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| IBM's messaging around its super-computer Watson wasn't all peaches and cream. |
Traditionally, a good chunk of PR has been the promotion of positive news and brand values. However, at the Association of National Advertisers' Creativity Conference, held Wednesday, Dec. 5 in New York City, presenters on behalf of big brands like Fisher-Price, IBM, Volkswagon, Jack Daniels and others showed just how far communications is straying the traditional. In fact, showing vulnerability, even failure, shouldn't be ruled out when developing brand messaging.


Take IBM and the communications around the company’s super-computer Watson as it went up against two formidable human opponents on Jeopardy! in 2011. IBM's longtime creative agency Ogilvy was looking to tap into a more human story in the communications leading up to Watson's Jeopardy! appearance. One way to demonstrate emotion: Show Watson's failures as the computer was prepped for the show. Steve Simpson, chief creative officer, Ogilvy & Mather North America, said revealing Watson's shortcomings—and showing the computer's developers angst—along the way made the story much more human and compelling. 


Volkswagon is another example of a brand that's not afraid to tackle the darker aspects of humanity in its creative. For years, the car brand has strived to show a full range of emotion, from laughter to downright despair, says Justin Osborne, general manager, advertising and marketing communications, Volkswagen of America. It's a strategy that bucked the marketing system. "VW was the original brand that called B.S. on its own marketing industry," he says.
Indeed, storytelling was the buzzword at this event. The lesson: While its good to accentuate the positive in PR, don't be afraid to show failure. It will give your brand a sense of transparency and vulnerability that will make it stronger in the long run. 

Follow Scott Van Camp: @svancamp01
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