Indigo7 Marketing & Events

The W Hotels, a brand extension of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, are known for its contemporary and eclectic view on the luxury lifestyle travel industry.  It’s brand partnerships and design is what makes the W stand out in comparison to its competitors.

Focused on design, fashion and music, the W is moving in a direction to bring attention to social concepts and ideas that its consumers would not normally associated to the brand.  For instance, the W has a collaborative joint venture with the non-profit, Charity: Water.  Within the venture, the brand is help raising funds for water projects in India.

To accommodate the communities that the W Hotels are stationed, the hotel décor and design usually fits the locale.  Using formats of style and concepts of the community, the brand helps its consumers get acclimated to the city’s scenery.

Top Left: W Leicaster Square, Top Right: W-Atlanta Buckhead

Middle: W Montreal, Bottom Left: W Hollywood, Bottom Right: W Los Angeles  

Do you love it or hate it?  I’ll give my thoughts on Friday Morning via Twitter…..

Ndidiamaka

Disclaimer: This is not a paid ad.  “The Branding Moment”, is a new feature on the Indigo7 Marketing & Events blog to present established lifestyle branding campaigns to those in the field of interest. Is it my way to get free stuff? Hell, no! It is my opportunity to show you true branding campaigns in progress.  Have questions? Email speak@indigo7marketing.com for further discussion. Thanks!

Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/user/WHotelsWorldwide

Photo Credit: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

Make-up Art Cosmetics or M-A-C, as it is distinctively known, has built its brand around music, fashion and social issues.  The cosmetic line brought the social campaign of HIV/AIDS to the forefront due to charitable efforts associated to its M-A-C AIDS Fund.  Music and Fashion are visible in M-A-C’s collaborations with the top fashion designers and music artists internationally.

Currently in its branding campaign, the concept of the music artist is having a successful run for the cosmetic line. From rapper Nicki Minaj to Paramore’s Hayley Williams, M-A-C has connected with some of the top performing music artists in the world. 

As we speak, Rihanna has gotten on board as a spokesperson for M-A-C. Her collection, “RiRi hearts M-A-C “ has gone to higher heights in the first month of its introduction.  The first piece from the collection, a lipstick, “RiRi Woo” sold out in three hours online.  Yep, folks, the remix on the Ruby Woo lip color was exclusively sold online. The only other opportunity to get “RiRi Woo” is while Rihanna is on tour. MAC will have a pop up shop during tour stops to present fans with an opportunity to purchase and/or sample the lipstick along with the rest of the collection.

Rihanna’s “RiRi Woo” on a color palette.

Do you love it or hate it? My thoughts via Twitter on Friday Morning…..

FYI: This is not a paid ad.  “The Branding Moment”, is a new feature on the Indigo7 Marketing & Events blog to present established lifestyle branding campaign to those in the field of interest. Is it my way to get free stuff? Hell, no! It is my opportunity to show you true branding campaigns in progress.  Have questions? Email speak@indigo7marketing.com for further discussion. Thanks!

Ndidiamaka

Style is not about fashion, but about expression of one’s true identity.   “Raise for the Most High “is the tagline for this emerging fashion brand in Los Angeles.  The designer of this collection is showcasing faith through style.

 “Don’t be so Heavenly bound, that you are no Earthly good.” 

Introducting pRAISE Clothing LA….

Name: Alma Meza



Age: 27



Mission: Spread God’s love through fashion. 



Website: www.praiseclothingla.com



Social Media: INSTAGRAM: @PRAISECLOTHINGLA |  TWITTER: @PRAISECLOTHING_
FACEBOOK: PRAISE CLOTHING L.A.   |   TUMBLR:  PRAISECLOTHINGLA

NCO: What moved you to create this branding concept?

AM: God- first and foremost. I was previously designing for a different brand and walked away from the fashion industry in 2011. I loved fashion, but hated the industry. I was exploring different career paths, until God made it very clear to me that He still had a purpose for me in this industry. He revealed to me that there was a need for a fashion brand that was exciting and edgy, but had a Higher purpose. I can’t even begin to describe how the Spirit led the creative process for my first collection… it was seamless and free-flowing. Once I saw everything come together, my faith and courage multiplied big time. 




 NCO: What inspiration do you have those who are young, stylish and Christian wanting to start their own ministry/business?

AM: Wherever God leads you in life, understand that He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. You may feel incompetent or unprepared, but if your foundation is in Christ, you can do all things through Him! A quote from one of my biggest inspirations, Samantha Jo Alonso, fits this question perfectly: “Plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently!” (Don’t you love alliteration? :) )

I must also add that you should not put yourself in a “Christian bubble.” What I mean by that is to try to find creative, innovative and wholesome ways to appeal to the masses while spreading the Good Word. A friend of mine gave me some very wise words: “Don’t be so Heavenly bound, that you are no Earthly good.” If you are obedient, God will inevitably expand your territory. Be great at what you do and attract people of all walks with your luminous light and love!

