It's working, it's really working...

Being a parent, I know they joys of watching my children do new things. New words, expressions, concepts...ideas...

Sometimes, it's just as fulfilling to see it happen in other aspects of your life....

I preach, no, not religion, business. I whine, complain, and cajole people (companies) into opening their eyes to new and exciting ideas. I give them new words, expressions, concepts, and ... ideas....

One of my favourite things to do is pick apart marketing strategies. Having studied psychology, and working in marketing earlier in my career, I like to imagine what the marketer's intent is for a certain campaign. I know the tricks, and love to see if people can actually pull them off... I also like to (I know gag, I'm a geek...blah) come up with instances where the marketing strategy could have gone one step further, and REALLY been effective.. here are my latest two:


Insurance Brokers Association of Canada: Hey, why not ACTUALLY MAKE the blankets that they show in the television commercials. Brokers could give them out to their clients.. why not have them embroidered with the agent's office info.. SOMEONE would leave it out in their living room, and other people would see it...

Labbat Blue: I've got to be careful here.. my last post was about my lack of passion for hockey.. Anyways.. the recent radio spots for Blue mentions that in every case (specially marked case, while supplies last.. blah..) you will find a mini Stanley Cup..great.. now if I can't make it to McDonalds for a mini Cup, I can get a case of Blue.. how original... anyway, the ad also jokes of cases including a mini GOAL SIREN. Now I'm no genius, but THAT'S BRILLIANT!! Imagine in late May, the Leafs, are still in the running, everyone has their windows open (because it's practically summer...) and every time the Leafs score.. you hear these mini SIRENS going off all over the neighbourhood.. reminding everyone to drink more delicious, ice cold Blue... nah, that would never work, mini cups.. that's the winner.. right there...

Any way.. wouldn't you know it.. I have a point..

So this morning, I'm on the subway on my way to work, with my wife, and wouldn't you know it ... she pipes up about the lack of follow through in an ad campaign!! Wow, I almost fell off my seat... Good on ya! I know, you're all dying to hear about her great idea...

TTC: On every TTC vehicle, there are ads proclaiming that by taking the TTC you could save up to $3,900 by not taking your car, and there are plenty of made up scenarios from ski vacations, to hot tubs.. so here's her idea (with a little embeleshing from me...of course...) Why not have a promotion wherein everyone who actually signs up for an annual subscription for a Metro Pass is eligible to win one of the scenarios...their pick... this is genius!! At about $1,200 a year, if over 4 (yes, just 4) people sign up, you've paid off the prize, and increased ridership.

Now, I'm not saying that I caused this all to happen, but, it happened... is it happening where you work? In your life? What did you teach to someone today?