Thursday, 11 February 2010

In the swim of things

It’s been a dry summer in Melbourne.

But when the skies opened this afternoon we saw some interesting sights out the window.

Not that we spend a lot of time gazing out the window during work hours, of course.

Bravo to the three guys we spotted swimming – yes, swimming – down the flooded street at one point.

Rather you than us.

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

A shot in the arm

Today Kylie and Kristin, our intrepid Senior Account Manager and Account Manager at trademarkDM, spent the morning with the GSK Vaccines division. This was a great chance to meet the brand managers and their teams and to hear their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for 2010 and beyond.

Getting in amongst the discussions has got them raring to tackle the next 12 month’s worth of projects. Thanks for inviting us, Mike!

Monday, 8 February 2010

You @#$+^&%! beauty!

Today, Craig Hockley joined THE DM GROUP as digital planning director of clickDM.

He brings over a decade of digital communications experience to his new role, gained at both multinational and specialist agencies working with clients including Holden, Makita, Huggies, ANZ and the Victorian government.

Now Craig will be helping our clients get the most out of the constantly evolving opportunities digital marketing offers.

Craig’s early advertising experience was in direct mail, a medium that he appreciated for its immediacy and accountability. From there, he says it was easy to recognise the power of digital communication.

‘It’s the ultimate way to open up conversations between brands and consumers.’

But Craig has also explored a few side paths along the way.

Last November saw him trekking up to Everest base camp. And he’s also spent time living in a Buddhist monastery, where he taught orphans to speak – and swear – in English.

We think he’ll fit right in around here.

Friday, 22 January 2010

Small bickies make a big impact

This week THE DM GROUP took time out from our efforts to contribute to another – PLAN’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

Which is why our inhouse frau Kristin spent all night baking.

For a small donation you could choose from her homemade apple cake, cherry cake and chocolate muffins.

But as our CSR team explained, even small bickies can have a
big impact.

For instance, $50 will provide a family with a household kit of cooking utensils.

While $100 will provide temporary shelter for up to three families
or a School in a Box Kit for 30 kids.

Hmmm…

Not such a half-baked idea after all.

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Kraft consumes Cadbury

After 180 years Cadbury has been swallowed by Kraft.

And while the iconic confectionery brand won’t disappear from our shelves, it’s worth reflecting on its place in advertising lore.

Take ‘A glass and a half’ for instance.

While Cadbury has now turned to an emotional selling proposition of ‘joy’, it’s the unique selling proposition that will be forever etched in chocolate lovers’ minds.

Which, of course, has also led to the label ‘Cadbury girl’, applied to those amongst us more easily prone to the influences of alcohol.

And who could forget the award winning ‘Gorilla’ TVC above?

(The John Farnham version is however best forgotten…)

But perhaps most interesting observation in The Age article about the Kraft takeover is the following:

Kraft’s revenue from its Australian operations was nearly $620 million in 2008, while Cadbury’s revenue was $985 million in the same period…

Which goes to show our love for a glass and half of goodness is much greater than our love of yeast extract.

Bon appetit!