Augmented Reality (or AR) is the latest shiny tool that cropped up in the marketer's toolbox. AR is a technology that leverages your computer's (or mobile device's) built-in camera to overlay interactive 3D content. The example above is for TOPPS baseball cards. Currently it's the stuff of geeks and, while pretty frackin' cool, it hasn't produced any meaningful engaging experiences. Until now.
Read MoreCompanies often like to say that people are their “most important asset” — after all, how many times have you read that phrase in an annual report? The problem is, not all companies behave as if they really mean it. In this particular economic climate, that could be their loss. While it may seem counterintuitive in a time of deep job-market malaise, investment in employee engagement has probably never been more important. And it’s not simply a matter of “building morale among the survivors.” An increasing body of evidence shows employee engagement improves performance, an objective that is at least as important in tough times as shaving costs.
Read MoreRecently, I noted that innovative companies are not just content to ride out the recession — they’re taking advantage of the economic disruption to strengthen the fortunes of their brands. Rather than retrench, they’re actually increasing marketing and communications spend, whether to gain share, grow in new markets or strengthen relationships with their constituents.
Obviously, not every company is in position to ramp up spending. Despite economic “green shoots” it is clear that business conditions are still dismal, and that bigger branding and communications budgets may not be in the cards. Nevertheless, we’re urging our clients not to sit on the sidelines while competitors may be making significant moves in the marketplace. In this environment, it’s simply not wise to throw up your hands and say, “I don’t have the budget.” You may not be able to spend what you want, but what’s critical is that you spend where and how you get the most value.
