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Bad Marketing: Using references to guns/bullets in your ads may backfire

2/15/2013

 
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No disrespect to South African Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius (aka the Blade Runner), who at the time of this post was being held on suspicion of murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend.

But referencing guns, bullets, weapons, violence, etc. in your marketing is dangerous.  Even more dangerous when your marketing is centered around famous people as anything they do or happens to them gets widely covered in the press.  The buzz will focus on your company's and brand's negatives.

Nike's choice of athletes to sponsor leaves much to be desired lately: Marion Jones (doping), Tiger Woods (cheating husband and philanderer), Michael Vick (dog fighting), Lance Armstrong (doping), and now Oscar Pistorious (murder?).  Who is next?

Source: "Oscar Pistorius Nike ad takes on new, chilling resonance after tragedy", Yahoo, February 15, 2013
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/oscar-pistorius-nike-ad-takes-chilling-resonance-tragedy-182235671--oly.html

CKB Solutions is all about real solutions for the real world.  To learn how we can help your business, contact Greg Kovacic in Hong Kong.



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    Author

    Greg Kovacic is a Director with CKB Solutions in Hong Kong. He advises senior executives and entrepreneurs on strategy, corporate finance, operations and marketing with a focus on crafting real solutions for the real world.  
    You can contact Greg at: greg@ckbsolutions.com

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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