Politicians are like Coca Cola

One of the great things about the current presidential election cycle is that we have three candidates who, from a branding perspective, are totally different (however, the same cannot be said for the candidates on more substantive issues, but that's a different post). We have Barack Obama, who is fresh and new. Hillary Clinton's brand is tough and smart while John McCain's brand is reliable and independent.

In other words, the candidates for president are political brands who are trying to make us buy their product. They can be likened to Coke products with Hillary Clinton as Diet Coke. She's been around for a long time and there are those who are brand ambassadors for Diet Coke, but there are others who just simply hate Diet Coke. In other words, Hilary Clinton is polarizing in the sense that not everyone feels that she is either up to the task of being Commander-in-Chief or blame her for standing by her man, or any other host of reasons. But the fact is, most people feel certain of what they are going to get with Hillary Clinton as president, as they would when opening a bottle of Diet Coke.

John McCain is Coke Classic. Why mess with a good thing is the question many could ask about McCain. He has the military experience and certainly been around the Washington block. Like Diet Coke, you are certain what you are getting, but there is still a feeling that you might want to try something new. Many Americans are not sure they want to back McCain because he may represent more of the same Coke that we have been drinking for nearly eight years, so they may want to mix it up and try other Coke products.

Barack Obama is a new Coke product that has newly entered the marketplace. Some people like the new product and there were a lot of early adopters, but some are still not sure they are willing to try this new Coke product when they like the old ones just fine. In non-marketing speak, that means that Obama is the new kid on the block who promises to be different than the politicians we are used to having represent us in Washington. Barack Obama is in the protect testing phase. It appears that he will make it to market and do quite well.

Whatever happens, it's interesting for marketers to look at politicians as brands. When we do, we can see through the rhetoric and then really start looking at the substantive issues that will make or break a candidate's campaign and eventual presidency. It's less important if we like a candidate, want to have him or her over for dinner or share a beer. What's important is who can best run the country and help us move forward from these tough economic times.

What Works Communications Adds Three New Clients

What Works Communications, a boutique marketing communications agency based in Austin, Texas, has added three new clients to its growing roster. The three new clients demonstrate the company’s diverse talents and ability to provide marketing communications solutions for clients in all industries.

“These new clients really demonstrate our growth as a company as well as our ability to successfully service clients whether they are in our own backyard or clear across the country,” says Al Martin, president of What Works Communications. “We are committed to not only getting business in the door, but keeping those clients happy so they are clients for life, and not just for the short term.”

Lease with Crystal (www.leasewithcrystal.com), a start-up equipment leasing company based in Los Angeles chose to work with What Works Communications after working with another agency and getting few results. What Works Communications will provide media relations and strategic communications counsel to the company.

“What Works Communications offers the solid partnership and assistance I need to grow my business - and instead of being all talk, they have already delivered tangible results,” says Crystal Riley, president of Lease with Crystal. “They have creative, modern, out-of-the-box tools to ensure success - and nowadays that is what you need to stay competitive. I couldn't be happier with What Works Communications and look forward to a very bright future.”

What Works Communications also added Dr. Laura Concannon (www.lauraconcannonmd.com) to its roster. Dr. Concannon, an Internal Medicine Physician based in Chicago came to What Works Communications to raise her profile in advance of her forthcoming book on weight loss. The company will provide media relations for Dr. Concannon.

“Because I am new to proactive public relations, I was looking for a company that would hold my hand and walk me through the process – and get results,” says Dr. Concannon. “I talked to several PR companies and thought What Works Communications would be able to deliver exactly what I need to increase my visibility before my book forthcoming book is released.”

The third client What Works Communications has added is The Financial Farmer (www.financialfarmer.com), a Maitland Fla.-based wealth advisory firm. The agency will assist president, Scott Thomas will media relations to help grow his business and provide publicity support for his forthcoming book, Financial Secrets for the Man of Means.

“A friend of mine recommended that I work with What Works Communications because he had had success with the company,” says Scott Thomas, president of The Financial Farmer. “I ultimately hired What Works in order to leverage their strong relationships to gain access to top tier media outlets across the country. The collaborative nature in which the company works with its clients has really helped me to understand how book marketing and public relations, in general, works.”

http://www.prlog.org/10068909-what-works-communications-adds-three-new-clients.html