Product Placement - Everywhere
Can you remember a time when you were not faced with product plugs on a daily basis? I sure can’t. For me, not an hour goes by when advertising is in my face. For Pete’s sake, I am currently drinking a cup pf coffee from our local, non-chain, coffee shop and although the cups are a plain, stark white, the cardboard sleeve features an ad for a credit card company. Great - another reminder that I need to pay off my debt.
Many years ago I was shocked by how huge companies were buying event venues and changing their name to the businesses name. Teens today probably don’t know that the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre was actually once called Irvine Meadows and Gibson Amphitheatre was Universal Amphitheatre.
Product placement is everywhere and whether it is about pushing soda, cars, phones, or guitars - companies are taking any opportunity than they can get to push their products(s). Non-profits and charities around the nation are following suit and I can see how a pitch could be made for programs as products.
Just yesterday I was at the gas station and watching the TV screen at my pump. Oh yes, while I pump fuel into my vehicle, I can get a weather update, hear a joke from Jay Leno, and catch a few advertisements. The commercial that caught my attention yesterday was for a national non-profit that works with abused children and their summer program for teenagers. I couldn’t help but think - whoa, how much did they pay to get that kind of advertising?
Now, non-profits, just like huge businesses and corporations, are being forced to follow advertising trends or else they will be left behind. The big question is: how do small organizations, like ENCOMPASS, engage in these trends without breaking the bank? Ultimately, it is up to ENCOMPASS to decide on a case by case scenario, whether any method of advertising will bring us exposure to the right audience - people who will want to participate in our programs, book our programs, or donate. And thinking that through, I doubt it is the average person at the gas station. Or, is it?
Let me know your thoughts. E-mail me at julianaserrano@encompass.org