The T.O. reference just cracked me up. Literally.

But, seriously, thank you for putting into words exactly what I was trying to get across myself. It really does depend on the marketing plan set forth by the company/organization as to whom (or the “whos”) shall be the “face” of that entity.

I love the way you speak! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on marketing. Good stuff!

Respect other people’s time and limit my responses to five sentences or less, always.

Ha!

Thanks for stopping by and reading, and certainly for sharing, too.

I completely agree, a time and place and purpose exists for some companies or marketers to utilize a consistent face for introducing videos and such. Not everyone who starts their videos with such techniques is self-serving, and I certainly do not think you do that with your company (I would mention them, but seeing as that you didn’t, I don’t want to assume you are OK with me doing so).

At the TV station, we had this debate constantly with our managers, as well. I felt very strongly that the publics we served actually wanted us to be in a lot of the videos as the consistent face of their community. It made them feel that, even if it were for web content on the online source, they had yet another representative and reporter there for them. Some of our managers, however, never wanted to see our faces in the clips. They wanted only the community members to be the stars of the clips, with us simply being the directors, always behind the camera.

Some organizations really do not want or need the spokesperson approach.

When the organization is truly large-scale, say, the Pittsburgh Steelers or another NFL team, all the players and their talents should shine. The coaches and their leadership should shine. If you end up with a guy like T.O., however, who suddenly seems to be the guy who speaks at every opportunity, the team suddenly takes a backseat to the superstar-hunger of one player. It does not show well upon the team, nor does the organization want to maintain that one player as the guy always leading the press.

The North Carolina Museum of Art is another great example. The art is brilliant. Their growth is mind-bending. Their boldness is what speaks. They have a strong media presence, they do North Carolina-specific contests to engage the public, and they let those efforts shine as opposed to having some sort of “Media Guru” who runs the show and talks up every video and effort, as if he were the face of the NCMA.

If anyone should be the out-in-every-video-”face” of the North Carolina Museum of Art, it would have to be Larry Wheeler, the Curators, and the Artists. Yet, the organization has enough class to know that the massive national recognition they receive is also due to the Boards, docents, volunteers, patrons, donors, and community members at large. So, while making a freelance video starring as the narrator can be novel, it should probably be rare.

They could, for instance, make a myriad of videos, like you mention, each highlighting the different “faces” of the NCMA. All the while, these videos do not need one consistent person or face introducing the video. The artists, curators, and directors could be, and possibly should be, the only “Star” highlighted per video.

I know I would love a video where only Larry Wheeler shares his enthusiasm and favorite moments from NCMA history, or Linda Johnson Dougherty shares tidbits about a few of her favorite pieces from the collection, and perhaps a video highlighting a few docents talking about the best parts of being a docent and some unexpected moments they experienced over the years!

Like you pointed out, each organization has to decide what feel they are going for. That includes deciding if they want to help create a presence for one certain person to act as the face of their organization, or if they want a more large-scale approach to their online presence.

Plus, as I wrote in a post (coming tomorrow!), every organization and every marketer has to stay flexible amidst constantly changing needs on behalf of both the organization and the public.

Also, never offense. I mean, if you call me a dog, I might take it offensively. Sharing opinions and best practices from the field, however? Nah. We can only serve to strengthen each other from different perspectives!

Thank you again! And cheers to the growth and future of your organization and its presence here in the Triangle!

As the Digital Media Marketing Director for a…well…the leading real estate company in the Triangle, I often introduce myself on the videos I produce on behalf of the company, but for me, it’s not for MY recognition. Rather, it’s that I am just one “face” of our company. I actually spend quite a bit of time finding and highlighting the other “faces”. Whether they appear as merely a quote for a particular blog post, are interviewed on camera individually (or together with me), or I reprint an article from one of their blogs, the focus is actually centered around the many “faces of our company” because each “face” has its own story to tell, me included.

What I’m trying to touch upon is that while there are some marketers who clearly strive to self-promote (and some that do but perhaps don’t really realize it; I believe that’s the case too. Call it inexperience or what have you.), I don’t agree with you that ALL those who appear on video for their company are doing so for self-motivation. I fully believe it depends on the overall marketing plan for the company as a whole.

One of my favorite examples is Timberland. I love their social media community building techniques. I love that they have their people (usually one person in particular) on camera talking to their audience. They are doing it effectively. I strive for that with the company I work for as well…and it’s so much fun getting there!

To wrap this up, I hope you don’t take offense to my explanation but have rather embraced a different perspective of your listed Rule. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with me either; just that you’ve given it consideration.

Overall, you have listed some really fantastic reminders here and I love your story about the candles. And at 16! That’s something.

So, here was my email to you, in case you check back, Malory:

Hi Malory,

I thank you for taking the time not only to read my post but also to share your feelings in the comments. Often, we read people’s articles and then walk away with involving ourselves in the conversation. I appreciate the fact that you felt something that you did not appreciate and shared that.

I replied to your comment on the article. I thought I would let you know, and to make sure to thank you for commenting.

http://www.ashleysue.com/2011/04/the-easy-choice-of-killing-off-the-child-yo
u-asked-for/

Whatever you find yourself amidst, I hope you find joy in it and always see the sun shining through.

Hugs,
Ashley Sue

I am not sure to whom you are referring, unless by talking about the Christian author, you are referring to me. I apologize that you perceive me as holding hate in my heart. I certainly do not feel hate in me – not even for the terrorists that brought our country to its knees a decade ago.

I do, however, struggle not to hold so much judgement toward situations like this. I know that as I am a Christ-follower, it is imperative I pray for forgiveness regarding this flaw, and ask for strength not to continue being this way.

My heart hurts for all the women who so badly want to be a Mom but struggle to make that happen. My heart just throbs for the child who was chosen to live while their twin was dismissed. My heart cries out in pain and anger and frustration that Bettina Paige does not seem to feel any of those things, nor does she or her husband seem to ask any of the ethical questions I presented above… yet they had no problem declaring in God’s name that they were justified in aborting a child that they spent much energy bringing into existence.

I would enjoy hearing your take on Bettina’s choice or your response to any of the questions I posed.

And again, I apologize if I offend. I certainly do not try to represent Christianity, only my own flawed-self as a relatively new (two-years and counting) follower of Christ.

As far as being the change, which is a quote by Mohandas Gandhi that I frequently use… I believe I am being that by refusing to take part in ART, asking questions for those that perhaps cannot ask themselves, and by being open to conversation and debate with anyone who may hold a different opinion than I. After all, how else will I grow and learn more, both as a member of our society and as a Christ-follower?