Example of Great Packaging

Good Packaging Sexy household cleaner…is that even possible? We’re not talking about frenchmaid costumes, but actual cleaning products, like detergents.

Well thanks to the likes of New Zealand’s BEE, the San Francisco and London based “Method Home”, cleaning just got sexy.

These two companies give some good lessons on breathing fresh “Sexy” life into a stale, tired product. The example below belongs to BEE “eco-friendly cleaning products”:

Bee from New Zealand

Here are two ways to keep the fires burning with your brand.

1}Revive stale products with sexy, fun and creative yet simple packaging

2}Don’t try to sell to everyone … instead tell your story to someone who cares … in this case environmental cautious individuals

At Chama we have a fascination with unique packaging and we look forward to sharing more cool examples. If anyone finds some really different and creative stuff, don’t be greedy, share your finds ;o)

Virgin in Portugal

Virgin Rumor has turned to reality; Richard Branson’s mega gyms Virgin Active are now confirmed for Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra and Faro.

With expectations of an additional 10+ health clubs across the country, the Virgin Group also plans to open more gyms in areas in the Iberian Peninsula where there are more than 50,000 residents.

Virgin Gym

Now how will local small gyms compete vs. a mega brand like Virgin? As things stand, local gyms here in Faro will have a hard time when Virgin arrives and flexing it’s financial muscle. You can expect, Virgin Gym’s will be big facilities with the latest equipment, fancy machines and other membership perks such as a spa, great design, etc.

If I owned a Gym, here are 5 actions I will take immediately … like today:

1 }Identify my targeted clientele and focus on establishing a name for my Gym through strong brand identity — good signage, logo shirts for staff, etc.

2 } Launch a user friendly website with tips, exercise videos and a community supported network which enables my trainers and members to interact with one another … include diet tips, video exercises, blog, newsletter, and allow members to track their diet and workouts, etc.

3 } Set a budget to refresh the inside my gym (a new coat of paint, mirrors, improved lighting, and a plan to replace old machines with new machines over-a-specific time frame … for example, one new machine per month or quarter. Also look into new exercise forms if my facility allows it, like an indoor rock climbing, boxing classes, etc.

4 } Turn my trainers and staff into key stakeholders, so you keep good staff from going to the competition. Establish a program where trainers and staff receive incentive when Gym meets membership goals. Give each staff member a business card which they can use to hand out to friends. (Goal: would be to ensure the business cards are fun, different and one that staff would be proud to share with others)

With an improved member experience, motivated staff, and a fresh look, my member’s experience should improve greatly and lead to positive word of mouth.

5 } And then from here, what I would do is look into alternative marketing channels by creating buzz:

And bonus, I would definitely try a couple of fun marketing campaigns at Faro Beach over the summer when there’s a captive audience.

There are many ways a gym here in Faro can differentiate and build a better experience for their members, the above are just some examples. And if all fails, I would look into targeting an entirely new clientele such as ladies only, heavy duty gym or maybe even a… gym just for kids!

Do you agree or disagree. Love to hear some of your ideas.

How To Twitter

I consider myself an early adaptor of all things cool on the net. But when it came to Twitter (the next generation instant messaging) I held back the urge to sign-up at lightening speed, because I thought it would be more of an interruption, than anything else.

How To Twitter

But my perception changed after stumbling on this article by Jeremiah Owyang SR Analyst at Forrester Research, for social computing.

On his blog, he has a well thought article on “How To Twitter”. Check it out here.
Thanks Jeremiah!

Of course I’m now Twittering with my new Twitter account

At the Movies in Portugal

A few weeks ago, I read an article in one of the national papers, that fewer people were going to movie theaters and the numbers were dropping significantly.

Then the other morning while listening to the radio, the subject of going to the movies came up again, this time, it was a radio personality out on the street asking passers by “what would make your movie going experience better?” Hummm…..coincidence?

at the moviesSome of the responses were as expected – “healthier food options”, “less people chatting”, “personal headsets, to block out those people chatting” and so on…

Personally, food is my big thing…but I’ve now adapted myself to the mix of sweet/salty popcorn and those tangy long strips of candy…guilty. However, if there were healthy and delicious options like a mini portable sushi, fruit cup or salad I would choose those just as easily, especially on movie nights that start at dinnertime.

But the question remains…what is the problem with the movies these days? Are more people downloading movies, buying DVD’s, watching them on home systems, or are there too many competing entertainment options? A friend of mine and new mom in Canada, tells me movie cinemas introduced Mom & Me programs a few years ago, promoting mom and kid times during slower times of the day. This allows moms and fussy little ones a break, plus entertainment that would normally be difficult to come by. Would this help here in Portugal?

Could it be movies aren’t the problem, but rather lifestyle changes are impacting our ability or need to go to the movies…?