It’s coming up to Chinese New Year [it’s the year of the ‘pig’ if you were wondering] and Asia is going mental.
CNY is really interesting because it is dictated by cultural ‘rules’. Everything has meaning from who the order you visit people right through to the ritual of eating the food … and I have to say, I do find it very exciting.
Seriously, you can’t turn for decorations, drums, food stalls and bloody awful ads by brands trying desperately to capitalise on the present giving season.
One of the best is this classic pile of poo from COKE – as they desperately promote their 8 product lines, simply because 8 is a lucky number in Asian culture.
It’s almost insulting … actually scrub that, it IS insulting … and shows just how greedy, arrogant and short-sighted the brand is.
Mind you, as pathetic as that is, nothing beats this ‘gift’ from American Express.
OK, I admit it … I’m a platinum AMEX card holder. Sue me!
I actually spend quite alot of money with them because I book all my flights and hotels with it – and given the amount of travelling I do, that racks up to be quite alot of dollars.
So imagine my surprise when as a ‘valued customer’ I was given A MOUSE MAT.
Ooooooooh, that really shows they care about me, doesn’t it. Hell, I mean that thing must be worth at least 4 …5 … maybe even 6 cents!
This is one of the most pointless consumer gifts EVER … only beaten by Singapore Airlines who decided I was worthy of their absolutely butt-ugly diary.
Seriously, what World do these marketing people live on?
Don’t they realise we know they just are buying cheap tat and then shoving their logo on it? I’d rather they gave me nothing than insult me with this tosh.
I know they say ‘it’s the thought that counts’ … but let me tell you NO THOUGHT WHATSOEVER went into this!
And before I go, can someone tell me what is it with Mouse Mats that companies find so attractive – apart from price? I mean, does anyone actually use one anymore – especially now with laser mouse [or is it mice?]
Another great example of CRM … Customer Revulsion Marketing.
Right I hope I’ve assured a couple of you [Take a bow Pete and Ian!] that despite all the happiness and excitement I’ve had over the last few days – engagement isn’t going to change me, I’m still going to be the angry, old fart I’ve always been.
[Oh isn’t Jill such a lucky, lucky lady eh! Ha!]
PS: Because it’s CNY, I get a short holiday [Yay!] … well, I do after going to Hong Kong for a pitch and Tokyo for a meeting … so this blog might not be updated for a few days but I ask you – no, make that BEG you – to sign the sausage petition because it’s very, very important to a lot of people. Especially Marcus, Andy and me.