What does my headline have to do with Marketing with Videos? The first TV remote control, called “Lazy Bones,” was developed in 1950 by Zenith Electronics Corporation. Lazy Bones used a cable that ran from the TV set to the viewer.

The problem is people tripped over this unsightly cord, meandering across their living rooms. But necessity is the mother of invention. Introduced in 1955, Flashmatic was the industry’s first wireless TV remote, with the ability to flip the channel and mute the audio.

The Mute it Generation: We didn’t want to hear those draining ads anymore. Remote control in the mid 50s aligns with the shift to products and services that met consumer demand for convenience and choice. Advertisers could no longer conveniently interrupt viewers with their shameless plugs.  Even though they jacked up the volume during a commercial to follow me to the bathroom. I just “muted” it.

In 1973, Burger King ran a series of successful and catchy television commercials with singing employees arrayed in Burger King attire. I can still here that obnoxious jingle in my head, to this day; “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce. Special orders don’t upset us. All we ask is that you let us serve it your way!” Have it YOUR way, Have it YOUR way…

Although McDonalds still dominates the fast food, drive-through burger industry, Burger King kicked their buns with that little song. Just like TV remote control, people want to choose where, how, and when they want it. We all want if our way.

Needless to say, attention span is a critical issue in the 21st century. We are bombarded and bludgeoned by hackneyed sales copy and advertisements on television, radio, bill boards, in magazines and on the Internet.

Interruption marketing is OUT and Permission marketing is IN: We have entered the YouTube zone and Internet marketing videos are everywhere.  The new media revolution is scanning the globe and weaving a web of advertising messages, commercials and unlimited choice, Ad Nauseam! Millions of consumers are tired and weary after they crawl out of the trenches after a long day of being pummeled by the information quagmire. Now their road to surf tum is arrayed with interruption marketing pop-up ads and cyber banners.

The Burger King, “have it your way”, prophecy has been fulfilled! We can have it anyway we want it now, with unlimited options to choose. If you are interested in marketing with videos and creating Viral Videos, please don’t add to this confusing mess!

A creative IDEA that is packaged in a message that evokes a response of laughter, frustration, joy, sadness, or hope, will make an impression and become something worth remarking about, something worth sharing with others, hence, a Viral Video. Rather than interrupt, invite someone or entice your viewer and you will have their permission to share your IDEA.

FREE Marketing with Video Report: I am doing some finishing touches on my booklet, Viral Video Ideas, Marketing with Video Report where I share a wealth of great tips from my fifteen years of Marketing Video Production experience.

If you haven’t already,  please subscribe to my IDEA Sparks and I’ll keep you updated but not overwhelmed with some great Smart Idea Marketing tips and when Its ready, I’ll send you free Viral Video Ideas.

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