By Lucas Shapiro

Putting Magic Johnson and Ann Meyers in an advertisement together back in 1980 would be the equivalent of having Kevin Durant, the NBA's new amusing superstar, and Candace Parker, the only woman in the WNBA who can dunk, in an advertisement together today. It is a stroke of genius. Johnson represented a new generation of basketball players that would instantly come in the league and kick the older guys' butts while Meyers represented an icon that all young female athletes could look up to since she is the only woman in history to sign an NBA contract (although many consider this action by the Indiana Pacers to have been a publicity stunt. Still, there's no denying that the girl had game).

Having such young and successful people advertise a product is smart since everyone wants to be like these two prodigies. What better way to become that way than to imitate them in everything they do? 7-Up comes up with a great concept where Johnson and Meyers are playing a game of HORSE in front of a group of kids. By having the two stars drink a 7-Up after they play, 7-Up achieves its goal to have their product be the drink that helps replenish your thirst after having a fun time outside. Clearly, this advertisement would apply to a vast amount of young people in America.

Another smart strategy that 7-Up uses was noticed by a commenter of this video. The commenter said, "The good old days, when advertising didn't feel like advertising." The atmosphere in the video makes you feel as though you are watching a regular television special.  This is what separates these classic advertisements from the ones today. They are simply more enjoyable and show less of a desire for your money (although, we know that's what their goal was).

Combine that atmosphere with two young and lovable athletes and you have an advertisement idea that could promote anything from a fizzling soda to baby powder. It's all about how you adjust to your audience.