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Athletes might still rule at Nike, but its marketing game is changing. Nike's traditional endorsement strategy has taken a few hits, and the company is looking outside of sports to give consumers edgy and relevant products.



Read the WSJ article on page 8 and answer the following questions.

Make use of pictures and links in your post

1. How is Nike adapting to a changing consumer market?

2. Why are "influencers of influencers" important to Nike?

3. In the 1980s and '90s basketball star Michael Jordan defined Nike, and he was a key marketing asset before he even won an NBA championship. What made Mr. Jordan so special? Why has Nike been unable to create a similar buzz around a player, despite featuring athletes such as Tiger Woods and LeBron James? What do you think?

4. With the recent scandals mentioned in the article- affecting two Nike athletes, Michael Vick and Marion Jones- is it safer for marketing executives to support relationships with lesser-known or low-key celebrities? Why or not? How have Mr. Vick and Ms. Jones tarnished Nike's Reputation, or have they? Explain.

5. If you were starting a shoe company and you wanted to compete with Nike, what athletes, entertainers or artists would you hire to endorse your products and why? What would you use to market you shoe. Add a picture of your celebrity.

I Pity the fool that doesn't stack the chairs today

Thanks Mr. Herbert