I’m a believer in the notion that we can improve ourselves in some way every single day. This includes learning lessons in many different contexts, where they can be applied to other situations. We don’t even have to consciously try to do this, it can often be a matter of just keeping our eyes and mind open to observe and understand what’s going on around us.
An example of this concept occurred for me lately when getting a haircut. Yes, that’s right, I actually learned something during that time, and it didn’t involve thinking about how much to pay for a haircut. Rather, I came across small but interesting (to me, anyway) example of opportunistic thinking by a business.
So, I stopped into this local place for a basic haircut. I have long since forgone expensive haircuts, and am now more likely to go to one of a few places that are more inexpensive and of the “chain” variety. Frankly, I’m not willing to spend 2 to 3 times as much to go elsewhere for a more “high end” cut. Anyway, I walked in, waited a few minutes, and then got seated for the haircut. After 20 minutes, it was done with no surprises or anything out of the ordinary.
Then, they ask if you’d like your hair rinsed and dried. I said yes, and went took a few steps to another chair. I leaned back, and then got my hair rinsed. As I did, I glanced up at the ceiling and immediately noticed that there was a ceiling tile right above me that contained an advertisement. It was promoting difference services that they offered.
Now, I couldn’t help but notice it. I had nowhere else to look, really. You just couldn’t avoid looking at this bright advertisement on the ceiling tile, as you’re a captive audience in that chair. As I got up, and went to pay, I looked around the place. Every other ceiling tile was standard white, except that one where you get your hair washed. Quite strategic!
Also quite clever. A little bit of out of the box thinking to make the best use of resources. After all, isn’t a ceiling tile usually something totally irrelevant? Yet that particular one, in that particular location, could be leveraged to become a great advertising space! A good example of how one can potentially monetize anything.
Just another example of how in our own lives, we can find different situations that might otherwise seem mundane, yet find a way to maximize the potential value!
My Questions for You
Have you ever seen any really unique advertisements, taking advantage of out of the ordinary vehicles?
Do you ever try to learn lessons or maximize the value of seemingly ordinary situations?
I think it’s a little over the top but I guess not surprising. I still love watching old NHL hockey games where the footage is grainy, but the boards were just boards, not filled with advertising. When they show the Red Wings games on TV, they actually superimpose ads along the parts of the glass, which gives the illusion that there are people there who can’t see through the glass, but I’ve confirmed it’s really not there, they just put them there on the TV. Crazy.
MB – I know what you mean about advertising at sporting arenas. Or, in some cases, broadcasts (where it just looks like there are ads at the arena). Anyway, I don’t see this trend stopping any time soon, even if I like the old-school memories too.
That is pretty awesome. I like it. It is an easy tactic to deploy and doesn’t cost you anything to upsell your own services. I can’t think of anything that I have seen that is out of the ordinary, but now I will have to keep my eye out.
Grayson – yes, easy to deploy and opportunistic. I thought it was clever!
My dentist puts posters of tropical places and serene scenes on the ceiling above the chair. Not advertising, but similar. I’ve noticed more and more advertising on the floor recently, especially in retail establishments. Kinda fun tromping on the logo of product you don’t like!
Kurt – LOL regarding walking all over a logo that one doesn’t like 🙂
That’s a great idea. Probably better for the dentists than the barbers though.
More expensive follow up services! Though some people are willing to spend massively on their hair.
My husband mentioned ad space being sold in front of urinals and I thought that was hilariously clever. I’ve also seen ads that look like eye doctor tests that get me to look longer…