“Smartphone app Loopt launched a mobile loyalty program June 1 that will enable consumers to win rewards from partner retailers, such as Starbucks and The Gap.

Other marketers running initiatives on the platform include Universal Music Group and Stanford University. Checking into bars with two Facebook friends can earn consumers access to five free MP3s from Universal artists. Consumers who check in to Stanford’s 2010 commencement events will win graduation gifts.”

http://www.dmnews.com/loopt-launches-mobile-loyalty-program-starbucks-gap-among-first-partners/article/171508/

“PepsiCo has launched an open-call competition for technology, media and communications startups to submit mobile, social media, location-based retail, and video and gaming ideas.”

http://www.dmnews.com/pepsi-launches-tech-program/article/171759/

This is an interesting turn of events: recognizing that brands need to not only participate in ‘conversation’, Pepsico took a leadership position to simulate innovation and imbue its brand with innovation, investment and social media grass roots.

top ranking linkage:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepsi_ONE

This has to be one of the best uses of marketing (and probably advertising) dollars they could make a bet on.  Branded communities are evolving, in some cases contracting, in others, expanding–and innovation is leading that growth.  Pepsico gets it:  innovate or die,  participate or perish, integrate or remain idle and listen.

Dan Pink riffs on motiviation--what truly motivates us.  Its been proven that money is not enough of an incentive to motivate better behaviour and performance.  Turns out that the secret sauce in business success is unleashing the creativity of employees--its a 3 part recipe according to Pink: Challenge and Mastery and Making a Contribution.

Compelling conceptually and visually: check out RSAnimate’s graphically speaking view on the talk: