Dec
18
2007
PR as we know it is dead. You can’t launch a product before you have customers.
– Connie Conners, CEO of Conners Communications as quoted in a post by Enid Burns on ClickZ.
In the post, Burns explores the trend among PR firms to drop traditional PR functions while embracing SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing.) The new services involve working directly with authoritative bloggers and developing content for clients. Here is an open letter posted on Connors’ site.
Via PR Newser
Nov
07
2007
Here’s a new addition to the almost emerging South Waterfront neighborhood:
The Innovation Lab is designed to serve the community as a hub of activity, information and resources, including available meeting space. At opening, it will feature:
- Product Wall: A 25-foot, interactive, seamless dynamic plasma wall that features touch screen technology, pod casts and community search functionality.
- Community Wall: This interactive display wall serves as the (lab’s) official community center. It provides information on volunteer opportunities and community events, supports fundraising for community organizations and includes a survey option for users to tell (the lab) which topics they would like to learn more about.
- LocalSpace: (the lab’s) own social networking site. Designed to connect and assist local businesses in a virtual setting, LocalSpace offers opportunities for mentoring, expert advice, public community calendars and 3-D mapping from Microsoft’s Virtual Earth.
- Computer Cafe: Features tables embedded with state-of-the-art Lenovo laptops inviting visitors to try out easy-access online… solutions or simply surf the Web.
- Ask an Expert: Uses the Cisco Unified Meeting Place solution to connect customers face-to-face with experts on a wide range of … topics at any time.
- Interactive and In-store Shopping: Browse merchandise from local merchants as well as … Local Music CDs, books and other finds.
And…
The Innovation Lab will serve (it’s own) signature blend of coffee as well as customers’ choice of a latte, americano or cappuccino at the press of a button.
What is this place? Of course: It’s an Umpqua Bank branch.
[Via a news brief on the Business Journal site that was based on this press release.]
Nov
02
2007
Here’s a nice little interactive gadget for marketing students. Doubles as a viral promotion for its originator, Kolbrener. Clever.
OK kids, pop quiz: name the element defined as…
A system of identification as manifested in three dimensional physical space, including elements such as signage and environmental design
Come on kids, you can do it.
If not, who’s going to handle all that brandage?
(Via Tim Berry’s blog)

Built by Kolbrener, a branding company
^That last line comes along with the HTML for the chart, when you download the link