A Braaight Idea

by Werner deBruin

This morning when I put on my favourite shirt (see video), I never though that today, someone would make me the happiest Dutchman this side of the “boerewors curtain”.

Well, during my mail-checking ritual this morning, I was summoned to the front door by Santi. Waiting in reception was a smiling chap from DHL who had brought me a little; ok, it was a big box.

Excited I signed my short version signature (the one I use to sign into office parks), and ran to my desk tearing through the wrapping. Inside an item that no true South African man could afford not to have in his arsenal – The complete Braai set. Accompanying the package was a letter titled “There is no one like you. You are Unique and cannot be replaced.”, and a certificate for R5000 accidental disability cover over the next 6 months. And because they know that R5000 can not possibly be sufficient cover for any average family, they offer to supply you with a quote for the most comprehensive life cover for a very modest monthly contribution.

So why would Channel Life be so generous to offer a few people these gifts? Simple, word of mouth advertising - sending young professionals (how did I get in there?) –something that they could use when spending time with other young professionals.

Ok, so this inspired me enough to use my old noggin. If this was done online, would it have the potential to become viral?

Introducing Viral marketing – electronic word of mouth advertising that will guarantee people talk about you and your products.
Quirks definition of Viral Marketing:
The word 'viral', dangerously close to 'virus' sounds like something you'd rather avoid. Nevertheless, a virus is something that grows exponentially in the right environment and that is the point of 'viral marketing'. It takes your message and powerfully and quickly spreads it across the Internet, just like the age-old concept of "word-of-mouth", but in an electronic context. Any marketer worth his salt knows that referrals are the most powerful marketing tool available. Viral marketing extends this into the digital domain by harnessing the electronic connectivity of individuals to spread your message.

Meanwhile, back at the station: Mike suggested that we make a video, and see how far we can take this. So we took my Nokia N70 and made the following little something. Enjoy…

   

2007/04/04 | permalink | comments (2) | trackbacks (0)

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