A few days ago Daddy took a survey aimed at getting feedback from Animal Bloggers, and Human Animal Companions, regarding pet products, put out by MicroArts Creative Agency.
The first 100 people to respond to the offer to take the survey would receive a $20 Target Gift Card.
On a lark, not truly believing that he'd be even remotely close to being among the lucky 100, he decided to take the survey.
Then he promptly forgot about it. ;-D
He thinks the survey was in regards to 2 different varieties of High End Pet Foods, of a Natural/Organic, and Holistic nature, not normally found in markets, or most mainstream Pet Stores.
Today, a nice lettter, with the $20 Target Card, came in the mail. ;-D
To quote the letter of Congratulations, & Thanks:
"The MicroArts Team would like to personally thank you for taking the time to respond to our pet product survey. We are passionate about branding, and our team is committed to staying on top of industry trends and understanding the mindset of the modern consumer by asking pertinent questions about what they actually want and need from their products. The opinions of key influencers are some of the most valuable insights available to us and we are truly appreciative for your willingness to share them.
We're always interested in developing mutually beneficial relationships with social influencers. If you have creative idea on how we could work together in the future, please do not hesitate to let us know."
Very cool! ;-D
A quick visit to the agency blog turned up an interesting entry, posted recently, related to the subject of the survey: Pet Food Brands....
The post begins this way:
"Consumers are emotional creatures. Their decision to buy one brand over another is more visceral than cerebral. They want to feel like they are making purchasing decisions that align with and better their lives.
So exactly why is it that so many brands are barraging consumer’s minds with gobs of feature/benefits messaging? Why not simply entice me with one primary reason to buy that simplifies my decision?
These questions surfaced recently when I researched pet food brands and realized that the vast majority have a lot to say but fail to appeal to that which makes us human – our emotions. It’s frustrating that big brand packaging is riddled with strategic messaging and positioning tactics. It’s a buckshot approach to branding that makes products less distinct, overly complicated and ultimately less understandable to consumers."
In the end, though, doesn't it all come down to what we, the end consumer of the food in question, not our Human buyer of the product, thinks?
I mean, if I, or Elvira Mistress of Felinity, turn up our noses at something the manufacturer claims is the next Big Thing, and a Godsend for our continued good health, no amount of begging, pleading, and trickery, on the part of Daddy Kiril, is going to change our mind, well, most of the time... ;-D
You can read the whole thing, here: I Can't Hear You
****UPDATE 12/7/11 - Daddy got a table ($20 off a $32 6 ft. folding table) to put next to his desk, & Elvira, & I, like it becasue, when he's not using the extra space, it provides yet another nice place for us to get some sun! ;-D****
Yay for your daddy... Glad he won.
pawhugs, Max
Posted by: Max the Quilt Cat | December 04, 2011 at 05:43 AM
That was furry lucky... hopefully fur you bof.
What's he gonna buy you wif tha $$$???
Love & Purrs,
KC
Posted by: KC | December 04, 2011 at 02:59 PM
We were one of the lucky recipients of a Target Card too!!
We were so excited!
Enjoy yours!
Posted by: Caren Gittleman | December 04, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Congratulations on your win-win table. :)
Posted by: jansfunnyfarm | December 08, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Oh tables are the best place to relax on!!
And congratulations on winning the card!!
Your TX furiends,
Posted by: Samantha, Clementine & Maverick | December 08, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Congratulations on your new table.
A table with sun puddles is the best!
Herman
Posted by: Karen Jo | December 08, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Indeed.
Looks like that agency seems to have gotten so busy making wise, elegant observations that they've forgotten that what really matter is whether or not kitties will eat the food.
Search for "But the dogs don't like it" for a classic story.
Posted by: Lee County Clowder | December 08, 2011 at 10:19 PM