Archive for the ‘Emotion in a Downturn’ Category
When In Doubt, Make Them Smile
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008We’re deep in doubt these days. I could create an alliteration that includes the words depression, doo-doo, and darn it in it, but I’ll just let a picture (or, more accurately, a viral video) tell the story. Take a look at this video which has just been posted on YouTube and is virally making its way around the world even though the customer message is specific to only Californians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aakVmfva6lg
Misery loves company, but it also needs a chuckle. How are you using empathetic humor (or even pathetic humor) as a means of building a relationship with your core customers during a time when fear pervades? How are you using “word of mouse” to get your message out there when your marketing dollars are thin? The natural tendency during a downturn is to hunker down, which usually means “eat your spinach and don’t complain.” Add some panache to your spinach – it’s the way your customers will remember you when all your competitors are soberly slashing prices.