During my weekly enjoyment of the NBA on TNT tonight, I noticed the Chrysler 300 commercials flowing regularly with a good mix of hip-hop music and engaging visuals of some tricked out 300 vehicles.

They encourage people to upload videos and/or photos of their customized Chrysler to one of their websites. Even though the same spot aired several times throughout the night, I found myself looking forward to them. “Why” you may ask? They truly understand their target audience, and their attempt to involve their existing customer base is great.

I’m not sure how much of a community they have built as a result of their efforts thus far, but they’re employing good marketing tactics that should pay off in time. While I personally don’t want a Chrysler 300, I appreciate the ads from a marketing perspective.

Since I’m on the topic of good marketing spots . . . the Ameriprise series with Dennis Hopper are very well done and do a fantastic job of targeting the Baby Boomer generation in a fashion that should resonate with them.

Next time you catch either of these commercials, take note of your reaction and come on back and share your opinions here.

Have you seen the new Nike commercial with the guy in the wheelchair (Matt Scott) rattling off excuse after excuse after excuse for not doing something? The first time I saw it, I thought to myself “wow, this guy sounds like quite a few people I know” then I started to realize he was in in wheelchair so it shifted my focus to “how many of those have I used recently for no good reason?” Too many even though I’m not an excuse maker by nature.

This is one of the best ads I’ve seen in awhile because we’ve all made similar excuses; most of us have our full compliment of capabilities so why make excuses?; the implied call to action at the end is very strong even if you don’t ultimately buy Nike’s products. The ad cuts across brands, races, religions, personalities, and stereotypes because if this guy can do it, you can too.

As the commercial says “Just Do It!”

PS–Happy New Year! We’re having a contest in follow up to this posting. Read this post and share the lamest excuse you’ve made or heard for a chance to win a 2GB iPod Nano.