Linking Purchasing Behavior to Brands

New Database of Interest. Full of analytic possibilities:

US— WPP companies Millward Brown and Kantar Shopcom have created a panel to link buying behaviour to people’s attitudes to brands.

Kantar Shopcom, part of Kantar Retail, tracks the purchases of more than 200 million US consumers using data from frequent shopper cards.  By combining that with survey responses, the new panel is designed to show how marketing efforts and changes in brand equity influence sales .. "

Companies and Big Data

A long post on how companies can use data to be disruptive.   Scattered but useful information to scan.  All companies create data, and you might as well leverage that to be more efficient and profitable.

On Creating Flavors

I worked for some time on using business analytics methods to create coffee flavors.  Here CBS 60 Minutes  talks about creating flavors.    As might be expected for them they develop a 'hit' angle regarding the addictive aspect of flavors.  Yes, all good flavors are 'addictive' in some sense.  Like CBS news is trying to be sensationally addictive to the right audience.

" ... Most consumers probably don't think twice about the process to create a piece of gum or a bottle of flavored water, but behind these products is a long line of scientists and flavorists who work hard to find the right flavor notes that will have items flying off the shelves. The largest flavoring company in the world, Givaudan, took "60 Minutes" behind the scenes to search for flavors in Mother Nature that are then reproduced in labs and turned into products consumers see on grocery shelves ... " 

Google Business Photo Tours

Google giving business tours.  Stepping inside from just giving the street view.   I like the general idea.

More on Procter & Gamble Virtual Retail

I mentioned in a previous post P&G building virtual retail spaces and using this idea to better understand the shopping consumer.  Now an article about how they are outsourcing the management of some 20 P&G virtualization centers to Accenture.  A example of how virtual solutions can lead to effective innovation centers. See my previous note and links to this.  Interested further in this idea?  Contact me.  Includes a PDF link with more information.

Applied Concept Mapping

I recently met with Brian Moon of Perigean Technology,  practitioner of the what is called 'Concept Mapping', an advanced form of what is also called mind mapping.  We have used it in the enterprise for years and it a well worn part of my tool box for process understanding and consulting.  He has an excellent book out which describes specifically how we used it in the company.   See Applied Concept Mapping.

Neuromarketing Grows in China

Steve Sands of SandsResearch reports on neuromarketing activity in China.  The link below has considerable detail:

It's the fastest growing market and neuromarketing's the fastest growth area of market research.  A great combination.From Shanghai to Beijing, we have completed copytesting, product testing and website design studies for the world's global brand leaders. Working closely with our in country partner, Brain Intelligence Neuro-Consultancy, we have the ability to assist your marketing efforts as you expand and build your market share in China.

Let us know how we may help you in this rapidly growing market.

With best regards,
Dr. Steve Sands

Chairman of Sands Research Inc.
Adjunct Professor, Taishan Medical University (Taian, Shandong)

Visualizing Lots of Data Artfully

I like doing things artfully, but I always prioritize being able to objectively understand and interact with data first beyond sheer 'Form'.  Nevertheless the following TED talk  shows some useful techniques that might be used beyond the art as well.

Know What Your Customers Want

The power of knowing what your customers want before they do.  By Thomas H Davenport

iPads in Marketing

Keith Weed, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Unilever writes: “The iPad replaced my laptop when I am traveling” ...

Aetna Sponsors an RFP Challenge

The Speaker is BJ Fogg head of Stanford's Persuasive Technology lab who we used in several projects in the enterprise:  Aetna sponsors a Challenge: " ... Seniors are plagued by disability, declining health, and social isolation. And the system as it stands today isn’t supporting them. We’re completely rethinking what’s currently out there to start making helpful stuff seniors and their caregivers actually want..... ".   Real prizes!  See the link for more information.

Guy Kawasaki Visits Cincinnati and P&G

Innovative Guy Kawasaki visits Cincinnati and P&G and takes pictures of the background and industrial processes.  I did something like this years ago but they didn't let me take pictures. Security has mellowed considerably.  Via Jose Guerra.

Towards a Taxonomy of All Things

Towards a taxonomy of all things.  Which would be a very useful thing but turns out to be quite difficult.

DemandTec Forecast Lift Patent

I have been following long-time correspondent DemandTec more closely in the past months.  Here is another item of interest: " ... The latest patent covers techniques developed by DemandTec that enable users to analyze the forecasted volume lift resulting from changes in prices and promotional activity over multiple user-defined product groups. These calculations take into account both the direct impact of pricing and promotional decisions as well as the interactions between products, enabling a more holistic impact assessment. The techniques can be applied to a variety of transaction aggregations such as store, price zone, or shopper segment.... "

Delta Airline Baggage App

I have spent nearly a lifetime business traveling with Delta airlines all over the globe and I have lots of problems with their service.  But I see that they have created a Smartphone App to let you track your bags.  Have not tried it yet, but a good idea.

SAS Paper on Text Analytics

A good complimentary SAS white paper on the uses of text analytics.  Does require registration:

" ... Discover how to maximize the value of information within large quantities of free-form text, such as e-mail, news articles, tweets, blog posts, text messages and more.

Learn how text analytics will enable you to yield insight into marketing, customer service, public relations, product innovation and competition.

Find out how to automatically extract relevant information and reveal patterns, sentiments and relationships among documents ... "

Tips for Google Search

We have all done lots of Google searches.  Yet we do not know all the possibilities of search.  Here an outline in infographic form that outlines all the basics.

Wal-Mart and Grabble

Wal-Mart recently acquired the Australian POS technology company Grabble,   Then added it to its Wal-Mart Labs group.  Another indication of the retail giant's interest in augmenting purchase via mobile devices. And also in VentureBeat.  Watching closely. 

Tracking Mall Cellphones

An approach I am well aware of, shoppers are informed of it happening, and in general does not personally identify anyone.  The data is precious to understand shopper behavior.

The tracking system, called FootPath Technology, works through a series of antennas positioned throughout the shopping center that capture the unique identification number assigned to each phone (similar to a computer's IP address), and tracks its movement throughout the stores.
The system can't take photos or collect data on what shoppers have purchased. And it doesn't collect any personal details associated with the ID, like the user's name or phone number. That information is fiercely protected by mobile carriers, and often can be legally obtained only through a court order....

Update:  The mall owners pull the plug.

A Partial History of Knowledge Navigation

Long-time inspiration David Sibbet posts about how Alan Kay and others inspired the iPad and points to a number of future looking Apple publications that I remember well.   I remember hearing Kay give a talk about how portable tablet devices would link us to a wealth of information.  He conceived the notion of a 'Dynabook' tablet.  Easily and immediately accessible knowledge.  The post also points to several videos circa 1988 that predicted the world of today.   A reminder of the rich history involved.