1. Lady Gaga and Starbucks

Coffee giant Starbucks has teamed up with pop star Lady Gaga to host a digital scavenger hunt. People can gather clues from Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets in hopes of winning prizes. Teaming with Lady Gaga is a shift for Starbucks, as they previously have gone with more conservative personalities. We know that not all coverage is good coverage, so what are the best ways to handle high-profile campaigns?

2. Computer Games for Cats

Cat food brand Friskies doesn’t normally create games for your iPad or Android tablet, but they recently released three games for your cat. This is a good example of a household brand delving into social media and reaching out to a new or different generation. Now that they are out there though, they need to keep the interaction and conversation going. What are the best practices for staying engaged with your audience?

3. Ronald McDonald and Marketing to Children

McDonald’s and its iconic mascot Ronald have come under pressure lately. Critics argue that the clown is marketing unhealthy food to children and should step down as the face of the company. McDonald’s is defending its spokesperson, saying they have no intention of pulling Ronald out of the picture. In a tense situation like this, marketing and public relations teams need to be on the same page. Here at TVG^®, all of our campaigns use an integrated approach to make sure all communications are cohesive and sound. Check out some of our work here.

4. Facebook with More PR Troubles

Facebook was recently criticized for hiring a PR firm to create a negative campaign about Google and its privacy practices. It’s now facing more negative feedback, as the very campaign they tried to conduct is backfiring. While calling attention to the privacy conditions around Google’s Social Circle, Facebook’s campaign brought to light privacy shortfalls of its own. What are the best ideas for recovering from an embarrassing move?

5. Zombies vs. the CDC

We hope a zombie apocalypse doesn’t happen any time soon, but the Center for Disease Control thinks you should be prepared – just in case. Though humorous, the CDC wants people to be prepared for real emergencies, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, telling people to have ample food supplies, escape routes, emergency contacts and meeting places. This is a great example of a creative way to repackage the same message people have been told for years. You can find the original CDC post here.

1. @BronxZoosCobra Takes Over New York

The Bronx Zoo’s Egyptian Cobra’s escape was newsworthy, but even more so when its parody Twitter account (@BronxZoosCobra) amassed approximately 200,000 followers in five days. The famed snake has even garnered interaction from NY Mayor @MikeBloomberg, @TheEllenShow, @HiltonNewYork and @SesameStreet. To read more about the snake’s impressive Twitter presence, go here.

2. Pick Up the Kids in Your…Porsche?

Luxury automaker Porsche isn’t necessarily known for being a family-friendly brand — more so for speed and power. Now, however, the German brand is pushing the idea that it’s sensible and practical to go pick the kids up from school in its two-door sports cars. This may be a good way to sell more of their cars, but should Porsche risk changing the perception of their iconic brand?

3. Skittles Interactive Ads

Advertisers are constantly pushing the boundaries of the industry, figuring out the newest, best way to reach out to an audience. Skittles is no exception as they have launched a faux-interactive ad series on YouTube, with its Skittles Touch: Cat video reaching nearly one million views. Interaction and engagement are two components by which companies can gauge success, even if there isn’t a directly measurable ROI. What are some other interactive ads out there that you think have done well?

4. Google Fiber

Google has selected Kansas City, Kan. as its host of Google Fiber after a nationwide search of more than 1,000 candidates. The new network is estimated to be about 100 times faster than average broadband speeds. Kansas City and Google are very excited about the opportunity, even though they aren’t sure what it will do. Google has said this undertaking is a chance to explore what more internet speed can do for the government, schools, communities and homes. What do you think?

5. Abercrombie & Fitch’s Marketing Mishap

Popular clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch recently came under fire when it was criticized for marketing push-up bikini tops to girls as young as seven years old. After negative buzz spread across the internet via blogs and websites, Abercrombie changed their swimsuit’s category to “padded”, stating it is “best ‘suited’ for girls age 12 and older,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Even though they have quieted some critics, Abercrombie will still sell the swimsuit. Do you think the controversy will affect the brand?

1. Very Inexpensive Beer

Have you noticed Big Flats 1901? What about Buck Range Light? You can find these at your local Walgreens and Supervalu stores as private-label brands that are trying to chip away at the market share of macro beer brewers such as Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors. The branding behind them is to provide a great value at a significantly lower price. Do you think the price gap will be enough? Read more here.

