Come up with a left-field marketing idea

On Monday morning (Australian time) hundreds of millions of Americans will tune in to watch the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of the NFL season.

It’s a huge television event but it’s not all about the football (or gridiron as we often call it). Indeed, much of the focus is on the 30-second television commercials that are shown at half-time.

The air-time alone can cost up to $3 million, and companies go all out to develop these ads – in 1984, to celebrate the release of its Mac computer, Apple had its ad directed by Ridley Scott.

Now, these ads are usually out of reach of start-ups, although US group buying site Groupon, which recently raise $US950 million, is doing one this year.

But why not use these ads (they will be all over YouTube next week) to come up with some left-field marketing ideas for your business.

Perhaps it’s not a television commercial, but think about what you can do to stand out from your competitors.

Could you add a witty tag line to your promotional materials?

Could you do a funny YouTube video in the office?

Could you get a mascot?

Is there a cause that your company could attach itself to, to help build your profile?

Is there a way to show off your product or service in an unusual environment?

Watching top-class marketing is always a great way to get inspiration, so get it done – today!