Madonna Means Business

The article, "Madonna's Millions from Hard Candy ads," appeared in the leading U.K national newspaper The Telegraph, speaking of Madonna's newest business plan. The most successful, well know, and loved female recording artist is back to launch her new Album "Hard Candy." Although she is nearly fifty years old, Madonna continues producing top of the chart albums. Hard Candy is to be released next month, but Madonna has a head start in sales, pulling in millions of dollars. The business woman she is, Madonna has signed contracts with major companies such as Vadafone, Unilever, and Fuji. These companies will use her music from this album to promote their broad range of products. These companies ensure that Madonna will receive free global publicity ahead of its release. With her Vodafone contract, customers will be able to listen to seven tracks, one a week, before the albums release. Being one of the most successful artists, it is not a surprise that this is the first time an artist has lunched an entire album on a mobile phone. 

Unilever's Sunsilk campaign has used Madonna's new single, 4 minutes, in their commercials. One which aired at during the Super Bowl. This track features Justin Timberlake and will be featured in his film Get Smart. Although the public may think that Madonna is doing this business to get paid even before the album hits stores, but really its about promoting and selling the product. Not only is Madonna benefitting from her relationships to theses various companies, but the companies themselves are tying their product name in with a global icon, most likely increasing their sales.Learn more about the track details of the album "Hard Candy" and listen to the single 4 minutes with Justin Timberlake. 

The Summer Olympics is Going Green

A study put out in 2007 by National Geographic News stated that China earned the reputation of having the "highest annual incidence of premature deaths triggered by air pollution in the world. Air pollution kills about 656,000 Chinese citizens each year. The death tolls are also high with polluted drinking water,finding that 95,600 citizens are victims to the pollution. 

Ironically, Beijing, China is the location for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Much concern has been expressed about he safety of the athletes with the current air condition. One of the world's top marathoners, Haile Gebrselassie, stated that he might pull out of the Olympic Games in fear the air quality might irritate his asthma. But Coca-Cola, on the official sponsors of the Games, is highlighting China's commitment to the environment. The article, "Coke Gives Torch Relay Green Theme Amid Air-Quality Concerns" expresses that Coke is showing Chinas environment efforts during  the Olympic torch relay. The International Olympic Committee is allowing Coke to choose the torchbearers, some being environmental champions from various countries. This event not only promotes Coca-Cola as making great leaps in sustainability but is highlighting China's focus and efforts to better the environment and air quality. The torch's travel route will honor work being done in each country and ending in China. There is a great deal of negativity about the Beijing Olympics, with issues such as the air quality, China's association to genocide in Darfur, and abuse in Tibet, but Coke is hopeful, stating,"We're trying to send a message of inspiration."

The Japanese car company Toyota has positioned their Scion as affordable as well as a unique expression of youth. The article, " Do-It-Yourself Logs for Proud Scion Owners" states that Toyota is creating a marketing campaign to  give proud owners for the Scion a chance to show how their car reflects their personality. Owners will design their personal " coat of arms". This personalization will happen online where crests can be designed from hundreds of choices. Symbols can be incorporated into the crests, whom were designed by professional graffiti artists. Symbols range from crowns to eagles to Japanese style flowers. After their designs are completed they can be downloaded and made into window decals or have them painted on their cars. This campaign was named Scion Speak, and was developed by Strawberry Frog Advertising agency that is based in Amsterdam and New York. Strawberry Frog has brought in Graffiti artists and have researched the lifestyles of Scion owners. 

The target market for this campaign is aimed at young hip drivers but who will be able to afford the work that will be done at the auto body shop. Strawberry Frog is aiming this at current Scion owners, rather than establishing another generation of owners. 

Visit the Scion website to develop your own Scion logo. 

The Lost Boys hire an ad agency

In the late 1980's war had broken out in Sudan due to racial, ethnic, and religious divides. More than 40,000 young boys had survived the genocide but were orphaned from their family, homes, and lives. These boys became The Lost Boys of Sudan. In 2001 they came to the United States and are now pursuing their educations, supporting themselves, helping to spread knowledge, and rebuilding their homes and villages which were shattered. 

