"Music is Our Language"

Thus sayeth, Aimee. One example she used are the playlists they make for each other to support or console or encourage or commemorate their lives's events.

Rachel said almost the same thing while searching though our latest promotion. This one opens dialog between parents and students through (and about) music. Families choose playlists to help accomplish after-school goals: "Focus" "Create" etc. The music library includes tunes for both generations. Squeaky clean but crazy cool http://www.quakeroats.com/about-quaker-oats/content/after-school-rocks/verve-life.aspx

HeyThereTweens

Since back-to-school season, Go-GURT has been running a digital music download promotion. Kids get codes and can download all kinds of tween faves: Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney (all have been in the top 5) but "Hey there, Delilah" ranks number one, week after week. That's by a band from Lombard called the Plain White T's. It's not even new. What's your theory?

KudosTraderJoe

I had thought that Trader Joe's check-out balloons were there to create a festive atmosphere. But Friday I witnessed the thrilled little girl who got to choose her favorite color to take home (you already know it). Her father's grateful pleasure and her shy joy sent a smile down the line. One happy child created contagious happiness.

I began to spot balloons bobbing on strollers in surrounding blocks.

So simple and visible. If I were a food manufacturer, I'd consider branding the helium tank or taking the idea to another retailer in return for balloon message-sharing.

HannaFan

Yesterday, I saw a little girl jumping and cheering at the sight of Hannah Montana in the Mich. Ave. Disney Store window. Her older brother's sympathetic comment was, "I'ma kill you if I hear anymore about Hanna Montana." Her mother seemed interested though. Today another nice mom, Raleigh, from Denver, posted this little girl's review of the movie, "Mom that was the BEST movie ever!"

Daddy vs. Mommy sales effect

At the 2007 Youth Marketing Mega Event, two intriguing pieces of information made me crinkle my brow:

1. Wynne Tyree of Smarty Pants talked about DADS' influence on practically all the electronics purchases in the home.

2. The next morning Steve Knox of P&G's Tremor, shared a case history in which they tested a separate message to MOMS along with their normal "trend spreader" teens to sell an MP3 player.

The effect was to raise sales 300%--much higher than the 75% garnered by the teen message alone.

Assuming that Wynne is right (as I do), what's happening here? Are the Moms asking the Dads for advice? Cluing them in? Any theories?