Filed under: Marketing and advertising, Walt Disney (DIS), Media World

My wife the soap opera fan is thrilled that Warren Buffett is slated to appear on ABC’s “All My Children” soap opera. I’m appalled.

For one thing, she’s informed me that if soaps are good enough for the world’s richest man that I’ve no excuse for fleeing the family room in horror whenever she’s watching her shows. I guess my sarcastic remarks about the genre are out of the question too.

Buffett, though, is rich enough to do what he wants when he wants. And according to Reuters, the Oracle of Omaha is crazy about soaps. He’s good friends with series creator Agnes Nixon and even appeared on the program in 1992.

“Buffett’s part is being written into a story line of the show involving the character Erica Kane, the vixen entrepreneur and self-styled media mogul played by series veteran Susan Lucci,” Reuters states. “Lucci’s character recently pleaded guilty to insider trading — a crime she unintentionally committed — but ended up a fugitive when another convict she was handcuffed to escaped en route to prison.”

Buffett, who will enter the picture during May’s sweeps, enters the picture after Erica’s capture and is called upon to help her by a mutual friend named Opal, the news service says, adding the outcome isn’t what the soap opera icon expected.

You have to hand it to Buffett for not taking himself too seriously. Billionaires usually cause soap operas and don’t need to perform in them. Can you imagine Bill Gates hamming it up or Steve Jobs?

–Freelance writer Jonathan Berr edits the blog Ketchup and Eggs

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Filed under: eBay (EBAY), Marketing and advertising

While it’s still the undisputed king of the on the internet auction business, eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) has its share of image and customer service problems. Soaring fees are irritating sellers, and BloggingStocks’ Gary Sattler has chronicled eBay’s struggles obsessively. Rampant counterfeiting and allegations of widespread fencing are also hurting the site’s reputation.

After watching the video below, I think I may have the solution to eBay’s problems: Judge Judy.

Kelli Filkins appeared on Judge Judy to defend plaintiffs’ claim that she had defrauded them on eBay by sending them a picture of a phone they paid $240 for. She claimed that the ad stated it was for a picture only.

What ensued is possibly the greatest smackdown in the history of Judge Judy — who told Ms. Filkins that she’s an “outrageous person.” The sharp-tongued judge went on to say: “If you live to 120, you’re not gonna be as smart as I’m in one finger. You may weigh more, but you’re not gonna be smarter than I’m in one figure.” Burn sauce!

Given Judy’s reputation as a no-nonsense judge who will crack down on shenanigans, eBay could work out a licensing deal to brand its complaint resolution system as “Judge Judy” — and run an ad campaign where she talks about her commitment to making eBay a safe place for buyers and sellers. Eh? Eh?

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Filed under: Press releases, Products and services, Consumer experience, Marketing and advertising, Nokia Corp. (NOK)

Reuters reported yesterday that privately held EMI Group plans to join Vivendi’s Universal Music Group and offer songs in Nokia (NYSE: NOK) mobile devices as part of the new “Comes with Music” program. The report comes out of Nokia’s home country, Finland, but since Universal’s commitment bridges international divisions, it is likely the EMI connection will as well.

The “Comes with Music” program was first announced in December 2007, with Universal fully on board to offer unlimited access to millions of Digital Rights Management-free tracks for a year, and any tracks on the phones at the end of the year becoming the consumers’. Clearly, the program has a major upside in that the end of a subscription does not mean music tracks are going to disappear, something that always seems to be at the fore of subscription-based music plans. The tracks will also be available on those consumers’ personal.

As nice as the plan is, the labels won’t lose too much from allowing a subscription plan like that to take off. Nokia and label executives are banking on the size of catalogs to combat fears that it will hurt the music industry financially. In the press release for “Comes with Music”, Nokia’s Executive Vice President for Multimedia stated, “even if you listened to music 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you would still only scratch the surface of the music that we’re making available.”

With two major labels on board, the “Comes with Music” program is sure to be on the right track to succeed when it is launched later this year. The only worry that likely remains is whether any other digital store will initiate a better or similar plan to increase sales.

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Filed under: Management, Marketing and advertising, News Corp’B’ (NWS), Entrepreneurs

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think James Murdoch should take up the reigns of News Corp., and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

James Murdoch seems the opposite of his father, media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

The younger Murdoch is described in media reports as a low-key family man who isn’t much of a schmoozer. Rupert Murdoch adores to court politicians, something that doesn’t seem to interest James. The fourth Murdoch child, though, did sow his wild oats when he was younger, dropping out of Harvard and founding a hip-hop music label that was later acquired by News Corp. (NYSE: NWS).

But James Murdoch got rid of the eyebrow stud and got serious about business. Sure, Rupert Murdoch’s many detractors screamed “nepotism” when the old man named him to run the News Corp’s British Sky Broadcasting business. Eventually, though, James Murdoch won them over by doing a bang-up job.

