Today I had some interesting conversations online that had to do with business marketing and the packaging of company information.

Some very surprising comments surfaced so I decided I needed to write about it.

I’m considered the most influential social media packaging person. Over 14,000 people listen to me and follow what I have to say on Twitter alone.

twitter.com/packagingdiva

But, don’t take my word for listen to what Erin says “Wanted to say you are an idol in packaging social media world.” Thanks Erin @InlinePlastics She and I are connected through Twitter and LinkedIn.

But the most amazing thing is that people just don’t get it. I had a nice conversation with someone on Twitter and wanted to become more engaged in a conversation. Their response was go to the web site and fill out the contact form. You are kidding right!

I pointed this out and they assured me it would go to the right person. Now why would I do that when I can connect directly with the decision maker in a few seconds on Twitter. I get all my clients that way and I never fill out a contact form. What a colossal waste of time!

If fact since I knew I was going to write about this so I did fill out the contact form online. 5 days later no response. This is such an antiquated way of doing business and sends a really bad message.

Here is another social media packaging tip. Please don’t email me and ask me to respond to info @ or contact @. I want to know who you are please. I do business with real people! What’s the point if your dialogue goes into the black hole of nothingness.

Also I know you are trying to be friendly but I enjoy humor and clever repartee but I’m not really interested in whom you ousted as mayor of or the fact that you can be found @. I want and need your input but not meaningless blather.

<<I just ousted @X as the mayor of Zanoni & Facincani on @foursquare! >>

Seriously who cares?

Social media is about providing helpful info so you can be at the forefront of someone’s list when they need your help. To do that you need to provide value in your conversations. Its Ok to have fun while you are doing it. One of my most popular packaging tweets was about a corrugated boat and will it float.

You can also follow me either though my blog here, or on Twitter @packagingdiva. The best option is for you hire me to help you keep abreast of the latest packaging trends technologies and innovations.

Packaging Tips:

• However you package it, consumers will be watching. Learn what influences them to make a purchasing decision whether to buy your product. Its true that with the right messaging you can compel them to pick up your packaging for a closer look.
• See who’s on your side of any packaging issue. Every issue has its pros and cons. Create a alliances that work to reinforce your brand. For every packaging group there is an association and many supporting organizations too.

Packaging Hot Buttons:

• Good housekeeping packaging seal of approval for the Twitter Age http://bit.ly/co4Se7
  Social media will be one of the hot packaging trends of the future. It remains to be seen which technologies will win out.
• Will U.S. Import France’s Eco-Friendly Wine Pumping System? @ http://bit.ly/a1GS51
  I love this concept.  A while back Tesco was testing refilling detergent but had problems with the machine. Juts think of all the packages you could refill at the store. The question is will the consumer make the effort?
• Packaging Lawsuits tomatoes and salt @ http://bit.ly/9pkE94 and @ http://bit.ly/chbouQ
  This can get tricky. Your packaging me be ripe for a lawsuit and you don’t even know it. Its critical that you investigate similar packaging before launching your packaging to ensure you are not infringing on someone else’s brand.

If there is an issue you would like to know more about or not sure how to navigate the muddled waters of product packaging? I can help. Just drop me a line with your specific question.

Happy Packaging

Packaging Tips:

• Packaging is very controversial. For every packaging issue there is a solution.  The key is to know what consumers are looking for in the answer. Find  the right packaging solutions and answers @ http://bit.ly/cETtKB
• With viral marketing you never know who will be talking about your packaging.  Make sure all your media messages gel. Here are examples of how social media is used on packaging @ http://bit.ly/9YnAma and the Heineken bottle @ http://bit.ly/b7lxiO

Packaging Hot Buttons:

• Kellogg disagrees with Sainsbury’s over decision to replace cereal boxes with more eco-friendly packaging @ http://bit.ly/beQnFK
  Is it a bag, a box, a bottle or what? The Packaging Wars continue
• Sainsbury’s taken to court for excess packaging @ http://bit.ly/9yfiNz
  Could this happen to you? Here a 6 Paths To A “Greener” Package
• Should you believe labels? Egg cartons have more labels on them than any other package @ http://bit.ly/9CsU1m
  So what about Icon Overload
• Food labels leaving shoppers and regulators confused @ http://bit.ly/dza51t
  No kidding! Just one reason for Angry Consumer Packaging

• Rant: Online retailers and their crappy packaging jobs @ http://ow.ly/2E1ip
  One must never forget however much they may be frustrated by it that Packaging Is Our Friend

If there is an issue you would like to know more about or not sure how to navigate the muddled waters of product packaging? I can help.

