Bringing The Mountains To Madison Avenue

This is how a fun and memorable advertising presentation starts... Food helps!

This  picture is just before my Posterscope presentation to about 25 Media Buyers this morning ... to inspire interest and ideas for Chevrolet (Colorado truck ads and the "Season Of Safety" (SOS) mobile Beacons and Proximity Marketing promises, 

Also, MasterCard (think "Priceless" VIP access around resorts!), Emirates Airline (come ski inside in Dubai), and regional McDonald's (with national budgets!)

These should inspire interest and ideas from our team! Example for MasterCard's Priceless is to share the celebrities on the slopes... So, we clicked on THIS
xxx

Beacons Becon



We are testing Beacons to offer value at ski resorts through mobile phones.

These cheap little things "wake up" the right section of a mobile app that matches exactly where you are and what you need at that moment.

Cheap is $30 each... soon to be way less!




They can be placed anywhere because they do not need internet or mobile service. They are battery-powered and can trigger an app inches away to 50 feet away - so think niche notifications (more targeted than your cellular service can get).

Think about the value of instantly getting info on your phone about the product or service in front of you... then being able to take action, optin, share, purchase... skip a checkout line!

Major League Baseball has been using dozens at ball-parks to allow easy checkins, offers, and even VIP seat upgrades. See a case study here.

Some related buzzwords: Micro Geo Fence, Context for communication, Proximity Profiles, Predictive Customer Service, Wiser Wayfinding, ... a solution to Showrooming... Digital Delivery for Analog Aspirations!

See VentureBeat's enthusiastic overview - Just remember that this is not only an Apple service. Android solutions are being developed... and wifi triggers are being added to the current Bluetooth method.


It's the next land grab for the technology that is going to make the Internet of Things work.

Here is a good overview from one of the vendors we could select:





 (Thanks for the images Creative Commons and Nitro)






Our latest ... and a Challenge

Here is our new video that lets our great audience share


Our Latest Deck... Find the typo and David buys lunch!



Also see intro post at http://bit.ly/SitourUSApreso

Caring and Sharing



Once again Seth Godin gives us hope that a personal philosophy of truth will help our professional world be more effective and meaningful...

In a recent inc. interview he chastises Marketers about not paying for attention... and if they are... they are not paying attention!



How can companies get marketing right?
Godin: Start by understanding that no one cares about them. People care about themselves.


"Instead of thinking, "What do the masses want?," marketers need to think about what the people who care want. They are two different things. The masses aren't listening because they have so many other choices. The people who care are going to choose to listen. And by appealing to the people who care, it is way more likely that a company will be talked about."
So... target the customers who will care... and provide value so they care enough to share... and appreciate your brand and promise.
This is when we all love to love Seth... when he confirms the importance of OUR promise!

So... allow me to share... about how we care...

"Sitour" is a French mashup for Signature Touriste... Signage for Tourists. We really care about skiers and help these tourists (our people!) get around the big, beautiful ski resorts so they have more fun with their family, friends, and nature.

Our marketing and advertising services are for brands that want to join them and provide a PRESENCE WITH PURPOSE to an "Upscale Active" audience that are in a positive and receptive frame of mind.

We help brands deliver their message AND value to great people at hundreds of ski resorts around the US and the world... through live Analog and ongoing Digital interactions.

Call me, David Cutler, CEO of SitourUSA (dcutler@sitourusa.com or 617-331-7852) to share ideas around your existing brand promises or jump onto our many opportunities to provide instant and longterm value to what your new friends need and want ... VIP access to fun, sampling of food, drink, whatever ... free Mobile services... device charging...maps, weather, music!

We have been Experts On Snow successfully for 50 years. You are invited to join millions of us having the time of our lives at ski resorts ... where it is Après-Ski all day!


SitourUSA.com - Connecting Minds and Media

Receptivity in Advertising

Even at 8 years old you knew it was better to ask for something
when your parents were in a good mood...
Give your brand the same opportunity for success.

