several events happening – even a doodle of the week!
Imagine how powerfully social this is. In the PR and viral worlds this is considered ‘low hanging fruit’. Can someone please open a Doodle Bar in Vancouver?
This image is the home page for Electra Bikes. The pretty, stylin girl has nothing to do with bikes, but Electra recognizes that the look and feel of their company culture absolutely matters in order to sell products.
EVERYTHING you do matters. Are the people and images on your site totally smokin hot and oozing with style? They oughta be.
The Yaletown phenomena Blo, where mostly women get their hair done (not cut) has had several dozen media hits – more than anyone I know – in Vancouver in two years for a few reasons:
1. Awesome concept
2. Amazing name
- many think it’s for those 2 reasons alone, but…
3. Very outgoing and friendly with the media
4. Consistently and aggressively looking for PR opportunities
4. Often a part of different events around town
5. Always finding ways to share their story in a fun way
Luck has nothing to do with it. Meet the Founders, and you’ll know in 5 seconds why they’re so successful and are building one of Canada’s next great brands. They have 3 locations in Vancouver and 2 coming in TO. Watch for mo Blo!
This PR stunt:
1. Generates hundreds of online stories
2. Drives tons of newcomers to their site
3. BIG TIME gets a younger demographic interacting with the Volvo brand
The benefits offset the development costs by a long shot.
The first time I read about TechCrunch’s upcoming CrunchPad, I thought, “What’s the advantage? It’s a huge Kindle, and huger iPhone. So what.”
Then they added the picture. Ooh the picture!
It reveals a feeling – the desire to be really comfy while working with full browser capacity.
TechCrunch captures the intended feeling bang on.
Microsoft’s new Bing ‘decision engine’ will go live June 3rd. While some people criticize the name, soft spoken CEO Steve Ballmer explains to Walt Mossberg that the name had to be easy to say in multiple languages.
The functionality will be great, but the name ALONE will take this new form of search to stratospheric levels.
The name ALONE of your next brand can be this iconic too.
A lot of small companies do too much and miss out on marketing opportunities because they’re not focused and can’t build credibility.
I often correct people: I’m not a ‘Full Services PR Firm’ or a ‘PR Consultant’. I help small companies generate media coverage – that’s my niche!
2 photographers with spectacular work because they’re focused:
Ken Wan of ARC does stunning Architectural Photography, and
Maria Petersen of GradShots.ca will capture your graduation like no one else. What’s your specialty?
