Humor Benefits Companies and Employees
A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American
Laughter is Good Medicine for People and for Companies
For generations people have been saying that laughter is good medicine. And now scientists have taken an interest ... and it turns out great-grandma was right.
Researchers have discovered that laughter releases helpful goodies in the body which boost your immune system, make you more alert and can help to increase your productivity. In fact the therapeutic benefits of laughter are now being harnessed by academia and the business community into laughter workshops and other formalized chuckle sessions. Get your team members laughing and you raise productivity, so it seems. (If that's the case my boss must be the most productive person in the world because he hasn't stopped laughing since reading my request for a raise.)
However, it's easy to get humor wrong. And a joke that's sent to someone who doesn't see the funny side sometimes creates more ill health through raised blood pressure. The risk of offending someone or of getting humor wrong, is the reason many managers prohibit its use in corporate communications. But when used correctly, humor has proven to be a powerful and valuable corporate communication and marketing tool. (There's a reason the majority of memorable Super Bowl commercials use humor to help get their points across.)
So what's the answer? How do we harness humor and make it work for us, not against us?
Use humor about situations, not people. As long as the butt of the joke is a situation or set of circumstances, not the people, you're far less likely to upset anyone. Whoever they are and wherever they come from, people will usually identify with a situation.
Overall, it's beneficial to use humor as a spicy condiment in business communications, meetings, newsletters, blogs, etc. Just as you would with chili powder in cooking, use humor in moderation. And of course, whenever possible call on professionals who have been effectively incorporating humor in corporate environments for 25 years ... that would be Brown & Martin, Inc.
Get in Touch with Your Plastic Side
Lights! Camera! Plastic!
Can you stand? Can you wear clothes? Can you hold a plastic smile the longest? Then you could be a SuperModelquin.
Old Navy has launched a contest to find a real, live, SuperModelquin. The winner will win $100,000 and will be molded into a SuperModelquin. Go the special web site for more information or click here to see a one minute commercial about the contest.
Maybe I should hold a contest to find my own SuperMannequinAmerican?
Attend a Funeral Via the Internet
Geographically scattered modern families and recession-era meager travel budgets can lead to a problem that's hard to ignore: it's hard for many Americans to pick up and travel to a distant funeral. So if you can't travel to the service or manage time off work, why not watch live over the Internet? Just please, hold your tears: your computer warranty doesn't cover water damage.
Webcasts are nothing new for other major life events, such as graduations or weddings. But there just seems to be something odd and creepy about paying your last respects to a beloved relative, friend, or mentor while sitting in front of an iMac screen. Click here to see a promotional video on the subject.
Bike Customers Can Become Marketers
From Make the Logo Bigger: Titus Cycles in Tempe, AZ is running a three-part promotion to find hardcore bikers willing to participate in helping to market Titus products. Here are your opportunities.
1: Submit your original Titus tattoo design concept and where you're willing to have it inked. The winner will be filmed getting his or her tattoo and, on completion, receive a 2010 Titus FTM Carbon (value: $5,500).
2: First couple opting for a bike type of wedding to be married in his and hers Titus racing jerseys will get a video of the ceremony and his and hers 2010 Titus X Carbons (value: $7,600)
3. Maybe your significant other-to-be dumped you because you spend too much time riding something besides them. Recognize that commitment and change your name legally to Rockstar 29'er for a 2010 Titus Rockstar 29'er (value: $6,265).
I'm guessing that the last one will have a few less takers than the second one.
Do You Have the "Best Bottom"?
I know a lot of my readers have been waiting for an opportunity like this. American Apparel is searching for The Best Bottom in the World to be the "face" of the brand's 2010 intimates and briefs lines.
The winners will be flown to LA, photographed and featured online. All you have to do, ladies, is send an image of your bodacious booties clad in AA panties, bodysuits or briefs. (You can view entries on their web site, give scores to as many as you want to and even post comments.) You're welcome.
More Ads Aimed at Your Tush
Speaking of "bottoms," the tag in the upper right of this ad says, "There is a Key," I'm assuming that the photo in this print ad for All Bran represents the "flood gates" which All Bran can open. I don't know ... there's either too much thinking required or images that are too gross; the ad just doesn't cut it for me. But it's certainly a better visual than the one below.
"We Love Your Tush," Conway Electric Bidets. Is my "tush" supposed to pucker like that? Or is the bidet supposed to kiss my tush? Either way, I'm grossed out.
Believe me, I can totally relate.