The XXII Winter Olympic Marketing Games

The excitement and anticipation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi are growing, as athletes and fans around the world get ready for the biggest winter sports games of the year. The Olympics will start on February 7th and end on the 23rd. The United States will once again look to be the top dog of the event along with other powerhouses such as Russia, Germany, and Canada.

While gold medals and country bragging rights are the biggest focus of the event, marketing plays a huge role in the Olympics. Many previously unknown athletes rise to stardom by achieving success in the Olympics. Their faces will be shown all over the globe and their wallets will put on several pounds from the endorsements. Gold medals and good looks will surely get you the money, but experts say the key is "that almost indefinable quality-the ability to connect with people by coming through as sincere and team-oriented."

19-year-old American Nick Goepper is an X-Games veteran who is also the favorite to win the slope style competition. He may be young, but marketers love the Indiana native's Middle America pedigree and fresh face. 

Mikaela Shiffrin is another young blood looking to make a major impact in the event. The 18-year-old slalom skier won the gold in the 2013 World Championships, and is touted as the next Lindsey Vonn, who withdrew from the Olympics due to a knee injury.

Although he's already a global superstar, marketers absolutely love Shaun White and his value. White is going for gold in three straight Olympics He will sport his new haircut and compete in the slope style competition for the first time. Marketers believe that this is a chance for him to broaden his appeal and achieve even greater success.

The Olympics are just another reminder that marketing is everywhere today. Companies can make millions and billions with sponsorship and endorsements, and advertise their brand names across the world in one of the biggest and most prestigious sports competitions in history. However, success is not guaranteed, and it is important that companies use a well-planned, effective marketing strategy. Because events like the Olympics can really make or break your brand.

Reference: http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2014/01/27/10-olympians-poised-to-hit-marketing-gold/

Bay Area Resurgence: The Golden State Warriors and Social Media Marketing

While the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers have taken the spotlight in the state of California, the Golden State Warriors had been overlooked by many due to its lack of success in the league. However, that all changed in the last couple of years as the Warriors revamped its roster and became a powerhouse in the NBA. The Oracle Arena, the home of the Warriors in Oakland, CA, is one of the best arenas in the league with its raucous crowd and electric atmosphere. Their point guard Steph Curry was labeled as an injury-prone player, but has risen to stardom and is now considered a top-10 player in the NBA.




Off the court, the Warriors won the 2013 Sports Media Marketing Awards presented by PromaxBDA. The Midnight Shooter television commercial, which features guard Klay Thompson shooting threes late at night to portray the work ethic of the team, was named the best Intra-League Team Spot. The PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Awards celebrate the most creative and strategic marketing from the global community. Winners are selected by a jury of sports and entertainment leaders (ESPN, NFL, Time Warner Cable Inc, Turner Sports, etc.)

Golden State has been aggressive with is marketing strategy and produced multiple TV commercials for the 2013-2014 season. Although it is mostly their success on the court that has turned heads, the commercials are definitely helping the organization gain recognition and popularity as well.

http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/sports-marketing-award_20131120