I head a marketing agency in Minnesota and was at a photo shoot yesterday. Since I've worked for years creating green ad campaigns, eco promotions, environmental advertising and green marketing services, I know the power of images to convey excitement, beauty, inspiration and message.
Yesterday as I watched the shoot and the images unfold, this understanding resonated even more deeply. Consumers are extraordinarily attuned to what they experience through their senses. Shapes, colors, images, shadow and composition are all viewed, processed and cataloged through their eyes.
When working to develop green marketing strategy, I liken the photos or images we use to a beautifully wrapped gift. These images attract consumers. Cause excitement. Anticipation. It is the wrapping that entices consumers to "open" the box. But it's the gift of the "message" that your customers will thank you for.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director of firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
I'm attending the world premier of,
The Age of Stupid in NYC tonight. It's being launched from a solar powered cinema tent to more than 400 theaters nationwide. The film is about a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, lamenting
why we didn't do something about climate change when we had a chance?As the head of a an advertising and marketing agency that specializes in green energy marketing, environmental advertising, green ad campaigns, eco promotions and green event marketing, I couldn't be more excited about attending this premier.
The team on this film got it right. Not only is the topic of the film vital, but the NYC solar powered cinema tent and "green" celebrity carpet is an excellent strategy to garner media attention and drive ticket sales.
Green marketing is about so much more than "selling." It's about creating a lasting and meaningful experience. Inspiring action. And creating positive change. I'm hoping that
The Age of Stupid becomes not only a catalyst for change, but a film that move others to use to power of media for good.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
I love the practice of yoga. I also love jewelry. So when Lisa Anderson, a jewelry designer from the Berkshires asked for some branding assistance with her yoga inspired line, I couldn't wait to begin.
As the head of a Minnesota marketing agency that specializes in yoga marketing, environmental marketing, eco promotions, green energy marketing and LOHAS marketing, I help clients grow their businesses while helping consumers align with their values.
Lisa Anderson's jewelry is a personal passion. Worn by yoga devotees and novices alike, her line of gold and silver lotus pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings inspire and convey deep personal meaning and beauty (http://lisaandersonjewelery.com). So should her brand. And as we begin work, it will. Just like yoga, branding is the practice of finding balance, flexibility and presence.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
It's state fair time in Minnesota and that means our news media are scrambling for the
catchiest, kitschiest, most spin-worthy local stories. Speaking of spin, one media outlet, WCCO-TV is doing a great job educating about
renewable energy by inviting fair goers to ride electricity generating bicycles to power the news. The tactic is an excellent way to
engage an audience, demonstrate commitment to green power—and by the way, have a lot of fun. As the leader of a Mpls advertising and marketing agency that specializes in eco promotion, green marketing strategy, social change communications, LOHAS marketing and green energy, I create the same kind of experiential, high engagement strategies when messaging for clients. Whether that means devising a game to "knock out nukes" by throwing a ball at pins at a green festival or "fishing" for fun eco facts (both of which we've done) the fastest way to success is for your audience to tangibly FEEL the benefit.
So make it personal. Engage the brain, but start by opening your customers' hearts.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
Earth Day doesn't come around for more than six months, but the movie is in theaters now. In keeping with brilliant
green marketing strategy, word about the movie is being spread through
low carbon affinity channels like Earth Day Network, through blogs, twitter and more.
As the head of a firm that specializes in green marketing, LOHAS marketing, eco promotions, green pr, social change communication, eco communication and green energy, I'm psyched to see this 2009 Sundance Film. But more importantly, I applaud
Earth Days film makers for joining those of us on the marketing, non-profit and green product side for creating a visually stunning and entertaining way to share this critical message.
To learn more, go to: http://www.earthdaysmovie.com
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
I just learned that a Midwestern city in the midst of severe financial crisis is planning to build
a model green home on spec. Unlike similar homes that have been built and marketed in cities like New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis, this home will be built in an economically distressed neighborhood.
The message? A
green lifestyle isn't just for those with fat bank accounts, green living today means dramatically improved energy efficiency—which brings cost savings conventional homes can't touch. As the owner of a green advertising agency and an expert in green communications, green marketing strategy, LOHAS marketing and eco promotions, I believe this city's messaging is right on track.
