Advertising - Mahony Partners

Jul

2013

More Bank Advertising Nonsense

There’s a fresh example of brand advertising by a big bank that is little more than self-congratulatory nonsense. This time it’s Caixa, the top savings bank in Spain. (more…) Read More

Jul

2013

The SEC Allows Private Fund Marketing: Now What?

Advertising, Financial Services

The SEC has just opened the door for broad public marketing of investments from start-ups, hedge funds and private equity firms, breaking a taboo that has been in place for 80 years. No, we’re not likely to see Henry Kravis pitch buyout funds on late-night television alongside ads for pizza and discount furniture. But some things will change. Here’s a look at five. Read More

Jun

2013

Good Companies, Bad Advertising

Advertising, Financial Services

Here’s a new investment strategy: sell shares of any company that trots out new advertisements that reek of self-importance. Morgan Stanley and Apple - which both have new campaigns running now - would top the list. (more…) Read More

Jun

2013

Presidential Campaign Tactics Go Mainstream

Advertising, Elections

As the Obama campaign swept up the confetti from its victory party last November, observers cited the campaign's superior technology as the key difference in the race. It was a highly sophisticated effort that involved identifying new voter... Read More

Mar

2013

Banco Santander’s Branding Boast

Advertising, Financial Services

I like advertising. I think it’s an important part of an integrated communication strategy. But a little-noticed ad from Santander, the Spanish banking group, is a gem of absurdity. (more…) Read More

Mar

2013

Anheuser-Busch Keeps Watery Beer Issue Afloat

Advertising, Media

Did you miss the news about the lawsuit against Anheuser-Bush that claims the beer giant is watering its brews? I did. That is, until I saw the full-page ad in Sunday's New York Times. It shows how advertising can turn a small problem into a bigger one. (more…) Read More

Jan

2013

AIG and the Perils of Advertising

Advertising, Crisis, Financial Services, Marketing Strategy

Poor AIG. It was just starting to get its mojo back, launching a new ad campaign to thank taxpayers for rescuing the firm in the darkest days of the financial crisis. Then came the awkward news that it might sue taxpayers for driving too hard a bargain. Now the ad campaign seems dishonest and AIG is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Could this train wreck have been avoided? Read More

Jun

2012

Does the Presidential Campaign Foretell a Corporate Marketing Trend?

Advertising, Marketing Strategy, Media

Social media transformed the 2008 presidential campaign, and it’s set to play a major role in the 2012 race, too. It’s an example of how election campaigns are often early adopters of new marketing techniques that later become widespread in the corporate realm. What emerges from the 2012 campaign could be very interesting indeed. (more…) Read More

Jun

2012

Merrill Lynch Brings Back the Bull

Advertising, Financial Services

The bull - the iconic image long associated with Merrill Lynch – reappeared in advertisements for the firm over the past week. It is a widely recognized symbol associated with values that hold appeal in troubled times – growth, strength, optimism. (more…) Read More

Apr

2012

The Rise of the Undead: E.F. Hutton Returns

Advertising, Financial Services, Taking & Managing Risk

E.F. Hutton is set to return to the brokerage world, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Backed by former Hutton executives, the long-dormant name is being revived and the firm is set to launch later this year. E.F. Hutton’s return is a measure of how badly damaged major financial brands are in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Although Hutton was tarnished by a check-kiting scandal in the 1980s, the brand retains wide public recognition and favorability. Given the public’s dismal regard for financial firms today, it wouldn’t surprise me to see other dormant ... Read More