It is always interesting when a well known brand decides it is time to change things up. Pepsi has decided to do this and spent $1 million to hire an agency to create a new logo for them. The agency worked five months to come up with the new look.

According Ad Age, “The new logo is Pepsi’s 11th in its 110-year history. Five logos have been introduced in the past 21 years, with the last update in 2002.”

Pepsi is doing a soft roll out right now, with a more prominent launch coming in 2009. Part of their soft launch was getting 25 “influential” online social media personalities involved. Here is what they did according to Peter Shankman, who was one of the personalities they sent the new Pepsi can to.

Pretty interesting, and smart, move on their part. Shankman is followed by tens of thousands of people – most of the PR and communication types like me. Naturally, once I read his piece I Twittered the link to his article, which also automatically posted it to my Facebook “status”. And now I am blogging about it.

Nice use of viral online media.

That is the mantra in real estate, but it should also be considered for marketing. Whether it is the location of your business, especially if it relies on foot traffic, or the location of your advertising (TV buys, radio, billboards) you should be thinking about where your business is being advertised and promoted.

I thought about this last summer when I visited Wrigley Field. This beer vendor has got it right! Long bathroom lines = captivated customers. One trip that kills two birds. And men relieving themselves now need a refill! I know my friend Ron and I bought beers after our visit.