2. Mobile Manners Matter

The trend in technology is definitely shifting in the mobile direction. It seems that just about everyone has a smartphone. And, no matter where you are heads are looking down at the screen. Intel tells us that the majority of U.S. adults wish people would use better mobile manners. They say that mobile devices are still relatively new and people are still learning how to correctly integrate them with their “offline” lives. We are all guilty of these mobile mistakes, but what in your opinion are the worst ones we should avoid?

3. Mmmmm. Pancakes

Do you like pancakes? Do you know how they’re made? Well, Aunt Jemima wants to show you how pancakes and her other breakfast items are made via social media. The campaign displays the “homemade” process and puts real faces to the company through videos featuring employees. How can this old (1889) brand best emerge into the realm of Facebook and Twitter?

4. Facebook “Likes” Guinness World Record

It seems there was a battle taking place on Facebook – started by Oreo and ended by Lil’ Wayne. The cookie maker attempted to set a record for most “likes” in 24 hours, and succeeded with 114,619. Lil’ Wayne did the exact same thing and eclipsed the short-lived record with 588,243. The rapper’s digital manager said that they wanted to show some social media muscle, that the hip-hop star is right up there with Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. This may have more meaning though to Oreo, as they picked up publicity and positive press. What else can Oreo do to keep the social media buzz going?

5. Diet Pepsi PR

Pepsi launched a new skinny can for its diet brand soft drink, and began promoting it during Fashion Week. This has caught some attention, but not necessarily good from the National Eating Disorders Association, saying the design promotes the idea of being skinny. Pepsi has said this was definitely not their intent and they are sensitive to the subject, but it’s reported they will continue with the marketing campaign. How do you think Pepsi should handle this situation?

1. Foursquare vs. Facebook

Foursquare has emerged as one of the premier check-in services for your mobile device, but is facing stiff competition from Facebook Places. In response, Foursquare is focusing more on discovering new places, de-emphasizing the gaming aspect of the app. They say they want to be able to make recommendations to users and create a more personalized experience. Will this open more doors for marketers to use geo-location?

2. Twittering Adults

A recent Pew Research survey shows that in the U.S., eight percent of adults on the internet are using Twitter. Although it isn’t very surprising that 18-29 year-olds are the most active; those age 30-64 make up 13 percent of the market.

3. BP and Quick Payments

Although BP has been out of the main news stream for quite a while, the aftermath is still affecting residents of the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Claims Facility has issued more money at a faster rate than BP did, and is working to give expedited final payments in exchange for their right to take legal action. Do you think this will bring good or bad press for BP?

4. The Value of a Tweet

How much is a single tweet worth? If you recently bought a new Toyota, it could have been worth $500. Through this past Wednesday, Toyota was taking $500 off the purchase of a new Toyota to anyone who posted a specific tweet about their Toyotathon campaign. Toyota says the high discount was enough to generate a strong buzz and a stronger call to action. Does your company utilize Twitter to its full potential?

5. GAP PR Problems … Again

GAP has released limited edition FEED bags, as part of its anti-hunger FEED campaign. For every bag purchased, GAP will donate $5 towards the U.S.’s school lunch programs. It also dons a “Made in USA” logo, and advertisements and product descriptions say it’s made here in America. The problem is that the bags’ tags say they are made in China. In a survey, people are saying that because of this, they will not buy the bag. How would you handle this from a PR standpoint?

1. New Facebook Profile

Facebook announced last Sunday via Twitter the “New Profile.” Besides rearranging where you see profile information, FB has added a feature that lets you include projects you’re working on under the Employer category, and has brought back a feature from the old days of the social network where you can list the classes you’re in, or have taken in school. To opt-in (for the time being), you can go here and get the new profile. Let us know what you think!

2. Google eBooks

Google launched its foray into the e-book world with Google eBooks. Although there are already e-book providers with e-readers, such as Amazon and its Kindle or Barnes&Noble with their Nook, Google is attempting to set itself apart by offering a large number of free e-books. Google’s e-books are also accessible anywhere there’s an internet connection. Some think this may be a viable opportunity for schools and universities to delve into the e-book world. Will you try Google eBooks?

