There are several ads on television (yes, I still watch linear TV with commercials) for promote two large promotional product distributors. These are companies that sell branded products and do most, if not all of their business, as online providers.
One of them drives me particularly crazy because I just don't get it: https://youtu.be/t6jJFJosRvQ?si=CEH00tzVVbHg2ncp It's a YouTube video. I'm in no way endorsing this company - let's face it as some would think they're my competition.
If you watch this video and can tell me what the purpose of those mugs is, I'd appreciate the clarification. The premise here is that this organization lost some sort of funding, so one of these people spent company money (presumably) on mugs that will, somehow, help their situation.
Here's what baffles me:
- The wording on these things doesn't make sense. It's not good grammar and has no meaning. I can't even figure out a way to rearrange the order of the words so that they have meaning.
- Are they going to sell these mugs to raise the funds they didn't get? If so, who's going to buy these things? They don't have a fun graphic and the message isn't inspirational, so why would someone want them? If that's their logo, then who'd want to buy them? Are they a gift for donations if it's a non-profit?
- Are they supposed to motivate the team to go find necessary funds elsewhere? Even given what I do, this seems like an unnecessary and frivolous expenditure. Better to reward the team with something meaningful to celebrate getting the required funding.
I believe that promotional products and their imprint should be chosen with thought, care and an eye to create what we call strategic memorability®.
This ad just makes me go, "What are they talking about?"
Do you understand the purpose of buying these products? Do you understand the wording for their chosen imprint?
If their goal was to get me talking about the company; well, they sort of succeeded. I didn't mention them here, but I did put a link to their ad. My goal is to educate people on how to choose and use promotional products as a strategic tool in their marketing toolbox; not just something to give away without thought because someone sold them something.
What do you think? Can you clarify any of my bewilderment about this ad?