Just drop me a line with your specific question.

You can also follow me either though my blog here, or on Twitter @packagingdiva. The best option is for you hire me to help you keep abreast of the latest packaging trends technologies and innovations.

Packaging Tips:

• Whatever you call it wraprage or frustration-free it’s not something you want consumers saying about your packaging. Frustration-free packaging is really a misnomer. It’s really about how unhappy consumers are with hard to open packaging. Just remember one thing Packaging Is Our Friend
  Just one of the reasons consumers are unhappy with manufacturers.  Find out about more problems in Angry Consumer Packaging
• Event themes are good especially of lots of people are on the same track. What upcoming themes can you piggyback your packaging on? Here’s an example in Baseball, Father’s Day and Packaging
• I know it’s a little late to  get started for this year but every year I do a breast cancer packaging pick of the day. You can see some cause marketing for breast cancer packaging examples @ http://bit.ly/b5ceEB
• Plastic bottles to dominate medical packaging or emerging green packaging trend bids goodbye to plastic bottles. Which packaging trend is right?  No one seems to know. One thing is for sure we are still engaged in the “packaging wars”.  Find out more in Clichéd But “Out Of The Box Thinking”
• What’s trendy or in may get some short term buzz.  What you need is packaging with staying power. Here are some insider tips on The Power Of The Package

Packaging Hot Buttons:

• Packaging Is All the Rage and Not in a Good Way @ http://nyti.ms/9bCWHU
  Please spare me please doesn’t the media ever get tired of this crap!
  Packaging Makes The World Go Round
• New Bland Farms Packaging Supports Breast Cancer Research @ http://bit.ly/b44Hcq
  On point Packaging A Cause For Profit
• Frustration-free packaging slow to catch on @ http://yhoo.it/bvyw8I
  Its a hard problem to solve. Here’s an example I showed last November of Amazons frustration-free packaging solution
• How color affects purchases @ http://bit.ly/b3k8v4
  I found this fascinating. Even more the philosophy if it’s marketed to women it has to be in pink packaging. Is Your Packaging In The Pink?

If there is an issue you would like to know more about or not sure how to navigate the muddled waters of product packaging? I can help.

Just drop me a line with your specific question.

So along this theme I decided to reprise an earlier article Has Your Packaging Gone To The Dogs?

Whether it’s for Fido or for Morris, the market for pet products in “nontraditional” outlets (specific to retail outlets outside the traditional pet store venue) should reach nearly $4.2 billion by 2010, according to Market Trends. This area is expected to grow as pet products move into the luxury and “lifestyle” category such as diamond studded collars or designer duds for your pet. Companies like as Eddie Bauer and Louis Vitton are making luxury pet accessories and “must have” pet products. After all, your pet is the most important part of the family. (Just kidding!) But seriously, there is more money spent on things for pets than on babies – a lot more.

Remember when I asked “What’s In You Bottle?” Well, it turns out that dogs have special bottled water too. “PetRefresh® is the only water available today that is specifically designed for the daily hydration needs of pets.

Innovative Bottled Water

Not a treat, but a core nutrient for better health.” Also a new water product for dogs, OOH’s “Pup Cups”, is water in a cup for dogs on the go. They got great brand recognition by donating water to the Humane Society for Hurricane Katrina canine victims.

Portable Packaging

I just love this one: K9 Water Co., a Valencia, Calif.-based company, is selling a line of vitamin-enriched bottled waters for dogs over the Internet.
http://www.k9waterco.com/. A four-pack comes in four flavors — Toilet Water (chicken), Gutter Water (beef), Puddle Water (liver) and Hose Water (lamb).

via pamperedpuppy

The humanization of pets is more than just as part of the family; they are living longer and healthier lives. There are all kinds of innovations in pet “goodies.” The list of packaged things for your dog is endless. In fact, there is even a new word coined, pupperware, to describe this niche. Pupperware n. Dog accessories and toys, particularly ones demonstrated and sold at in-home parties. [Blend of pup and Tupperware.]

Clever Take on Tupperware

via Doggonegood

But just innovation and being trendy doesn’t tell the whole story. People are concerned about a dog’s health too. Vitamins and minerals for Fido present a huge new segment. The big thing in “packaging” is ease of dispensing and use for DIY pet medications. There are a lot of new DIY products offered for when you can do it yourself instead of carting your dog to the vet. Just remember make the instructions simple and easy to read if you want people to buy your product.

