Marketers Have Responsibility for ROI

A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American

It Only Takes Time

I recently read an article by a "social media strategy consultant" about "how much time is needed to see solid social media success." The author (out of fairness I'm not going to use her name because it's easy to take Monday morning pot-shots at other people's work) rightly pointed out that "ROI is top of mind for most marketers using social media." But after that her credibility fell completely out of sight.

The author wrote, "Unlike some other traditional forms of marketing, when it comes to social media, your investment is more time than money." What? Obviously this self-proclaimed expert has never run a "real" company. A successful business must always view "time" in terms of ROI. Time literally is money.

Marketers have a responsibility to keep their eyes on the ball ... and the ball is ROI. Social media usage needs to based on the same ROI objectives that more traditional forms of marketing have been expected to produce.  It can be argued that true "return" is not always financial. But in the grand scheme of things marketing is expected to contribute to the bottom line.

That's Not a Jacuzzi

Thanks to copyranter: Okay, this commercial for Bristol Myers Squibb is just too funny not to take a moment to watch. It looks intimate. It's not.

Along similar lines, the print ad (above) for a pocket-sized air-freshener dispenser is a bit over the top.

While we're "over the top," the print ad above for Anchormar Spicy Sardine features what appears to be a farting sea gull. I think they're giving readers too much credit for being able to figure this one out.

And finally, from fart-enhanced marketing to bathroom-enhanced marketing, here's a print ad that advises, "Take Your Relationship a Step Backwards" for Tzamar Romantic Vacations for Couples. You have to admit, the photo forces you to take pause ...

Ventriloquist Ray Alan

English Ventriloquist Ray Alan died recently at the age of 79. Ray was famous for his act with monocled, upper-crust, inebriated puppet Lord Charles. I never met Ray, but I remember seeing him on a few variety shows and HBO's Block Heads. His technique was outstanding ... and he was funny.

Lord Charles was inspired by a boozy patron spotted by Alan at a table during a cabaret show. He later based the puppet's face on Stan Laurel, having performed with Laurel and Hardy on their last tour in 1954. (Did you know that Laurel and Hardy toured? I didn't.) 

Click here to see one of Ray's classic routines.