by Jimmy Marks
Alright, this is getting crazy.
Sure, every election you get bumper stickers and hats and flags and t-shirts. It happens. But battling Obama/McCain flip-flops? That's just creepy. Sarah Palin wigs? Really? You're serious right now...
Not even coffee is safe anymore. 7-Eleven, creators of the Slurpee and known for their cheap, quick food, unveiled "Presidential Perks", an extension of their previous "7-Election" events in which people can purchase a cup of coffee with either an "Obama" or "McCain" on the front.
Can't we have a moment's peace? I read papers, I read blogs, I watch evening news that doesn't involve Jon Stewart...what more do you WANT from me, society?!? Can't I just get an "undecided" cup? (Answer: no.)
(More...)
After I yelled at a stack of cups for an hour, I thought about the contest. See, the Obama cups are blue and the McCain cups are red. Maybe it's just me, but I recall that red is a color tied to hunger/consumption (McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Five Guys...you get the idea) and heat (who wants cold coffee?). Plus, the McCain cup had a star in place of the tittle over the "i".
Does this mean 7-Eleven wants people to lean McCain? Probably not. It's probably just a design decision. But it does make me want to buy 7-Eleven coffee. Means to an end.
Which brings me to my question of the day: What are you doing to bring people to your business...are you tapping into the social conscience? Can you identify with the people you serve and bring them what they want? 7-Eleven's letting you show your support on your coffee cups. Maybe your business needs to appeal to people's leanings. Stay topical, stay current, stay in the mind of the consumer.
Close your eyes and count to 30. It will all be over soon.
Posted by: Jeffry Pilcher | October 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Personally, I think that the Obama/McCain cup idea is kind of ridiculous. I can't imagine people changing their preferences to 7-11 in order to score a blue cup.
I would also tend to be weary of appealing to people's leaning, especially political ones. It's a lot easier to alienate people than it is to win them over. Only take that kind of chance if you can guarantee it will be even handed (which is nearly impossible, why doesn't 7-11 have green or yellow cups?), or can guarantee that a non-even handed approach would be universally appreciated.
Posted by: Elliott | October 28, 2008 at 02:00 PM