Informercials are back! (Sort of …)
There was a time, when over-the-air TV was your one and only choice, when you might have willingly invested two, five or even 30 minutes of your time— mesmerized by a beguiling mix of good old-fashioned demonstration, breathtaking customer testimonials, and, just maybe, an appearance by confident, all-knowing spokesperson.
Okay, hopefully not THIS old-fashioned …
Something a little more like this.
The kings and queens of the Golden Age of Infomercials knew that, deep down, thousands of consumers wondered just what they would do if they were suddenly overcome with the desire to:
Julienne some veggies …
Pull over and cast for some trout …
Or attract some attention …
Which of today’s commercials owe a big debt to The Veg-O-Matic, The Pocket Fisherman, and Mr. Microphone?
The marketer responsible for all those products, The Emperor of the Infomercial, was Mr. Ron Popiel. Ron did more than sell, who know, many billions of units. He also created a template, or at least a framework, that influences an entire class of commercial spots you see, every day. This spot (errr, this “program”) covers a lot of territory, but it boils down to:
You’ve got a problem (or a desire, or maybe even a dream.)
I have that same problem, too!
And guess what?! I was so consumed by this problem, I invented a solution!
And I believe in this solution so much, I’m going to tell you all about it.
Because, after all, who can you trust more than the person who invented it?
Sound familiar?
I’m sure you’ll agree, the spot really comes alive when we meet FOUNDER and SPOKESPERSON, Mr. Ron Popiel. In addition to selling millions, probably billions of units, Mr. Popiel also provided a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to make a “Pocket Fisherman-sized strike.” Folks who, like Ron himself, are FOUNDER and SPOKESPERSON.
Reminds me of the song Rock and Roll Never Forgets, where Bob Seger sings “all Chuck’s children are out there, playing his licks.”
Chuck Berry always has, and always will, influence the music that came in his wake. Ron’s “children” are out there, too.
If you’re looking to eat better …
Take better care of yourself …
Or deal with one of our most enduring issues …
…the chances are pretty good that you were initially persuaded by the enthusiasm, charm and confidence of one of the philosophical descendants of the Golden Age of Infomercials. Because, when it comes to persuading people, some things just don’t change.