I discovered this little chestnut at the supermarket in Dubai the other day. Honestly. Is there a real need for this? There is so much stuff out there that marketers tell us we need to buy. But really? Do we?  

Part of me says why on earth would I need this but I would be lying if there wasn't a small percentage of me itching to buy this product. Mainly because I am a little anal (and it has nothing to do with this product) but being living in an international city with people from all around the world I do tend to overuse  hand santiser and shower an awful lot (and not because I smell).

So why do I do it?  Because of germs. We are told they are super nasty and everywhere. But mostly, I think they are in your head. Making us paranoid so we buy stuff we really don't need. But would I have had a need if I wasn't told to "Sit with confidence"? I love how marketers continually try to seduce your wallet and mess with your head. And I know better. I know I don't need stuff but lets be honest it's hard not to resist somedays. So who else will be honest - who would buy themselves this?

I found these Tic Tacs in Italy and wonder if something got lost in the translation with our taste buds? Honestly who is eating this? Put your hand up and come forward!

One of the best executions of a true integrated marketing campaign is for a property company in the UAE. They have brilliantly executed not only great creative but timely messaging which is spot on and clever. They have rolled out their good old fashion campaign on billboards, street press and radio. Although the radio spots are different in its creative you can't blame them for doing a great job of getting their brand name - and their web address which is prominent throughout the radio spots - out on the street. The key to this brand is their instant response to whats happening in the world. Its great - it mirrors social medias instant messaging but in the offline realm. Their billboards are updated weekly and their street press ads are the same. I am in love with their creative what do you think?

I always scan the titles of the magazines while in the line at the supermarket. I was taken back a little when I read the cover of this magazine. "How to Dress Like A French Girl". Is it me or does it imply French girls are easy or is it the placement next to the heading "Leave Him Begging For More". Please clear this up for me and tell me what to think.

Living in another country where English is not the first language means you sometimes come across some interesting signs, sayings and concepts. I am not one to laugh at others who try to learn English as, lets face it, it's a difficult language that is spread across this big globe of ours.  I am jealous that I can't speak another language (I am lazy). From a marketing perspective, I come across some questionable slogans that try to persuade a purchase. 

This is by far the worst shock marketing tactic I have ever seen. It nearly made me throw up in the supermarket. It was also a huge decal sticker on the floor also. You just couldn't miss it. In the West using blood in ads is frowned upon. It's just too gross and detracts from the message. Think of all those menstrual product adverts over the years that always use blue liquid to show the absorbency of tampons and sanitary napkins. I would love to see how successful that type of advertising would work here. However my focus is on this image and how this campaign worked. Maybe it's my cultural upbringing. Maybe it's something every international marketing manager needs to consider. What do you think?