14 DAY TRIAL // A new Microsoft online business reality show is scheduled to debut today, June 15th, via MSN. The first episode of “It’s Everybody’s Business with Jack & Suzy Welch,” will welcome viewers to an online business designed as the “la piece de resistance” of an interactive website dedicated to business customers. For this endeavor, the Redmond company has partnered with advertising agency JWT, production company Reveille, as well as General Electric CEO Jack Welch, and his wife, business journalist Suzy Welch.
“We've all sat in those less-than-pleasant meetings where people don't agree,” said Gayle Troberman, the advertising general manager in charge of the “It’s Everybody’s Business” campaign. “Tough decisions and choices have to be made. This first episode shows how one company and one business guru, Jack Welch, approach decision-making, particularly in this economy.”
Troberman explained that the new online business reality show was designed to reach out to customers, and also to get them engaged and involved, through commercial advertisements that have evolved into a comprehensive series for the campaign. In addition to the episodes featuring the Welches, users will also be able to access a variety of resources including case studies, technology solutions, white papers, and even social media commentary, Microsoft informed. Troberman, who is also leading the efforts behind the “I'm a PC” campaign, indicated that in the end, the focus of both marketing efforts was to illustrate to customers what they could do if they picked Microsoft as their partner.
“The relationship we want to have with business customers involves authentic, strategic partnership and counsel,” Troberman added. “This show is designed to help IT and business people learn through the real experiences of other companies. It’s an amazing moment in marketing when we can use technology to bring this type of behind-the-scenes business experience to millions of people who might never have the chance to go toe to toe with the Welches on their own business challenges.”