I've spent much of my career marketing and creating messaging strategies around renewable energy. Over the years, I've attended many green energy conferences and the technological advances and market applications have been absolutely stunning. Consumers have traditionally had to pay a stiff premium for most energy-saving and planet-friendly products. And while today the cost is still higher, the gap is slowly narrowing. What's better still is that green living is not only saving consumers money, those who are generating their own power are actually making more green.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
As marketers, it's critical that we don't just understand our audience—but that we know them in the deepest, most meaningful way possible. As the head of firefly180 marketing, a green advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, green promotion, eco communication, wellness marketing, social change communication and renewable energy marketing, I've found NMI's LOHAS segmentation work invaluable.
If you're new to the LOHAS psychographic, here's the quick drill. LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) reflects a more than $200 billion market in the U.S. That translates into 19%, or 41 million adults. This market segmentation is divided into:
Naturalites: Zealous about personal health; attracted to mind body spirit philosophies; meditate; self-actualize through purchasing decisions.
Drifters: Consumers with good intentions but are price sensitive; younger; not convinced they can make a difference; motivated by convenience.
Conventionals: Mainstream; like to recycle; motivated by saving money; practical; likely to donate to green causes.
Unconcerned: 16% of U.S. population and decreasing yearly.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—
a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing
Consumers want to connect with the people behind the products they buy. They want the back story. The inside scoop. And they want to get a sense of personality and passion. This is especially true when it comes to food.
As head of a green advertising agency that specializes in social change communication, eco
communication, green promotion, alternative advertising and LOHAS marketing, I recently worked on a campaign to promote locally and sustainably grown foods. We interviewed farmers, wrote profiles that stores could use in their newsletters and created point-of-purchase signs. It was a simple yet powerful strategy.
I was recently shopping and stopped at a bin overflowing with incredibly fresh sweet corn. Placed prominently at the display was one of the signs I had created. Shoppers were milling about filling their bags while reading the story of the farmer who was profiled. The more they read, the more they filled their bags. Having met the farmer who grew the corn, I knew how incredibly proud he would be. A connection had been made. And that is the essence of great marketing.
Lisa Proctor is the president and creative director for firefly180 marketing—
a branding and advertising agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, wellness marketing, green marketing and renewable energy marketing.
As an agency that specializes in green energy marketing, environmental advertising, wellness marketing and wellness promotion, we work with many progressive businesses and wellness companies.
Because so much of the work we do at firefly180 marketing is transferred digitally, we seldom have a need for a courier service. But when we do,
we choose green. EcoXpress.com to be precise. It's such a
simple choice that not only supports other green businesses, it also supports our commitment to lightening our carbon footprint.
When it comes to delivery services, it's hard to imagine why every business in the U.S. wouldn't choose either
a bike courier service or one that is equipped with a fleet of hybrids. (Or better yet, in addition to bikes and hybrids, one that offsets each delivery by supporting renewable energy or planting trees.)
So take a moment and think about the vendors you currently work with. Do they do business in a way that aligns with your values? Is their business giving back as much as they take? If not, maybe it's time to find vendor partners who do.
Somewhere down the line, in a lackluster windowless office, a business owner or marketing head got his or her wires crossed. It was the day they decided sales strategy meant selling. Not sharing. Not offering advice. Not being of service. But get their money first, ask questions later.
No one likes to be "sold." Especially if your audience is part of the more than $200 billion Lifestyles of He
alth and Sustainability (LOHAS) market. As an expert who has worked with scores of wellness companies and progressive businesses in the categories of wellness promotion, wellness marketing, environmental public relations and eco friendly marketing, I know for a fact that selling doesn't work.
What does work is understanding your audience. Listening. And offering solutions to problems. Sales come when you become an expert. When you are willing to guide your customers through unchartered waters and up Everest-like summits. Not only will the sales come. Your customers will come back again and again.
Walter Cronkite. His name was his brand. Besides being a respected journalist and communicator, he was the most trusted man in America.
While we feel the weight of this loss, Walter has lessons to teach us still. About trust. About integrity. And about connecting deeply with an audience.
Does your brand have what it takes to fill his shoes?
