Does gender influence sense of humor?

A new Media Daily News post suggest that what a person finds humorous could be influenced by their gender, could humor really be in our genetics?

The article “Humor in Ads” by David Goetzl analyzes where these differences are. for instance, the Nielsen report revealed that for millenials (age 13 to 34) men prefer “slapstick, edgy, sarcastic” comedy, while females appreciate an “off-beat, but not mean-spirited” approach.

Of course there are other factors that differentiate male and female viewers. Women like themes that highlight “strong female celebrities and having fun/happy situations and women characters they can relate to.

While men also liked the “normal” guys, they preferred exaggerated situations. And by watching just about any beer commercial, I easily see the difference in target audience and extreme imagery – think giant ice cold mountains and freezing trains.
In addition, the Nielsen data suggests media viewing habits of men and women are different. Women in the 18-to-49 demo watch about 11 hours more of TV a month than males. Men on the other hand consume video on the Internet and mobile phones slightly more than women.

Just goes to show that you really do need to understand your audience and media channels before starting any marketing communications campaign.

 

Marketing for MarComs – A Premier Event

Okay, shameless plug, but if you live in Northeast Ohio… I hope to see you there!

Join the Lake Communicators for its premier event of the year, “Marketing For Marcoms” workshop at Breckenridge Village on Wednesday, October 10 (5:30-8:30 pm) in Willoughby.

This unique social learning experience features Keynote speaker, Bob Foley, author of “Go Hard or Go Home,” former ABA basketball coach and general manager of Dynamic Drinkware. Guests will also enjoy their choice of 9 marcom breakout sessions, delicious hors d’oeuvres and exceptional networking opportunities. Door prizes will also be given away at the end of the evening.

Participants can select their choice of 3 breakout sessions by notable marcom professionals including:
·      Tom Moore, President, Moore & Associates;
·      Gary Seitz, Executive VP/CFO C. TRAC Information Solutions;
·      Laura Lytle, President/CEO, Little L Communications;
·      Jonathan Levey, Online Marketing Specialist of Fathom;
·      John Ettore, Owner, Working with Words;
·      Ryan Morgan, Online Marketing Manager, ERC;
·      Jim Perry, Jim Perry & Associates;
·      Jeff Hyde, Managing Director, Ideas in Focus;
·      Phil Stella, President, Effective Training & Communications Inc.

“We invite anyone that wants to expand their professional network in a casual, fun atmosphere,” said Tom Ruffner, Committee chair. “This night is all about you… our guests. You can socialized in one of the galleries of Breckenridge Village, enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres catered by Culinare Pavane or listen to a speaker of your choice for new ideas on how to improve your business and communications.”

Cost for Lake Communicators members is just $45. Non-members are $55.

Register online and select your breakout sessions at www.lakecommunicators.com by Friday, October 5, 2012.

NFL ads bring it on- Prepare for Superbowl 2013

With the NFL 2012-13 season just starting, I began to wonder who will be featuring their new products and brand messaging in February… only 5 months remaining until the Superbowl and so many questions in the air. What teams will make it? And most important, will Doritos, Pepsi, Coke and the Bud Clyesdales be there?

This past Sunday I noticed an array of new car ads touting the next year’s models (and pinching myself to think of 2013 already?!) and began wondering about the big game… well USA Today must have had the same thought as only a few days ago announced that 90% of ad slots are already full! So here’s your two-minute warning to anyone with the $3.7Million left in their marketing budget.

So who can we expect to see this year? The article confirms that Pepsi, Coke (but not its polar bears) and Frito Lay have plans to entertain as well as some key car makers including Kia (though not GM who previously announced it is moving forward with other initiatives this year). Will there be a VW Beatle ad? I just love the new ones with the hands-slap song – very catchy.

Pepsi will also sponsor the half-time show… who do you think it will be? Someone classic or a new/rising pop star?

Still months away, I can’t wait to see what great creative minds will come up with this year to WOW us viewers between the whistles of the big game.