Guest Column: What's the script after her tears?-Ekta Relan, Mullen Lintas

Coming out of closet, prejudices of being like a girl, the freedom of 'My choice', narrative on rapes, discrimination during periods, at work place or for your looks etc. are attention grabbing issues, worth raising through persuasive narratives. But essentially they end with just storytelling

e4m by Ekta Relan
Published: Jul 27, 2016 8:41 AM  | 5 min read
Guest Column: What's the script after her tears?-Ekta Relan, Mullen Lintas

Of late there has been a plethora of digital videos on status of women or empowerment. So much so that now every time a new one comes, there’s a high chance we go “Yet another one!” Coming out of closet, prejudices of being like a girl, the freedom of ‘My choice’, narrative on rapes, discrimination during periods, at work place or for your looks etc., yes these are attention grabbing issues, worth raising through persuasive narratives. But essentially they end with just storytelling. And telling by definition is a 1-way medium. Aren’t these purpose driven brands truly missing the opportunity that the 2-way digital medium offers- the very medium through which these stories are reaching to people today?

What would have been meaningful is when after having aroused a feeling, instead of ending with a full stop, they found a way to instigate an action in you. When people feel for an issue, they are vulnerable and inclined to take a step that could help eradicate it, but provided we gave them that option. This step could be volunteering, raising money, spreading relevant awareness, pledge, a follow up update or anything that does something good for the cause. Now this is not about being altruistic. I am still talking brands and marketing. This is to create a relation with your audience that lasts beyond that ‘like’ button. It is to keep the story going on. This is to truly engage rather than just using digital as the new mobile TV, where all you are still seeking is GRP’s. Talking about sensitive issues did break the clutter but today they have become a clutter of their own.

Perhaps we need to better understand the different things that technology gives to women than to men. The pay-offs for women emerge from the backdrop of their socio-cultural context. There are more women than men on social networks or blogs not just because women have more time, but probably also because this is where their thoughts find an audience more easily than in the offline world. Here is where their opinion matters in issues beyond home. Here you can be you, without the need for renegotiation of your role in the family, which is a rarity for women. The truth of most women is that who they are today, is different from who they had wished to be. Technology helps bridge this gap. It is a means to reconnect with passions, hobbies. It transports them to different places, experiences, worlds where their online self lives life with arms wide open.

The other big reason why women love technology is efficiency, which it brings in their life. It is the newest entrant to the support system. From job hunting to recipes to how-to, the answer to many of her problems is usually a click away. Skype helps travelling working moms connect with kids. A gadget is the new baby sitter. Online shopping, homework apps, location trackers…digital today has brought efficiency in new ways. 

Thus it is time we think beyond the video. The joy in seeing your ‘kanda poha’ recipe on YouTube, followed by millions, is priceless. Can there be a holachef equivalent where it is all mom-cooked food (if there isn’t one already)? There are closet decorators, juice makers, salad tossers and who knows what, all waiting to come out of the closet. Can we have tear-jerking brand narratives to encourage and give a platform for such women to beat the discrimination and come out with their true potential? This is what will build a lasting relationship. It is also time we think about virtual worlds, experiential content, may be mobile games that take her places in ways one never imagined. That let her live the woman she always wanted to be, even if it is for just a little while. A virtual trial room allows her to wear a dress that you otherwise wouldn’t dare to wear. Can more brands take her on such joy rides? Similarly when it comes to ideas that make life just a tad bit easier for the busy woman, it is largely the start-ups who are leveraging this opportunity. Nothing stops brands from playing a meaningful role or identifying relevant partnerships. J&J investing in babycentre.com is a brilliant example. Can a brand partner with Ola or Uber to create late night service with only women drivers?

There are many such wonderful opportunities for brands to make meaningful connections with women, which extend beyond a teary video narrative. Because for women in mass India, digital is more than just a medium; it is an emotional connection where a different sentiment gets unlocked with every log in. It’s time we stop exploiting women’s status for grabbing attention for brands and instead create a meaningful and lasting relationship- one that enables these truly value adding motivations hidden in the web world of women.

(Ekta Relan is Executive Vice President and Planning Head –National, Mullen Lintas.)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the publisher.

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E4M Our strategy is to target younger audiences through Sports: Rajiv Dubey, Dabur

The Head of Media at Dabur India spoke exclusively to exchange4media on the World Cup, associating with Indian Idol, the company’s digital spending and much more

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:15 PM  | 1 min read
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With quirky campaigns, memes and moment marketing, timed with the ongoing World Cup and particularly the India-Pakistan matches, Dabur India has got considerable consumer attention for its popular brands – Red Paste, Cool King Hair Oil, Chyawanprash, Dabur Vita and the recently launched Bae Fresh Gel toothpaste.

