SMS is a service for sending short text messages to mobile phones.  Really big with the teen crowd overseas. Do You Even Have SMS On Your Phone?. R U Ready 4 SMS Mktg?

"The message read: "XxX agent verified and confirmed. Your mission now begins, only the best will succeed. Await Next Intel Report and be prepared."

In 126 characters (including spaces), marketers behind "XxX," a new action film starring Vin Diesel, have sparked intrigue and foreshadowed further interaction. That's the opening salvo in a dialogue that will occur between the marketers and people who sign up to become "mobile agents," agreeing to play a game that generates advance buzz about the film.

That game will be played on cellular phones equipped with SMS. It's the latest sign the wireless marketing trend that's hit Europe is beginning to blossom in the U.S. So far, Nestlé, Sony Pictures, and countless record labels have dipped their toes into the wireless waters. Proponents say if you're marketing entertainment or want to reach young people, it's the only way to stand out from the crowd.

'The opportunity is that if companies like Nestlé want to reach people in new ways -- because they are afraid that they're not watching TV or not paying attention -- they are going to where young people are. And they're all talking on their cell phones,' said Greg Clayman, vice president of marketing and business development at Upoc, a New York-based firm specializing in SMS marketing." [ClickZ]

I don't think this is "the only way to stand out from the crowd" when marketing to teenagers, but it sure isn't aimed at anyone over age 35, if that. This is exactly why newspapers, libraries, banks, and other customer service driven organizations need to start shifting into the Net Gen world, not expecting them to come to us.

9:54:03 AM   Source: Bill Walle: Virtual Team   

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6:54:08 AM   Source: Tim Lauer: Virtual Team: Lauer