Trends in the Marketing Mix

Digital Marketing encompasses eMail, Social Media, Content and SEO.  Here are some trends Brands are incorporating into their marketing mix:

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Chris M Morales
MarCommTO

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales 

Guide to Runners Christmas Presents

As a runner I prefer to buy my own running gear so I get excited about running store Gift Certificates (Hint, hint :)).  Specifically I'll be looking for a second pair of running shoes to alternate with my current pair.  Something I can beat up over the winter months.  I may also look out for another pair of long running tights if I see something on sale at our local outlet running sale. Other than that though I have everything I need.  However in the interest of helping my fellow runners I've put this list together of 10 gift items that every runner would be pleased to receive this Christmas:

1. Timex Ironman Running Watch.  The 'Big Face' one.  My first Timex running watch really took a licking...over 20 years worth and only got 'retired' last year when I got a very nice new Timex.
2. Running Toque.  A runner in northern winter climates can never have enough running toques. Fleece ones in solid black please...Black is the Old/New Black!  It goes with everything.
3. Running Shell.  I prefer solid colours and with lots of 360 degree reflection since I mostly run pre-dawn and need maximum visibility.
4. Running socks.  Again, a runner can't have enough pairs.  I prefer low cut running socks that come up to my ankles but this is a personal preference.
5. Road ID.  This should be top-of-the list for all runners.  I don't carry ID when I go running. Dumb!  Maybe I'll get Road ID before Christmas...
6. Water bottle belt.  I especially like the ones with the holders for smaller bottles.  On longer runs I used to use a Camelback system but that is truly overkill for my shorter runs now.
7. Gift Certificates to a Running Store.  Oh, did I mention that already...can't go wrong here.
8. Paid up Race Registration.  This one involves your spouse of course but if I received a paid registration for a 2015 race I'm eager to run in well that would be special.
9. Running Magazine subscription.  Getting a running magazine monthly is a look-forward-to gift.  There are some fine Canadian running magazines and the big ones from the US to choose from.  But act now...
10. Drying rack.  Something compact and designed specifically for running.  With lots or space to lay out my wet gear versus just hanging.  Preferably in a non-rust metal and definitely NOT wood.  

That should make shopping for your runner simple this Christmas.  You can thank me later.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

4 Search Marketing Mistakes

In a conversation with a Business Owner recently we got talking about her mistakes in Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing in particular.  Her business used Paid Search and she optimized her web site constantly...she was pleased with site traffic and the quality of the leads generated.  Here are her tips on mistakes to avoid when marketing online:

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Chris M Morales
MarCommTO

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales 

10K: The Perfect Race Distance

The running world has gone crazy over the past years over running longer and longer distances. Above 42.2 K, these are called 'Ultras'.  Regularly now you can read about races at a number of extreme distances:  50K, 50 Miles, 100K!

For a lot of these runners...myself included...the book, 'Born to Run' introduced us to extreme running with the legendary Cabalo Blanco and the Tarahumara Indians of the Copper Canyon's of Mexico. These runners could run all day through torturous terrain wearing basically leather thong sandals and eating very, very little.  Much was made of the 'Midfoot Running Style' which went against the 'Heel Strike' that most of us runners followed.

But I digress...

Ultra Runners are CRAZY!  And they are ruining running!! I have no difficulty explaining to Sally that I'm going out for a run.  She figures on about an hour (about 10K for me at a relaxed pace) and that I'll be fairly close to home should I get in trouble.  Heck, she even understands the Half Marathon...a couple of hours or so.  She gets more concerned and less interested in the Marathon. She came along to Reggae Marathon when I ran my one and only Full Marathon, and for that I'll be forever grateful but it was an equally grueling experience for her baking in the sun waiting for me to finish.  Ultras?  Not a topic of discussion in our home!

And that's the challenge:  It's relatively easy to talk to a non-runner about running up to about an hour, the 10K.  Beyond that their attention span fades and their eyes glaze over.  That dis-interest grows exponentially the longer the distance and ventures into hostile territory.

So I say, "Stop the Madness!"  Bring backthe 10K.  Let's get back to civilized running.  A great 10K? Reggae Marathon 10K...now that is both the perfect race distance and warm location!

Long live the 10K!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy