KnowThis Blog Postings

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Published on January 04, 2012

Posted by Paul Christ

Finally!!!

Today we are happy to announce the publication of KnowThis: Marketing Basics, 2nd Edition. We know this is long overdue, but we feel the final result is well worth the extra time.

This update started over 12 months ago and at times seemed to have no end in sight.  But by late 2011 things came together rather quickly and resulted in a new edition that is a significant update over the well-received first edition.

Overall, we feel the 2nd Edition continues our practice of offering comprehensive coverage of marketing concepts.  In fact, this new edition expands on the coverage offered in the first edition.  Compared to the 1st Edition, KnowThis: Marketing Basics, 2nd Edition presents a number of enhancements including:

• contains nearly 20% new material and is expanded to 420 pages
• includes over 150 newly presented real-world marketing examples
• presents new Marketing Story boxes examining over 40 selected stories found in major media publications
• features significantly expanded coverage of global marketing and emerging technologies
• offers an enhanced design including a larger book size and improved graphics

And best of all, the cost is still extremely affordable at only (US) $30!

To learn more about the book and how to order click here.

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Published on December 30, 2011

Posted by Paul Christ

E*Trade’s Baby Creates the Most Online Buzz (New York Times)

The key promotional method used by many consumer products companies, especially those targeting the mass market, is the television advertisement.  Even though television viewing has declined over the last 10 to 20 years, the amount spent on TV ads remains large, with one estimate suggesting that 2011 spending will exceed $60 billion.

While television advertising continues to be a critical part of promotion strategy, many marketers have also figured out that TV ads are not just for television.  They understand the expense in producing a television commercial can be spread over many other media, including viewing ads on computer screens and mobile devices.  In fact, for some products the real value of TV advertising comes with the viewing that takes place outside of the consumers’ living room.

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Published on December 01, 2011

Posted by Paul Christ

McDonald's Will Charge For Happy Meal Toys in SF (San Francisco Chronicle)

In November 2010, we made note of a decision by the city of San Francisco to ban fast food establishments from offering free toys with the purchase of meals targeted to children.  The most famous promotion tied to meals is the McDonald’s Happy Meal, which is purchased thousands of times per day throughout the U.S.  The leaders of the City by the Bay, instituted the ban because they believe the offer of free product encourages poor eating habits and helps contribute to an increase in childhood obesity.  (This issue is also being raised by the Federal Trade Commission, which has proposed changes to how food is marketed to children.)