“Hey @McDonald’s, is that Gary Busey?”

When I found this article after hearing the story on CNBC, a chuckle turned into an all out belly laugh! Maybe it’s just me, but I thought this entire happening was hilarious. The buzz is about how McDonald’s launched a new mascot for its Happy Meal last week, and some think it’s a nightmare in the making.

You can judge that for yourself, but the real lesson here is a reminder of what we talked about earlier, which is how our brands are not “ours” any more, but are owned by the customers thanks to the miracle of social media.

All that aside, you’ve really gotta hand it to Busey as a “brand” because he’s been able to reinvent himself for five decades now, largely by just  being able to poke fun at himself.

Think simple. Think like a customer and your brand will become more successful.” – Al Ries and Laura Ries