Football Craze

From my point of view, football is one of many games that teaches us about "practical" teamwork and strategic planning. "Practical" in this sense really means "in action" not in some meeting table or on monitor screen. That is one of many alluring aspect of this kind of game: many resources have been allocated to take every chance of winning, from technology, training, coaching, analyzing, planning to buying and even speculating. Football unites people as one.

I am personally not the kind of regularly watching football match but this time (World Cup 2006) is an exception and Portugal is the reason. Their great teamwork and determination, despite the weak scoring skill, get the team to semi-final. At the moment I am now writing this blog, Portugal losed Germany by 1-3. The only goal of theirs is a very beautiful shot. Hey, the match ended and we must live on to watch Italy vs. France tomorrow! Glory to Portugal.

Did I just mention my bias or broken-hearted aftermatch fever? Up to your judgement. But if you would want a second opinion or analysis, I could recommend this marketing pocketbook "Brand Sense" by Martin Lindstrom that will definitely open up your perception about how to achieve marketing excellence via five senses, instead of just tradition two. Football can be explained extensively and comprehensively through this book of why people all over the world share the same craze. Could it be the cheering of audience, the exciting player movement, the smell of the match, the high level of participation in the game by wearing the team shirt, the painting on your face, the singing of the team songs, the celebrations after the match, the drinking, the betting and many many factors. Every successful brand with landmark marketing strategy that can be "smashable" follows the same guideline written out well in this book - embrace as many senses as possible in each and every marketing activities and win the market gracefully.