What do Marketers and Rodney Dangerfield have in common? Neither gets respect and each has resorted to self deprecating humor to deflect criticism – or to make a point. The Marketer’s dilemma is that developing effective marketing strategy is not as easy as it appears. Sometimes, an awfu...
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The loyalty supplier business is full of contrasts. Go-to-market strategies, and business models cover the spectrum. Looking East to West across the range of choice for brands operating traditional points-based loyalty programs, the offerings can be categorized somewhere between old-school and gro...
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I’ve given lots of thought to the convenience retail sector of late and have been haunted by Rick Barlow’s caution that “Even the best Loyalty program can’t overcome a core business problem”. There are a few core business problems that exist in convenience retailing, m...
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Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, I have a tendency to root for the underdog. In a fuel retailing business dominated by a select few brands, Noco boasts a 75 year history in Western New York , operating about 30 stores throughout the region. A centerpiece of its on-site marketing is the Friends & Fa...
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A not-so mythical conversation between Ritz Carlton executives: Sr. Exec: You’ve got to be kidding me, we’re launching a points program? Marketing Exec: Yes sir, it’s really going to help our business. Sr. Exec: But we’re Ritz Carlton, our service speaks for itself, we don&#...
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These days, it seems that consumers can’t buy a major appliance, personal computer, or big screen television without being offered an extended warranty. The irony in the sales pitch is that talking points from store personnel leading up to the purchase decision are centered on the high quality...
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Up until a few weeks ago, I had little awareness of the InterContinental Hotels Group. Known by the acronym IHG, they operate brands like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza which are part of the Priority Club Rewards loyalty program. The main reason IHG hasn’t been on my radar is simple: for most of the...
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With March Madness about to launch into full swing, you might be dusting off your list of favorite sports bars. In South Florida, there are a lot to choose from, but there is only one that combines good vibes, good food and a decent rewards program – Duffy’s Sport Grill. If you aren’t ...
Read More →Citibank launched its ThankYou! Network in 2004 and in doing so, staked out ground as the first top-tier bank to embark on a rewards program that went beyond credit card and included multiple retail bank products like checking accounts and consumer loans. Credit to the first bank to launch a Relat...
Read More →Data driven marketing programs which unite tangible rewards and special benefits are meant to change behavior. And the outcome of the behavior change should render a business benefit for the company sponsoring the program and create feelings of affinity and goodwill from the people whose behavior ch...
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