branding

STEVE JOBS | Comment

What Would These 12 Business Leaders Do Today?

BY David BrierThu Nov 5, 2009 at 10:40 PM

Want a little advice from Steve Jobs, Howard Schultz and David Ogilvy?READ»

LITL WEBBOOK | 1 comment

Lisa Strausfeld, Yves Behar, and Abbott Miller Form Supergroup, Design Litl Netbook

BY Cliff KuangThu Nov 5, 2009 at 6:06 PM

The Litl netbook rethinks interface design, and boasts pitch-perfect design details. Too bad about the price.READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Trust Agents: The Essential Startup Social Media Guide

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:29 AM

This month, the Sparxoo team read Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. As top social media specialists themselves, Brogan and Smith have a lot of knowledge to share, and did not hold anything back. We want to share some key points and takeaways, and encourage you to read it...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Are Brands Dead for Good?

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:22 AM

“Brands are dead!” says marketing guru, Faith Popcorn. Consumers are asking themselves, “Why would I buy a 50 oz Tide for $20 when I could buy a house brand for $3.99?” But she is not the only one declaring a fateful decline of brands. Brand values are down across the board, according to a new study by Interbrand. When budgets are tight, are consumers thinking about brands or…READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Web Design and Advertising

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 7:31 AM

In the first part of our interview with Deirdre Zahl, Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, we outlined the basics of web design. We discussed the functionality of a web site, while touching upon the importance of aesthetic appeal. We also discussed the role of web designers in meeting the digital needs of customers and businesses. In this second part of the interview, we will do a deep dive on splash pages, the future of...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

New Google Related Links Tool

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 6:56 AM

Google recently released a new labs feature called Google Related Links. The webmaster tool is designed to increase...READ»

BRAND | Comment

What Sexuality Taught Us About Branding (and Why Being Average Sucks)

BY David BrierTue Nov 3, 2009 at 9:26 PM

The brand lesson was right there in front of us, if only we weren't preoccupied with our hormones.READ»

DISRUPTIVE | Comment

Not Disruptive...Destructive

BY david heitmanTue Nov 3, 2009 at 11:21 AM

Whew! The recession is over. Well, that’s a reliefOr so said the Commerce Department. The 3.5% GDP growth in Q3 proves it. Right?The announcement has been greeted with understandable and almost universal skepticism. ...READ»

POLITICS | 5 comments

Branding the '09 Political Races, and Rebranding the Tainted Republican Image

BY Cliff KuangTue Nov 3, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Since it's election day, let's play an election-themed guessing game. Each of the following screen shots is from the Web site of a politician up for election today. Can you guess their party affiliations? Bob McDonnell, running for ...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Top 5 Crowdsourcing Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:13 AM

Technology has been kind to entrepreneurs, especially during a time when startup loans are hard to come by. With just an Internet connection, entrepreneurs have access to a wealth of knowledge. One of the ways they’re using it to their advantage is through crowdsourcing, a new trend taking the Web by storm. Crowdsourcing calls upon the people’s creative ideas and brings them together to form something new. As a form of problem solving, ideas are broadcast to a large group of people who...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Web Design Basics for Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:07 AM

When is it appropriate to hire a graphic designer? When should you use Flash animation or HTML? We are joined by Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, Deirdre Zahl, to discuss the basics of web design and how entrepreneurs can utilize design for their brand.READ»

OCIAL MEDIA | Comment

DIGITAL Campaign: Nigeria Non profit takes the lead in web 2.0

BY olaito oluyinkaMon Nov 2, 2009 at 8:30 AM

In one of my previous articles here I did mention that most of our brands' efforts on the internet here are focused on social media abuse through web advertising in social media platforms. In recent times, we are pleased to note that ...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

The Twitter Lists Feature is Live

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 4:58 PM

Two-weeks after a beta launch, Twitter recently rolled out Twitter lists. The new feature enables users to create sub-streams, or categories of followers. It is a new way to organize and manage Twitter users. The bare-bones micro-blogging site strives to create a clean, simplistic...READ»

SUGAR | Comment

Eye Candy: Tricked-Out Essays on Favorite Childhood Treats

BY Alissa WalkerFri Oct 30, 2009 at 12:59 PM

Designer Jason Santa Maria tapped seven writers to craft odes to their favorite candy, then transformed them into delectable bite-sized illustrated pieces.READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Trend: How Whole Foods and The Fun Theory Are Changing Our Health

