Marketing On Switch Always On

Anyone can be a photographer/filmmaker/publisher these days, and we're not afraid to whip it out - the still camera, the video camera, the computer.

Every company's reality message is now easily compared to its marketing message.  I have friends who've tweeted or posted in their blogs about poor service and got a timely response from the company to make peace. 

The walls have come tumbling down.  When a CEO responds to a post  on one person's blog (because his name is mentioned in the post) the lines of communication have shifted.  Our experiences connect quickly back to the company.

Transparency.  So what do I make of an employee on break at a fast food restaurant, after seeing him for the third time in as many days, smoking and picking his nose, crouched right before the drive-up menu?  I take a picture.

 

Because I can.  Because we all can.  The squeaky-fresh marketing and the employee with his finger stuck up his... are both part of the over-all brand message.  Joe Biden at the health care summit with his recent 'off mic' comment and then speaking while the cameras are rolling add up to an over-all brand message of Joe Biden.

And that's a brand ambassador crouching over there in the photo.  I like McDonald's, and I'll still go there to grab a quick lunch.  But they may want to talk to their employees about the first course they're serving up to customers. 

A quick refresher on how they are walking, talking, crouching, marketing messages.  Because the cameras are always rolling.

(Photo taken when the person's face was covered - we don't need an unemployed brand ambassador).

Comments

[catherine]

Be afraid. Be very afraid. I try not to think of what is happening to my fast food.

[Greg]

"Employees must wash hands before returning to work".....I hope!

Great post, Gene.

[Russ]

You want boogers on that burger? S...NOT!
Great points Gene. Business and employees must be on their guard more than ever before - we regular citizens, too!