Marketing 101

Greetings.
I just got pushed to the new version of this blogger thing. I hate getting pushed into something when I'm not in the mood to make the change. For example (e.g), Every day or so I verify my checking account online and they want to me to sign up for their new online bill pay service. So finally I did it just to avoid the stupid ad that replaced the normal screen. I get an email confirmation thanking me for signing up for the service (that I probably won't use) and the ugly screen is still there. Give me back what I'm expecting. This is the same bank that hasn't sent me a statement in months because they are going to my parents house. I admit, my mother is the co-owner, but I'm the primary for crying out loud. Tomorrow it's back to the bank to correct this.

Southwest Airlines likes to push my buttons too. I like to have an assigned seat, I cannot lie. I don't like to stand in line for two hours to board a jet, however I also don't like to be the one that says, "excuse me, can I get in the middle there?" OK, that's a lie. When that happens, I look for the person that is most trying to avoid eye contact with me and I go for it, as long as they are on the smaller side. I like my space too.

Anyway, back to my SW story. I decided that I should take my parents to Vegas. They have never been and my Mom loves to gamble. Wait, don't call the nuns, she prefers the nickel slot machines! We decided on a long weekend in May. I've been scouting SW for weeks waiting for tickets to be available for my chosen weekend. I knew it was coming soon. Yesterday I was very busy and only in the office until 11:30am before I had to head to an offsite meeting. I checked three times, nothing. Then at 11:15am, as I should be heading to the door, knowing how sneaky SW is, I checked one more time. Low and behold they opened the days up.

I whipped out my credit card, punched in my dates, confirmed again with Sean and the parents (yippee for phone conferencing) and *damn* how can a majority of the $99 one way fares be gone already. Literally, these dates have been available for no more than 30 minutes. I did get the $99 fares each way, but nothing non-stop and there is never time to think about if the times really work for our schedules. So on May 10th, Sean, my parents and Rob and Ann and I are heading to Vegas for a good time. I'm actually hoping to get on the Price is Right while I'm there! Meet us there for a hand of blackjack!

Back to Marketing 101. As you know I'm in sales and marketing. I try to smile sweetly so that clients will buy my data goods. I understand the importance of a good telemarketing list and of course a good commercial. The other day I saw a commercial for Listerine Agent Cool Blue Mouthwash. http://www.agentcoolblue.com/ The purpose is to sucker parents into $4 or so mouthwash so their kids will swish this thick blue liquid, that stains, in their mouth for 30 seconds and when they spit it out... Voila, the blue spots on their teeth direct them to where to brush away the plaque. I know someone out there understands where there is going.

How does Kristin know so much about this product? (i.e. the price, how long to swish) I saw the commercial and I have to admit, what an excellent product concept! Way better than green catsup, which I've never tried. I used a coupon and bought Agent Cool Blue. Sean and I have fun each night identifying our plague. It's not the best product, but it is kind of fun. And messy... a carpet disaster waiting to happen.

Just in case you couldn't tell, I'm a bit cranky tonight. It's after 10pm on a Friday night and I've been working on a presentation for Monday for two hours. (this is a break) Tomorrow is booked and I leave early Sunday morning to the LoneStar state. Plus one of my favorite Asian restaurants at Tysons closed in the past couple of months. We were headed there for dinner tonight for some healthy food and it is totally gone. Bummer.

Here's some more advertising for you. Those Quaker Rice Cakes that should be just like munching on air. Or not. I've been snacking a lot this week and thought those would be a good way to stay motivated while putting in lots of hours at my desk. No fat, no cholesterol, some sodium and carbs and sugar, but the great taste of caramel. Wednesday, I ate the whole bag which apparently equals 13 servings. (7 rice cakes a serving.) Oops.

Tomorrow I go to my first Barmitzvah. Very excited. It's a very busy weekend, so I'm going to go and get my rest! Lately it's been "All Paws in Bed." Yep, just like an "all hands on deck" meeting. Both cats and Sean and I nestled into our big bed. Usually Lonestar doesn't sleep with us but he's been joining us these frigid nights of late. In fact, Sean and I were still scurrying around at 11pm last night and Lonestar was already in his position at the foot of the bed waiting. It's nice to be loved (or used for warmth, whichever.)