Marketing musings and asundry ideas

HTML 5 vs Flash?

HTML5 vs Flash; or HTML5 as well as Flash?

Hot debate on the blogs and chats these days as to whether HTML5 is the “end of Flash.” Of course, the demise of Flash has been hollered a lot of the past few years – kind of like the legendary Mark Twain quote.

So which one to use? HTML5 or Flash.

We think the question is too simple. Much like complex political issues – the simple sound bites might sound good, but putting the idea into practical application is usually much more complicated.

Right now, it’s just not possible for the idea to be “HTML5 or Flash”. It is, and will be for a while, HTML5 as well as Flash. A smart developer will know which tool is best for which site, application or mobile application.

For example, we have a current Trizetto project that will very likely be done in HTML. But we have just launched a NREL geothermal experience that was perfect for Flash. And yes, we know that Flash has some mobile device drawbacks. But the geothermal build isn’t for a mobile audience. And for an online experience Flash is astoundingly supported (99%). Hard to ignore that number.

Few things are as important as making sure what you design and development can be seen in its pristine state by as much of your target audience as possible. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

With that said, though, the idea of moving towards a web-standard of HTML5 that frees up developers! 

Awesome graphical representation of how small business uses social media

Great #infographic on how small businesses are using social media from the good folks over at @CrowdSpring: How Small Businesses are using social media

The Smart Grid

A Smart Grid primer. 

As Adrenaline works and prospects with more and more Smart Grid companies, lots of people have been asking me "Exactly what is the Smart Grid?"

Our friends at http://www.nrel.gov showed me this good primer at the DOE: http://energy.gov/oe/smart-grid-primer-smart-grid-books

Cheers,

Neal

Launch of VIZIBILITY Jerseys helps cyclists improve safety

We're proud to announce the brand completion and launch of www.vizibilityjerseys.com! This startup company offers custom cycling jerseys with personalized "I AM" messages sublimated on a jersey's back. Why? Because their research has shown that if drivers truly see the human being on that bicycle, they are less likely to do something dumb or dangerous. Adrenaline is stoked to help Vizibility get on the road to success!

Adrenaline Branding + Marketing in Boulder Daily Camera

Adrenaline Branding + Marketing got a nice bit of recognition in the Boulder Daily Camera for our marketing work on several renewable and alternative energy projects.

Check it out:  http://www.dailycamera.com/business/ci_17294664?source=rss

Sweet!

Your logo is not your brand

Your logo is not your brand.

Let me repeat: your logo is not your brand.

Your logo is a designed way to communicate your company name so that it’s memorable and meaningful. It is the basic foundation of your company’s identity because it sets a certain style and tone.

Your brand, however, is very different. Your brand is what people think of your company when they are exposed to it in any way – advertising, marketing, trade shows, word of mouth, PR, and social media.

Your brand is a person's highest level mental description of your company. And it’s something you very much so want to craft carefully.

Take for example, Nike. We all know the swoosh. That is Nike’s logo. But just seeing the swoosh alone wouldn’t really make you think much of anything about Nike as a brand. But add in the tagline “Just do it.” Then add in the pro athlete endorsements. The slick ads. The strategic sponsorships. The designs and graphics … on down the line. Now you’re talking brand. The logo is just one piece of the brand puzzle.

When I see the swoosh, I make a quick mental rundown of all those things. I think “Just do it.” I think passion and performance. And there lies Nike’s brilliant brand.
Nike is the epitome of sports passion and performance.

Notice the difference.

It’s actually a very fun exercise when learning about brands. Pick one of your favorite top brands. Start with their logo and then delve into what you truly think about when you see that logo, or a company ad, or exhibit.

Now repeat after me. “My logo is not …”

Is infinity a number?

In what we do as marketers, our work involves posing and answering a ton of questions, and exploring a slew of ideas - no matter how ridiculous they might seem at the time. We do it in the constant search for "seeing ordinary things in a different way." Why? Because that's usually where breakthrough campaigns come from. 

But for as long as I've done this job, it's still good to remember the trouble with pat answers and taking things for granted.

Last night, my 7-year-old son reminded me of the beauty that comes with an open and creative mind.

He asked, point blank, "Is infinity a number?" (He and his sister use the word infinity to describe "a lot" of just about anything, and/or to win an argument).

To which I said, "No. Infinity is not a number; it's more of an idea." And I felt very happy with myself for teaching him something so obvious.

To which he said, "I don't believe you. I think it is."

So we jumped on the internet and Googled, "Is infinity a number?". And there they were -- lots of results affirming my "No." But then he told me to click on "Dr. Math". So I did. And right there on the Drexel University Dr Math post was another affirmation that infinity is not a number. BUT there was also the very curious sentence: "Even though infinity is not a number, it is possible for one infinite set to contain more things than another infinite set."

http://mathforum.org/dr.math/faq/faq.large.numbers.html

HUH? How can one infinity be bigger than another infinity?

And that's how it started. He and I dove into quite the internet research on infinity and how it might not be a number, but it is much more than just the plain concept I thought it was. Check it out for yourself. And like he and I, your world will be a bit bigger for it.

Fueling the freelance fire

Just found one that our Qwirk coworking space (Adrenaline owns a coworking space in Columbus, OH and has an office there) is moving back to full capacity! Fueling the freelance fire. Can't wait to have our new community mates move in. If you're ever in Columbus, or are there now, and need a place to work: check out Qwirk!

Bicycling to work

Is there any better way to get to work than on a bicycle? I can't think of one. You ride. You feel good. You no longer have to answer the question "How will I get my exercise in today?" You can have a cookie at lunch. You help the planet and can call yourself "green". From a personal branding standpoint, riding to work is a game winner.

Have you rode to work yet? Try it and join the revolution that we're deeming "The shift is on". In Columbus, it's a campaign by our client Consider Biking. But find the local bicycle advocacy group in your city and they'll be more than happy to help get you rolling.

Cheers!

Neal

The keys to success (for a 6 year old)

I got to talking with my son last night. He's 6 going on 17. He asked what I thought he should learn. He, of course, was talking about subjects at his school since today was his first day at 1st grade.

But me being me -- a creative writer and agency guy -- I got to wondering about "what are the key foundations of success". After much back and forth, we figured that one should work to gain: 

  • Love
  • Laughter
  • Knowledge
  • Adventure
  • Faith
  • Fun
  • Courage
  • Compassion

Find those things, and you're in pretty good shape to navigate this world. And funny enough, it's not a bad mantra for running an agency either.