Another reason I don't want a new Bissell vacuum for Christmas.

I hate house cleaning. And I don't cook. But I do own more pairs of heels than I care to admit and I enjoy socializing. So pretty much, I'm just like Cathy Bissell. You know the one, the lady who plays the main character in all the recent Bissell vacuum cleaner commercials. 

She tells the audience that even she is challenged with keeping her carpets clean, and she is part of the Bissell family. Imagine that. Busy family, pets, parties and more, means poor Cathy needs to vacuum just as much as me. 

But, tell you what, she sure as shit seems to enjoy it more than I do. Take a look at one of her commercials where she dons a silk shirt and heels while she vacuums her stairs, then cleans up after the dog. It's almost as ridiculous as Kim Kardashian trying to convince us that she really buys her fashion collection from department store bargain bins, except maybe worse because vacuuming the stairs in heels -- even kitten heels -- is not safe. And the notion that women can have it all -- a successful business that claims more than 20% marketshare with over $900m annual revenue, her own family with all the normal overcommitments, and a hectic yet necessary social life -- AND still have to get down on their hands and knees and clean up after everyone...is fucking ridiculous. 

While the initial marketing flaw appears to be a message that is not very believable (that Cathy Bissell really cleans her own house, let alone wears silk and heels while doing so) the bigger issue is that the whole campaign does not connect to a mom who REALLY does vacuum her own floor. Because no mom who has it all wears heels to vacuum. Not one. 

And a recent study published by The Next Web showed that women make or influence more than 85% of household purchases and that women control $7 trillion (WITH A T) in consumer and business spending. So to ignore her is bad. For women and business. 

But I'll give credit where credit is due. I think what the brains behind this marketing campaign did do was try to pinpoint their target to directly hit moms. And because moms are such a critical subsection in the category of the female audience, it should be noted that what Bissell was really trying to do was connect with moms, according to published best practices. 

Caroline Winnett, of Nielsen wrote an article for Forbes recently, where she outlined proof points why moms brains are wired for shopping more than any other group. A moms brain has more capacity to multitask, over deliver, identify efficiencies, and they value community, giving back and shared ideology systems so that they can make excellent marketing targets if you combine the earlier fact that they also make at least 85% of the household purchasing decisions. So, sure, mom likes to have it all and have it all at the same time. She is searching for solutions (brands) that will allow her to do just that.  She spends more time on social media channels, online shopping sites, in brick and mortar retailers than any other group and by far, is the best influencer group, both online and offline. So it was noble for Bissell and other brands to try and connect with her. She makes the majority of purchasing decision based on a lot of factors, but emotional connection is critical among the path to purchase. Bonds have to be built and marketing messages must be sustainable. Then mom will likely give you a chance...even a second chance. 

Unless of course, you piss her off by vacuuming in heels.