>Commercial Bowl XLV – Dissappointing

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>Every year the Super Bowl commercials get a lot of hype. So much so that there was a 1 hour special on CBS Friday night about the best Super Bowl commercials. I of course watched it. After getting a sneak peak at some of this year’s commercials, I was mildly disappointed. They showed a handful so I thought, there must more – perhaps they didn’t show the best of the best?

With that in mind, I watched the commercials with an open mind. All in all, I was very disappointed. While I’m going to give a recap of my top 10, only the top 4 deserve a round of applause. Here is the recap compared to USA TODAY’s Ad Meter (UTAM) rankings:

1. Pepsi Max – Love Hurts (#5 on the UTAM): Not only did this commercial have enough humor to keep me laughing but it stayed on target with Pepsi’s message – Zero calories.

2. Doritos – Pug Goes for Chips (tied for #1 on the UTAM): In typical Doritos fashion, this ad is full of humor and has you wanting Doritos.

3. Pepsi Max – Torpedo Cooler (#24): During the few seconds of this commercial, my living room full people all sighed with “aw,” and then a huge burst of laughter. Pepsi did it again with laughter and a targeted message.

4. Volkswagen – Young Darth Vader (#3): I tweeted (@MichelleSeeber) this ad on Friday and still loved to watch it again. It was sentimental, had humor and who doesn’t love parents playing tricks on their kids? While this is my FAVORITE commercial, as a marketer I had to bump this down on my list since the only thing we’ll remember is the tiny Darth Vader and not the name of the car company.

5. Budweiser – Wild West (#16): I thought this was a great commercial – what better way to remind you of Budweiser than the Clydesdales, a bar and the song “Tiny Dancer.”

6. Bridgestone – Reply All (#11): Funny and clever however the message tying it to Bridgestone didn’t really do it for me.

7. Bud Light – Dog sitter (tied for #1): This was cute but I don’t think it deserved to be tied for #1.

8. Coca-Cola – Border Guard (#10): I feel like this spot was an old standby with a new situation and people. It was still well done and left you with that share-a-Coke-feeling.

9. E-trade – Baby Gets a Suit (#15): This was another solid commercial by E-trade. It weaved in the fact that they have helpful customer service, its easy to use and how well someone can do when using E-trade.

10. Verizon – iPhone Coming (#46): I thought this commercial deserved a better ranking by UTAM. It was simple and hit the target with identifying a pain from prospects.

Honorable mentions: Snickers (#17) , CarMax (#23) , Telflora (#30), Careerbuilder (#6), Pepsi Max’s first date (#7) and Chevy Cruze (#51).

A few commercials that just didn’t sit right:

1. Doritos: Grandpa (#4) and licking the finger (#14) were a little too strange for me. The gross factor just didn’t do it.

2. NFL (#8): It was so exciting to see all the old shows but what a let down at the end when we saw it was an NFL commercial.

3. Eminem does a commercial for Lipton (#50) about how he doesn’t like to do commercials. While this is done well, Eminem is also in another commercial for Chrylser/Detroit (#44). If I was Chrysler, I’d be pretty upset that its star person just ranted about not doing commercials.

4. Chevy: all your commercials before and probably after the Super Bowl with Tim Allen as the voiceover have got to go. While I like him as “Santa Claus,” his voice is too distracting for a car commercial. His voice reminds me of “Home Improvement” and all the movies where he is a humorous guy. It’s just not working…

That’s it for this year’s recap of Super Bowl XLV… let’s hope the commercials in Super Bowl XLVI are better!

Feel free to comment and let us know your favorites and who missed the mark.

>A Sweet Deal to Show Your Love

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>Wow! What a start to 2011. This should be a year of renewed energy in marketing by evidence of the current activity in the marketplace. I said I would report from our national convention held in early January, but so many new campaigns have prevented me from writing until today.

As promised here is a brief run down of what we can expect this year.

1. This will be the year of complete interactive marketing. Marketing that will transcend current methods without giving up on the techniques of the past. Look for more information about QR Codes, Search Engine Management and my favorite “Dimensional Direct Mail”.