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 7:38 AM

The healthy lifestyle trend is about appealing to the customer in a creative way, not only creating new products, but calling them to action and bringing customers together on a whole new level. As a result, we're seeing positive lifestyle changes and surprisingly, an impact on...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

New Media Stars Dominate Fortune’s 40 Under 40

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:58 AM

Recently, Fortune magazine released its annual list of 40 rising business stars under the age of 40. While there was sure to be a few media gurus in the mix, given today’s focus on social and digital media networks, 16 major players from areas of digital media and online technology are featured – making up 40 percent of the list. From Google and Hulu to Facebook and Twitter, some of business’ most...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

The Scariest Inventions

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:51 AM

In the spirit of Halloween, we’d like share some of the scariest inventions — those that make you scratch your head and ask, “What were they thinking?” For all of the successful entrepreneurs out there, there are many more that have failed to launch the next “must-have.” How is a noose-like head-rest safe? Or, who would want to have toilet-paper head? And why would anyone want to wear a bee-keeper…READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

What Do Glenn Beck and American Idol Have In Common?

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:54 AM

With consumer outrage at financial institutions egregious misconduct, there has been a renewed attitude about good vs. evil. This polarization has reflected in pop culture with such films as Monsters VS Aliens and web sensations like Red VS. Blue. However, the top TV shows of 2009 illustrate that it's more complicated than just black and white, good vs. evil -- everyone has their own winner. Increasingly, we want get behind "our guy or girl" and cheer them on. The Cheers and Jeers trend is about being passionate and getting behind people...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

How Apple’s iPhone and Wii’s Mii Make Non-Techies Tech Geeks

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:48 AM

On June 29th 2007, thousands of people waited impatiently in seemingly endless lines to get their hands on newly minted Apple product. It was not just another iPod or Mac computer, it was an entirely new platform that at the time, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on the tech industry. On June 29th 2007, the iPhone was released. Since that day, Apple’s iPhone has become the #1 selling smart phone on the market and revolutionized…READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

American Idol and Dooce Give Power to the People

BY David CapeceWed Oct 28, 2009 at 6:22 AM

You’ve probably heard the news that American Idol garners more votes than the presidential election. While there are some factors to consider in this situation – age, number of times to vote, etc. – there’s something to be said about the power of choice given to audiences. Just a few decades ago, audience participation may have been considered yelling out to the TV, with no opportunity to give feedback or have any…READ»

PR | Comment

The Power of Simplicity

BY david heitmanTue Oct 27, 2009 at 3:20 PM

Looking at politics through the lens of communication theory reveals a lot of good lessons. For example, despite a recent uptick, the falling approval ratings of President Obama (http://tinyurl.com/nlgfn) coincide with the increasing ...READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Coca-Cola and Nintendo Re-Invent Brand Image

BY David CapeceTue Oct 27, 2009 at 6:07 AM

Imagine sitting down with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, finishing up the volcano level on Mario Kart just in time to watch the Transformers. When you imagine this, what decade are you in? The re-inventing icons trend is about re-energizing cultural icons in fresh, new and exciting ways–to capture new audiences while re-connecting with the generation that grew up with them. Pop culture icons born in the 1990s, like…READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

Top 5: Networking Tips

BY David CapeceMon Oct 26, 2009 at 6:46 AM

Now more than ever, relationships are a top priority. We have covered the rising trend towards building meaningful relationships. Whether you are looking for a job or happily employed, it’s always a good idea to build your network of contacts. We share some tips to fuel your networking efforts: READ»

BLOGGING | Comment

2009 Pop Culture Trends

BY David CapeceMon Oct 26, 2009 at 6:17 AM

When bell-bottom jeans became all the rage for teens in the late 90s, parents everywhere cringed at the thought. The style that had once been popular in the heyday of the boomer generation in the 60s and 70s was once again coming back – ready to be embraced by a whole new crowd. Bell-bottoms, Ross and Rachel, American Idol, Harry Potter, and the iPod – all iconic remembrances that have made pop culture history because of the masses who embrace them. Topics and trends that spark a...READ»

BRAND | Comment