“He won over his critics in the city by hitting ambitious targets, increasing the number of Sky subscribers by more than one million, but he also eschewed his father’s abrasive approach, saying early on that the company would be ‘a partner not a pariah’ to its rivals,” according to The U.K,’s Observer newspaper.

Last year, Rupert Murdoch promoted his son to the job of chief executive for Asia and Europe, suggesting as the AP noted, that he’s being groomed for the top job. But will Rupert Murdoch ever be able to let go of the reins of power? Sumner Redstone has sure found it difficult.

There’s no way that News Corp. would have ever done a $5 billion dilutive deal for Dow Jones & Co. based on a cool reading of the balance sheet. As I’ve argued before, Rupert Murdoch is almost as interested in gaining influence as making money. If shareholders happen to benefit, that’s great. If they don’t too bad.

Maybe a James Murdoch-led company would be more disciplined. That would be great for shareholders but lousy for journalists who obsessively follow Rupert Murdoch’s every move.

Freelance writer Jonathan Berr edits the blog Ketchup and Eggs.

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Filed under: Starbucks (SBUX), Marketing and advertising

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) is struggling and with Howard Schultz back in as CEO, the company is looking to get its sales moving upward again. One possible strategy? Free coffees, discounts with a rewards card, and a possible expansion of the company’s $1 coffee campaign — with free refills.

Will these plans help boost sales in the midst of a struggling economy? Probably. But, if I were a Starbucks shareholder, I’d be concerned about the damage to the brand. The fact is that Starbucks has become one of the best companies in the world — that’s not an exaggeration — with an emphasis on quality and customer experience that made it, for a long time, essentially immune to the competitive pressures that other companies deal with.

If Starbucks has to resort to value-oriented marketing like each other company does, then Starbucks is no longer as special as it was in its heyday as a great growth stock.

That stated, the stock is down more than half from the 52-week high it reached in 2006, and the company’s woes may already be priced in — leaving the company’s strong brand undervalued.

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Filed under: Management, Marketing and advertising, Canada, Entrepreneurs

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think Galen or Alannah Weston should take up the reigns of Weston, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

W. Galen Weston was once an heir apparent himself, taking the bakery founded by his grandfather George Weston in 1882 and expanding it into one of the largest food conglomerates in North America, George Weston Ltd. (TSX: WN), which includes such brands as President’s Choice, Entenmann’s, Brownberry, Thomas’, Boboli, Ovaltine, and Twinings. A fixture on the Forbes billionaire list, Galen Weston also holds a controlling stake in the Loblaws supermarket chain, and took the Selfridges department store private a few years ago. His heirs apparent are his kids, son Galen G. and daughter Alannah.

Galen G. Weston was installed as executive chairman of Loblaw Companies (TSX: L) in 2006, and faces something of a challenge if he’s to prove his mettle. Since his arrival, the company has experienced its first annual loss in decades, share prices have slumped to a ten-year low, and opening superstores to fend off competition from the likes of Wal-Mart Canada hasn’t worked out so well. The company is now focusing on its supply chain and supporting infrastructure, as well as limiting the types of merchandise the stores sell. Such efforts have helped the company swing back into the black.

Alannah Weston got her start working in the Weston-owned Holt Renfrow department store. After Selfridges went private in 2003, Alannah became Creative Director, charged with revitalizing the well-know U.K. stores. Her responsibilities include analyzing and updating the architecture and design of London’s Oxford Street flagship store, and she personally handles the store’s window displays. Like her partner, CEO Paul Kelly, she believes in a hands-on approach to management.

At 67, W. Galen Weston remains chairman of both Loblaw and Selfridges. The question is, do Galen G. or Alannah have what it takes to assume the reins of the empire when the time comes? Time will tell.

In the meanwhile, here’s a peek of Galen G. Weston in action:

Also be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

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Filed under: Good news, Internet, Marketing and advertising

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think Bindi Irwin should take up the reigns of her father’s conservation/entertainment empire, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

Most fathers don’t need a reason to be proud of their little girls. Just the fact that our daughters are our own tiny princesses can produce pride enough for even the roughest dudes. The proposition is rendered even sweeter when you’re out in public and your little girl acts like a perfect lady beside you. But perhaps the greatest pride producer of all is when your daughter conducts herself like a lady in your absence. Such is the priceless tribute paid to the the legacy of the late Steve Irwin, by his daughter Bindi Irwin, each and each day.

Blessed with her father’s innate connection to wildlife and a swift, cute wit that’s her own, Bindi Irwin has forged ahead in her father’s absence to carry the messages of nature conservation. With the caring guidance of Terri Irwin, her stout-hearted and intelligent mother, Bindi has traveled extensively, including promotional visits to New York and Los Angeles. Additionally, when she’s not globe trotting, Bindi makes regular entertainment appearances at the Animal Planet Crocoseum, in conjunction with Australia Zoo.

