Chief Marketer Staff

• Harry Potter and the Magic Brand

  The latest Harry Potter flick proved to be box office magic, raking in over $330 million in the first four days of release. Not bad for something that is a “fading phenomenon” among kids aged 7 to 12, according to one consultant. Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, however, says that sort of thinking is for unbelieving muggles. Click here to read why he feels the brand resonates with children and adults alike.

• Mistakes to Avoid in an Acquisition

  Sure, an acquisition starts with the “simple” act of one company buying another. But in reality, it is much more than that, as two corporate cultures – and their employees, departments, processes, technologies, philosophies and product lines – merge into one new entity. To learn how to keep the transition smooth, click here.

• Rank and File: How to Build Awareness Online

  Keeping your Web site well-placed in search engine rankings is a never ending task. Everyone knows that content needs to be fresh, relevant and constantly updated. Still, those tasks often fall by the wayside. Julie Mason has some ideas on how your company can keep current and ahead of the competition.

• Caller ID: Telecom’s Brand Lessons

  Chances are you’ve heard about the iPhone, a newfangled device that has gotten a little bit of media attention, to say the least. It’s the latest revolution in the telecom world, which contains many interesting lessons for all marketers. For a brief look at telecommunications’ past and what may come in the future, read on.

• Provoking Engagement: How an Old, Old Brand Learned New Blogging Tricks

  While Britannica may be an old-school name, it’s ahead of the game in the blogosphere, says marketing consultant Tom Chandler. The brand is engaging blog readers, and staying clear of hype and corporatespeak. Read on for more of Chandler’s thoughts on the Britannica Blog.

• Agencies

  Loose Cannon: Season of the Asterisk

  News item: On July 1, a Manhattan zip code

• Listline e-Newsletter 07/20/07

  This file is comprised of 872,165 names sourced from Internet surveys in
  the last 12 months. It lists people who reported the ailments they
  suffer and prescription drugs they use.

• Agencies

  PMG Repeats Call for More Contract Delivery of Mail

  Postmaster General Jack Potter reiterated his call for expanding contract delivery of mail before a House panel Thursday.

• Digital

  Google Posts Strong Ad Earnings in Q2

  Google reported yesterday that Q2 revenue, almost entirely from search ads, rose 58% over the same period last year to reach $3.87 billion.

• Oracle to Acquire Bharosa ID Theft Software Firm

  Oracle will acquire Bharosa, Inc., an anti-identity theft software developer, for an undisclosed sum.