You blink your eyes and another year buzzes by. Whew, I’m glad I’m aging backwards.

I hope your year was awesome, filled with fun, prosperity and great branding and I’m wishing you all the best for 2015!

My year rocked.
I had the opportunity to work with some amazing companies, traveled to some remarkable destinations, met a slew of super inspirational people, got engaged to a great guy and even became a better dog mom to my emotionally-challenged Chihuahua, Chipotle.

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Sorry, I’ve been a little light on the blogging recently, my only lame excuse is that my dance card has been full with branding work, building a new house and finishing an online DIY branding course for restaurateurs that will be launching soon. This week, I completed a bunch of lofty assignments, including launching my new website (many thanks to Chris Derry).  So I’m back on my weekly blogging schedule ready to share insight on business, brands, entrepreneurship and life.

Here we go . . .

For the fifth year in a row, FOX TV Tampa invited me over to talk Super Bowl commercials and branding on their morning show, Good Day, and on the evening news. I had a great time and definitely saw some trends that will likely impact more than just national brands who invest $4.5 million on a 30 second TV spot.

Karen Post, branding expert, Super Bowl commercials

Watch both segments here:
Good Day – Super Bowl commercials, winners and losers

6PM Evening News – Super Bowl commercials set tone for political season

Branding trends to watch.

Nostalgia is a powerful connector.
This plays into a big target buyer called baby boomers. From President Kennedy’s voice on Carnival Cruise Line’s spot to The Brady Bunch’s Marcia getting grumpy and ugly on a sugar low, until her Snicker’s fix – to the return of Pac-Man for Bud Light.

Compassion, love, family and hugs are popular themes.
In these times of world conflict and life’s stresses, people need love. From puppies and good papas to McDonald’s – even giving a chosen few an opportunity to earn a burger and fries for a kind gesture. Love is in the air, or at least on the airwaves. Expect to hear this message from the next parade of presidential candidates too.

Women are serious spenders.
According to sheeconomy.com, women account for 85% of all consumer purchases including everything from autos to health care. They spend about 7 trillion bucks annually. This could be why Katy Perry got the half-time gig. There was a lot of heart tugging, tear jerking, emotional, fem-focused and esteem building messaging going on at a football game.

Till next time, Brand on!