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Thinking

You may not like what you're about to hear, but in just a few months our airwaves will once again be filled with countless political ads full of promises, finger pointing and baby holding.

In our digital world, online product reviews, forums, video demos, and instant price comparisons are only a click away. It's not surprising then, that very few of us are willing to fork over any cash before first conducting some online research.

Here at MindFire, we're true believers in the power of research. Nothing helps you focus your marketing like research does. It takes the guesswork out of your decisions and provides you with the insights needed to fine-tune your message.

The way consumers interact with media has created a paradigm shift for consumers. Now it's time for marketers to catch up. The economy has changed, the rules have changed, and consumer expectations have changed.

If you think about it, Cupid is a pretty powerful little fellow. He can aim his bow and arrow at just about anyone and make them fall deeply in love. Don't you wish you could harness that power in your marketing efforts?

What does your company's brand stand for? If that's a hard question for you to answer, then your company doesn't have a focused brand.

One of the most challenging aspects of landing a new customer is getting their attention. Over the years of helping clients with this challenge, we've learned that one of the most effective ways to tackle this is to send an engaging key account mailing.

A lot of people think branding is something for big companies. Something that requires a high-priced agency and a huge budget. Not so. Branding is not advertising. It's not a logo. It's strategy.

When it comes to making decisions about which product or service to purchase, who do you trust? Newspaper articles? TV ads? Company web sites?

The shaky economy has prompted consumers to make some tough purchasing decisions. But when it comes to brands consumers are loyal to, those decisions are pretty straightforward.

A recent EquiTrend study by Harris Interactive revealed that when the goin' gets tough, consumers tighten their grip on brands they are loyal to, instead of gravitating towards the product with the lowest price.

What the recent swine flu outbreak and the resulting pangs of the pork industry teach us, is that there is no substitute for careful listening and quick action. You can NEVER be too prepared when it comes to upholding your brand's reputation in the market