The Follis Marketing Report

It’s an advertisers dream to have their product ride a major pop-culture wave for a low investment. The latest example of this is a viral video from a 31-year old, ex-video game designer, Matt Harding.

The “Dancing Matt” video that Harding created (initially in ‘04) is a quirky but very charming example of video self-expression that had nothing to do with any product until Stride Gum contacted Harding prompted by the growing viral buzz. Just to have its brand associated with the video, Stride offered to pay Harding’s expenses for an upgraded version and several months of world travel — not exactly an easy thing to turn down if you’re an unemployed 31-year old, ex-video game designer with a travel fetish.

Two years and over 10 million views later, Stride Gum is reaping the benefit of major viral buzz and national PR from their association. A great case study, right? I’m not so sure.

“Exactly what connection the company sees between gum and a guy dancing, but not chewing, remains a bit of a mystery,” says the New York Times. The answer is that it has no connection. But what does it matter if sales go up? Stride reports an 8% increase in sales since their video sponsorship. What they may not make so obvious is that Stride Gum, which is owned by the London-based global confectionery Cadbury, is also running an independent, multi-million dollar, TV ad campaign. So how much of that 8%, which isn’t huge, can honestly be attributed to the video connection?

The video is truely unique, uplifting and memorable. And, kudos to Matt Harding for following his muse and getting a free ride on Cadbury. But, if you want to see a true example of smart, successful viral marketing, check out Blendtec’s “Will it Blend?” or Jib Jab’s “Bush/Kerry”.

Passion Power. I’ll never forget a comment from ad legend, Tom McElligott, who was asked the secret to his phenomenal success in selling edgy creative work to clients. “It has nothing to do with selling,” explained McElligott, “it’s about passion. Clients can sense if you truly believe in what you’re presenting. That’s often the difference in getting a something approved, or not.” I’ve found the same to be true in my experience. So, hopefully you’re genuinely excited about your product or service. And, if you’re not, you’d better figure out why.

(See “The Power of Passion” from my “How to Attract Your Prospects” Booklet.

According to a Reuters story there are maybe six analysts covering newspaper companies. Two years ago, there were 12 — not a huge number in itself. But the potential loss of knowledge about an entire industry is occurring at a frightening pace.

Last week, The New York Times reported on an Obama logo “deliberately reminiscent of the official seal of the president of the United States.” So, what do you think — savvy marketing or arrogance? (Click “Comment” link below)

It’s better to upset a few people than bore every. Consumers are hit with thousands of messages a day. If a marketer can’t cut through or go around it, he’s wasting money. That’s why it pays to be bold. In fact, I tell my clients that if an ad concept doesn’t make them a little nervous, then it’s probably not that good. That does not mean being irresponsible. But it also doesn’t mean being boring. Remember, the job is to get people excited, not just informed. And a smart, bold effort will do that better, and for less money, than something innocuous and uninspired.

What some companies don’t seem to realize is that no one is ever bored into buying a product. And what they perceive as “safe” is actually a high risk because it’s unexciting. No marketer can afford to lose sight of the purpose of marketing: to reach, and motivate, as many prospects as possible. Therefore it’s impossible not to offend someone, somewhere, sometime about something. So, rather than ask; “Are we offending anyone?” the better question is, “Are we getting anyone excited?”

Some of our agency examples:

People don’t like to be hit on. They like to be engaged by something they’ve discovered. They like to be creatively attracted, entertained, and informed. So invest less on sales and more on smart, creative marketing.

Listen to the podcast that lets you hear how other buisness owners solve their tough marketing problems.

Sometimes celebrities can help get the message across.

See full campaign.

“http://twitter.com/ObamaNews”

from the NY Daily News:“Obama Underwear”