The article, "Sudan's Lost Boys Hire Euro to Find Spotlight", discusses how the lost boys are teaming up with the media. In order to receive media attention, the Lost boys have decided to hire an ad agency, to reach and educated the masses. The ad agency, Euro RCSG Chicago, has worked with the Lost Boys to create the charitable brand "The Lost Boys Rebuilding Souther Sudan" organization. Euro has designed a logo for the brand and now in the mists of creating a donation website as well as marketing materials to successfully promote their organization. Reliefweb, which tracks humanitarian aid, shows that in 2007 $538 million dollars were donated by the United States for assistance in Sudan but the majority of the funding went to Darfur. A specific T-shirt has been designed and will be awarded to $100 donors. One of the first T-shirts went to Bill Clinton. 

To learn more about Sudan and the efforts of the Lost Boys, visit the help Sudan International website. 

Starbucks Plans for the Future

This year Starbucks has faced some bumps in the road. According to the article" Starbucks Corporation" the worlds coffee conglomerate is facing slowing sales and increase competition. Although sales are down, Starbucks is not losing money. In 2007 Starbucks had made $673 million dollars in revenue and tripled the number of stores in the last five years. But last summer was the first time customers declined since the company went public. Therefore, CEO Howard D. Schultz is making is developing a plan to put Starbucks back on the map. Improvements will be made in espresso machines as well as an emphasis on pushing drip and clover coffee. 

On an international level the article "Starbucks Plots New Course, Charges Full-Steam Ahead"states that Schultz has teamed up with Conservation International CEO Peter Seligmann. They are announcing a partnership in coffee growing regions which included Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Their goal is to prevent deforestation and global warming. A sustainability seal will be placed on sustainable coffee as well as fair trade coffee. By 2009, these seals will be on all whole bean and espresso sold in Europe, Africa, and Asia.  

To learn more about Starbuck's and their international efforts visit their official website. 

Britian's sexy chocolate ad

Cadbury Flake brand chocolate has been a favorite in the UK. Beginning in 1969 Cadbury Flake advertising campaign has lasted for decades by using the "flake girl". These sultry commercials usually stared a british beauty suggestively eating a the flakey chocolate bar. Watch the first black and white commercial for Cadbury Flake made in 1969. These scandalous commercials have had beautiful bond girls such as Eva Rueber-Staier, who stared in "For Your Eyes Only". To give a hip twist to this original chocolate bar, Cadbury Flake is teaming up with British Diva Joss Stone, making her the new "flake girl". The article, " 'Sultry' Joss Stone to be the new Cadbury Flake Girl" informs that Cadbury's idea was to "reference the old adverts but bring a new feel to them. Joss was chosen because she is sexy but in a young, fresh way." Although the old flake ads were a bit suggestive, Joss Stone's ad will be tamed down quite some bit, giving it more of a funky approach. Watch the Cadbury's Flake commercial with Joss Stone. 

2008 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival

The Cannes Lions Advertising Festival takes place after the famous Cannes Film festival. This famous advertising festival is celebrating their  55th year and will be taking place in Cannes, France from June 15th - 21st. The World Event Guide states that this festival is the only gathering of the worlds advertisers, creative, direct marketing, interactive, film, radio, media, sales promotion and marketing groups. This festival was created in order to celebrate their accomplishments and gives specific awards for things such as the world best commercials. The awards fit the title of the event. Whoever does win an award at this event is presented with a gold, silver, or bronze lion statue. Some of the many award categories given are to groups such as the agency of the year, media person of the year, and direct marketing agency of the year. 

This festival brings in over 8,000 people involved in the advertising industry. Registration is still open for the event. When registered for the event you will receive access to seminars, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, galas, and the two main lion award ceremonies. To learn more about the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival visit their official website.