There has obviously been a ton of buzz on the internets lately about the Old Spice man, who recently replied to a number of tweets in rather hilarious videos throughout the day last week. Don’t worry, this isn’t an evaluation of his efforts. For that, I’m sure you can visit almost any social media or marketing blog. Today, we’re going to look at three of the most prominent spokesman characters and let them duke it out for supremacy. So let the battle royal begin…
Old Spice Man
Advantages
- The Dude Has Jokes – You have to hand it to him, he has made a pretty boring product (deodorant) into a 30 second laugh-track each time his commercials come on. He even has proven to be quick on his feet with video responses to fans (and he’s smart, since he replies to some of the people with a ton of followers).
- He’s a Socialite - Old Spice man practically had people begging for him to talk to them on Twitter last week. That is power right there. Guys want to find out how to get a six pack and pecs like he does and girls want to…well…you know.
- He Could Kill You – Not an advantage for you so much, but he could probably knock you out while riding his horse (backwards) using just his left index finger. So, if you don’t buy Old Spice, watch out.
Disadvantages
- The man is a little hard to relate to. After all, no man is really that (whatever he is). And no girl can imagine being with a man who smells so good.
- Sales? - The verdict is still out on whether or not everyone falling in love with the character will result in an increase in sales. I suspect that it will have a positive effect, but also that they could do more to focus on the actual benefits of Old Spice and presenting clear messaging.
- He’s not allowed in the very stores that sell is product (shirts are required)
The Most Interesting Man in the World (Dos Equis)
Advantages
- The dude is smooth. There’s no doubt that he takes on an almost James Bond level of cool. His slick accent doesn’t hurt either. He may not be McDreamy or anything, but you get the impression that if you were in the room with him he would 1. be able to swoon you into drinking his beer and 2. make you offer yourself up to him. You know it’s true.
- He wouldn’t kill you, but his people would. He seems like he’s got some connections. I’m just sayin’. Don’t let him catch you drinking Tecate.
Disadvantages
- He readily admits that he doesn’t even drink his drink all that often. “WHEN I drink beer, I drink Dos Equis.” Whoopdie friggin doo. When I wear speedos, I choose Speedo brand, but I haven’t worn one of those since I was about 4 years old (I swear!)
- Technically he’s hard to relate to, because nobody is as interesting as him. Yet, I’ve come across many people who do, in fact, think they are the most interesting person in the world. So, maybe this is a plus.
- Honestly, the script is a little too close to Chuck Norris jokes. -2 points for originality.
World’s Greatest Spokesperson in the World (Nationwide)
Advantages
- Very Convincing – Say what you will about his approach and style, but the man provides the most convincing argument for his product. He’s very clear about it’s advantages, which helps him have an impact on the bottom line.
Disadvantages
- Tries Too Hard – Bless his little heart, as we say in the South, but the poor fella is like the kid in a high school play with a minor role who tries to steal the show by over acting. Frankly, it just comes off as really annoying
- You Could Take Him – Yeah, you really feel like if he was all that was standing in between you and a (insert something you really want here), then you could totally lay the smack down on him. It doesn’t help that watching him in commercials really makes you want to do this.
The Verdict
In the end, The World’s Greatest Spokesperson in the World (with his tremendous sales tactics) convinced me that he should win. However, as soon as he did, the Old Spice man came and took him down with one fell swoop of his leg, and tied him up. Then, after telling me to look up and down a few times and riding around me on a horse (backwards) he had convinced me to crown him the victor when, all of a sudden, The Most Interesting Man in the World appears and some of his “people” sneak up behind us and hold “World’s Greatest” hostage. We end up handing him the crown and, before he rides off in his town car, he leaves us with “Stay Thirsty My Friend.”
So, I guess The Most Interesting Man in the World wins?
Who is your pick as the World’s Greatest and Most Interesting Spokesman in the World?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have often wondered what would happen in a showdown between the Man Your Man Could Smell Like and the Most Interesting Man in the World. I have a feeling that MIMITW would hand MYMCSL a beer and they'd both chill for a little bit.
I haven't ever heard of the Nationwide Guy, so I think he gets an automatic DQ from the running. (I think you could even the playing field by replacing him with Flo.)
Ah, good call on adding Flo into the mix, Kate. I'd have to think that she's just so likable that she would probably just convince the rest of the spokesmen to go change clothes so they could have a night on the town together. From there, Old Spice man would probably steal the show at the party, while The Most Interesting Man in the World hangs out in the VIP room, chilling with friends and buying rounds of drinks for everyone. Flo is probably hanging out at the bar, just chatting it up with everyone (not even flirting, just chatting). Meanwhile, Nationwide Man is going around to all of the women in the club/bar and just trying way too hard with his cheesy pickup lines.
So there ya have it, the battle turned into a party!
The “greatest spokesman in the world,” or Nationwide's attempt at creating one was a failure. In no way is he a great or should he be a spokesman. It was a good idea, but poor execution. He was so hyped before showing his face in a commercial that he was bound to not meet expectations, much like Ryan Leaf.
You make a great point that the most interesting man in the world doesn't even chose Dos Equis most of the time. He's out of the running.
That leaves Old Spice for me. Not only his he dynamic and engaging, but he is multi-platform to the nth degree. He showed his true talents by rolling off video after video during Old Spice's recent engagement strategy. I don't think any other spokesperson could have done that. Maybe Peyton Manning because everything he says is hilarious, but he has star power behind him.
I agree that Nationwide built up too much hype beforehand. That may have worked for Old Spice, who actually has a character that people love, but since Nationwide's is really more annoying than anything, it kind of just pisses you off. Peyton is probably one of the few athletes that is a good spokesman for something beyond just being a good athlete.
I'm starting to feel like we need a spokesman bracket to include more.
Thanks for stopping by, Jake!
I love the idea of a spokesperson bracket, but you'll have to open it to include others like the M&M characters, the Geico gecko, the bad cheetah from cheetos. This could be really fun.
Idea noted…keep an eye out for something of the sorts in the coming weeks possibly