Keeping Kool-Aid Man Current

As I myself near a milestone birthday this week, I thought I'd pay homage to a fellow marketer who's about to celebrate an even bigger milestone birthday next year and who is getting a pretty major makeover in advance.

The Kool-Aid man.

Born in 1954, the big guy has been around for decades trying to engage kids in the brand and trying to be Mom's BFF.  I guess it was time for him to enter the digital age.  So in coordination with a new sugar-free liquid mix product launch, Kool-Aid man is going CGI with a new animated getup along with a Facebook page and app.

Hey, it's not easy staying current.  A fresh new look and some new digs go a long way toward keeping up with the newer kids on the block.  Gotta stay current to keep those Moms interested and the kids engaged in what you have to offer.

See, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

What's your experience?  Jim.

Jim Joseph
- President, Cohn & Wolfe NA
- Author, The Experience Effect series
- Professor, NYU
- Contributor, Entrepreneur