Advertising Individuality

A person who desires to make an impression must stand out in some way
from the masses. And in a pleasing way. Being eccentric, being abnormal
is not a distinction to covet. But doing admirable things in a different
way gives one a great advantage.

So with salesmen, in person or in print. There is uniqueness which
belittles and arouses resentment. There is refreshing uniqueness which
enhances, which we welcome and remember. Fortunate is the salesman who
has it.

We try to give each advertiser a becoming style. We make him
distinctive, perhaps not in appearance, but in manner and in tone. He is
given an individuality best suited to the people he addresses.

One man appears rugged and honest in a line where rugged honesty counts.
One may be a good fellow where choice is a matter of favor. In other
lines the man stands out by impressing himself as an authority.

We have already cited a case where a woman made a great success in
selling clothing to girls, solely through a created personality which
won.

That’s why we have signed ads sometimes–to give them a personal
authority. A man is talking–a man who takes pride in his
accomplishments–not a “soul-less corporation.” Whenever possible we
introduce a personality into our ads. By making a man famous we make his
product famous. When we claim an improvement, naming the man who made it
adds effect.

Then we take care not to change an individuality which has proved
appealing. Before a man writes a new ad on that line, he gets into the
spirit adopted by the advertiser. He plays a part as an actor plays it.

In successful advertising great pains are taken to never change our
tone. That which won so many is probably the best way to win others.
Then people come to know us. We build on that acquaintance rather than
introduce a stranger in strange guise. People do not know us by name
alone, but by looks and mannerisms. Appearing different every time we
meet never builds up confidence.

Then we don’t want people to think that salesmanship is made to order.
That our appeals are created, studied, artificial. They must seem to
come from the heart, and the same heart always, save where a wrong tack
forces a complete change.

There are winning personalities in ads as well as people. To some we are
glad to listen, others bore us. Some are refreshing, some commonplace.
Some inspire confidence, some caution.

To create the right individuality is a supreme accomplishment. Then an
advertiser’s growing reputation on that line brings him ever-increasing
prestige. Never weary of that part. Remember that a change in our
characteristics would compel our best friends to get acquainted all
over.

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