Celebrity sponsorship - A new idea

I was watching TV yesterday and noticed a few things: Deepika Padukone has replaced Preity Zinta in the BSNL commercials. And Katrina Kaif came twice in a row for some soap ad and a hair removal cream. (Notice I don’t remember either brand name).

And I wondered what would happen if celebrities really, really endorsed the products they used?

What if we found out that Aamir Khan has been drinking a glass Bournvita everyday since he was 12? I mean wouldn't that REALLY sell Bournvita? Or if we found out that Katrina Kaif actually used some shampoo that was only available abroad? Would there be a sudden demand in India?

Basically I'm thinking that if a law were to come about saying celebrities could ONLY endorse products they've used for at least a year, the possibilities that opened up could be quite interesting. Wouldn't it be cool to know John Abraham still owns a pair of Bata shoes? Or research telling us 5 out 6 action heroes drink Heritage milk?

Even better because of this rule I’d think brands would have to run through their lists of celebrities who both use their product AND are relevant brand ambassadors. As a result, more unknown celebs and local heroes would suddenly come into the limelight as brand ambassadors too. The boy who scored centums in Maths, Physics and Chemistry swears by his Memory Plus tablets. Winner of the Mumbai Marathon trained at Kohls Gym. Pretty cool huh? And think of the money these brands would save. Think of how locals would be lauded for every achievement. Think of how struggling sportsmen and women would find it easier to get sponsors.

Cons? Celebrities wouldn't probably make as much... Dammit!

Idea to get publicty for your social cause

Problem: The media is bored of your social cause

Solution: Take more creative license in what your cause stands for

This is actually just a case of being more creative with your communication. It's also very simple and perfectly legal.

A social organisation, say PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) decides it needs a big publicity stunt to garner attention to the simple communication that animals have rights too. What do they do? Pay for the legal representation of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the surviving terrorist of the November Mumbai attacks.

Did that make you smile? Well then, now you'll remember PETA.

Before you know it, there'll be pickets from Literacy India plonked outside Chetan Bhagat's house and crèches sprouting up all over the city courtesy CRY (Child Relief & You).

But the best one in my book would be the groups who work with the mentally handicapped, vying with each other to be the first to offer a free checkup to Raj Thackeray.

Disclaimer: This idea was "inspired" by a news line I saw today: Help hostesses to shed weight, PETA tells Air India. It seemed though PETA was branching out until I read the full article:

Idea to encourage better driving in cities

Problem: Rash and reckless driving

Solution: Use traffic monitoring equipment to photograph violators and use them in public awareness ads

It would be a like a Page 3 collage but in a really embarrassing way. Friends and family who recognise your bike, car or license plate would know you as a poster boy (or girl) for bad driving and rile you for it. And everyday, we would look with anticipation for people we know caught with their pants down or rather, their helmets missing.

I think this would result in everyone picking up the one thing we so very much lack on the road... SELF DISCLIPLINE. The fact that Big Brother could be watching with a camera would make us all a lot less likely to break the rules. And if we take this idea forward, we could encourage the public itself to start snapping pictures of traffic violators. Best picture wins a gift hamper from Universal Mobile!

In a world where we all consider ourselves above-average drivers, wouldn't it be just awful if we were being watched ALL THE TIME to see if that were really true?

Idea for better public-government interaction

Problem 1: Government workers who require bribes
Problem 2: God-awful-slow-service-or-no-service-at-all

Solution: Tip your government worker

What? You want service, right? You want your passport updated, your driver's license renewed, your paperwork done... pronto! They want money. So why has this never occurred to anybody?

Tip the guy if he gives you fast, good service. You get what you want. The government will need to agree first of course, therefore making the act NOT illegal. And workplace professionalism is encouraged in the government. (Yes, I put professionalism and government in one sentence AND in a positive way!)

So ok, the richer you are the better service you'll get... but how is that not happening now? The better a worker you are the more you'll make, and soon others will try and emulate the good qualities that are making the better tips. Ergo, faster more efficient public-government interactions.

Does anyone see a con here?

Welcome to my blog!

With the New Year, I've decided to start documenting all my ideas as they come to me. These will probably not be well-researched, well-written or even well... good. However I do promise that they are all more or less unique ideas that occur to me (preferably) during an induced trance.

If you like my ideas and god-forbid want to try implementing them, please go ahead. I no charge you, you no sue me. However at the very least, gimme a back link.

Wouldn't say no to a beer either.