God bless Joe Hall of Marketing Pilgrim for addressing the conversation we’re having all the time with both our clients and our prospects: bottom line ROI on social media engagement and the natural client desire for contextual ad equivalency when it comes to investing in social media. The following is excerpted from Cup of Joe: Social Media ROI? Think Again Genius! — wherein Mr. Hall comes down on the side of “you can’t put a number on making friends and influencing people.  Let me know what you think:

You can’t measure relationships. You can’t put on paper the depth and complexity of the human experience with a brand. Sure you can track web traffic, click through rates, and even your follower/following ratio. But none of that explains real influence.

So then why do CEOs, CMOs, and even brand managers insist on this pointless discussion? Because, too many of us have been enchanted by the tools. Too many of us have been caught up in the hype and glory of amazing technology to recognize that social media marketing is essentially the same old ball game using different tools.

Think about it this way, when was the last time you attended a networking event or trade show and had your boss ask you, “so what was your ROI?”. I am willing to bet never, because those types of events aren’t there to act as advertising channels they are there many times to create relationships.

If you utilize offline social events as advertising channels, two things happen. 1) You don’t make any friends. 2) You don’t create any customers. This happens because instead of coming across as the cool girl or guy that everyone wants to do business with, you come across as the annoying jerk passing out postcard adverts. So why is it that some of us think that social media is any different?

Calculating ROI for advertising is easy because it is based on definite variables that can be measured. How do you measure the emotion from a positive exchange with a favorite brand on Twitter? How do you calculate the feelings of community in some forums? You can’t, and you aren’t supposed to.

What do I think?  Like I always say whenever I meet anyone or speak to anyone on the phone, Mr. Hall is right, however, what I learned from Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is that you have to always be sure to give your client the gift he wants and not just the gift you want to give.

Your client is the one who is paying you so you need to find a way to offer whatever the ROI is that your client needs to prove to his boss and the board that spending money on you was indeed prudent and worthwhile — because, at least for us at Abraham Harrison, we’re always competing for budget with the contextual advertising team.

While what we do at Abraham Harrison is exactly what Joe is talking about — building brand, buzz, conversation, community, fellowship, relationship, reputation, recognition, attachment, and also touches towards the required seven touches — we still need to make sure they can also move some needles: traffic, visitors, email addresses, followers, friends, fans, donations, new business into the sales funnel, or more money — the ultimate ROI bottom line.

There is a huge requirement to compromise.  To gift the client based on their needs and then, through education, through experience, through general positive secondary effects — such as volume, tone, and sentiment of conversation — of buzz — and how that ubiquity of chatter can directly effect search ranking, reputation, search dominance, keyword dominance, and general increased trust of your client’s brand based on the general acceptance, quantity, and quality of brand focused conversation online.

Thanks, Mr. Joe Hall for your article Cup of Joe: Social Media ROI? Think Again Genius! — I am much obliged.  What do you all think?

Via Marketing Conversation

Juan Perez of IDG asked me some questions about how Abraham Harrison is dealing with the bold, unexpected move, of changing CEOs from Eric Schmidt to Larry Page, in Computer World, in the article Will Page back Google’s enterprise unit?, and I offered my humble opinion:

Chris Abraham, president of the Abraham Harrison digital marketing and social media agency, is also confident in his company’s investment in Google Apps for Business. “If Google had brought in an outsider, there might be more of a concern, but the fact that it’s a co-founder taking the reins is reassuring,” he said in a phone interview.

Emergent acquires manufacturing facility from MdBio and land from City of Baltimore for $8.2 million

ROCKVILLE, MD, November 13, 2009 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of a 55,000 square foot manufacturing facility from MdBio Foundation and the land on which the facility stands from the City of Baltimore for a total purchase price of $8.2 million.  The facility, located within the City of Baltimore, Maryland, previously operated as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed facility used by an experienced contract manufacturing organization (CMO) to produce a number of FDA approved products.

“Emergent is excited about this new facility in Baltimore because it houses several suites capable of manufacturing multiple products at the same time,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions.  “Accordingly, this facility will provide the flexibility to conduct large-scale manufacturing of rPA while also producing other products in our pipeline.”

Emergent worked closely with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), MdBio, the City of Baltimore, Baltimore Development Corporation, and other related governmental agencies to complete this transaction.

“Maryland is continuing to strengthen its biotechnology prowess by helping to grow industry leaders like Emergent BioSolutions,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The transaction between MdBio and Emergent will maximize the value of the BioProcessing Center by maintaining a bio-manufacturing infrastructure for Maryland’s bioscience community, enabling additional investment to be made in the Center and ensuring that those high paying, highly skilled jobs are created and remain in Maryland.”

Emergent BioSolutions employs over 600 employees across the globe, with over 150 employees located in its corporate headquarters in Rockville and one of its product development sites in Gaithersburg.

“This acquisition reflects our commitment to both continually creating jobs and investing additional capital in the State of Maryland,” said Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions.  “We extend our sincere appreciation to the state and local governments for their ongoing support of our efforts to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and look forward to growing Emergent’s presence in the state.”

