10 Universal Marketing Lessons from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

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The climax of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has come and gone, but there are still plenty of people dumping freezing cold buckets of water on their heads to raise awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig 's Disease).

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge not only raised awareness about ALS, but it also helped many brands step into the spotlight and market themselves while supporting a great cause. And the best part: the Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $94.3 million to fund future ALS research.

But there have been tons of awareness campaigns for diseases and disabilities in the past. What made the Ice Bucket Challenge so successful?

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by Steve Hall    Aug-29-14    
Topic: Cause



I'd Totally Follow Halle Berry Into the Jungle After Watching This Smoldering Fragrance Ad

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I've been in love with Halle Berry for, well, forever. Did you know she's 48? Not that that matters other than it just means I'm old. But I could watch her pick weeds in an abandoned warehouse and still be entranced.

So I'm lovin' this new ad she's done for her fragrance line, Wild Essence. In the ad, we see her walking through the jungle giving the viewer a come hither look. And, really, who wouldn't want to come hither after receiving that look?

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by Steve Hall    Aug-27-14    
Topic: Celebrity



Why That Dear Kate Underwear Ad Is Like Taking A Shit on the Sidewalk

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In defense of a recent campaign which featured women CEOs in their underwear, Dear Kate CEO Julie Sygiel said, "I think a lot of traditional lingerie photo shoots depict women as simply standing there looking sexy. They're not always in a position of power and control. In our photo shoots it's important to portray women who are active and ambitious. They're not just standing around waiting for things to happen."

What a load of crap. Yea, right, they're "not just standing around waiting for things to happen." No, Julie, they're sitting around in their underwear in a contrived situation waiting for a photographer to take a picture of them. If that's natural then I think I'll stand in front of my apartment and take a shit on the sidewalk.

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by Steve Hall    Aug-27-14    
Topic: Opinion