Tuesday, March 27, 2007

A Pandora's Box of Data

I think we've all heard of the Human Genome Project - the analysis of data to determine the complete genome sequence for the human body.....how about the Music Genome Project?

A group of musicians and music-loving technologists have analysed hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. One of the results is Internet Radio station Pandora

As a analytic marketer, I am fascinated by this site as it endeavours to match my specified music tastes with other music I might like based on the similarity of its attritbutes....not simply other music of the same genre or artist but based on such things "heavy use of rythmic syncopation" and "accoustic rhythm guitars". It builds each user a customized "radio station" giving a chance for feedback to help it "learn". A rather fun application of data!

Make your own station at http://www.pandora.com/

Friday, March 16, 2007

Marketing Outlook for 2007

Good News! The CMO Council (http://www.cmocouncil.org/index.asp) has released their Marketing Outlook 2007 and insight and measurement get top billing.

Of the top 10 challenges facing marketers in 2007, the ability to "grow customer knowledge, insight and conversations" was number 3, and the ability to "quantify and measure the value of marketing programs and investments" was number 1.

In marketing automation, "marketing performance measurement dashboards" was the top area of spend. CRM, customer intelligence and analytics and campaign management also made the top 5.

Encouraging to me....

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Wikinomics

Anyone been reading Wikinomics? I've been making my way through it and it certainly makes you think. I am still not totally sure how to open my business up to mass collaboration (but I'm only on chapter 2!)

I'm going to hear Don Tapscott, author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything... speak in a couple of weeks. If you are in Toronto and want to attend, here are the details:

Date and Time: Tuesday March 27th, 2007, 7 PM
Location: Marriott (Courtyard Hall B), 475 Yonge Street, Toronto
More details at:
http://www.wiredwoman.com/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=117778

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Number Portability

While this blog typically focuses on database and analytic issues....it is really all about marketing. Today, I saw a marketing campaign that I thought I'd share....its about numbers of a different kind.

Many in the telecom world are watching with baited breath to see what impact Wireless Number Portability with have on cellphone churn. That is, the ability to take your exising number with you when you move from one carrier to another - breaking down a huge barrier to exit for many cellphone users.

This can also create a huge opporutnity for companies wishing to attract business from competitors .... and when your a fairly new entrant in this market, this is golden. Virgin Mobile has begun an aggressive campaign focused on "freeing your number" .... this includes an escape stunt by Richard Branson himself and chocolate handcuffs!

Check out their microsite, www.youcanswitch.ca ....it will make you smile....even if you work for the competition.

More on the campaign at: http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20070308/virgin.html