I remain optimistic about the ..Good People …Great Nation campaign. However since no campaign is perfect here are a few things I would have done (do) differently?
1. I would have recognized the limits of main stream media. The days of massive campaigns through mainstream media is coming to an end.
Why? The web shapes peoples perspective these days. Online campaigns are cheap and a mix of Internet and MSM campaigns are even more effective. I would have held a national competition on the web. This would have generated free press and a sense of ownership. Fancy media consultants would have been relegated to the background.
2. I would have a web address tacked on to the slogan.
Why? It last longer than an ad campaign on CNN. The motives and goals of the efforts could be outlined with greater detail.
3. I would have tied the campaign to Nigeria’s infrastructure play.
Why? The opportunity funds that invest in commodities and finance trade in Nigeria already have their minds made up. They possess more sophisticated tools for assessing risk. They would not be my focus. I would have focused on more stable investment vehicles such as those that focuses on the diaspora and partnerships with Chinese firm who seem to have more detailed long term plans these days. I would do this by acknowledging the dearth of public infrastructure and re-brand this as opportunities available to smart investors.
4. The Government would not have been the main driver of this initiative.
Why? I would create a social enterprise, with a few successful multinationals as stake holders. Their incentive would have been tied to taxes and access. Maybe, throw in Ngozi Iweala to announce this initiative.
5. Lastly, if my cell phone was stolen minutes before announceing this re-branding efforts I would not have granted an interview or mentioned the loss of a mere mobile phone.
Unlike Rush Limbaugh I do not care who takes ownership of the plan I am still rooting for the present efforts.
What would you have handled differently?
Tags: Government, Investment, Mass media, nigeria
Reading your post, I can’t help but wish that we had direct access to the Mister herself ( Prof. Dora Akunyili). Imagine what we can achieve with desire + great insight + collaboration.
You know, cheap labor and free publicity. Imagine if we all collaboed on this stuff.
Completely agree, especially that last point. Lacked a necessary sophistication. Check out my post on the issue. Pt. 1 and Pt 2 is upcoming…
Wow. Strong and viable ideas. Found your blog via Solomon Sydelle. Loving it.