As the head of a marketing agency that specializes in LOHAS marketing, environmental public relations, eco friendly marketing, wellness marketing and wellness promotion, I have long maintained that trust is the most vital part of any brand. I'm not talking about trust as a concept. But living, breathing, undeniable trust. When your customers know that if you as a brand screw up, you'll not only admit it, but make it right. The kind of trust that instills confidence when business is good. And patience when challenges arise.
Trust can't be bought. It can only be earned. Take it from Walter, when it comes to good branding, it's all about trust.
Costa Rica is the happiest place in the world, according to an independent research group in Britain with the goal of building a new economy, "centered on people and the environment."
As an leader in LOHAS marketing, green marketing, wellness marketing and wellness promotion, this news couldn't make me "happier." Costa Rican leaders have been incredibly strategic throughout the last decade in positioning the country as an eco-destination. Business and government both saw the opportunity for green by systematically working toward environmental and economic sustainability.
It's a beautiful thing. When people and the planet come first, happiness is the natural result.
If you think environmental public relations is a great opportunity for spin, think again.
The public is smart. And the fact is that once some savvy blogger, journalist, reader or consumer smells deception, the gig is up.
As an expert in the categories of LOHAS marketing, wellness promotion, environmental public relations, wellness marketing and eco friendly marketing, I've worked with a lot of wellness companies and progressive businesses. And I can tell you with certainty that
any gains you think you've made by being less than truthful will cost you more in loss of brand integrity. If you still believe you can get away with a message that is anything less than the unvarnished truth—I hope you've got a crisis media plan in place. You're going to need it.
The next time you hire a wellness marketing firm, ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this firm fiscally and emotionally healthy?
2. Does this firm integrate wellness into their corporate model?
3. Is this firm proactive when it comes to healthy lifestyle choices?
4. Where does the concept of wellness fit into this firm's mission?
As an expert in the areas of LOHAS marketing, wellness promotion, eco friendly marketing and environmental public relations, I've found it's
essential to partner with a firm that is not only creatively, but personally aligned with your company, cause or product. Because the fact is, for most of us in the marketing arena, our job means much more than a paycheck. It's our passion. It's our way of contributing to a cause that's much larger than ourselves. And it's the reason we get out of bed every morning.
If you're working with a firm that's giving you less than 100%, maybe it's time you found a company who will. Doctor's orders.
Environmental marketing is not about spin, greenwashing or anything less than 100% transparency. I wish the marketing team behind Solo's new,
bare launch would get a clue.
Marketed as "eco forward" with "environmentally preferable materials like bamboo and
sugarcane," these single-use plates could well be a better alternative. While I applaud the company for greening their line, I wish they would have given consumers more credit. Savvy green and LOHAS consumers want to be more than "marketed to." Solo's ads and packaging do not reveal a breakdown of their product's content. And on the product's site, there is no mention of content on product pages—instead you have to drill deep into the FAQs to find that this line contains just 20% post consumer fiber. Why is this information buried? It's not necessarily bad. It may not be perfect, but it's definitely a step forward.
Also missing is information like how much bamboo is included? How much sugarcane? Why sugarcane? Was their virgin paper content sustainably harvested? And why are they now front-and-center with post-consumer content?
As an expert in wellness promotion, wellness marketing, communication strategies and environmental communication, I've seen campaigns like this implode once consumers start to dig for answers. Without Solo revealing vital product information, consumers are left to ponder, "What are they hiding?" Maybe nothing. But "nothing" is worse than talking down to your market, especially when you're hoping to get a premium price.
Several years ago, when hybrids had just begun to enter the market and were very difficult to find, I launched into exhaustive research to determine the best car for me with the least environmental impact. I ended up with a low emission diesel. Was it the best choice? Almost a decade later, I still struggle with that question—even though I worked with several energy-related non-profits to run eco-comparisons for me.
My thinking at the time was that my Jetta TDI did not contribute to climate change, maintained an impressive 50 mpg, could run on bio diesel and the engine was designed to last 200,000 + miles. Plus, I admit I was seduced by the fact that it had heated seats. As the head of a social change marketing firm who works with wellness companies, green marketing companies, wellness marketing, wellness promotion and has an extensive expertise in renewable energy marketing, you would think the decision about what car to buy would come a bit easier. But still, I experience hybrid angst. Did I make the right choice?
