Customer Loyalty Requires Authenticity
Allow me to rant for a moment – and join the rant if you like.
Marketing has run amok in our political process.
As an immigrant from a socialist country, I take my "Americanism" very seriously. And as a marketing professional, I take the combination of psychology,science and art that is marketing very seriously as well.
But can I just say — I'm so sick of empty messages from EVERYONE across the board. I would love nothing more than to have every communications and political consultant barred from this process so that we can see our candidates in their true form.
Perhaps what I'm asking for is the equivalent of allowing people to see you in your pajamas with no make-up, but I just can't tell who or what is real anymore how about you?
If you are like me and a fan of books like Neuromarketing, or authors like Robert Cialdini - then you can't help but see through so many of these messages and images. As I like to say, "You can't con a con."
I'm dying for some authenticity here – and I'm talking about the real kind. Has it become impossible for consumers to get an authentic candidate, company or product?
Authenticity sells – especially when we are so surrounded by well-designed and articulated messages. I read in this morning's paper the Obama changed the original authentic approach that made him so appealing. Then across the line, McCain made a strategic move in selecting Palin. Will a real candidate please show himself.
When I'm purchasing a product, I generally know what to expect and what value I trade my dollars for. but in this case – I'm not sure what value I trade my vote for.
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Ivana.. funny, I am feeling that this election in particular we are seeing something different… history making opportunities almost force authenticity in my opinion. There is so much at stake on both sides that I think we will see more and more authenticity and it won’t always be “pretty”.
I personally am ONLY focusing on listening to what the TOP 4 (pres noms and vp noms)have to say, not news commentators or anyone else. As for the issues, I will look at the “party” platforms not depend on speeches or what the “experts” have to say.
Personally, I’d like to have all “marketing” messages eliminated from the process – that includes radio and TV ads. What I would love to see instead is that every candidate has to fill out a standard form that outlines (in writing) their position and action plan. This informtion would then be mailed to every citisen/household/voter for review. I would also make it mandatory that each candidate fills this out WITHOUT assistance from any consultant – other than their spouce
If people – then – want to comment and analyze, they would be free to do that. But what’s written is sent to voters and that’s that. In fact, I would put those candidates in a room to fill the thing out – just like one of those employment tests they do for execs. Yes – then we would have an industrial psychologist analyze the results and write a report – which is included in the packet.
NOW – we can vote – and save our valuable TV entertainment time and political donations for truly important things (insert what you think is important here)
Interesting take, Ivana. Not much of a political person, but McCain’s choice struck me as so unorthodox and in a way risky — not safe and carefully calculated — it seems vintage McCain. We ARE seeing the real candidate there.