The tireless exploits of Bindi Irwin have led her directly into the spotlight. On March 5, the Australia Zoo website announced that Bindi has been nominated for a Logie Award. Logies are Australian TV awards, in existence since 1958. Bindi Irwin has been nominated for Most Popular New Talent–Female. It is said that she has been nominated along side some very popular actresses.

Could we state that Bindi Irwin has stepped up to fill her father’s shoes? I’d not hesitate to state that in her own way she has. Every bit as engaging and caring as her father, she carries the torch of animal conservation across the world. That pursuit works for her because she lives it. Bindi Irwin will turn ten years old on July 24, 2008. She’s accomplished a considerable amount of good in her tender years.

The daughter of Steve Irwin has conducted herself as a lady does. There could be no greater tribute that she could give to her father. I hope you’ll join me in expressing this earnest message to Australia’s darling jewel: We’re proud of you Bindi. You’re a very good daughter.

Also be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

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Filed under: Marketing and advertising, Small business

The general sentiment is that online advertising is immune from the travails of the economy (obviously, this ignores the depression for the category in the wake of the dot-com bust). The argument is that the consumers’ “eyeballs” are moving more to Web-based media.

No doubt, this is true. But, this doesn’t mean advertisers won’t still get skittish.

As a result, eMarketer is toning down its forecast for on the internet ad spending in 2008. Instead of coming to $27.5 billion, the revised figure is now $25.8 billion.

OK, that doesn’t sound like much. However, it could be brutal for many companies (especially small ones that rely heavily on ad spending).

Oh, and social networking sites might come under pressure too. Simply put, these sites are having a tough time getting people to click on ads (even though there are lots of “eyeballs”).

Something else: eMarketer’s revision shows how fragile the economy has become. In other words, things can certainly get worse — and swiftly.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates DealProfiles.com.

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Filed under: Management, Marketing and advertising, Entrepreneurs

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think John Elkann should take up the reigns of Fiat, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

Gianni Agnelli, principal shareholder of Fiat and grandson of the company’s founder had been grooming his nephew to take up the reins of the family business when that nephew died of a rare form of cancer in 1997. Gianni’s grandson John Elkann became the next heir apparent at the age of 22, when he was appointed to Fiat’s board. After Gianni passed away in 2004, Elkann assumed the vice chair of not only the Fiat board, but the board of holding company that controls the Agnelli family stake in Fiat.

Elkann stepped into his new role at a time of crisis for Fiat. Mismanagement and a damaged brand image required a bank bailout to avoid bankruptcy. Recovery meant selling assets, management changes, and reinvesting in the core company. Renewed strength in the struggling automotive division (which includes the Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo brands) helped lift the company. Now, among other things, Elkann spearheads the company’s efforts at global expansion.

“Elkann is still rather young, and there are some conflicting ideas within the family about their holdings,” states Giuseppe Berta, author of The Fiat After Fiat. “But he is the only one who can lead them into the future.” While making his own mark in the Fiat empire, Elkann still looks to his late grandfather for inspiration: “He believed that leadership is consensus,” Elkann states. “He won the support of the family and business partners and the community. He believed you lead by getting the ideal from the people around you.”

For the time being, Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo and CEO Sergio Marchionne remain in charge. In the coming years, however, Elkann is expected to become the singular face of Fiat.

Here’s a look at another new face for Fiat, the updated Fiat 500:

Be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

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Filed under: Products and services, Consumer experience, Marketing and advertising

A month from now, on April 19, “hundreds of independent record stores across the country will celebrate Record Store Day.” In addition to the stores, numerous artists will lend their support to the day and some will appear or offer special gifts to lucky fans and attendees. This support indicates what place the CD has even in a shrinking market and where the record industry fits into that market. If artists can still support a dying format and the stores that rely on that product, hopefully fans, listeners, and consumers can find something in it, too.

A kink in the plans of artists like Paul McCartney and Stephen Malkmus to support the day is that while they can appreciate record stores based on experiences in their youths or support the stores by buying hundreds of dollars worth of CDs, young people today might not be as familiar with the entity or have the money to buy that many CDs. This is especially true in the economy right now, but even more pronounced when one thinks about the ease and availability that digital stores have introduced to accessing and enjoying music and other media from the comfort of one’s own home.

The record industry is certainly invested in the day as well, since it is the CDs they produce that facilitate record stores. But the simple fact that they’ve sat on their hands for so long means that the day comes at a time with the CD is no longer a truly viable format for selling music. Again, look at the digital stores that are finally offering the same quality files that are on CDs. I’m not knowledgeable in bit rates, but I do know that 256 kbps is on the same par with the quality of a CD. To support “Record Store Day”, all the industry has to do is market the CD in new and inventive ways, but I couldn’t speculate how that can possibly be reached.

Designating a day and inaugurating an annual “Record Store” event is a nice idea, but if it is to be truly successful, consumers are going to need to be more invested in record stores beyond one day where “goodies” are given away and artists make appearances. Each day consumers need to consider going to a record store to get music as a viable substitute to downloading music directly into their hands.

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