Category Archives: Branding

Marketing July 15, 2011

Someone at K-Swiss Has ENORMOUS Cahones

When evaluating a potential spokesperson, marketers generally ensure that the candidate embodies the values of the brand and isn’t associated with anything scandalous. Unless you’re K-Swiss, apparently. The brand is taking a “different” approach, opting instead for a foul-mouthed, egotistical, … Continue reading →

Sociocultural Trends June 2, 2011

Upshot Smartshot #7: Twitterphobics Anonymous

Have no fear, help is here! No longer shall there be marketers who fear Twitter! The video above is the latest installment in our Upshot Smartshot webinar series, and complements our recent Potty Posting that introduced the concept of marketers … Continue reading →

Marketing April 22, 2011

SXSWrapup: That’s a Wrap!

We hope you’ve derived a ton of smarts from our (admittedly long) coverage of SXSW Interactive 2011. If you missed any of our posts, we’ve got links to every one of our SXSWrapups below.

Marketing April 21, 2011

SXSWrapup (Part 10): Deep Thoughts

While we’ve covered a ton of ground in our SXSWrapups (click here to see where we left off), all that big picture thinking was just the beginning of all the brilliant ideas that were thrown around in Austin. Don’t worry … Continue reading →

Marketing April 19, 2011

SXSWrapup (Part 9): Selling Yourself at SXSW

While we’ve had more than enough analysis of the panels at SXSWi (we left off here), there’s one big piece that we haven’t really referenced. No, not the BBQ, or the free beer, or the free parties. Rather, it’s the … Continue reading →

Marketing April 12, 2011

SXSWrapup (Part 7): New Weapons in the War on Whiners

After completing yesterday’s basic training, today we’ll get fully embedded in the War on Whiners, figuring out exactly what brands should be doing when it’s time to fire back. But, perhaps your first question isn’t how to respond; maybe you’re … Continue reading →

Marketing April 11, 2011

SXSWrapup (Part 6): Stocking Up for the War on Whiners

Thanks for being patient while this author fought off the Bubonic Plague. Now, picking up where we left off with our SXSW Interactive coverage! Of all our 2011 trends, the ones we expected to dominate the discussion at SXSW Interactive … Continue reading →

Marketing March 14, 2011

SXSWrapup (Part 1): Last Year’s Breakouts Level Up

Halfway through the SXSW Interactive conference, it appears that our pre-conference assumption was correct: the biggest stories coming out of this year’s SXSW are going to be iterations of the services and applications that broke out in past years. That’s … Continue reading →

Sociocultural Trends March 11, 2011

SXSWe’ve Arrived

SXSW Interactive – we’re coming for ya. But don’t worry, we’re bringing the music. Yes, Upshot’s SXSW Interactive coverage team has arrived in Austin, and just like last year, we’ll be covering the town with our QR-coded stickers. (Unlike last … Continue reading →

Marketing February 23, 2011

Cruising for Your Health

All of our conversations about Primitive Simplicity essentially come back to a single sentiment: the growing suspicion that our fancy-pants societal progress generates its fair share of unintended, negative consequences. As such, more consumers are starting to believe that the … Continue reading →