MINDS OPEN ON THE MOUNTAIN -  www.SitourUSA.com

Sitour has a unique national network of outdoor advertising. We are unique because of...
- Who you reach - Upscale Actives that spend money on their passions
- Where you reach - Positive uncluttered atmosphere at fun Winter Resorts 
- How you reach - Multiple exposures per day/season using Print, TV, Mobile, and Events

So... for example:

100 million quality impressions across 100 winter resorts - Dec thru April - 20 million receptive passionate spenders. …Nationally for $350,000 ... Regional buys around $35,000... $3,500 for a couple of zones at a resort...

Advertise Where They Play - www.SitourUSA.com

Jack Sez... Get Outside


Last week I was out at the Out-of-Home Industry Connect ConferenceJack Myers (in the Bob Dylan t-shirt) knows how to MC the truth!  

My tweet: Out Of Home ad industry has been going digital and ready for Mobile @jackmyerscom #connect2014 #ooh 



The other Jack (Sullivan) from Starcom Mediavest is urging the industry to employ "Digital Designers" (nice term).

"Convergence is here (again)... this time between OOH and Mobile... So, now what!?" (Heberle)

They talked about Mobile being a friend or foe... since it's obviously at the center of our world (particularly OOH), Mobile needs to be our best friend. The answer is in testing Mobile Marketing vendors and partners across all Media. They are starting well (but slow) with projects like the Gap's Mobile geo-fencing local bus shelters.

If you want more coolness that actually sells stuff (of course you do), ask me about the tech we are having the most success with ...  

Here is a great slide from Greg Stuart of the Mobile Marketing Assoc reminding us about the consumer's multimedia Path to Purchase (click to enlarge)...
  

The next most popular topic: Changing an "old school" media industry is...


Here is a nifty overview from the exceptional judges of the best of outdoor OBIE Awards 2014...


Spring Skiers Unite!




Spring has sprung!







Join the celebration and let us know you are a fan of Spring Skiing ... and are OK waiting for Golf and Tennis!

If you got my email... here are the details:

Do you share our enthusiasm (on this first day of Spring) for Spring skiing?

Since our business is connecting you and skiers we would love to hear from you!

For real fans . . . we have a gift! Just send an email to me dcutler@sitourusa.com with a picture or comment about you doing ANYTHING ski related (have fun, dare ya!) . . . and we will give the first 30 a free pair of Bolle sunglasses or goggles.

Or just post your ski or snowboard thang to any of these thangs:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sitour-USA/354242988254
https://twitter.com/SitourUSA
https://www.youtube.com/user/sitourusa
http://bit.ly/SitourUSA_GooglePlus 


See you out there this season … and next!

David

David Cutler
CEO - www.SitourUSA.com
Email: dcutler@sitourusa.com
Mobile: 617-331-7852
Web: www.DavidCutler.net

SHARE THIS POST at bit.ly/SpringSprung

Data Hogs


Information is only as valuable as the applied result.

Skiers are leading most industries with Big (mountain) Data!





Don't you love and hate the line “if you can't measure it, you can't fix it” ... because we all want to rely on our honed but innate gut instincts... no need for analysis/paralysis ... make quick decisions... move on.  keep dreaming.

Check the data hogs that love to slop around with the feeds and numbers. 

Slopefillers is a rare and magical research service. They have matched their love for snowsports with their love for data and are sharing amazing insights into the "Active Lifestyle." Their partner Ryan Solutions offers CRM solutions and answers to amazing questions like the below "Stash." Answer is HERE.


See their revealing Dashboard of Social Media usage at the top ski resorts...










More Data ... applied.

FreshyMap is weather data applied for fun and value... find the fresh snow so you have more fun and get more out of the cost of your lift ticket! They also have a clever contest to find and win a pair of ski goggles... which you need... in the powder.



Your Lucky (7) Day


Good marketing is not ALL luck... just make sure you recognize when an unfamiliar form of it heads your way.

As luck would have it, below is a re-visit to a valuable report from Boston's smart and successful ad agency, Mullen about the 7 "Modes of the Mind."

