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Every day, we’re confronted by thousands of messages imploring us to think or act in a certain way. Not just from marketers. But from our friends, colleagues and loved ones, too.

Why do some of those succeed, why do most fail miserably, and what does it tell us about how to get more done by communicating more persuasively?

That’s the stuff of strategic communications. That’s the stuff of Frank J. Oswald’s Mental Shavings. Weigh in with your comments. Or drop me a note at frank@frankoswald.com.

All opinions expressed on Mental Shavings are solely my own.

 



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Thursday
Feb182010

P&G Replaces USP with a UBI 

The term Unique Selling Proposition (USP) predates “Mad Men” by nearly two decades. But somehow the wizened beast lives on long after the Draper era of scotch-soaked brainstorming sessions faded away.

Here’s my beef (and it’s a familiar one): USPs are typically derived from inside-out analysis. “Here’s what our product or company does better than anyone, and here’s why that’s good for you.”

The problem is that in today’s drive-through, express-line world, few USPs retain their “U-ness.” And consumers have grown increasingly skeptical of one-upsmanship claims.

A far better strategy: Find a UBI (Unique Buyer’s Insight). You can own it more easily. It’s expandable across products and brands. UBIs have legs.

The ad campaign P&G has been running during the Winter Olympics is a gold-medal example (see video above). The UBI: We’re always our mom’s little boys/girls. With a single viewing, this ad shouts loud and clear: No one understands what makes moms tick better than P&G. Nice. 

Reader Comments (1)

And they provided onsite housing for Moms that couldn't afford the outrageous rents and hotel costs. Very nice!

February 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLeah G

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