Prideless! Shameless?
TPB | Monday, July 13, 2009 at 10:39PM
This photo was taken while doing a street promotion (paid gig, no less) for Kentucky Fried Chicken. I forget what year this was but let’s say a looooong time ago. The marketing company dispatched a couple hundred Colonel Sanders out into the summer streets of New York City. It was a fun day but I don’t know how effective the campaign was or what we were actually promoting to be honest.
I thought of this photo after reading a blog by Dawn Yerger. Her post made reference to the impact and effectiveness of branding and celebrity endorsements in view of Magic Johnson’s mention of KFC at Michael Jacksons memorial service.
Well, this caused me to get a bit more curious. I wondered if the sales DID spike during the days following the memorial service because of Magic's humorous story. Hmmm. I found one blog site where the author dealt with this issue specifically but the sales results were not in yet.
But what was even more interesting in my research was the fact that some folks think that Magic Johnson’s story was STAGED. That, in fact, Yum! Brands and Magic were in cahoots and Johnson made mention of KFC as a promotional ploy. The conspiracy theory is thicker because Johnson has done business (a commercial) with KFC in the past (1991).
I don’t know if I believe this. Magic’s story seemed so sincere and impulsive almost. We know Magic is no actor and his use of the English language is often comical in the best of situations, I can’t imagine him, during this emotional time, being able to sell a story so naturally for the purpose of advertising.
Shameless plug? Ya think? naaaaah.
Colonel, KFC, Magic, Magic Johnson, Michael Jackson | in Advertising
Reader Comments (3)
Someone's been keeping secrets, huh...are you the reason we have to eat grilled chicken now???
I don't know if I'm laughing harder at you as the Colonel in "blackface" or at Magic Johnson's "use of the English language is often comical in the best of situations." Either way - thanks for the laugh!!!
Your welcome and any time Julie! Glad you got a laugh at my expense. (And trust me there's more. )You know laughing is one of my favorite things to do!