The brands that advertise to the uniquely receptive consumers at our national network of ski resorts take advantage of a few of these 7...
Q: How many ways are there to connect with a consumer? 
A: Seven
Following months of proprietary research, we just this month announced the discovery of Modes of the Mind™, seven distinct behavioral characteristics of the human mind that can enable communicators to precisely engage with an audience at times of maximum receptivity.  Through a strategic collaboration between our brand planning, media innovations and performance analytics teams, we’re launching Modes of the Mind as a new connections planning system for our clients to tailor their consumer encounters (everything from messages to experiences to communities), delivery channels and timing to the point at which consumers are most open to engagement.
We have found that there are Seven Modes of the Mind that drive behavior and provide windows of opportunity to deeply penetrate the consumer’s mind 
(Note - red modes are where the Sitour audience mind is):
1.    Share Mode – self-express, ideate and opinionate
2.    Information Mode – stay informed and up to date
3.    Play Mode – active fun
4.    Research Mode – learning and problem solving
5.    Socialize Mode – connecting and conversing
6.    Entertainment Mode – relax and enjoy
7.    Task Mode – getting things done or transacting
These seven modes are directly linked to the derived behavioral satisfaction a consumer gets from engaging with media, content and technology – and it impacts how they identify with brands and interact with their peers.
“Brands have to take a new approach to connecting with the consumer – and go beyond a traditional understanding of demographics, psychographics and behavior,” says Stephen Hahn-Griffiths, who developed of the Modes of the Mind.  “Brands need to know how to engage consumers on their terms and to identify when the consumer is most likely to be receptive to what they have to say.  We’re quickly discovering that by leveraging the right combination of modes we can enhance the potential to influence how consumers think, feel and act.”
For the last few months we’ve been using the Modes of the Mind methodology to guide clients into deeper consumer engagements. For Lending Tree, we found, surprisingly, that Boomer refinance prospects were most open-minded to thinking about money while they’re in the mode of being entertained. For a new packaged goods client, we learned that Green-Moms were most open-minded to brand engagement when in the mode of socializing.  For Olympus, the Modes approach helped us confirm our theory that digital photography enthusiasts would be most receptive while being informed.
We’re still evolving ways to apply the Modes of the Mind™ and also developing relationships with neuroscientists and psychologists to further validate the theory. We know that different combinations of modes are relevant for different consumer segments.  Even for the same consumer, different modes may be more relevant than others, according to what category or brand they’re consuming.  What’s key is an understanding of which of the modes matters most – because in getting the modes right, we can enhance brand relationships and increase efficiencies.

Sitour Multi-Play

The Sitour Media Package puts you across all devices... 
Web, Mobile, Tablet, Smart TV, and on the slopes!


For example, see our Mid Vail MediaCam:

Also see hundreds of our resort cameras around the world at


A Message to ski folks and Brands reaching them - - - WHY WE SKI ...

Why not !?
Lots of reasons . . .
But there are so many reasons to want to.

here is a shot from atop Snowbird by Mt. Guide Dr. Angie Hill
- Because we can all go skiing... really.
- Because we all need something to do together that makes us feel happy and healthy and alive and entitled to an extra helping of whatever you reallyreally want... Remember, "Après-Ski" is the reward for treating ourselves to having fun. Pretty good deal.

What is the deal? There are many...

There are significant costs but a greater Return On Investment ... especially when you are hangin' with friends and family. PLUS there are real value deals to be had, and to be shared, by our most cool and thrifty friends - ski bums with and without a budget (check out Liftopia),

People that love to go skiing are attractive to our customers - the Brands that want to sell stuff... and the smart Brands that want to meet us "out there" having fun ... and the really smart Brands that join in on the conversations we are having with our friends and family!

Se we are bringing you both together ... Lots of "Upscale Active" buyers ... and the right Brands that deserve to join us out there on the bunny slope or in places like these guys found - just watch for a minute and a half for the magic:

See you at (both) NSAA Shows!