Today, Audi ran a tower ad in the New York Times online proclaiming, "Di*sel is no longer a dirty word." All my old questions and doubt came raging back. Which goes to show you, when it comes to buying green, the answers are not always so black and white.
About a year ago, my teenage son decided to clean up his diet by choosing not to eat sugar or dairy. He has stayed true to that commitment. Recently I threw a party for clients that featured an organic chocolate fondue along with organic strawberries, pineapple and raspberries for dipping.
I took it as a personal challenge to figure out a way to prepare the chocolate with no sugar or dairy. Since I've spent my career working in the category of wellness marketing, wellness promotion, eco communication and alternative advertising—and know plenty of leaders in various wellness companies, I figured that I had plenty or resources to draw from. As it turned out, I found the best resources lay within. I did what I normally do. I made it up as I went along.
Although I've had lots of requests for my sugar and dairy-free chocolate confection (which was a delicious and fudgey sensation) I'm sorry to say I don't have a recipe. The creation, like good advertising, was intentional yet intuitive. I started with organic cocoa, stevia, agave, fruit sweetened concentrate and a bit of Earth Balance butter substitute and the rest is history. I lined up a series of spoons at the counter and tasted as I prepared. Like good market research and a bit of refinement along the way—the taste of success couldn't have been sweeter.
A few weeks ago I met an amazing couple from South Africa who are in the final stages of launching a new organic skin care line. Their commitment to the planet, sustaining indigenous cultures and their passion for a truly effective and plant-based product was inspiring. And best yet, their products were not only beautiful, they were good enough to eat. Literally.
As an expert in alternative advertising, eco communication, wellness promotion and wellness marketing, I've had the good fortune to meet with many progressive businesses and wellness companies. These are organizations run by visionaries who know that a solid business foundation is built upon a solid commitment to sustainability. They wisely model their businesses on a plant-based system—taking nourishment from the Earth, then returning nourishment to the Earth.
Living well is about striking a balance. Personally and professionally. In our professional lives, it can be difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible to take a break, breathe-in a job well done and recharge. But it's necessary all the same. It's about giving—then allowing space for receiving.
The same is true when it comes to eco communication, wellness promotion, wellness marketing, and alternative advertising. At firefly180, we specialize in creating advertising and marketing campaigns for wellness companies. One of my first clients, The Thymes, taught me much about balance. While writing packaging, catalog copy and ads for this company—which creates luxurious, essential oil based products with a commitment to fair trade practices—I would first need to "sample" the products. For instance, if I was writing about a new line of bath salts, I would first take a Thymes bath before I began my work day. If the product was a candle, I would light one on my desk.
This brand is very much the embodiment of creating a richer experience. To write about the experience, I would first take a moment to create an experience of my own. And while it has been many years since I created the Thymes catalog featured here, I continue the ritual of crafting an experience before I begin work each day. It may take the shape of yoga practice, experiencing an aroma, or the crunch of gravel under my feet as I walk the path to my office. Because when you take care to be well—you exponentially increase your ability to do good.
Green Energy Conferences are springing up across the country. Everywhere there is talk of shifting to green energy jobs. This quantum shift couldn't have come soon enough. When it comes to saving jobs and saving the planet, there is no paradox. Business and nature can indeed not only co-exist, they can—and should, thrive.
During my career in social change communication, wellness promotion and wellness marketing, I have had the honor to be among the voices that have fueled this movement. During the 1990s as one of the lead creatives on the Green Mountain Energy brand, our team flooded the east and west coasts with messaging about the power of consumer choice. I shot TV spots featuring our spokesperson Kenny Loggins in the redwoods. And Kenny and I recorded dozens more provocative and powerful radio spots that spoke to the reality of climate change and what each of us could do to fight it.
At the time, few energy companies had the guts to be part of the solution—but Green Mountain Energy, then a funky little Vermont-based company, had the passion and the guts to take on one of the most polluting businesses on the planet. The founder of the company, Kevin Hartley, called our team a ragtag band of eco-warriors. Amazing what a small group of social and environmental change agents can do.
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