Googling in the Afterlife

A solicitation arrived in the mailbox on Monday addressed to G. Oliver Riggs, my great-grandfather, who’s been dead for 66 years (and who never lived in Northfield, by the way).  Either Google is not as omniscient as some people fear, or it knows something I don’t.

I read the letter and found it highly amusing to learn that Google wants to help G. Oliver promote his small business by offering him $100 in free advertising.  You might be surprised at the number of people who are searching Google for exactly what you have to offer.  Yes, I think it’s fair to say he would be surprised. 

I imagine he might be interested in the offer, if he had a band with a heavenly sound to promote.  He was a master of PR when he was alive, frequently placing announcements in the local newspapers about his band concerts and band practices, chatting up the editors about his latest achievements, and convincing businessmen to donate to the band uniform fund.

G. Oliver also was willing to help instrument companies promote their products.  His Bemidji Boys’ Band was featured in a promotion for instruments made by the Harry B. Jay Co. of Chicago, and his photo was among those featured in an ad for C.G. Conn Instrument Co.

G. Oliver is in the second row, on the far left.

Perhaps instead of convincing G. Oliver to advertise his business with them, the folks on the Google small business team should consider using him as a pitchman for their company.  He’d be perfect – he has the experience, and he even has the right initial. 

If they decide they’re interested, I guess they know where to find him.