Time for our regular look ahead…this time at the month of July 2014. Let’s take a look at the coming month at events, occasions, holidays and anniversaries that can form the basis for a marketing campaign or promotion.
Two big themes or ideas.
First, that we’re now in the second half of the year.
As with any milestones like this, it’s an opportunity to give people a bit of a jolt and get them to review their goals and plans for the year.
Of course, if they are off-track a little you might well be able to help them get back on track!
Secondly, it’s Summer (in the northern hemisphere)…
…but the depths of Winter if you’re in the southern hemisphere.
In the USA July 4 is the great national occasion “Independence Day”. This theme of independence is very much a universal ideal and so can be used pretty much in any country. The idea of “personal independence” can be the basis for a promotion in many different markets. It’s worth keeping in mind that one of the primary reasons people go into business for themselves is the desire for freedom and independence.
Also…
…this year marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. By any standards this was a momentous event with far reaching consequences.
Taking a look at some specific occasions…
July 2 – World UFO Day (note that June 24 is also regarded as World UFO Day by some)
July 4 – Independence Day (USA)
July 5 – International Day Of Cooperatives (first Saturday in July)
July 5 – Anniversary of the birth of P.T.Barnum (legendary showman and circus founder)
July 10 – Godiva Day
July 11 – World Population Day
July 12 – Simplicity Day
July 14 – Bastille Day (France)
July 17 – World Day For International Justice
July 18 – Nelson Mandela International Day
July 20 – Anniversary of first landing on the Moon (1969)
July 25 – Carousel Day (honouring William Schneider who invented the ride in 1871)
July 29 – International Tiger Day
July 30 – International Day Of Friendship
Looking at country-specific events…
In the USA…
July 4 – Independence Day
July 20 – National Ice Cream Day
July 27 – Parents’ Day (fourth Sunday in July)
It’s also National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month and Cell Phone Courtesy Month (shouldn’t that be every month?)
Canada…
July 1 – Canada Day
July 1 – Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)
July 14 – Orangemen’s Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)
U.K.
No major holidays or national occasions in July…but plenty of major sporting events taking place.
The first stage of the Tour de France cycling race starts on July 5 in Yorkshire.
Wimbledon tennis reaches its climax on July 6.
In cricket, the first test against India starts on July 9…
…and on July 13 the FIFA 2014 Soccer World Cup Final takes place.
Australia…
No official holidays in July. Winter and the new financial year are ideas that can be used. Also, keep an eye out for local festivals and events.
A noteworthy business anniversary…
…July 30 sees the anniversary of the birth of the great industrialist Henry Ford in 1863.
July also sees the 175th anniversary of the birth of another business titan…
…John D. Rockefeller (born 8 July 1839).
And another business anniversary…
…the original Disneyland opened on 17 July, 1955.
That’s it for this month. Wishing you every success with event-driven marketing in July 2014!