Marketing Plan for Metra

So, I was thinking the other day about marketing on the train. First, I thought the way to do that would be with billboards near the train stations. Which, sure, that's a start. But, then I had an epiphany. On the train itself. But, how can we guarantee "impressions" when people have their laptops or iPods, or books to read?

Add one or two cars that have premium seating (still including handicap and emergency exits) that have comfortable seats. Each seat would be similar to airline seats--with televisions in the headrests. Additionally, the only people that would have access enter their demographic information for marketers. The televisions would be interactive in the sense that users would be required to interact with the advertising. The users would watch one ad per stop and key in their impression of the product. For this, they'd get two things. One, free rides on the train. Two, a guaranteed personal seat. But, how can we guarantee that someone who signs up actually participates?

A user would be eligible if they viewed a certain number of ads per week or month to maintain their status. Since this may be a popular service--and extremely lucrative service for Metra, they shouldn't have to worry about the loss of fare revenue. They'd make plenty of money from the marketing firms wanting research data.

Just an idea....

Let me know what you think?

Doogie Carson, MD

So, I kind of feel like the concept of a blog is really a virtual diary. Outlining one's thoughts, hopes, past, experiences, etc. Basically like Doogie Howser, MD worked. So, that's how the title relates.

Today I was coaching at Harper and found out there was a bomb threat. What is going on these days that these threats are becoming so prevalent. Beyond that, my hurdler broke a stadium record over the weekend with a 14.66. So, congrats Gary Sims. My other hurdler, Anthony Simone, also did well in the 400 hurdles, he just needs to get it in his head that he's capable of running fast.

Have you ever tutored or mentored someone that has more potential--more innate ability--more anything than you? Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough to coach someone like that--other times I feel blessed to know people like that--sometimes I feel jealous.

holy jebus Google

As some of my readers know, I'm am doing a Google Online Challenge in an Internet Marketing Course. This involves finding an online business without a current AdWords campaign and trying to increase their business using AdWords.

The strategy portion of this challenge is above and beyond difficult with only $200 for 4 weeks. Can't Google just open up the limit and make it higher? I understand the reasoning...if we can create extra money for our customer--they will just continue to use AdWords with their small budgets. However, if we really drive up the revenue for a company we may expand their business to the point that they can spend $1000/month on AdWords. Ok, rant over.

I think our group as a whole is learning a ton about AdWords--and really marketing on the internet using Google and keywords. Which is a good thing.

Money Girl Podcast

Well...I guess it is the end of a journey for the Money Girl. She started with episode #1 at the end of 2006. Here we are...seventeen months later and it all ended yesterday with her final episode.

She said it was time to move on to other endeavors....and I often feel the same way. Why do we often cling to those comforts in life? I love a good challenge.

So, if you ever read this out in the blogosphere Elizabeth, good luck, and thanks for all the fish! (a la Douglas Adams)

Podcasting

I'm curious if those of you that read my blog would be interested in me commenting on the 47 podcasts that I subscribe and listen to. Something like a brief overview and links to the various websites and blogs.

This could be a form of internet marketing for other internet marketers. Grassroots viral marketing.

Well, let me know if you're interested. If I get at least 5 unique users that are interested I will try and add the data...plus the RSS feeds to the various blogs that these casts offer.

trainblogging

Well, I thought I should attempt a blog during the hour train ride downtown. What could be more applicable to marketing than looking out the window of the train? I'm a captive viewer. I see all sorts of advertising. McDonalds, Burger King, the latest TV show posters at the train stations, advertising for condos...

I wonder what additional methods could be infused into a train ride? Are most train riders wanting to be "green"? Or are they just not wanting to drive downtown? Eh, whatever. But, I feel like there could be more adverts while on the train. Sometimes I just want to look outside and watch the cars and the people.

something different to blog about...

Be forewarned...this is me complaining for the most part with just a dash of internet marketing.

Well, as some of you know...I am a track coach at Harper College. I am also a grader for the CSC 451 (Database Design) course at DePaul. So, this week was hectic as usual. Grading homework on Monday. All day meeting on Tuesday, BrainStorm 2008 http://www.bpminstitute.org followed by a class, E-Business Architecting. Finish grading Homework on Wednesday (before the students have class). Doing homework for my Internet Marketing course (this blog) on Wednesday. Thursday we watched film for my athletes and I went to a company presentation...I finished up homework for another course, Building Internet Applications. Then got started on grading for homework assignment #2.

Friday was an all day track meet. I ended up missing the deadline for any specific questions as I was preparing for another all day track meet on Saturday. Finished grading papers on Sunday.

Ok, I swear future posts will be more relevant. But, I had to get out the message that my free time was very limited for group work! I will be much better in the coming weeks.

Blog Origins

Whenever I hear the word blog...this goes running in my head. "Everyone wants a blog. Everyone needs a blog."

Internet Business Mastery Podcast

Well. I just stumbled upon a new Podcast. If you knew me...you'd know how that happens a lot. I'm the guy with the earbuds in listening both actively and passively to podcasts.

Anyway, Internet Business Mastery (http://www.internetbusinessmastery.com) has a podcast talking about all the great ways to start your very own e-commerce portal or e-business website.

This paired with the Marketing over Coffee Pocast (http://www.marketingovercoffee.com) may get everyone on their way to being e-Business moguls.

Both podcasts are available through iTunes or whatever GUI-based RSS aggregator device you use for your multimedia broadcast listening pleasure.

Blogosphere

Well. I've entered the blogosphere. Hopefully, what I am writing will reach a greater audience than one and the message will have an impact. Initially, blog topics will include things from my daily frustrations about Internet-Marketing, podcasts, and E-Business in general.

However, like all people, it will hopefully evolve into formal, structured and insightful content. Watch--subscribe--wait on bated breath. But, mostly, just enjoy!!