This is a funny marketing article.

I was scrolling through LinkedIn this morning (as one does while pretending to be productive), and I stumbled upon a job post that said individuals looking to apply needed to submit professional, comedic writing that they do for their current line of work.

Now, that's a tall order. I’ve worked at a buffet of companies, and I can confidently say that comedic writing is about as sought-after as a Yeti sighting. Most businesses treat humor like it's a live grenade—they're terrified it will blow up in their faces if the joke flops (#readtheroomfail). In my experience, they'd rather play it safe with a dry, "innovative solutions" pitch than risk a chuckle-induced catastrophe.

So, here's my attempt at a comedic blog article that's also productive enough to be business casual:

Marketing: The Fun House Mirror

Marketing is essentially about perception—bending reality just enough to make products and services seem indispensable. It's a bit like a fun house mirror: what you see is recognizable but delightfully distorted. The trick is to keep things light. After all, nobody wants to be the marketer who takes themselves more seriously than their audience takes their product.

Imagine this: you're pitching a new line of organic, gluten-free, ethically-sourced, hand-whittled toothpicks. Yes, toothpicks. The product is as mundane as it gets, but it’s your job to make it sparkle. Cue the dramatic voiceover: "In a world full of dental dilemmas, one toothpick stands above the rest..." It’s ridiculous, and that’s the beauty. If you can embrace the absurdity, you can make anything marketable.

The Industry of Hyperbole

The marketing industry is built on hyperbole. We don't just sell products; we sell lifestyles, dreams, and sometimes even delusions. This isn't a bad thing—it's about injecting a little magic into the mundane. But it does lead to some hilarious situations.

Take the "new and improved" trope. Remember when your favorite cereal suddenly had "50% more marshmallows"? What were they doing before—holding out on us? Or the classic "world's best coffee" sign in every third cafe you pass. Somewhere out there, there's a barista who really believes they're grinding the pinnacle of bean excellence, and I love them for it.

Buzzwords and the Buzzkill

Let's talk buzzwords. Ah, the linguistic glitter that makes everything sound futuristic and essential. Synergy, leveraging, holistic—these words are the bedrock of our industry. But in the wrong hands, they become laughably nonsensical. Ever been in a meeting where someone suggests "disrupting the paradigm" of toilet paper? Suddenly, the room is filled with earnest nods and PowerPoint slides featuring sleek, minimalist TP.

The key is to recognize the humor in this. We're often selling concepts more than products, and those concepts can be as fluffy as a cloud made of cotton candy. Embrace it. Laugh at it. Just remember that every time you say "pivot," a part of the universe giggles.

Ad Campaigns: The Unintentional Comedy Shows

Ad campaigns are where the magic and the madness truly shine. Remember Pepsi’s ill-fated attempt to solve global unrest with a can of soda? Or that time Kendall Jenner single-handedly ended all societal woes with a Pepsi? Marketing can be powerful, but let’s not kid ourselves—it’s not going to fix the world’s problems with a cola.

These campaigns are masterclasses in unintentional comedy. When you see one, take notes. It’s a lesson in what happens when you take yourself too seriously. Aspire to create ads that connect, but don’t forget to keep your feet on the ground (and maybe a sense of humor in your back pocket).

Social Media: The Comedy Club of Marketing

Social media is the stand-up stage of the marketing world. Here, brands interact in real-time, sometimes with devastatingly funny results. Take Wendy's Twitter account, renowned for its sassy roasts and witty comebacks. Wendy's has turned trolling into an art form, gaining a cult following by being the class clown of fast food.

But beware: not all humor hits the mark. Remember when DiGiorno Pizza tweeted "#WhyIStayed You had pizza," during a domestic violence awareness campaign? Yeah, awkward. The lesson? Know your audience, and know when to be serious. It’s a fine line between humor and hubris.

The Bright Side of Marketing

At the end of the day, marketing is about connecting with people. Whether through humor, sincerity, or a well-timed meme, it’s about making your audience feel something. And sometimes, the best way to make people feel is to make them laugh.

So, aspiring marketers, take a deep breath. The world of marketing is a wild, hilarious ride. Embrace the absurdity. Laugh at the hyperbole. Revel in the ridiculous. Because when you look at the bright, humorous side of marketing, you'll find not just a career, but a constant source of joy and inspiration.

Remember: in marketing, as in life, it’s important to take your work seriously, but never yourself. Now go forth and make some magic (and maybe a few jokes along the way).