Advertisement Ideas: Are You Kidding Me?

How many times do you tell a store owner it is all in the message? This sign should have been top and a bottom to be more specific and less offensive.

 Would you do business with this guy. They got your attention however not the best tag line they could have used.

After looking at these two signs I started to think about other unique situations that make you ask the question, Are You Kidding Me? One that immediately came to mind was Wendy’s doing a promotion to help those affected by diabetes with this ad on their billboard.

    This is like Kentucky Fried Chicken selling the pink buckets for breast cancer awareness their intention is good, however we all know one of the contributing factors to cancer is poor diet.

In October I delivered a mixed message as I did a promo video for Hungry Howie’s. I don’t regret doing it as it was supporting a good cause, however as I reflected back I realized this was not the message as again poor food choices lead to cancer. I use this as an example of my Are You Kidding Me Moment.

 The lesson learned is to really think about the message you are delivering, how you represent yourself, and to make sure you stay authentic. I like Hungry Howie’s and I order salads many times along with the baked ziti for 1 and I do this in moderation. My point is to evaluate the message so you don’t create an Are You Kidding Me Moment.

 This is one of my pet peeves when someone says I am not interested before they even see if you can be of value and service to them. I had a gentleman the other day tell me I don’t have time for this and hung up the phone. I later saw him at a networking event and overheard him state how slow his business was. I wanted to walk over to him and say Are You Kidding Me, as he made every excuse as to why his business was slow instead of taking responsibility and realizing maybe it is his attitude towards things.  I would suggest you make time for people and be open to receive as it may lead to future business.

 Another, Are You Kidding Me Thought and why many businesses miss out on opportunities. I do a lot of seeking donations for The American Cancer Society and I ignore this sign a lot and many times the business is happy that I did as they support my efforts and I brag about them on my blog, my radio show, and at networking events.  A few times I have had an irate business owner yell at me or get a little physical pushing me out of their location. I also speak about these businesses. I can understand that many times someone selling a product or seeking donation will take away from the activities that one may perceive to be integral parts of doing business, however I also know that you never know how the person entering your business might be of service and value to you.  In one case I was told by an owner that though they usually don’t allow soliciting he was interested in Relay For Life and was meaning to call the office, he ended up forming a team and getting involved.  I use this as an example so you can avoid an Are You Kidding Moment.

 The key is to look at every opportunity evaluate it and act accordingly so as to avoid a Are You Kidding Me Moment.

 

 

Though some of these are funny it shows you just how important it is to deliver the proper message.If you have examples of an Are You Kidding Me Moment please share under comments.