Company:
Target Market:
Workaholics, this ad is for you. Do you ever say to yourself “hey (insert your name here), where do you want to work when you retire?” If the answer is a laugh, a snort, a small giggle or you had to reread that last line just to make sure this author isn’t out of his mind (he is) then join the party. If you actually had an answer to that question, then find someone to high-five. If you cannot find someone to high-five, chances are bleak that you can, then give yourself a hug.
The Problem with the Message:
The conversation between the advertising minds behind this ad:
Ad Guy #1: Hey, I got it – Pie charts. Everyone loves pie…uh, charts.
Ad Guy #2: That’s a good one – no one is expecting that. We need to mix it up
Ad Guy #3: Right. Let’s see (scratches head). I really hate flying and… working
(all laugh an eerily synchronized baritone laugh)
Ad Guy #1: You know what’s worse? Working for free
Ad Guy #2: Check. Oh, and teaching – that’s almost working for free.
Ad Guy #3: Now, we’re on to something – damn, look at the time! I’ve got to have dinner with the in-laws.
Ad Guy #1: That’s ok. I think we are done here (big grin)
This pocket protector is to remind me: I’m working
Ok, maybe I’m missing the “whole” picture here. I realize that retirement should be spent in a productive manner but this is silly. I’m no mathematician but I know a lot about pies. This particular pie breaks down as follows:
25%: Starting a business = Work
25%: Teaching = Work
16.66% = Volunteering = Working for free
16.66% = Visiting Family = This one could go either way, depending on your family
16.66% = Fly = If you have the money, motor skill and eyesight to do it – go for it.
This is a utopian idea. I, personally, have a different idea for my retirement – as many of us do. We will get to that momentarily. The reality is: because of poor financial situations the average American is working later into their twilight years. For the real breakdown of the modern retiree, See below:
Now I'm having fun!
I’m here to tell you: Dream on dreamers. Don’t let your retirement be a pie chart and a pocket protector. You’ve spent your entire life waiting for it. Enjoy it, you deserve it. You don’t need a private plane, snotty copy and pasters (college kids) – don’t have the finances? Look into Central America. Make those kids of yours that got the opportunity to set up 401k’s at 18 years old visit you. Want to volunteer, that’s great. I firmly believe in giving back but don’t go get yourself hurt framing homes on muddy slopes of third-world countries. Maybe I’m just overprotective but I don’t want to see my mom and dad hopping into the cockpit of Cessna.
What would your pie chart look like? (Now, this is a good marketing program). Fill in your own pie chart. Here is mine:
BOOM!
- Dedicated to my retired mother and father. I love you guys but seriously: when are you going to fly that Cessna over here to visit?