The 140-year-old company is going big on key sporting events, World Television Premiere (WTP) movies and reality shows. It is now gearing up to become the title sponsor of popular talent show ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV for the first time, shared Rajiv Dubey, who leads the media strategy at Dabur.

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Swapan Seth's new book 'COOL' is out

The book is a reflection of the author's 'eclectic taste across categories'

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:07 PM  | 1 min read
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Advertising professional and art collector Swapan Seth has announced the launch of his new book COOL. The book is described as "a ready reckoner to the hip and the happening, of the known and the very unknown."

The book is a reflection of the author's "eclectic taste across categories: from boltholes to exotic hideaways."

COOL has been published by Simon & Schuster India and is available on Amazon.

Seth is an ad veteran with a long and illustrious career in the industry. He became the youngest-ever Creative Director at Clarion at age 24. He was VP at 26 at Trikaya Grey. Two years later, he started his agency Equus.

He writes for publications such as The Economic Times, Hindustan Times and India Today. This is his second book and he has previously published THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.

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Disney Star signs 9 sponsors for Asia Cup PAK

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up come on board

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 11:48 AM  | 1 min read
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e4m Staff Disney Star has signed nine broadcast and digital streaming sponsors for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up have come on board for the upcoming tournament.
As reported earlier by exchange4media, Disney Star has sought Rs 26 crore for the co-presenting sponsorship on TV and Rs 30 crore for Disney+ Hotstar.

According to industry sources, the associate sponsorship on Star Sports has been priced at Rs 19.66 crore, whereas for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster is seeking Rs 18 crore.

As per the information available with exchange4media, Disney+ Hotstar has three sponsorship tiers-- co-presenting (Rs 30 crore), powered by (Rs 18 crore) and associate sponsorship (Rs 12 crore). The broadcaster is offering an estimated reach of 120-140 million for co-presenting sponsors, 90-100 million for powered by and 60-70 million for associate sponsorship.

A spot buy for 10 seconds has been priced at Rs 25 lakh for the India vs Pakistan matches, while for the non-India matches, the ad rate for 10 second is Rs 2.3 lakh. The India matches plus the final for ODIs has been priced at Rs 17 lakh per 10 seconds.

Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from 30 August, 2023, to September 17, 2023.

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Sorted 360 wins creative & social media mandate of Reliance Mall

The agency will manage offline and online campaigns for Reliance Mall

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 10:54 AM  | 1 min read
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Sorted 360, an integrated creative and social media agency, has won the mandate to providing brand solutions for Reliance Malls across India.

“Sorted 360 is set to enhance Reliance Malls' market presence with their unparalleled creative prowess and strategic thinking,” read a press release.

“Sorted 360's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative communication aligns perfectly with Reliance Malls' ethos. With a pan-India presence spanning across 19 cities and growing, Reliance Malls has consistently captivated customers by offering an array of Reliance brands and third-party fashion & lifestyle brands. The mall has established an unparalleled connection with its patrons through superior quality, a remarkable value proposition, and an unmatched shopping experience,” it read further.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sorted 360 as our trusted partner in advancing our brand presence across the nation," said the Head of Marketing at Relaice Malls. "Their proven expertise in retail, shopping center management, and innovative creative strategies make them the perfect fit for our vision."

"Partnering with Reliance Malls is a testament to our commitment to shaping extraordinary brand experiences," remarked Prerana Anatharam, Co-founder of Sorted 360. "We are excited to leverage our strategic and creative acumen to further elevate Reliance Malls as the epitome of convenience, choice, and excellence."

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e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 25, 2023 4:39 PM  | 1 min read

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e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 25, 2023 4:38 PM  | 1 min read

KlugKlug onboards Hemang Mehta as Country Manager for Indias

Mehta was most recently Head of Agency Relationships at Network 18 Media & Investments

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 24, 2023 3:35 PM  | 1 min read
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KlugKlug has appointed Hemang Mehta as its Country Manager for India.

Mehta will play a pivotal role in driving KlugKlug's growth and expansion within the Indian market and be responsible for Sales & GTM Strategy

Prior to that, he has also represented organisations like Exponential (now VDX.tv), India Today Digital and Rediff.com. His expertise spans various domains including digital media sales, mobile marketing, media planning, and buying, social media marketing, and more.

Hemang Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about joining KlugKlug, saying, "I am thrilled to be a part of KlugKlug, a forward-thinking platform that is reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. As much as I look forward to collaborating with the exuberant team at KlugKlug, I am super excited to interact with the brands to deliver powerful data-backed Influencer solutions that will guarantee business outcomes."

Commenting on the appointment, Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of KlugKlug, stated, "We are excited to welcome Hemang Mehta to our team as the Country Manager for India. His extensive experience in digital media sales and marketing will be instrumental in driving our efforts to provide influencer marketing solutions to our clients. We believe Hemang's leadership will be key in scaling our operations and expanding our reach within the Indian market."

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