Mr. Marketing: Roasted Rob is a delicacy

Ask Mr. Marketing, by Rob Weinberg

Over 33 years as a marketing professional I’ve noticed two patterns: people try to put me into a “box,” and I typically don’t fit inside.

I know myself well enough to understand why this happens: on one hand I’m a right-brained creative writer. On the other I’m a left-brained strategist and business owner.

Many folks just don’t know what to do with me.

Some think my inability to be easily defined makes me difficult to work with, but I’d argue it’s my “colorful and offbeat” persona that gives me the creative edge my clients are looking for .

It also makes me a bit of a wise guy. You’re shocked. I know.

For years my quirky personality has inspired many to zing me back and others wish they could. Perhaps that’s why dozens of people are coming to Temple Adat Shalom this Saturday night to “honor” my status as the Men’s Club “Man of the Year” with a roast.

For about two hours I’ll be poked, prodded, and mocked by my bride and friends. Or should that read “friends”? Then turnabout is fair play as I get my chance to share my thoughts about them.

From a marketing perspective, one must wonder whether people poking fun at me is healthy for business. As my agency’s leader I set the company’s tone, and since we’re creative we believe in working hard AND having fun. Our clients are typically also fun-loving and see us as long-term friends.

So my willingness to very publicly take a ribbing is a statement of what to expect if we work together. We’re not for everyone, but that’s probably okay. If you aren’t comfortable with someone willing to make fun of himself, then perhaps I’m not the guy for you.

While I’m not suggesting you should also appear on stage to be laughed at by hundreds, actively demonstrating your personality and what makes you different from anyone else may lead someone to think, “He’s creative. I should consider doing business with him.”

And to the core question of whether humor helps grow your bottom line? As former New York City mayor Ed Koch would say, “It couldn’t hurt.” Maybe he was on to something.

With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.