Clever wins.

Sure Shocking might get you that first time and you say “Gasp! I have been taken by this shocking marketing message!,” but after that it starts to lose its punch. When you know something shocking is coming, well, it’s not that shocking anymore. Remember those VW commercials? Blew my mind first time I saw it, but after a while you were already braced for impact.

But Clever doesn’t lose it’s appeal the same way. After the “Oh my!” and “Wow!” is gone from the Shocking, people are still thinking about Clever. Clever makes you smile 20 minutes later when you think “Damn, I wish I thought of that!”

So remember, if you want to get people’s attention, be shocking. If you want them to remember your message, be clever.

In honor of the Clever. Here’s a few great things you should read.
- Influencers can be MADE. Passion can’t. – Brains on Fire Blog
- The Brand is in Your Head – Conversation Agent
- My IMS08 session: r u ready? (new video) – Greg Verdino
- Unconventional Marketing – David Armano
- Facebook Group And Brand Page Best Practices – Social Media Explorer
- Please, Sir, May I Have Some More (Budget)? – Scott Monty
- Recession Brass Tacks – The Buzz Bin