semi-famous

One perk of working at an advertising agency: making people famous. Or at least semi-famous. Well, more like semi-famous in a limited geographical area.

I digress. My job as of late has mainly consisted of recruiting our client's customers to participate in a new advertising campaign (i.e. star in Their Very Own Television Commercial).

And most people seem at first very surprised to be hearing from me (Hello So-and-So, are you available to star in a TV commercial?), and then a little intrigued, and finally really quite flattered. We screened dozens of customers and finally settled on our stars. All of whom seem to have quickly warmed to the idea of starring in Their Very Own Televsion Commercial.

So, if you've ever wondered how it is that those real-life people in TV commercials got the job, it goes a something like this -

You: (minding your own business when phone rings) Hello?
Me: Hello You, I work with XYZ, and we'd like to feature your story in our upcoming advertising campaign.
You: Really?
Me: Yes, really.
You: Is this a joke?
Me: No, it's not a joke.
You: (Contemplative Pause) Hmm.
Me: Well. How do you think people show up in TV commercials? They get a call just like this.
You: Huh. I never thought about it that way.
Me: Well, this is how it happens. It's happening right now. Is this something you'd be open to?
You: (Picturing yourself in Your Very Own Televsion Commercial) Well, I suppose I could be open to that. Sure.
Me: Great, let me ask you a few questions.

And that, my friends. Is how it's done. You may be getting the call very soon. Consider this a bit of education just in case you have the chance to become semi-famous soon.