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Conference 7.286::digital

Title:The Digital way of working
Moderator:QUARK::LIONELON
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5321
Total number of notes:139771

2661.0. "Strange new trend on N.H. TV" by STAR::DIPIRRO () Fri Sep 10 1993 15:32

    	There's been an interesting new development here in New Hampshire.
    Hewlett Packard started running TV ads on Labor Day weekend that are
    still running on Channel 9 (WMUR) in Manchester. These ads congratulate
    and thank the employees of HP in helping to make the company a success.
    They show happy HP employees waving at the cameras. This morning, I saw
    a similar ad campaign by Cabletron. Again, saying that it's the
    employees that have worked hard and made the company what it is today.
    	I'm not suggesting this is making the employees of those companies
    proud and happy to work there. I just find it interesting that these
    ads are running here in N.H., Digital stronghold, when it is widely
    known that Digital employees are nervous and morale is poor. HP and
    Cabletron might either enjoy rubbing our noses in it or hope to attract
    those fleeing Digital in increasing numbers. I'm wondering if similar
    campaigns are running elsewhere. Anyone else seen anything like this?
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2661.1QBUS::M_PARISESouthern, but no comfortFri Sep 10 1993 17:0017
I believe this ad is aimed at the purchasing public whose collective
confidence in, and regard for corporations, especially in areas impacted 
by numerous and onerous lay-offs, surely is at an all time low.  They
are playing the percentages and the psychology of the disgruntled,
demoralized worker/consumer who might direct his purchasing choices
toward companies that at least show the appearance of concern and respect 
for their employees.

It is equally a rather expensive classified help wanted ad.  Consider
the thought that it might bring in plenty of resumes.  By cutting out the
middle-man (head-hunter), they could recoup some of the cost of the ads.

On the other hand, this kind of patronizing of one's employees by major
companies is a frequently used marketing ploy in advertising.


2661.2it's only pre-NAFTA approval image building...ACESMK::RLEETue Sep 14 1993 14:0418
    Actually, the ads are part of a national campaign prior to NAFTA 
    approval.  It's more a High-Tech Council thing than anything else.
    
    We are of course a-political enough to sit on the NAFTA fence and not
    stoop to image advertisements -- especially since we are already a
    global corporation.  Then again, we might be considered marketing
    naive enough to not think of pro-NAFTA image advertisements.
    
    Advertisements sponsored by HP are also running in the California,
    Washington, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland markets.  New Hampshire
    was selected for its right-wing leaning and political clout - rather
    than for its potential market of new-hires.  Strictly speaking HP is
    thinking  tactically of layoffs --> while attempting to brain-drain
    other companies like every other high-tech company in the valley.
    
    Consider all of HP closings in the Chelmsford area.
    
    Cabletron appears to be strictly local NH -- and strictly political.