Thanks very much for your thoughts, and I’m glad you liked the article. Yes, this approach is extreme – there’s nothing middle-of-the-road about marketing and branding by being cheeky or “out there”. In effect it breaks the rules, and I must confess that I do like that (I’ve always been just a little bit naughty ) If done well I actually think it’s clever.

I like your blog, very constructive. And I enjoyed your series of articles on the Sundarbans in Bangladesh – home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the largest mangrove forest in the world. What a claim to fame! If they’re looking to increase tourism in the area, maybe they could fire up the imaginations of people around the globe with some cheeky marketing – especially given the Bengal Tigers are maneaters! (As in… “if the mangroves don’t get you, the tigers will” sort of thing). I imagine tourists who are attracted to such regions are a little “extreme” by nature, so why not give them an extreme experience from the get-go!

Keep on taking risks,
Cheers/Danielle

Yeah, that’s very true. Some people give a lot of air time to the things they don’t like, and it does then spread like wildfire. You just gotta hope that some people in their path actually like your stuff

And you’re absolutely right that if you think your business is boring then it’s probably time to jump ship. There’s a difference though between thinking your business is boring and thinking your image (or marketing message) is a little on the dull side.

Good chat …cheers, Dani

If people dislike or detest your campaign it can work in your favor i’ve noticed. It almost becomes “Viral” spreading like wildfire… amazing how that works at times.

If you think your business is boring then you may be in the wrong business… you’ve got to be able to keep that excitment that helps you to press onward but i think this is rare at best.

Thanks so much! It’s a wonderful feeling when someone connects with what you’re saying.

I love your new slogan, that’s terrific! You’ve just made me realise that sometimes being cheeky is about laying bare the truth and leveraging on it in an amusing way. Well done and good on you.

I also love your new idea of “Client Spotlight Friday” on your blog + a dedicated web page featuring all your clients… http://bsetc.ca/blog/?page_id=92
What a lovely idea.

Stay on top of all that BS.
Cheers, Danielle

I loved this entry so much I just included it into my evening entry. I think you’ve got something here and I absolutely agree with what you’ve posted. On my website, I recently changed my slogan to “Giving Business Owners Freedom by Managing the BS, etc.” which I’m sure some people like and some people don’t like. My company name is Business Services, ETC so when shortened it becomes BSETC. As a virtual assistant, I do manage a lot of the ‘dump work’ so to speak – most often the things no one else wants to do – so I enjoy playing on a negative to create a positive.

I look forward to further posts from you!

Erin

I agree that you need to create an image related to or consistent with what you are trying to sell. And “wild and crazy” may not be appropriate, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be an element of fun or cheekiness.

If you approach it with an attitude of “this style can’t possibly fit my business” – then you’re right. Coming at it from a defeatist perspective will block your creativity and you’ll never find a way. You’ll be forever doomed to boring-dom (that’s this month’s new word ). If however you ask, “is there a way that will fit with my business?” you open up the door to creativity. And that’s precisely what the ad agency did for MLA to promote lamb.

And yes, in some cases you can confuse or startle your audience. That’s the risk that comes with it. But it’s also the X Factor that will get people talking. At this point the audience will likely polarise – some will love you, some will hate you. And apparently that’s a good thing!

It’s true that this route is only for the brave. But hey, fortune favours the brave

Dani

Great posting. I think that if you can pull off sensationalism then go for it. With there being so many ways to promote your biz probably the first question is “Does this suit my business”… if your brand is not wild and crazy then crazy style advertising may have people scratching their heads and saying “WTH”.

Cheers Dani!

Luc

‘Learn How to Write Short Posts’ is on my 2007 to-do list…just haven’t got to that one yet

Yaro

You’re absolutely right – sensationalism is a bit like playing with fire. But with the market as crowded as it is these days perhaps it’s more dangerous NOT to be outrageous. It’s almost like playing it safe is now a risky thing to do because no-one notices you. Besides, why not have a little fun

There’s also varying levels of outrageous. Sometimes just being a bit cheeky is just the right amount for a given product or service.

Looking forward to your next post!