Going the Distance in Advertising

4^th Jan 2007 (Thus)

Advertising in this era has been taken to another level. Companies especially in competitive industries like cell phones, networks, and shampoos are willing to go the extra mile to promote their products. No doubt, this benefits us as consumers and makes advertisements nowadays more and more interesting. Some of my favourites are Digi’s in which there are many Hellos, Hotlink’s in which the guy tries to mimic a gal’s voice, and Gatsby’s in which the guys sing “If you happy and you know it clap your hands”.

In Sg. Wang three days ago, I saw a few guys in black from promoting Nokia’s 3G technology. Nope, they were not holding cell phones in their hands. Instead their slung a flat screen tv which could obviously be seen on top of their heads. I didn’t really take not of what was shown on the screen and couldn’t take a picture of them as it was inconvenient to take out my camera.

In Carrefour on New Year, I saw two rows of Pringles along the escalator; something which I have not seen before.

I thought they were given free of charge to customers until I spotted a big yellow price tag in the middle of the row.

Well, I have to say that it is certainly a strategic and unique place to promote a product.

Also in Carrefour, I saw this tired Streamyx promoter asleep at the counter.

Perhaps she stayed up late to usher the New Year. Haha..But her partner was still standing and wooing customers. Hm..maybe it would be his turn to nap afterwards =D (Sorry for the blur picture. I quicky snapped it without using flash so that they won't come to me and ask, "Why are you snapping that for?" Also, I didn't wanna wake her up =p )

Yesterday, Subang KTM station, I was shocked to see one of the trains being wrapped up in Mydin’s advertisement.

Wow, it was as if KTM is sponsored by Mydin.

Nope, this is not an advertisement. My cousin, Ken Jin snapped my picture without my knowledge which resulted in me, looking like an Ah Kua. =(

But still these are only some of the interesting approaches taken by companies which I have seen. There are many other interesting ones produced overseas. Customers can certainly expect the war of advertising to get more exciting especially with the fast-pace development of technology. My advice: Don’t be fooled by advertisement and always analyze before making your choice.

Thank you for reading!