2. Increased awareness for the environment as evidence by the growing number of “GREEN” products and services.

3. More online offers and specials with as little as 24 hour service

4. Increased public relations strategy for the recovering business to business environment.

I will get into more detail in the future posts. For now here is a great offer – Want to show your clients how much you love their business? How much you care? Then why not “Share the Love” with a custom branded food gift that will excite their senses and keep you top of mind. Here are a few examples.

Custom Hershey’s Kisses

We will print your logo or copy and affix to each kiss. Perfect to handout at meetings, trade shows, client visits and as a leave behind.

Custom S’mores Kisses Kit

Kits contain graham crackers, Hershey’s Kisses, Marshmallows, Toasting Sticks and a custom, printed insert with your logo and copy.

Want to know how successful food promotions can be? Take photo with your smart phone to activate the QR Code with your smart phone code reader.

Or visit here

For detailed information call Bruce Felber 330-963-3664 x 2 or email: brucefelber@felberandfelber.com

2011 may have some challenges, but we are ready to meet them and help our clients achieve their marketing expectations

>2011 Starts off with new and exciting ideas

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>Now that you have all recovered from the holidays, crazy weather patterns and the year-end push it is time to renew your creativity.

Let us all go into the new year with a positive attitude with conviction. Ask yourself the following:

Can I do more to help my clients?
Can I be more creative?
Can I look for new ways to market my products and services?
If you don’t answer YES to these questions, then ask yourself what are you really doing?

2011 should be the hope of new markets and new trends. Jump on now as it may be a fast moving train.

I will be traveling to our industry’s annual convention in a few days and the pre-show vibe is high. This year look to re-gain marketing programs that are sure to turn some heads. I will report on new services, products and trends during the week-long convention, so check back next week.

Here is something to get you stared. NEW promotional products have just been added. Click here and go to the NEW tab.

For more information visit all the pages here.

Look forward to a bigger, brighter year.

Bruce Felber, MAS.

>Are you much cooler online?

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Are you more like Jason Alexander in Brad Paisley’s hit country song and video “Online” or do you let your true self appear online? In the song/video, Alexander sings about changing his appearance, occupation and wealth via his online alter-ego. With the explosion of any medium such as social media, also comes the inevitable claim of “experts” that pledge to increase your reputation and presence online. While there is much truth to search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), the later being a pay-per-click option, I would caution you to monitor and control how much of your company brand you allow to be created by outside consultants.

Let’s face it, LinkedIn, Twitter and FaceBook are just not that hard to use. The danger is not as much in identity theft and spam message (simply do not click on anything you do not recognize, just like that old communication method called email) as in the impact these services have on your brand. Who are you entrusting with your image?

Think of your brand as a person. Your brand and identity is much more than your logo, web appearance or the design your company brochure. What would your brand do or say in a particular situation? How would Southwest Airlines react to controversy vs. General Electric? Whether you are a startup or a well-established company, your brand is your identity. So, why would you let someone pretend to be you or a representative from your company? You just might end up with “Peggy” the bearded, clueless and very male credit-card customer-service representative. Thickly accented Peggy works for “USA Prime Credit” in a snowbound shack in the middle of nowhere. While the commercial for Discover highlights the outsourcing of customer service, you could end up with your own Peggy.

Your clients and prospects know you, your sales and customer service staff. They experience your brand at every interaction. They will also know if your social media is not inline with that brand. By all means, seek help in creating your online presence. It is a key component (not the end all) of your marketing plan. But, in the end, it should be you and your staff posting and responding to web interactions. If you trust outsiders like a certain player’s “decision” it will stink to high heaven. The result could be a brand crash harder than any pro golfer or would-be champ could resurrect. Find your own champions in your organization and give them a voice. You will be amazed at how much it sounds like you.

Rob Felber

>Happy New Year Reminder

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2010 is almost behind us and we are all looking forward to a new year filled with new and exciting challenges.

Before it is loo late don’t forget to place your order Happy New Year cards. Still time for last minute orders. Click here for selection.

