Where’s the line on good taste?   I can’t say where it is for for you or anyone else.   I can only say for me… I know it when it gets crossed.

“Professional” is such an overused and subjective term.  What works for one market or business may be inappropriate for another.  Something funny to you might be offensive to someone else.  Nothing gives your company marketing director more heartburn than having to be the "taste police” and ask you to take down your video.

Still, with so much competition for your clients’ time and attention, it takes a strong creative effort to cut though the clutter to make a positive, memorable impression and generate a response.  Personally, I think its possible to have fun with it and still stay on point to position yourself as a trusted professional.  After all, people do business with people they like.  Most clients in your marketing database got there through a good past relationship  – they like you already.  So,  just be yourself.

A few words to the wise:  It’s always smart to first run your video past a few people that you trust to share an honest opinion.  Its also good to take a step back and ask yourself how your message may effect other people in your company and their marketing efforts.  After all, posting your video to most hosting platforms, like youtube, makes it available to the public.  Your video could be someone’s first impression of the the company -  and that someone could be a co-worker’s potential customer.   Of course, you should ask your manager and/or your company’s marketing officer for an ok before sending it out. 

I thought I’d share my thoughts on a few funny marketing videos…

I really like this one.  It’s witty and well executed.  She has a nice voice too:

I like this one too.  It’s funny and fits well to promote this type of fun event.

This one… not so much (although I suppose it might appeal to anyone that might like their realtor to throw themselves down the stairs):

OK, so what’s your opinion on this subject?