Recently “Greenies” (a top selling dog treat) got in trouble with consumers because purchasers claimed the product packaging was not informative enough about the potential choking problem. I don’t know the outcome but its important to note that the consumers blamed the package labeling as part of the problem.

Affluent boomers and other empty nesters are looking at Fido as an integral part of the family. They have money to spend and plenty of it so look for an influx of products geared towards this audience. A good example is Harley Davidson. They see money in the 50+ generation and have developed the companion dog products too.

Think about this unique marketing and packaging application too. Prepared meals for dogs, sounds good enough for humans to eat.
“BENEFUL® ELEVATES PET FOOD TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH
INTRODUCTION OF FIRST-EVER PREPARED MEALS™ FOR DOGS
The difference is visible, as Beneful Prepared Meals showcase the eight, mouth-watering varieties and real food ingredients in clear, ready-to-serve, re-sealable plastic containers – a new packaging innovation in pet food. The new product is being launched regionally in 2006 in 50 percent of the U.S.”

Read To Eat Packaging

via PetSmart

I just had to use this example, Bow Wow Breakfast Cereal for Dogs. It is a new line of dog food intended for morning consumption. The company that makes it claims it’s specifically formulated to meet a dog’s needs in the morning. The thing is pets don’t buy this stuff; people do. So keep that in mind as you develop your product packaging. First, you have to appeal to the “human” side of the dog owner.

Human Food Packaging For Pets

At the Marketing to Women conference at which I recently spoke, I used an example of packaging dog food that appeals to women. Pedigree Dog Food just implemented a reclosable zipper, something SHE will buy. So think “people” when packaging your products for the dogs. You have to first persuade the owner to pick your product up off the shelf. Make sure that in addition to your packaging “going to the dogs” it’s attracting the people too.

Need more recession proofing tips for your business? Read How To Recession proof Your Packaging @ http://bit.ly/aCKEWX
For more insights on what is hot and what is not in packaging contact the Packaging Diva via phone at 678-594-6872 or via http://packagingdiva.com

Packaging Tips:

• Sometimes creative packaging ideas can be a stretch. Don’t assume your customer can make that leap. Here’s a good example of how packaging designers for Tropicana missed the mark
• The word “packaging” encompasses many things. Be sure of the definition as it applies to your business. I get so many pitches that have nothing to do with product packaging. If I’m confused so are consumers. Try to clarify in your core message what your packaging is all about.  When Packaging Is In The News, Capitalize On It
• Just got a press release I would have tweeted but no picture of the packaging was with it. If you want me to see, review or talk about your packaging don’t make me work for it!
• One company says make it bigger other says make it smaller. Consumers want value and trust in product packaging regardless of size. Don’t get caught like these companies in
  Oh Where Oh Where Has My Packaging Gone?
• When there are two sides to same packaging story what’s a peep supposed to do? More research of course and follow Twitter and LinkedIn packaging peeps for help. But just in case here are some insights in
  There Are Two Sides To Every Packaging Story

Packaging Hot Buttons:

• eBay Box an idea who’s time has come??? Lots of online competition @ http://is.gd/eTmkA The returnable packaging business has been around for a while. Does it take someone like eBay to get it noticed? Here are some innovative packages capturing the publics eye
• Packaging makes it possible.
  Baby carrots take on junk food with hip marketing campaign @ http://is.gd/eM3ep Will this carrot packaging change the way and what you buy? Read what happens with toothbrush packaging.
• More packaging tips to share in Key Elements For Great Packaging Makeovers
• Who Picked Your Veggies? Using Pkg 2 Recognize Farmer http://bit.ly/amH1Tk Great idea-making packaging connect. Want more ideas? Here are some tips in   Packaging That Sells Product, Or Not
• Why is vodka packaging so avant garde? Long answer for @ http://wp.me/pIbS2-fb
  I’ve always been fascinated by vodka packaging. The bottles are so creative as you can see in examples
  here, here, and here
• Nine West is 1st company 2 use JAGTAGs on product packaging @ http://bit.ly/deUQgU I predicted in my 2010 annual packaging trends we would see more of this inter active packaging.  You can see other examples of packaging of the future in Your Packaging Does What?

If there is an issue you would like to know more about or not sure how to navigate the muddled waters of product packaging? I can help.

Just drop me a line with your specific question.

Competition is tough and package designers are struggling over how to differentiate there products from the others. Some times in the creative wars it might get a little far afield.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for great packaging design. Package design is one of the ways to capture the consumer’s interest. But designers can also lose their perspective when trying to create something new, different or unique. It’s definitely and uphill battle.

There are many niche markets out there so perhaps these examples are specific to them.