NCO:
Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

AM: God willing, pRAISE will have expanded from a t-shirt brand to cut and sew womenswear line in the next 5 years. I envision lots of fun and edgy separates that fuse faith-based graphics and statements. I hope to always keep a good balance of style and faith, and not compromise on either. 



Would you like your brand to be featured? For more information, please visit http://www.indigo7marketing.tumblr.com/mediarequests to learn more. 

Last week, I was sitting in one of my seminary classes discussing a case study about Walmart.  The conflict that arose in the conversation was the discussion about labor, benefits and the mistreatment of immigrant and un/undereducated employees. My next thought was the branding conflict that will come from this situation.  Social Responsibility is an important concept for a brand’s image.  Right now, Walmart is in immediate danger of losing its creditability in the community.

Really, it has been contained as an internal issue for the brand.  The Walmart that we all know and love is the one who is the Low Price Champ in the supermarket and big-box chain store industry.  Yes, the Walmart that has a localized Community Investment program to help community leaders and local non-profit organizations.

Is there a branding conflict in your eyes towards Walmart?

Reflect on the following videos:  

Do you love it or hate it? My thoughts on Friday via Twitter.

Ndidiamaka 

Video Credit: 

ATL Walmart Videos: youtube.com/user/walmart

Why are we standing…?: youtube.com/user/ourwalmart (not associated to Walmart Stores Inc)

I am watching the latest video from a duo of neo-soul singers and was baffled by how my interactions were not counted correctly on the site in question.  So it got me thinking about how Social Media numbers affected the supply chain portion of branding.  Many brands today are relying heavily on social media numbers while forgetting the numbers from the field.  How do we make all the numbers count for the brand’s success?

While watching the video, I noticed that number of replays that I created did not affect the artist’s overall count for the song.  As a branding professional, it bothers me to find that we could be potentially losing good brands based on a temporary situation like Social Media.  I say, temporary in regards to Social Media because many brands are now not actively participating on those sites with their consumers due to misleading and/or inaccurate numerical counts. 

Now, folks, if we have devices and apps that create an immediate influx of fans and followers, why wouldn’t there be technology can hinder hits, followers and fans numbers to show accurately. Think about it.

Where do the numbers count? In the field. The most accurate numbers for branding come from those who are in the field dealing with brands on a daily basis. That is where supply and demand should be focused on. Social Media can be recognized in an analysis but the source must be considered.

Just food for thought.

Some Links to read about Social Media:

Booo! NCAA Bans Hashtags, Social Medias URLs on Football Fields (via Marketing Land)

http://marketingland.com/boooo-ncaa-bans-hashtags-social-media-urls-on-football-fields-42247

Agencies Shore Up Social Media Security (via The Business of Federal Technology)

http://fcw.com/articles/2013/05/02/twitter-hack-response.aspx

MasterCard Uses Social Media to Rebrand Its Mobile Wallet Through Real-Time Monitoring (via Bank Systems & Technology)

http://www.banktech.com/business-intelligence/mastercard-uses-social-media-to-rebrand/240154112

Questions, Comments, and/or Concerns. Tweet or Tumblr me. Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time,

Ndidiamaka

This is not a paid ad by the way……..

In effort to show you cultural branding from an experiential or engagement marketing standpoint, I would like to show you the conceptual plan of Budweiser via its “Made in America” campaign. Currently, Budweiser is known as “America’s Favorite Beer”.  

To enrich their customer base, they have turned to focusing on music ventures rather than sporting events like NASCAR.  The team behind Budweiser wants consumers to look beyond the “America’s Favorite Beer” concept and just drink responsibility.

Let’s look at its efforts:

 In effort to generate a buzz for the Made in America Festival, they are throwing parties in major cities.  Yup, Dallas, there is a “Made in Dallas” party this week.  Check the link below:

http://www.budweiser.com/madeintour-agegate?redirect=%2fbudweisermadeindallas

In addition, Budweiser is sponsoring the Free Press Summer Festival in Houston:

http://www.fpsf.com

Do you hate it or love it?  I give you my thoughts via Twitter Friday Morning.

Ndidiamaka

TGIF, Folks! It is funny what happens when you meet people who have nothing to lose.  I recently had an interview that actually opened my eyes to a current situation that I am contending with.  And really, I was contending with myself not those associated to the brand. One of the interviewers said to me, “No, not them, you.”  I thought to myself at that moment, “You’re right! This is not what I am supposed to be doing at this time.”