3. Economy of Advertising

It seems that advertising is on the same road as the overall economy; it’s predicted that advertising spending in the U.S. will have a long and slow rebound. Although there will be some growth in the U.S., it’s predicted that China and India will show outstanding growth in ad spending. How do you think our country’s ad agencies will react?

4. WikiLeaks and Anonymous

Mastercard, Visa, Amazon.com and PayPal have all found themselves under attack by a group of hackers called Anonymous in Operation: Payback. Why these companies? They have all denied service to WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange. The hackers have been moderately successful in disrupting service, and completely shut down Mastercard’s website earlier this week. Even though people’s bank accounts were not compromised, this may show how easy it is for hackers to infiltrate sites that contain personal information. How do you feel about how safe your information is?

5. Taking on Social Media

An article in Ad Age this week predicts that 80 percent of companies with more than 100 employees will use social media for marketing during 2011. Many companies are proactively incorporating social media into their culture, but it’s not always easy and sometimes you need a little extra help. This past week, TVG kicked off a year-long social media training course to help our client and their employees understand the best ways to use Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. If you’re interested in social media training for your company, just send us a message on our website or find us on Twitter @VandiverGroup!

1. Forbes Sponsored Blog Model

Forbes is coming under criticism for its paid Forbes AdVoice blog, as debate wagers over whether consumers can tell the difference between paid blog posts and staff blog posts. Forbes argues that there are clear signs that the paid blog is separate from its editorials, but critics say they are walking a fine line. TVG offers help and training to make sure your social media efforts stay within the accepted guidelines. Visit our website for more details.

2. Conan and Cable

Conan O’Brien’s new talk show debuted on TBS this week, and the TV ratings show he is being well-received despite his move to cable. Some critics are quick to point out he needs to stop poking fun at basic cable, saying it may not be the best marketing move to belittle the medium he’s a part of. What are your thoughts on the new show?

3. Facebook Firing

Facebook posts are protected under the First Amendment, according to the National Labor Relations Board. The topic recently has come under pressure in light of an employee termination based on a Facebook posting, in which a woman criticized her supervisor. Lafe Solomon of the NLRB says that it doesn’t matter “whether it takes place on Facebook or at the water cooler … they have the right to do that.” What is your take on this free speech case?

4. GM’s Mr. Goodwrench

Mr. Goodwrench has long been the image for General Motor’s customer service department, but GM has announced they will faze him out. In an effort to “raise the bar on the ownership experience,” individual brands will have their own service department (i.e. – Cadillac Certified Service). Will the retirement of a long-standing brand image pay off for the company?

5. Veterans Day

This week we honored all service men and women, past and present, for their bravery and sacrifice for our country. Several articles reminded us that there are a variety of programs available to help veterans when they have needs. TVG’s client, the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program, is one of those programs. Visit their website for more information.

1. Sanford-Brown and First-Ever “Give Back Day”

Sanford-Brown College, a TVG client, participated in a nationwide “Give Back Day” this week. Coinciding with National Medical Assistant Recognition Day, students from all of Sanford-Brown’s campuses helped with various activities, including health screenings, blood drives, massage therapy and volunteering at local health facilities. Visit Sanford-Brown’s website to learn more about them.

2. Soy Symposium

The 9th International Symposium on the Role of Soy was this past week. The program consisted of presentations in areas such as new research fields, women’s health, soy farming and cardiovascular topics. You can read about some highlights of the symposium here. For more information on soy in general, visit the United Soybean Board’s website.

3. Washington Post and Twitter

After a controversial article from the Washington post came under fire this week from activist group GLAAD, one staffer used the Post’s Twitter account to defend publishing the piece.  As a result of increased negative feedback to this tweet, the Post has asked its journalists not to engage with critics on Twitter. Is this the right move for a news outlet?

4. Donna Vandiver Speaks at VCC Conference

TVG’s fearless leader Donna Vandiver traveled to Louisiana this week to speak at the 2010 Fall Various Chemical Companies Conference. Speakers at the conference were asked to address a wide array of issues affecting chemical companies. Donna talked to the group about maintaining employee engagement during tough economic times. Check out all of TVG’s employee communication services on our website.

