In this compelling book, Gerard Hastings shines a light on the obsessive marketing techniques that are employed by crack marketing managers worldwide and explains how these not only feed the spectre of ever-growing levels of consumption, but also cause great social, economic and environmental problems. An accessible book which will be of interest across the social sciences and in particular for those marketing students who'd prefer a critical perspective to the standard ritualization of their discipline.

In the hands of the corporate sector, marketing has turned us into spoilt, consumption-obsessed children who are simultaneously wrecking our bodies, psyches and planet. Given the fiduciary duties of the corporation, notions like consumer sovereignty, customer service and relationship building are just corrosive myths that seduce us into quiescence, whilst furnishing big business with unprecedented power. Corporate Social Responsibility, the ultimate oxymoron, and its country cousin, Cause Related Marketing, are just means of currying favour amongst our political leaders and further extending corporate power. So it is time to fight back. As individuals we have enormous internal strength; collectively we have, and can again, change the world (indeed marketing itself is a function of humankind’s capacity to cooperate to overcome difficulties and way predates its co-option by corporations). From the purpose and resilience Steinbeck’s sharecroppers (‘we’re the people – we go on’), through Eisenhower’s ‘alert and knowledgeable citizenry’ to Arundhati Roy’s timely reminder about the wisdom of indigenous people ‘are not relics of the past, but the guides to our future’, there are lots of reasons for optimism. If these talents and strengths can be combined with serious moves to contain the corporate sector, it is possible to rethink our economic and social priorities. The book ends with a call to do just this. This compelling and accessible book will be of interest across the social sciences and humanities – and indeed to anyone who has concerns about the current state of consumer society. It will also be particularly useful reading for those marketing students who'd prefer a critical perspective to the standard ritualization of their discipline.

NAMED BEST MARKETING BOOK OF 2011 BY THE AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION How organizations can deliver significant performance gains through strategic investment in marketing In the new era of tight marketing budgets, no organization can continue to spend on marketing without knowing what's working and what's wasted. Data-driven marketing improves efficiency and effectiveness of marketing expenditures across the spectrum of marketing activities from branding and awareness, trail and loyalty, to new product launch and Internet marketing. Based on new research from the Kellogg School of Management, this book is a clear and convincing guide to using a more rigorous, data-driven strategic approach to deliver significant performance gains from your marketing. Explains how to use data-driven marketing to deliver return on marketing investment (ROMI) in any organization In-depth discussion of the fifteen key metrics every marketer should know Based on original research from America's leading marketing business school, complemented by experience teaching ROMI to executives at Microsoft, DuPont, Nisan, Philips, Sony and many other firms Uses data from a rigorous survey on strategic marketing performance management of 252 Fortune 1000 firms, capturing $53 billion of annual marketing spending In-depth examples of how to apply the principles in small and large organizations Free downloadable ROMI templates for all examples given in the book With every department under the microscope looking for results, those who properly use data to optimize their marketing are going to come out on top every time.

Marketing has changed dramatically since the four classic Ps of the marketing mix (price, product, promotion and place) were proposed. The new marketing landscape is characterized by the demand for constant innovation, rising pressure on budgets, the growth of social media and the impact of issues of sustainability and ethics. As the business landscape has transformed so have the fundamental areas marketers need to master to succeed. The 20 Ps of Marketing provides a thorough guide to marketers at all levels of the new elements of the marketing mix they need to contend with for business success including: planning; persuasion; publicity; positioning; productivity; partnerships; passion and more. Combining practical advice with case studies it covers brands that have changed the game through mastery of the 20 Ps such as Häagen-Dazs and Sony, and others, such as Kodak, who got left behind. This essential guide to the current face of marketing strategy provides marketers with a thorough and valuable grounding to the new fundamentals of marketing.

Now updated with new techniques and even more practical insights, this is the definitive guide to today’s most valuable marketing metrics. Four leading marketing researchers help you choose the right metrics for every challenge, and use models and dashboards to translate numbers into real management insight. Marketing Metrics: The Manager’s Guide to Measuring Marketing Performance, Third Edition now contains: Important new coverage of intangible assets A rigorous and practical discussion of quantifying the value of information More detail on measuring brand equity A complete separate chapter on web, SEM, mobile, and "digital" metrics Practical linkages to Excel, showing how to use functions and Excel Solver to analyze marketing metrics An up-to-date survey of free metrics available from Google and elsewhere Expanded coverage of methodologies for quantifying marketing ROI The authors show how to use marketing dashboards to view market dynamics from multiple perspectives, maximize accuracy, and "triangulate" to optimal solutions. You’ll discover high-value metrics for virtually every facet of marketing: promotional strategy, advertising, and distribution; customer perceptions; market share; competitors’ power; margins and pricing; products and portfolios; customer profitability; sales forces, channels, and more. For every metric, the authors present real-world pros, cons, and tradeoffs — and help you understand what the numbers really mean. Last but not least, they show you how to build comprehensive models to support planning — and optimize every marketing decision you make. Marketing Metrics, Third Edition will be invaluable to all marketing executives, practitioners, analysts, consultants, and advanced students interested in quantifying marketing performance.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face the challenge of standing out in a crowded marketplace. The Digital Marketing Matrix: Unlocking Growth in the Online Age serves as your definitive guide to mastering the multifaceted world of digital marketing. This book unveils the essential strategies and frameworks needed to navigate the complexities of online marketing, from search engine optimization and social media engagement to the power of data analytics. Dive deep into the key components of successful digital campaigns, enriched with actionable insights, practical tips, and real-world case studies. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a small business owner, or a newcomer to the field, this book provides the tools you need to unlock sustainable growth and connect meaningfully with your audience. Discover how to effectively leverage the digital marketing matrix to craft impactful strategies that drive engagement, boost conversions, and ultimately lead to business success. Embrace the digital age with confidence and watch your brand thrive!

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