Here lately, I’ve been paying attention to advertisements. I normally tune out during them but in watching a recent Dateline episode and March Madness games, I’ve noticed a theme: celebrities like to advertise for things. Or maybe it’s just that companies like to have a celebrity face for their product or service. Surely most big-name people don’t do it for the money. I wonder how many of them actually do believe in the thing they’re advertising for: Kristen Bell for a mental health/therapy service; Charles Barkley for Capital One; Taylor Swift for Capital One (anything to get your money!!); Michael Phelps and Pink on a COVID-related commercial; LeBron James advertising for Hummer.

All this got me thinking: what would I advertise for? I’m not famous and have no desire to be. But say for some reason I did hit it big in my profession (nursing) – what (probably non-industry) product or service would I tie my face to? Hmmm. Well, I don’t think fame would change the answer for me. What would I advertise for right now? What goods do I believe in? Brooks running shoes. Costco yoga pants (would this violate my deal with Brooks?). J&A Racing – they host the funnest road races in the area. The City of Virginia Beach. Libraries. One-half to full gallon reusable water jugs (I’m not brand particular on this). Buffalo Range pure buffalo shish kabobs – my dog Billy would help with this. Also, Limited Ingredient dog kibble. The Mexican restaurant in my hometown – fajitas! Taco salads! The locals’ Italian restaurant – the best pizza! Fresh produce – this would I guess benefit some foreign market: avocadoes from Mexico, bananas, blueberries, mangoes from Peru, Romaine from California. Quaker Oats. Almond butter – Nature’s Promise brand. N.T. Wright’s books. Adirondack chairs. Some of my favorite places I might not mention – I don’t want them to become too touristy!

What about you? What would you be associated with if you were famous (or not) and could promote a product or service? Here’s something: what would you not advertise for? Me: e-cigarettes, credit cards, fancy cars, gambling/sports betting, any fast food chain or cold cereal. Yuck. Your answer shows what you believe in.

Even though I’m not a celebrity, I suppose I did just advertise for the things I believe in. ~