I’m not sure why some people are expecting Apple to suffer so poorly. I’ve seen the stock slide of late, and for no real good reason. Shit, profit from fiscal Q4 this year rose 26% over last year- can’t be too bad. Kick in the fact Apple is sans debt and has plenty of cash, and they are a very solid buy.

Sure, I understand the worries of the recession and the upcoming ‘Google Phone.

As far as I’m concerned, Apple has the best products in nearly all the fields it has a presence in. Not just great products, but almost must-haves. Steve Jobs feels the same way:

“We don’t yet know how this economic downturn will affect Apple,” he said in a statement. “But we’re armed with the strongest product line in our history, the most-talented employees and the best customers in our industry. And $25 billion of cash safely in the bank with zero debt.”

Besides, when times get tough, companies usually create new opportunities to spur consumer spending; i.e. new products and innovations!

Thanks, AdAge, for a lovely article.

“Even if the title changes, the role of the social media marketer or manager is not going anywhere. Building community, reaching out to potential customers, building stronger relationships, creating buzz – they are fundamental goals to every company. So long as people use social media to share their thoughts and their complaints, the need for people to fill social media jobs will continue to grow.”

This is good news. For one, it validates that social media as a whole is very valuable to marketers, and will figure to be increasingly prevelant as more of us social media junkies get hired and do our trade. Social media should continue to grow despite the weak economy and fact that many companies are slashing marketing spending. Why? Most social media opportunities are free, or very inexpensive. Even hiring just one coordinator to run your blogs and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook is much more cost effective at establishing relationships with consumers than blowing tens of thousands of dollars on a local cable spot, for example.

Additionally, consumers are much more price sensitive today and look to the internet for price saving information. Social media has the opportunity to inform consumers of sales and discounts via microblogging updates,(see Dell’s Outlet on Twitter) and keep loyal customers involved through blogs and social networking sites. Add the fact that people are staying at home more due to high gas prices, consumers will be spending more time online-which means more face time with your brand.

Note: Parr’s post provides a link to a Jeremiah Owyang post that is an unbelieveable resource of social media professionals and the companies that employ them. Jeremiah also has some pretty good links for job seekers and employers looking to connect; see them here.

Valero Energy Corporation

Where the ad fails is its absolute ignorance to the current fuel situation and consumer’s perspectives in America. The voice over states how Americans have a love affair with driving (which is very true, however I don’t think anyone loves driving now with the current gas prices) and how Valero is great because they have ‘quality gasoline’ and ‘pay at the pump convenience.’ Um, duh!? Doesn’t every gas provider say they have quality gas? And show me a gas station today where you can’t pay at the pump, besides maybe in rural areas.

And if that wasn’t enough, just about all the actors in the commercial are young, probably under 30, who the high gas prices should be affecting the most.

Lastly, and this really kills me, everyone is driving an SUV in the spot!

To be fair, I understand their attempt to remind Americans that yes, driving is a great passion and should remain fun, despite high fuel prices. But I think the spot is about 6 months too late. When gas was around $3/gallon this spot would have been more effective and well perceived.

Check out the video here on Valero’s site as it is no longer available on You Tube. Weird.

Here are a few interesting facts behind the figure:

1. Search led the way with 41% of spending
2. The top 50 properties accounted for 89% of spending
3. Red hot video only accounted for 2%. [Look for this figure to jump in 2008]
4. 45% of spending in consumer categories was in Retail

Very encouraging stuff if you are in the digital space, or trying to get there. Not so much if you’re in radio!

I don’t plan on talking about the economy or the troubles with it much, but I Stumble’d Upon this image and had to share it. One can only imagine this is circa sometime during the Great Depression, and its a little scary how similar this picture is to the current economic situation. I searched out a Wall Street Journal article that briefly sums up our current economy, and even has a reference to the Great Depression! How awfully ironic!

And to add a marketing twist, this economy could change consumer’s purchasing habits and ability, which could ultimately change how marketers operate and advertise, and how much they spend on media and yada yada yada, you get the point. Enjoy the photo and article!