Today is my Wedding Anniversary. 17 years ago today, my wife and I got married on a beach in Antigua. So, when I started thinking about how I should treat my wife, I did what all men probably do. I looked online to see what gifts were associated with 17th anniversaries. You know the sort of thing:
- Paper – 1st Anniversary
- Wood – 5th
- Silk – 12th
- China – 20th, etc, etc.
But do you know what 17 years is?
Furniture. Yes, furniture.
“Why not buy a new sofa to cuddle up together on while watching a Romcom on Netflix?” “Or maybe a new marital bed?” – it suggested, very unhelpfully.
So, why am I telling you this? Well, this “furniture” association, and most of the modern gift associations were conceived by some marketeer. Someone at IKEA is rubbing their hands together, very contented with themselves.
But you know what? It worked. It’s different. It’s brave. It’s original. And that’s the trick to good marketing.
So, if you are feeling brave, different, original, come and talk to me. Together we can come up with an innovative marketing strategy for your business.
Oh, and what did I get for my wife in the end? Well, handily, the Americans have different gift suggestions and for 17 years it’s “wine or spirits.” My wife will be very happy with her Gin and Tonic tonight, on our old sofa.
