#536 it's a comin'

A recent article in Fortune reported that Wells Fargo is investing heavily in horses -- not as an investment commodity, but as an advertising strategy.  The brokerage firm now has 200 horses and 14 drivers who will make 450 appearances this year, pulling the Wells Fargo stagecoach in parades, rallies and community events.  (The famous Clydesdales only have 122 events.)  

In this day of high tech, digital-everything and pervasive messaging, it seems that Wells Fargo thinks a return to simplicity will be most effective in breaking through the clutter.  Live horses and a stagecoach certainly will be a novelty and garner awareness of the firm; whether it drives anyone to use their services is another question.

But is there a lesson you can take from Wells Fargo's attempt to return to its roots?  Do you have an iconic logo that you can capitalize on?  Can you add a live mascot or other attention-getting vehicle to your marketing strategy?  

In these media-saturated times, hearkening back to your roots may be an effective way to reach audiences.  It may seem old-fashioned, but real often trumps virtual in creating a "wow factor" about your organization.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Battle of the Corporate Steeds, by Daniel Roberts, Fortune, November 18, 2013