In any case I find them bizarre, weird and packaging.

Who remembers all the novels or literature they read in school? One needs to be well educated to make these connections with this packaging. And this is perfume packaging. Oh my!

Bizarre Packaging

via Packaging Of The World

I guess this company thought that cigarette packaging would make their books more appealing.

Kind of strange now that smoking is on the wane. Most countries are now relegated to plain cigarette packaging too.

Strange Packaging

via Huffington Post

I guess in some countries this is considered appealing. Purple pink don’t make it in my book, especially for pizza.

Weird Packaging

via PackagingNews

The alcoholic beverage industry has fierce competition. While the aesthetics are nice who wants to go to all this trouble?

Weird Packaging

via Core77

I used this example before in packaging examples using skulls. This might be all right for Halloween or Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) but who wants this in their liquor cabinet?

Weird Packaging

A collagen ball to eat and the green too! This is plain Yuckk!

Bizarre Product and Packaging

via kidcrave

The King himself is very strange. Just watching him on TV gives me nightmares (LOL)

But can you imagine allow your kids to play with this?

Strange Packaging

via the DieLine

Got some strange packaging you want to share? Drop me a line, I’m always interested in learning how bizarre, strange or weird packaging can help you build your brand and how to capitalize on creativity.

Thank you peeps who took time to create a packaging jingle (packaging is 3rd largest US industry)

The jingles represent an awesome display of creative talent @ http://is.gd/e2uKo

Over 60 packaging jingles were submitted for the 1st annual competition. So it was hard for our judges to decide who’s jingle was the best but they did pick a winner.

And the Twitter Packaging Jingle winner is @eheebs Elizabeth from tailfordmitchell.com

You can learn more about her @ http://www.tailfordmitchell.com/pdf/Elizabeth.pdf

and Paul Bernard from tailfordmitchell.com

Her jingle was judged to be the most creative to the point and exactly 140 characters.

Drum Roll please:

A package ain’t just a bag or box, to hold your nuts or sell your socks. It must make friends in the store, so people want your product more

and the Twitter Packaging Jingle award goes to Elizabeth for use for 1 year.

Honorable mentions include #41 Cheri Allbritton, Twitter ID @ArveyColumbus #46 Todd Gasparik Twitter ID @smartplanettech and Amrik Tatla #47, all of which can be read at @ http://is.gd/e2uKo

Some jingles were really good but they exceeded the amount of characters allowed by Twitter. Also some people didn’t have a Twitter ID so getting publicity for their participation was moot.

But in any case special thanks to all packaging jingle participants for making the 1st annual packaging jingle contest a success.

Our judges:

Brad Shorr Director of Content Marketing for Straight North, blogger, and packaging industry marketing specialist Brad Shorr. More about Brad can be found @ http://www.straightnorth.com Twitter ID @BradShorr

Mark Spaulding editor of The Converting Curmudgeon Blog, 25+ years of packaging journalism, package-printing industry bon vivant…and dog lover.  Twitter ID @CnvCurmudgeon

Award designer Miguel Elasmar Twitter ID @24KLogos
More about Miguel: Miguel E. Elasmar is a results-driven, creative consultant, designer and branding strategist located in the Orlando Florida area, serving the continental U.S., Canada and Latin America.

So until next year keep those creative thinking caps on and keep tweeting.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for great packaging design. Package design is one of the ways to capture the consumer’s interest. But designers can also lose their perspective when trying to create something new, different or unique. It’s definitely and uphill battle.

There are many niche markets out there so perhaps these examples are specific to them.

In any case I find them bizarre and weird packaging.

This tops my list of bizarre. But what makes it even stranger as it’s sold out at a hefty price tag too

A £500 a bottle super-strong ale is to be sold inside the bodies of dead animals.

Photo: Universal News And Sport

Kind of clever but also strange. I guess it appeals to the younger generation.

via Popsop

I know who this appeals to but how big is this market?

What’s in a name? Clearly this is a marketing gimmick. Would you want people knowing you wear Konvict cologne? I guess in some circles its considered cool.

This is a little too “cutsie” for my taste. It might make a fun gift but its still strange.

via Trendhunter

This package fascinates me. A two-headed bottle. What’s the point?

Even better how does it stand up?

via thedieline

This is too weird “beer pouches” and a little suggestive too. I guess that’s akin to the wine bra.

Last but not least this lascivious packaging is intriguing but it’s supposed to be candy for goodness sakes.

Got some strange packaging you want to share? Drop me a line, I’m always interested in learning how bizarre, strange or weird packaging can help you build your brand and how to capitalize on creativity.