Mayor Sheila Dixon, commenting on the announcement, said, “The City of Baltimore is excited about welcoming Emergent BioSolutions to the Baltimore biotech community.  With great research institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland as potential partners in the area, we know that Emergent will be a wonderful contributor in the future.”

“Emergent’s decision to expand in Maryland underscores not only our rich research and development environment, but also our mission to support the complete product development life cycle that includes bio manufacturing,” said Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson. “The Department was pleased to work with MdBio Foundation and the Baltimore Development Corp. to bring this project to fruition.”

About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease.  Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax.  Emergent’s development pipeline includes programs focused on anthrax, botulism, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis B and chlamydia.  Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com and www.biothrax.com.

About MdBio Foundation, Inc.
The MdBio Foundation, Inc. is a charitable and educational organization whose mission is to provide and support the State of Maryland’s bioscience community through bioscience awareness, education and workforce development programs including scholarships, post-doctoral conference and career expos, BioGENEius science competition and summer science camps.  Since 2003, MdBio has operated the MdBioLab, an educational and well-known mobile bioscience laboratory that visits high schools throughout Maryland to educate youth on biosciences.  Over the past six years, MdBioLab has held more than 2,800 classes with 55,000 students and 1,500 teachers. MdBio Foundation became an affiliate of the Tech Council of Maryland in 2006.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2009, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including our ability to obtain FDA approval to manufacture products or product candidates in the newly acquired facility; appropriations for BioThrax^® procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax^® sales contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax^®; our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; our ability to identify and acquire or in license products and product candidates that satisfy our selection criteria; the potential benefits of our existing collaboration agreements and our ability to enter into selective additional collaboration arrangements; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2009 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

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My CEO over at Abraham Harrison wrote an article to address the new FTC endorsements guidelines, Abraham Harrison warmly welcomes the new FTC ruling:

Our world is already deep into the age in which bona fide, person-to-person endorsements and recommendations are some of the most powerful forces driving consumer decisions.  We at Abraham Harrison are thrilled with the new FTC endorsements guidelines and the strengthened transparency, honesty, and accountability these rules are bringing to the world of marketing.

Yesterday, our beloved friend, David Gelles struck a ravingly sensationalist tone in his front-page Financial Times article (respect, yo!) on the new FTC Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  ‘“All the worst fears of businesses have come true,” said Anthony DiResta, an attorney representing several advertising groups.‘ David quoted.

We understand, David… you were probably pressured by the wild-eyed editors of that questionable British rag.  They have to sell papers in these tough times.

In reality, these new guidelines are reason for dancing-in-the-streets celebration, not fear.  Abraham Harrison is very pleased at the new universal standards of openness, sincerity, and trust these rules are bringing to all companies leveraging word-of-mouth marketing and endorsements.  They will further strengthen the impact of the true, bona fide voices of the bloggers and other online influencers that Abraham Harrison activates for our clients every day.

The most powerful endorsements come from people sharing their honest opinions – those whose voices have not been bought.  Every month, we at Abraham Harrison activate hundreds and thousands of individual bloggers and online influencers in support of our clients’ products, companies, and organizations.  These influencers are motivated solely by their enthusiasm and support for what our clients are offering.  Their voices are so powerful precisely because their readerships know that they are hearing authentic, un-bought opinions:

• Thanks to the Snuggle Crème Bloggers
• Thank You Half-Marathon Fresh Air Bloggers
• Thank You International Medical Corps Bloggers Part II

The new FTC guidelines will help consumers know that when they read an endorsement it is the real deal, and not just another paid advertisement.  This transparency is good for the consumer and good for both the image, and dare I say, the soul of the advertising and PR industry.

For over three years now, we at Abraham Harrison have been activating the tremendous power of the real, honest, un-bought voices of  bloggers and online influencers for our clients.  These FTC rules are bringing a wonderful new standard of universal transparency to the field of marketing and that is good for consumers, for the companies and organizations that wish to reach them, and for the marketers bringing them together.

I just finished reading FT reporter David Gelles‘ article about Facebook, What friends are for, and I was really taken by one particular paragraph, which pits Google and Facebook in the war of “if you had to choose one, which would you choose:”

Certainly, those seeking to profit from Facebook are convinced of its prospects. “If you asked a 20-year-old today to give up Google or Facebook, they would give up Google,” maintains Mark Pincus, chief executive of Zynga, which makes applications that run on Facebook, and the founder of Tribe Networks, an early social network. “The social web is more personal and is more relevant to you.”

Which one would you choose?  If you had to?  I know that I spend a lot of time on Facebook and it has reconnected me very powerfully to all the people I have know since before high school; however, Google is become as important to me as as plumbing, tap water, electricity, or dial-tone.

What do you think?