I will be reporting (as time allows) from the annual PPAI Convention and Trade Show the week of January 10th. I will try to give you a sneak peak of new marketing ideas and products. Keep challenging us and yourself and 2011 will be a great year.

Happy Holidays to all.

Bruce Felber, MAS*

* The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) certification is awarded to promotional marketing professionals who have completed education requirements demonstrating exemplary commitment to their profession. MAS recipients are recognized for providing the highest standard of conduct, integrity and professionalism to clients. Only 1% of all industry practitioners have attained this prestigious designation.

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (9) – Last minute gifts

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Waiting for the lines at the mall to thin out? Too busy to think about the holidays? Well we have an answer for you. We have last minute capability to handle those classic food gifts in branded wooden containers, carving boards and baskets filled with a variety of nuts, candies, cheeses and meats.

We still have One Day and Two Day service available, but hurry time is running out.

Just give me a call to see what can be done.

Bruce Felber, MAS
330-963-3664 x 2

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (8) – Branded Personal Assistance

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Looking for a unique gift experience? Do you want something that will be talked about for a long time? Look no more because we have the answer.

Branded Personal Assistance will make your recipients feel very special. These cards offer a team of live branded personal assistants who provide callers with anything at anytime from anywhere for an experience of a lifetime.

Since the holiday season is all about helping others then why not offer the gift of help. Personal assistants can offer everything from driving directions; weather and road conditions, restaurant and movie help and even make those hotel reservations for your client. Imagine a service that can offer help for just about anything anytime and carry your personal message greeting and brand image. We can even dress this up with a holiday theme. And you can change your personal greetings after the holidays.

For more details read this post.

If you have already purchase your gifts then this is also a perfect add-on that will last all year. We can give you a 5 day turnaround just in time to say Happy Holidays.

For more details or price contact me at 330-963-3664 x 2

Bruce Felber, MAS

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (7) – Soft & Warm

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This season surprise your clients, family and friends with special personal gifts. Gifts they can wear, wrap around, carry and use for years.

Our special “Season of Giving Holiday Gift Guide” has the finest wearing apparel, bags, blankets and accessories from quality trusted brands. Brands like OGIO, Red House, District Threads, Port & Company and Columbia. These items can be purchased blank or with your own brand/logo.


For a free catalog email me at brucefelber@felberandfelber.com or view here online.

Give gifts that celebrate and appreciate.

Questions call 330-963-3664 x2

Bruce Felber, MAS

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (3) – Greeting Cards UPDATE

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In my post from October 31st I wrote about the value of sending “Thank You” greeting cards to your clients. I spoke about our wide line of Business to Business greeting cards for all occasions.

Here is a true real-life story. On November 17th I was asked if there was still time to place an order for customized Thanksgiving cards and could they arrive in time to be mailed. I checked with production and two minutes later the reply came back, “Is this afternoon soon enough?”. The order was placed around 10:30 am and was shipped over night. The next morning I checked with UPS and they had been delivered by 9:00 am. I called my client who told me they arrived and she was already addressing the envelopes.

Now we turn our focus to the main Holiday Season, We have a large selection of Holiday and New Year Greetings Card ready for personalization. You can add your logo to any of our cards and even print the envelopes. See our selection of cards and calendar cards here. Place the order now so you have time to address and mail to your clients and friends.

For other ideas visit or blog and promotional sites.

Contact me for any questions or for more information at 330-963-3664 x 2.

Bruce Felber, MAS

>Promotional Gifts of the Season (6) – Crystal & Glass

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One of the most popular gifts for the holiday includes glass and crystal items. This category always carries a high perception of recognition and thanks for their beauty.

Whether an artistic show piece or useful items such as a serving piece, beverage ware, and paperweight these gifts bring warmth to every setting and event.

We carry a wide variety of glass, crystal and specialty gifts and feature many combination and custom sets. See some of the many items here or visit for other ideas.


Looking for that special touch? Ask about our Waterford® Lead Crystal products including holiday gifts and ornaments.

Call 330-963-3664 x 2 to help you choose the right item to meet your holiday gift budget and don’t forget these make great ‘thank you’ gifts for your employees.

Bruce Felber, MAS