Interactive

Essentially, experiential marketing is the process of manipulating how consumers transform emotional and physical sensations into perceptions of your brand or business. The advantages of this approach are that an emotional link to a product is a much more powerful tool than a rational link. The disadvantages begin with the brands ability to create the desired sensations. It takes a commitment to provide these types of consumer experiences over the long-term to produce the desired results.

Let’s tackle the two subjects separately.
First, online coupons or e-coupons are quickly gaining in popularity. There are some obvious advantages (greater reach, ease of use, convenience) and disadvantages (duplication, fraudulent uses) involved in transitioning from offline to online couponing. For more information, I’d suggest consulting the Association of Coupon Professionals (couponpros.org). They have a downloadable ‘Guide to Internet Coupons’ available through their website. It’s a little dated (2001), but it contains some useful information for someone new to the concept.
Secondly, text messaging or SMS campaigns have gained popularity in recent years. A great introduction to mobile marketing can be found here: http://promomagazine.com/interactivemarketing/mobile_marketing/.

Preparation will save your life. Prior to presenting anything to a potential major client like Sony (assuming you can get an appointment with the right people), make sure you have prepared yourself thoroughly. Know your material inside and out. Anticipate questions that may arise & be prepared to answer them. Make sure your marketing proposal has covered all the bases, and ensure you tailor your presentation to the audience.
Above all else, realize that any presentation made to a company like Sony is major – treat it as such.

Typically, these types of events are fundraising initiatives for a variety of worthy causes, i.e. MS, Cancer, local hospital, etc. These types of events normally have very good participation rates if for no other reason because people generally enjoy helping out the less fortunate.
Obviously, a good way to raise awareness would be some above-the-line methods (i.e. print, radio and TV spots). Once people know about the event, the next step is to somehow encourage them to register for it. The emotional appeal should be enough for some. For others, a more personal incentive may be required. Think about incorporating an instant-win or sweepstakes promotion tied into the registration process (i.e. each registrant receives a sweepstakes entry or chance to instantly win a prize). This would certainly increase the excitement surrounding the event and may have a positive effect on the number of registrants.

As we sit firmly entrenched in the Information Age, marketers are presented with more and more methods in which to connect with the consumer. Different sources may yield varied responses, but in my mind the biggest trend in Interactive marketing this year is the advent of branded interactive applications accessible on a growing number of third generation (3G) mobile phones.
Many agencies and brands now believe mobile devices will eventually replace TV as the most important advertising medium. Marketers now possess the ability to deliver branded interactive applications directly on the consumer’s mobile phone. These mobile applications allow marketers to engage in ongoing relationships with subscribers as opposed to a one-time transaction with traditional text-messaging campaigns.
As third generation technology infiltrates the marketplace, these types of mobile initiatives will become commonplace.