A few decades ago, I was the co-founder of what was called an “advertising agency.”

TV was the largest part of media budgets of clients who sold consumer goods and services. The budget was typically divided among three TV networks.  (There were only three broadcast networks at the time.) We bought a few cheap spots on the upstart cable networks and spent the rest on some supporting newspaper ads and occasionally, billboards.

Producing the campaigns, especially the 30-second TV spots, were a creative joy.The results were impressive and fast for most clients.  Within a week, clients could see the impact of the campaign. It was simple, sweet and pure.

Then, one warm sunny day, after finishing a challenging campaign, I took a stroll through the park. Suddenly felt drowsy, so I lay down amidst the cool green grass under a tree. I fell fast asleep and started dreaming.

I dreamed I was in the future. It was 2023 and apparently my ad agency turned into “marketing” firm and I was a “marketing consultant.”

I noticed my Blackberry was now an iPhone, I was still checking out the video feature when I was approached by a humanoid-looking robot named Alpha Musk who said,  “Welcome to the future!”

“Thanks.” I said, the asked, “Has a lot changed in marketing?”  “Oh yes.” said Alpha. “But I’ve prepared this for you.”  Alpha handed me something that looked like an iPad made out of clear glass. The title on the screen read, “The Dreamer’s Guide to Marketing.”

The guide contained all the changes in marketing and all the exciting new choices for marketers. When Alpha Musk left, I read the entire guide and closed my eyes. When I opened them again, I was awake.

I went back to my office began my journey through the labyrinthine world of modern marketing. “This is bueno.” I said to myself. “Very bueno.”

Now there were were dozens of TV networks and streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, Sling, Disney+, Paramount+ and more.

We now have a wide array of marketing and media choices available —

Social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn provide businesses with the ability to reach a vast audience, engage with customers, and run targeted advertising campaigns.

Search engine marketing improve websites visibility provide paid search ads on platforms like Google Ads. Content marketing like blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics helps businesses establish authority and attract customers.

Influencer marketing promote products or services to their followers. Email marketing allows businesses to nurture relationships, share updates, and promote offers.

Mobile marketing reaches customers through mobile apps, SMS marketing, and location-based advertising. Online display advertising on websites, mobile apps, and video platforms increases brand visibility.

Virtual and augmented reality will engage customers in new ways. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will continue to evolve, providing personalized customer interactions and recommendations.

Live streaming will continue to grow, offering businesses opportunities to connect with audiences in real-time. Personalized marketing will deliver highly personalized messages tailored to individual customers’ preferences and behaviors.

Overall, the marketing and media choices available to businesses have expanded significantly with digital technology and the internet playing a crucial role in transforming the way businesses reach and engage with their target audience.

The future is expected to bring even more innovative and immersive marketing options, driven by advancements in technology.  That gave me one more idea: “I need to lay down and start dreaming again.”

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