A Friday tweet inspired post:  

U.K. marketers @ ISBA: “Marketing innovation can help lead the world out of the economic crisis… http://tinyurl.com/d84slo

The subtext:  U.K. marketers look for hope amid the gloom.

Oh, what I would have given to be in the midst of my British brothers and sisters to bask in the uplifting positivity that was the ISBA.

“Scarcity fuels creativity. Already I’m seeing better stuff brought to us by our suppliers. There’s less money to spend so the better work is chasing that money.”  Not necessarliy good news for all those who have to fight over the smaller portions but the I liked the sentiment.  I give them an “A” for looking on the bright side; something we could all use more of.

“Iconic brands play a greater role in our lives at times like these. ‘People lose faith in governments but there isn’t a net loss of faith. They put it into other relationships and that includes brands. People remember if a brand finds a way to make them smile, entertain them or just do something interesting. When smiles are scarce, their value increases.”  I don’t think  the research I’ve read lately would completely bear this out, but I’m all for looking for and sharing examples of what’s right.  And frankly tired of the bitching about what’s wrong.  

Real work was done to galvanize marketers in attendance to maintain their budgets in uncertain times:  ”Marketing can lead us out of the recession. It doesn’t just create demand, it can change the mood.”

I for one, get a lot of good news from the “chitter” (my word for the chatter on Twitter).  If you want to know what people are really thinking–not what the media and the latest sliding of the Dow suggests that we should think, Twitter’s a new saving grace.  Ideas.  Innovation.  Sharing.  All proof that when the going gets tough….

I am also a new fan of the True North spots I’ve seen.  They’re making me filter through the Tivo a lot less.  Fantastic job, guys.  I’m buying nuts just to support the advertising budget!

What brands make you feel better in light of the doom a gloom that’s pervasive in every marketing channel??