Saturday, November 21, 2009

Senseless Marketers and their Sensational Sense of Humour

A career in marketing might be hectic and chaotic; tension-filled and pressure-mounted. But you have to give it to marketers for their amazing sense of humour. They never let their busy lifestyle mar their incredible talent to make people laugh. Just scan the business press and read about the marvelous marketing magic weaved by marketers. It is sure to open your heart, widen your smile and even let you have a deafening laugh. Want proof: here is a comic gem I found in the business press recently.

A Kolkata-based FMCG major is diversifying into cement business and will invest Rs1,750 crore to set up production units in the next three years. “We are diversifying into the cement business, considering the potential and demand of it in the country, particularly in the eastern region. The total investment for the venture will be around Rs1,750 crore for the next three years,” the company’s group director Mohan Goenka said.

As part of the new plan, the company will set up a fully integrated cement plant in Chhattisgarh with an installed capacity to produce 3.1 million tones. He also added the product will cater to the eastern region only.

Oh, by the way, the company in question is Emami.

Now, where is the humour in all this, you wonder? The company is launching its cement under the ‘Emami’ brand name.

Yup, you heard it right. ‘Emami Cement’. What do you say?

I guess it would just be a matter of time before other marketers too get their comedy act together and launch a laugh riot. When that happens, boy we could well expect these: Lakme Housing, Pond’s Shipping, Garnier Fertilizers, Fair & Lovely Steels, Nivea Nuclear Plants and many more.

And, not for a minute, should we underestimate the marketers of industrial brands. Be rest assured; they would come all comic guns blazing to invade FMCG turf. Get all set to welcome: L&T Facewash, DLF Sunscreen Lotion, TISCO Talcum Powder, ONGC Room Fresheners to name a few.

Though strictly not within this ambit, yet as a parting shot, allow me to present my favourite: Harpic Mouthwash!

7 comments:

liliandavid said...

This would be really stupid if it happens at all.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/emami-to-foray-into-cement-business/538919/

This is as good as Fair & Lovely announcing that they are going to sell automobiles under the same brand.

Let's see how they are going to market this one.

Prasannaa Murli C said...

Fantastic sir.. As v had spoken about in our class sessions, its hilarious.. A thoughtful blog in the way that only u can write.. :)

Shiv said...

Sad to here this kind of awful thought pops out from a marketing professional.. As you said we might come up to a level of "Harpic Mouthwash"..Lols :D

And I would say they are trying their luck with regard to their brand equity which they've earned all these days..

Good one again.. Peace :)

Shiv said...

Sad to here this kind of awful thought pops out from a marketing professional.. As you said we might come up to a level of "Harpic Mouthwash"..Lols :D

And I would say they are trying their luck with regard to their brand equity which they've earned all these days..

Good one again.. Peace :)

Arun said...

Hahaha..seems like Vadivelu would finally face some serious competition.

Anonymous said...

.... how come anchor, a switch brand came to toothpastes category and still became no.1 brand in atleast two states, thwarting mighty colgate???

Puneet said...

This is real nonsense..how can the marketers ignore the basics of marketing..