Archive for Inspiration
Coca-Cola Old School – “Mean” Joe Greene
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a great, classic ad from Coca-Cola. Joe Greene was just given his Clio award that was awarded back in 1979.
Their most recognized tagline for this commercial was – “Have a Coke and a smile!”
This is a great ad showing gratitude from Joe Greene to the young fan. Helping others is another virtue that is shown in this ad. I think this is a great advertisement showing responsible role models. What if more companies showed virtues like this ad does? Even though this ad is 30 years old today, it still shines an awesome light on Coca-Cola and what their company represents.
Haagen-Dazs and its social media campaign “Help the Honey Bees”
Posted by: | Commentshttp://adage.com/goodworks/post?article_id=140412
http://www.experienceproject.com/index.php
I have found this great Advertising Age article above regarding the media campaign “Help the Honey Bees” by Haagen-Dazs. Through the ExperienceProject.com website, the company raises awareness and educates the public about the mysterious epidemic of hive collapse, called Colony Collapse Disorder, and its threat to global well-being.
I personally think that this is a great initiative and is very memorable and involving. The website is structured in very personal way where real people share their stories, experiences and confessions. It also challenges the people to eat healthy thus promoting healthy living. It is a great cause-related marketing campaign which gives the opportunity both to the company and its customers to show they care.
Of course, there are people who can argue that at the end of the day, it’s all about money, about products and marketing. And they are right, but I will pose the question: so what? Of course companies need to care about profits, if they didn’t, then they could go bankrupt and thus the consequence will be severe – with many jobless people. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with a company trying to be profitable – after all that is why companies exist. It is the means to achieving this profitability that I believe matter. If companies are concerned with profits only and are ready to do anything to meet the quarterly sales (and by anything I mean without consideration for the people, environment, and society), then I see a problem. However, when companies show that they care about social issues and try to help social causes such as the honey bee crisis, then go ahead!!! It is a win-win situation for the companies, people, society, and environment. And furthermore, if the execution of the marketing cause is done in a creative and involving way such as the website Haagen Dazs developed, then I believe that the company has truly managed to make a difference and has made the world a better place.
What do you think?
‘I am Second’ Campaign Making Its Mark
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‘I am Second’ is a great example of cause marketing intended to promote God as the source of a purposeful life. Norm Miller, CEO of Interstate Batteries initiated the campaign with the help of partners from e3 Partners Ministry in Dallas. Rather than pushing religion on people who may see the ads, Miller and partners from e3 say that the campaign uses personal testimonials to offer direction and choice to those who may be seeking God’s help. Iamsecond.com features personal stories from well known athletes, actors, celebrities and regular people who each believe they are second to God and stronger because of the strength they seek from Him.
‘I am Second’ specifically uses testimonials in a way that influences others through the use of celebrity as well as normative influence from regular people sharing stories. I think the campaign shares a fundamental message in a unique and highly interactive way, giving active and interested consumers a way to initiate change and gain insight into the important message the campaign stresses: put God first. In my opinion, an effective and truly virtuous example of advertising for a solid cause.
On another level, could more campaigns like ‘I am Second’ affect what society thinks about advertising as an institution? Yes. Maybe with more campaigns like this, people would view advertising in a more positive light.
AT&T Lost Dog Commercial w/ Tyler Hansbrough
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Cheers to AT&T for providing its audience with socially responsible, feel good ads that warm the heart while avoiding sex, negative stereotypes and raunchy humor. I saw this ad for the first time tonight and was touched by not only its message but also its sense of community and friendliness. In a world where we have learned to shy away from certain situations whether it be from time constraints or lack of motivation, it is amazing to see an ad that depicts such a random act of kindness.
We are introduced to a little girl who is pinning up lost dog signs in hopes of one day finding Sarah, her adorable young pup. As the ad progresses, a student on campus sees the sign, snaps a pic with his AT&T phone and forwards the text, “Can you help find this dog?” to Tyler Hansbrough. Hansbrough, obviously on North Carolina’s campus sends the message to his MANY friends. Eventually the little girl and her companion are reunited.
As human beings, we are swayed with many appeals and that’s alright. However, as aspiring professional advertisers, we must keep responsible limitations on how far we take certain appeals. Yes, sex sells. Yes, raunchy humor sells. However, changing advertising in a way that can inspire should also be present in our everyday work. Looking at the positive feedback this ad received is just amazing. I know a lot has to do with Hansbrough’s cameo, but the ad itself is effective in grabbing the attention of the audience and pulling at its heartstrings. We’re not seeing rookie NBA Hansbrough as a sex symbol or sports icon. We are introduced to him as a person.
Southwest Airlines “Grab Your Bag. It’s On”
Posted by: | CommentsI don’t know about you, but I’m sick of hearing every, single news reporter and politician (including our President) bemoan the state of the U.S. economy. They ring their hands and pat us on the head as they suggest the ONLY solution is for the government to jump in and save us. Yeah… whatever. Last I checked, we’re Americans–we have a long and distinguished heritage of saving ourselves.
What happened to leaders who inspire… who understand that we are the most resourceful and productive society in human history?? Where are their words of inspiration?
Guess Southwest Airlines, like me, got tired as waiting…
Thank you, Southwest Airlines, for reminding us who we are.
Mastercard’s “Priceless”: Do Virtues Translate?
Posted by: | CommentsWe have featured several commercials from Mastercard’s “Priceless” campaign on AdVirtues. In fact, the campaign was featured on the Getting It Right page as an example of a consistently virtuous, heart-warming, and inspiring campaign. However, one of my favorite “Priceless” spots has not yet been mentioned and taking another look at the ad brought up some interesting questions for me, namely can virtues, or more specifically virtuous advertising, translate across cultures?
Take a look at Mastercard’s “My Favorite Things,” and below I will consider some of the implications in the relationship between international or multicultural and virtuous advertising.
In my opinion, virtuous advertising could present itself as either one of the most problematic forms of advertising, in terms of translation into international or ethnic markets, or as one of the greatest opportunities for advertisers to gain a true understanding and connect with those markets.
Foundation for a Better Life: Bethany Hamilton
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This is a really neat billboard ad from the Foundation for a Better Life. It shows surfer Bethany Hamilton “rising above” an obstacle to continue pursuing her passion for surfing. Not only is this ad inspiring, but it also symbolizes the values of hope, dedication, courage, and ambition.
Milk, Live Well in 2009
Posted by: | CommentsMilk’s new campaign is Live Well in 2009. I think this is very uplifting and sends a good message to the public. Throughout the commercial there are different messages that pop up like “seek well” and “dream well.” I think that it is good that Milk is changing their image a little. Typically when you think of Milk you think of “Got Milk?” and that campaign pretty much defined the brand. This new approach sends a different message and even though “Got Milk?” wasn’t negative in any way, this is 100% positive and heartwarming to see!
VISA Olympics: Come Together
Posted by: | CommentsWhile looking for another VISA ad, I came across this one. I remember seeing this commercial during the Olympics last summer and really felt it captured the spirit of The Games… celebrating what we all have in common rather than allowing our differences to divide us. I loved this message! I remember rewinding it for my kids and expounding on it. (Of course, I wasn’t nearly as eloquent as Morgan Freeman. 
)
Although The Games are over, the message is still important… and this ad still gives me chills!
MasterCard Priceless… the one that started it all
Posted by: | CommentsCould any website dedicated to virtuous advertising be complete without this commercial?? With its message that the best things in life can’t be bought, this campaign was not only heart-warming, but highly effective. It served the company and the community, which is the definition of advertising at its best.
