Nike Goes Social with Billboard (and Kobe) in Johannesburg

Nike continued its brilliant "Write the Future" World Cup marketing campaign by turning a Johannesburg skyscraper into an electric facade that highlights the voice of Nike supporters from around the world. Nike has created a Facebook site where fans can submit a 57-character inspirational headline for the soccer player they think will write the future.

Each night, 100 fan-generated headlines are displayed across the interactive LED screen featured on the skyscraper, spanning 44m high x 42m wide x 30 stories high. The most popular and unique submissions are featured scrolling across the skyscraper, supported by a personal notification - a pretty amazing tactic that truly supports social media.

Nike is bringing the skyscraper to life using vibrant LED lights that share the personalized headlines from fans. Check out the amazing interactive display below:

Even Kobe Bryant took a moment to send a good luck message to the USA soccer team, as seen below (his message was "Break the game open. Shatter expectations."):

Right Guard Leverages Chris Paul to the Max...

Are you looking to benchmark ways to leverage an athlete endorser? Are you looking to create a new, captivating viral campaign?

Brands searching for ways to leverage athlete endorsers should look no further than Dial's Right Guard brand and its relationship with Hornets G Chris Paul. As the Official Deodorant of the NBA, Right Guard has done a tremendous job leveraging Paul as an athlete endorser to promote the company's association with the NBA.

Dial prominently features Chris Paul on Right Guard's product homepage among a variety of basketball-specific landing pages, including:

• Chris Paul Page - Features video profiles of Paul's activities off the court as well as factoids of his performance on the court
• NBA All-Star Game Promotions - Offers fans the chance to win a chance to play ball with Chris Paul and two of their friends (not to mention, win a trip to the NBA Finals) through the CP+3 Sweepstakes
• Video Vault - Features an assortment of viral features
• NBA Playground Page - Features interactive games soon to be unveiled

Right Guard recently launched a humorous, cost-effective viral campaign that should soon drive some buzz in the basketball world. The campaign, entitled "A Message from a Picture of Chris Paul", mirrors apopular skit once featured on the Conan O'Brien show. Check out some of the viral features below: