It’s Just Like A Mini Mall

There is the old maxim in marketing that says the business owner is the most passionate sales person the company has.

That’s why it seems natural enough for the business owner to front his own TV advertisements – who else can demonstrate such enthusiasm?

While some company owners are ideal spokespeople for the business – they’re charming and sincere at networking functions, adept at giving media interviews, present well in front of the camera - there are others who shouldn’t be let loose on the customers – let alone a television audience of thousands.

Our video of the month is a great demonstration of how a cheap, cheerful and tuneful TV advertisement, fronted by Sammy Stephens, proud owner of a furniture store owner in Montgomery, Alabama can obtain international attention.

Hosted and spread on video clearing web site You Tube, this advertisement has been viewed more than 160,000 times as well as appeared on the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Busting a move like Sammy’s is not for the faint hearted. Not everyone has the charm or the chutzpah to pull it off.

If you’re planning to become the face of your organisation, there are a few factors to consider:

• Are you confident in front of an audience?
• Can you take personal criticism? Not everyone is going to like what you do.
• Are you genuinely the right person to be the ‘face’ of your company or is ego behind the decision?

Regardless of the decision, using charming, amusing and clever visual creative in your advertising not only creates a local buzz – especially if your TV placement spend is modest – but also gives you the opportunity for your message to spread virally via the Internet.