Ever since the dot-COM bubble burst almost ten years ago, Maryland has been bragging about how biotech would not only become the next big thing in innovation and business but would put Maryland on the map.  Well, while it has mostly been hyperbole, Rockville, Maryland, based Emergent BioSolutions has been the bright-burning exception under the leadership of Chairman and CEO, Mr. Fuad El-Hibri.  Well, Ernst & Young has named Fuad El-Hibri the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

Emergent BioSolutions Chairman and CEO, Mr. Fuad El-Hibri, Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award Winner in Greater Washington

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 18, 2009 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that Fuad El-Hibri, its chairman and chief executive officer, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2009 Award in the Technology category in Greater Washington.  According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.  Mr. El-Hibri was selected by an independent panel of judges and the award was presented at a special gala event on June 18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award considering the many biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the greater Washington region,” said Mr. El-Hibri.  “I am proud of Emergent BioSolutions’ continuous growth and financial strength.  These successes are firmly anchored on the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment of our employees.  All their contributions, in pursuit of our company mission to protect life, have made this award possible.”

Under Mr. El-Hibri’s leadership, Emergent BioSolutions has expanded its capabilities in the development and manufacture of vaccines and immune-related therapeutics.  By strengthening its core biodefense portfolio, which includes the only FDA-licensed vaccine against anthrax disease, Emergent has become the premier biodefense supplier of medical countermeasures to the U.S. government.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year and continues to honor entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world.

As a Greater Washington award winner, Mr. El-Hibri is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2009.  The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease.  Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax.  Emergent’s development pipeline includes programs focused on anthrax, botulism, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis B and chlamydia.  Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards Program
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® Award is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of the Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In Greater Washington, sponsors include HSBC Bank, Pillsbury Law, Reznick Group, Lockton Companies and the Washington Business Journal.

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]]> http://chrisabraham.com/2009/06/23/local-fuad-el-hibri-named-ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year/feed/ 0 http://chrisabraham.com/2009/02/18/aston-martin-revives-the-lagonda-really/ http://chrisabraham.com/2009/02/18/aston-martin-revives-the-lagonda-really/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:47:41 +0000 Chris Abraham http://chrisabraham.com/2009/02/18/aston-martin-revives-the-lagonda-really/ Back in the late 70s and 80s, Aston Martin made a terrible mistake in a modern interpretation of the Aston Martin Lagonda from 1976-1989. It was the first modern Aston Martin.  It followed the unfortunate trend in the 70s and 80s when European car makers tried to become more like American muscle cars and tried [...]

Back in the late 70s and 80s, Aston Martin made a terrible mistake in a modern interpretation of the Aston Martin Lagonda from 1976-1989. It was the first modern Aston Martin.  It followed the unfortunate trend in the 70s and 80s when European car makers tried to become more like American muscle cars and tried to appeal to the need of the power brokers of the 80s who wanted bigger, faster, shinier, and more powerful emblems for their wealth.  The Lamborghini Countach, the Lamborghini LM002, the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, and this model of Porsche 911 are prime examples.

Well, according to Jalopnik, Aston Martin plans to revive the brand:

As rumored, Aston Martin is readying the Lagonda nameplate for an all-newGeneva Motor Show concept. The secret concept, previewing a new brand, is said to be a perfect blend of practicality and performance.

Lagonda was founded in 1906, but was purchased and integrated by Aston Martin in 1947. The Lagonda name has been affixed to Aston Martins since then, and graced the quirky 80s-era Aston Martin Lagonda, but has never been its own brand. According to Aston Martin, the Lagonda nameplate is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year (no, that makes no sense to us either) and to commemorate the occasion, an all-new concept will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

There’s no telling what this concept could be other than a competitor in the luxury car market filled with Bentleys and Rolls Royces, but Aston Martin is already talking about a production schedule for a 2012 on-sale date. We’ll keep our eyes peeled.

Aston Martin Press Release:

Aston Martin CEO confirms the revival of the Lagonda MarqueAston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez has today confirmed his intention to revive the Lagonda marque.

In a statement today he said, “After my eight years with Aston Martin, four with profitability, and 16 months of independence, it’s time to think about a longer term future. Aston Martin is an honest, authentic brand which builds the most beautiful sportscars combining modern technology with craftsmanship. Next year we will launch the four door Rapide sportscar, and this will be followed by the project ‘one 77′, the most spectacular Aston Martin ever. Aston Martins are currently available in 32 countries but we will remain limited in our market penetration by the pure character of our cars – sportscars.

“We have now investigated and concluded that the revival of the Lagonda brand would allow us to develop cars which can have a different character than a sportscar, and therefore offer a perfect synergy. Lagonda will use a unique design language as Aston Martin does. We will take elements of DNA from the past but will be very future orientated as we are with Aston Martin. With Lagonda offering exclusive, luxurious and truly versatile products with high quality and usability and suitable for both existing and emerging markets, I believe we can be present in more than 100 countries in the world.

“In 2009 Lagonda is about to celebrate its 100th birthday and in its centenary year we are confident that we will show the first concept of a car which could be in the market in 2012,” he confirmed.

I guess this is what another model year of the Aston Martin Lagonda looked like:

 I don’t like that one either.

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