Are you heading out to Steamboat, Colorado for the National Ski Area Association Western Show?

Come by our booth to have a beer, charge up. and talk about our new products that help Ski Resorts help their customers have a better experience on and around their slopes!

We, of course, can also have some chair lift "meetings."

The same invitation goes to our friends at NSAA's Eastern Show at Mount Snow the first week of February ... we, of course, will be sharing our reviews of the age old Eastern versus Western skiing comparison...

"Peak Performers" Interview with Tom Meyers of Wachusett Mountain

Check out the latest radio interview on "Peak Performers" - sponsored by Sitour 

This time David Cutler talks with Tom Meyers the head of Marketing at Wachusett Mountain about how they use Digital communications and Social Media to invite more skiers to their resort... and get more out of their experience on and offline!
"Marketing campaigns need to capitalize on new technologies or risk loosing business."
- Tom Meyers

See the whole story at the UR Business Radio Network page  
- or just click this -

Here is a tweet/post to share:
        Listen to how Wachusett Mountain is using Digital to help more (Analog) skiers have more fun http://urbusinessnetwork.com/tom-meyers/ - @URBusinessNet @sitourusa 

Thanks to our sponsor Sitour USA - Global leaders in ski resort advertising and promotions.

Hey Workaholics! - Get Away with us...

Wanna escape? Let's hit the slopes!
Skiing... snowboarding... tubing... Zip Line ... Après-Ski... whatever!
Come with us this weekend - or better - next Friday!

Really - just contact David at 845-331-9000 or dcutler @ sitourusa.com
Choose a resort below or let us take you to our (secret) favorites...




Or, let's take the, quite rational, hint and join the "National Play Hooky Day and Ski Week" (early March).  
 - - Here are 7 good reasons 





We have over 100 resorts to choose from East to West ... but let's go local in the Northeast ... choose any of our favorite nearby resorts for a day trip or weekend away:


Mohawk Mountain CT http://www.mohawkmtn.com
Ski Sundown CT http://skisundown.com/
Nashoba Valley MA http://www.skinashoba.com/
Jiminy Peak MA http://www.jiminypeak.com
Ski Bradford MA http://www.skibradford.com/
Wachusett MA http://www.wachusett.com/
Mt. Abram ME http://www.mtabram.com/
Saddleback ME http://www.saddlebackmaine.com/
Black Mountain NH http://www.blackmt.com/
Bretton Woods NH http://brettonwoods.com/
Cranmore NH http://www.cranmore.com/
Crotched Mountain NH http://crotchedmountain.com/
Darthmouth Skiway NH http://www.dartmouth.edu/~skiway/
Gunstock NH http://www.gunstock.com/
Waterville Valley NH http://www.waterville.com/
Wildcat NH http://www.skiwildcat.com/
Mountain Creek NJ http://winter.mountaincreek.com/
Belleayre NY http://www.belleayre.com/
Bristol NY http://www.bristolmountain.com/
Catamount NY http://www.catamountski.com/
Greek Peak NY http://greekpeakmtnresort.com/
Hunter NY http://www.huntermtn.com/
Kissingbridge NY http://www.kbski.com/
Plattekill NY http://plattekill.com/
Peak N Peek Resort NY http://www.pknpk.com/
Song Mountain NY http://songmountain.com/
Swain NY http://www.swain.com/
Titus Mountain NY http://www.titusmountain.com/
Bolton Valley VT http://www.boltonvalley.com/
Bromley VT http://www.bromley.com/
Jay Peak VT http://www.jaypeakresort.com/
Okemo VT http://www.okemo.com/
Smuggler's Notch VT http://www.smuggs.com/
Stratton VT http://www.stratton.com/
Camelback PA http://www.skicamelback.com/
Hidden Valley PA http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com/
Jack Frost PA http://jfbb.com/
Roundtop PA http://www.skiroundtop.com/
Montage  PA http://montagemountainresorts.com/
Shawnee PA http://www.shawneemt.com


For NYC...
Getting away is cheap (the adventure will be priceless)