5. Starbucks Digital Network

Starbucks rolled out its Starbucks Digital Network (SDN) this week to users of their in-store Wi-Fi services. Café dwellers can take advantage of exclusive content, ranging from full access to the Wall Street Journal to free online movies. How can marketers and advertisers use this network and others like it to their best advantage?

1. The Walk to Washington, a group committed to raising awareness for depression, completed their 50-day, 835-mile walk from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. yesterday, just in time for National Depression Screening Day. Congratulations to the team and their achievement! See a story on this at CNBWashington.com.
2. Facebook announced a few new features this past Wednesday. Users can now download all of the content and information they’ve uploaded (pictures, videos, messages, etc.) and have more control over apps and games with an Applications Dashboard. Facebook also announced a revamp of its Groups feature, where users can create communities separate from the rest of the social network. Some speculate that Facebook Groups will become the “New Facebook.” What are your thoughts?
3. For TV fans, the Mid-America Emmy Awards are here in St. Louis tomorrow. They will be hosted by actress and Missourian Ellie Kemper, who plays Erin Hannon on NBC’s “The Office.” The event will be at the Renaissance Grand Hotel downtown, but you can also watch a live webcast from their website.
4. In case you missed it, or you don’t play Farmville, McDonald’s’ McCafe was available Thursday in the virtual farming world. Players who were rewarded with an electronic coffee could do tasks twice as fast. Do you think this marketing tactic made sense for McDonald’s or were they off target?
5. Do you prefer a debit card, or do you still write a check? The Deluxe Corporation thinks you should use pen and paper, and they are working with the popular website CollegeHumor to create videos encouraging people to write checks instead of paying with plastic. Check out their website and video here and let us know what you think.

2. Taste of St. Louis
If you’re downtown this weekend, make sure to stop by the Taste of St. Louis, which starts today. In addition to the food and beverages at this free event, the Taste of St. Louis will be the first event in the nation where you can try out a new payment system called Square, a mobile credit card processor for an Android phone or Apple OS device. Square was co-developed by Jack Dorsey, a co-founder of Twitter. How can this new way to pay help you?

3. Mad Men/Lincoln
Like watching Mad Men? John Slattery, who plays Roger Sterling on the show, is the voice Ford Motor Co. has chosen to promote its Lincoln brand of cars. After selling its other luxury brands (Aston Martin, Jaguar, to name a few), Ford is attempting to break into the minds of a younger crowd and make it cool to own a Lincoln. Have they chosen the right person for the job?

4. Social Media in Schools
Many schools around the nation have banned cell phones and are wary of students using Facebook and Twitter at school. However, some studies show that social media can be used for good inside the classroom. Do you think Facebook and Twitter belong in schools? Is there perhaps a safe way to integrate them?

5. Goldman Sachs PR push
Goldman Sachs rolled out a new PR campaign Wednesday, attempting to show the public that they “[play] a role at improving the lives of Americans rather than simply increasing [their] bottom line.” Goldman took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, and will have more to come. What do you think of the new PR push?

1. Have you checked out TVG’s new website yet? Visit before September 30^th and you could receive $1,500 in pro bono work from TVG. All you have to do is fill out the “contact us” card for your chance to win!
2. A new version of Twitter is set to roll out over the next several weeks. The new Twitter will include features such as photo and video sharing directly in a user’s Twitter feed. Many have said the new changes make Twitter feel a bit more like Facebook, check it out and let us know what you think.
3. The Walk to Washington, TVG’s pro bono client, has only 20 days left in their 50 day walk from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more about the organization and sign their petition.
4. SocialSmack was introduced this week as a new information site where brands are evaluated by users who give “Props” to brands they like and “Drops” to those they don’t. The site borrows elements from Foursquare, as users accrue points and badges for giving Props. What implications could a site like this have for your brand?
5. The St. Louis Rams said this week that their rookie quarterback Sam Bradford is not the linchpin to their marketing efforts, at least for now. The Rams don’t want the focus on the individual players, but on the team. With Owner Stan Kroenke saying he doesn’t have time to build media relationships, how will this decision affect the team’s image?