My First Taste of Marketing

May 18, 2009 at 12:05 pm

 

It all started when I was about six.  There was a commercial on TV where a very attractive young woman was chewing gum and as she spoke the glass in front of her would fog over.  She’d wipe it way, begin speaking again, and the fog would reappear.  I was amazed! 

 

The very next day, I purchased the brand of gum.  I’m pretty sure it was Big Red, but I’ve had colleagues tell me otherwise based on campaign history.  Regardless, I was chewing my brains out in front of mirrors and windows with multiple pieces in my mouth only resulting in disappointment and ridicule from my brothers.  Nothing was going to fog because I was duped.

 

This event opened my mind to the world of advertising by the shear feeling of being convinced by an advertisement, even if it was misleading.  I don’t think the brand manager purposely targeted small children…at least I hope not.  It was probably an exaggeration of their prime benefit, “fresh breath” that led me to believe I would have the power to fog glass-like surfaces.  I’ve searched for the commercial, but have been unable to find it.  If you find it, please send it to me!

 

From this point on I innately paid more attention to advertisements and how the affected me.  Then my curiosity turned to why my parents we’re so brand oriented.   Why must my father only wear Levi’s when it appears other jeans would be just as good?  Why does my mother prefer Copenhagen over Skoal?  Just kidding, but you get the point.

 

I later went to college for marketing and I’ve worked in the field ever since.

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