Today’s #FranklyFriday post is focused on making your brand’s image have unity with your primary focus and/or mission.  In the interview that I had on Wednesday, I realized that I was focusing on a certain portion of my brand in manner that was killing the desire of pursuing it. I was looking at it through the lenses of how I can get this over with instead how effective will it be if I chose to go through this “door”.  It was making me lose stream in other areas of the brand. In my mind, I thought, “What will people think if I let this segment of my brand go?”  It had nothing to do with those who I interviewed with because they were simply trying to protect their brand image and integrity. Actually, I thanked them for being frank and honest with me. I rather know where you stand now than two years lately. 

• Communicate your needs first. Not the needs of those who can supposedly affect the operational aspect of your brand. Look at your personal and branding needs, first and foremost.  You know what you are capable of doing and no one should make you feel less than when you make an opposing move.
•  Create a mission that is effective to your needs and the needs of your target consumer. Actively listen to people.
• Stop questioning your actions. If a door closes, know that something behind it may kill your brand’s image. Questioning yourself brings confusion which will show in your brand’s actions.

  I have been questioning myself and others a lot lately. But today, I realized that, “The King is back”.  So you wondering, who is the king? You will soon find out. Just stay focus on your brand mission, plan and image. It is about your self-image and what you believe you can do. If you don’t think positive then how is anything going to move in your favor. The movements you make will always work towards bettering your brand’s life cycle even when you think it’s bad one.  You’re the captain of your ship. You dictate your livelihood. You may have to make a decision that will really save your brand not kill it. You know what your mission is not your associates and/or competitors.  This segment of my brand will take place but it definitely not going to be in the manner or format that my “friends” hoped for. 

  FYI: It is not that the interview went badly; it just wasn’t what I expected. But I thank them for giving me peace. 

  Questions, Comments and/or Concerns!?! Tweet or Tumblr Me. Thanks for your continued support of Indigo7 Marketing & Events and myself, personally! It is greatly appreciated.

  Until Next Time,

  King Ndidiamaka ;)

According to Google, the word, Emerge, means the following:

1. Move out of or away from something and come into view.
2. Become apparent, important, or prominent

Today, I would like to introduce to you the “Emerge” Spotlight. This new segment of the Indigo7 Marketing & Events blog is to introduce brands that are emerging in the lifestyle industry. The feature will run Wednesday when permitted.

If you are interested in being featured in the “Emerge” Spotlight, please email speak@indigo7marketing.com for further consideration. You must be a brand that is less than 5 years and have a visible online presence like a website and/or digital press kit. In addition, there is no fee for this feature. You just have to be on your “A” game to be showcased.

Today’s “Emerge” Spotlight highlights two sisters from the Houston area who have created a niche in the online retail community. This boutique is an online upscale lingerie boutique that specializes in classy and sexy designer lingerie at a reasonable price. Twyla caters to petite and plus size women.  

Introducing Twyla Boutique…….

Name: Becky Williams & Tiffany Proctor

Title: Co-Owners

Age: 32 (Becky), 25 (Tiffany)

Mission: Attitude, not size makes a woman sexy.

Website: http://www.twylaboutique.net

Social Media Sites: https://www.facebook.com/TWYLABOUTIQUE

1. How did you come up with your brand concept? We wanted to do something different for women. Unlike many lingerie boutiques, we offer plus size options at a reasonable price. We don’t raise prices based on sizes. We cater to all sizes and want everyone to feel comfortable purchasing our products.

2. What advice do you have those who want to start their own business? Read and research your brand. Know your market; who are you catering to? Also, know what makes you stand apart from others who are selling the same product or offering the same service. People love great customer service; always be willing to cater to your customers.

3. Where do you see your brand in five years? We plan on operating 2 storefront boutiques in the Houston area in 5 years. We will also be adding clothing and more accessories to our inventory.

PS: For those interested in the Emerge: The Pop Up, I am looking for at least 10-15 vendors for the event. Yes, only in Houston and Atlanta at this time. Please email event @indigo7marketing.com for more information.

Read last week’s #FranklyFriday about Twyla and Emerge: The Pop-Up:

http://indigo7marketing.tumblr.com/post/48361575232/spring-forward-with-twyla-boutique-awd-and

Until till Friday,

Ndidiamaka

Dove is asking its female customers to embrace the “real” you in latest campaign. As the brand continues to win allies in the female empowerment movement, Dove has taken its “Real Beauty” campaign a step further by showing their consumers that there is more to their perceived beauty than they realized.

The commercial shows a Forensic sketch artist and Dove consumers having a discussion about image.

Take a look for yourself.

 Do you love it or hate it? As always, I will give my response on Friday.  

PS: For those asking about the Session, I have completely changed the concept of the event. It is a moment to collaborate and motivate those in media, traditional and new,  to work as a cohesive union in the communities they serve. 

Topic: Blogger vs. Journalist

Take a look at this #FranklyFriday post that inspires this event:

http://indigo7marketing.tumblr.com/post/30590735960/journalism-vs-blogging-franklyfriday

More info to come……

Ndidiamaka