I think one of the most intriguing things about us humans is the concept of free will choice. I know many people who exhibit very little, (if any) of it. They do the same things, day in and day out – experience very little of life’s wonders – and then one day – die.
That’s not me at all. I want to experience everything. I want to live every day like it’s my last. And I want to live as big as my circumstances allow. As long as it’s sane, responsible and lawful. And one more thing –as long as no-one get’s hurt. It’s all good. It’s all very good.
That in mind, we went with @momwhoruns and her BF (boyfriend, in social media parlance) to see Les Coquettes last Sunday night. In a nutshell – WOW.
I’m a marketing communications expert. I am not a professional theatre go-er and nor am I particularly knowledgeable about burlesque (the show’s adult-themed format), but there are several things I learned about this very entertaining show that we should all heed
1. Dare to be different. It works everytime. Steve Jobs dared to be different – so different that the iPod he invented was in fact the first CE device in history without an on/off switch. Genius. No. Off-the-charts genius. It’s really hard to compare a burlesque show with the iPod, but I will say that this production is really different. I won’t say how different – but it’s different enough to put the pep into one’s stride.
2. Give something away. Let’s face it – there is no such a thing as a free lunch anymore. Nothing for nothing. If you’re smart, you’ll give something away. If you’re smarter, you’ll give something away that’s free anyway. And we each got a drink on the house. Perceived value to me? $9. Actual cost $.25c. That’s damn smart thinking. And not only that … but as importantly – a free cocktail is sure to lighten the crowd.
3. Confidence breeds confidence. Again, I’m no theatre crtitic but the show’s MC (Catherine) exuded confidence. Not the fake confidence that’s transparent – but real confidence. Interestingly enough, (and as an aside, she also writes a blog). Coquettish, statuesque and silky smooth in both stride and speech, Catherine keeps the show moving at just the right pace. And this is a very important concept in marketing – Timing is everything. Blow your wad a second too soon, or too late – and you lose. Well, she was just right --- snappy, witty, charming (and just naughty-enough) at just the perfect time. I like that - a lot.
4. Never overstay your welcome. I’ve read hundreds of news releases, case studies, testimonials and other marketing stuff that simply put is just too long. Boredom ensues and you lose attention. The show was just right. My best recollection is that it lasted about an hour – the perfect length. They say too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing – and the show’s duration was perfect. Neither too much, not too little in terms of timing.
5. Become your character – it’s what makes you memorable. From busty Lilli Bubalotovich to sultry Suki Tsunami , each cast member was uniquely different from any other cast member. The operative word being “uniquely”. Each one lived their part – and stood out. Want to be memorable? Then be memorable (read: stand out) from the crowds. And if I look to my own achievements, every time I stepped out of my comfort zone, I became memorable. (Ask me about what happened at Tim Horton’s this morning)
Bottom line is this: If you’re looking for something fun, different and risqué – this show offers all the above and more … Now, as for me – I’m gonna get back to thinking about marketing and for sure, stepping out of my comfort zone. Far out of it – and much more often.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
It's All About Making A Difference
You know me. I like to do things that make differences in this world. And I like to write about people and organizations that make a difference. The week before last, I wrote about Hilton, Daren and Jacques - (3 guys making an enormous difference). My blog got over 1,200 hits - and Hilton was inundated with "fanmail".
This week, I am writing about a Toronto-based charity called Ve'ahavta.
Disclosure: I receive no remuneration from them and nor was I asked to write this post.
So here's the email I got. No doubt they sent this to hundreds, if not thousands of people. More the better, as far as I am concerned.
First, watch this 2 minute Youtube video clip at http://bit.ly/xsIUFJ to understand what they do. It's incredible. It really is. It's heartbreaking - makes a lump in your throat.
Run by diminutive Peter Frampron-esque looking Avrum Rosensweig, the organization strives to make the world a better place. It does lots of things, but nearest and dearest to my heart is the excellent work they do on Toronto's cold and foreboding streets to the thousands of homeless and displaced peple that call the street their home.
Now, back to the video. It's real. It's compelling. It's bold. Most importantly, this stuff happens - and it can --- and does --- happen to ordinary people like you and me. In fact, this kind of stuff happens all the time. I watched it once. I watched it again. I got a lump in my throat - and it's making we want to give more than I am right now.
No doubt many of us, if not most, have children. We tend to treat them well. And for the most part, our children are very comfortable. Yeah, they want to go to more hockey games than they do. (at least mine does), want the latest fashions and complain when they don't get them, (at least mine does).
For the most part, my kids had no idea what happens in the real world - until I took them out on Ve'ahavta's Mobile Response to Hunger van. It goes out 5 nights a week, loaded with food - and wherever there's a homeless person they stop - give them food and a few minutes of company and move onto the next person they find on the streets. There's no shortage of homeless souls.
I've taken my children out on the van a few times. It's not a light-hearted evening, nor is it necessarily pleasant. You're dealing with the marginalized. The homeless. The displaced. But wow!!! It opens your eyes. The homeless are real people too - just like the rest of us.
And this is what the video is all about. This is what Ve'ahavata is all about. It's a low profile organization that is doing miracles every day. It is changing people's lives. It's about doing the right thing.
Want to show your children (12 years and older) life's harsh realities? Just take them for a few hours on Ve'ahavta's van. Next time they won't grumble so much when chicken's for dinner and they wanted pizza. I know my kids don't grumble quite so much anymore. And every time they grumble - I remind them they have a roof over their head - and comforts - and a warm bed - and food - and shelter - and good lives - and love --- and, and, and, - the list is endless.
To note that one of the charity's supporters is a company called Distributel. They've promised to donate $1 per Youtube view. As of time of writing, the Youtube piece has been viewed 1,785 times --- make it more
This week, I am writing about a Toronto-based charity called Ve'ahavta.
Disclosure: I receive no remuneration from them and nor was I asked to write this post.
So here's the email I got. No doubt they sent this to hundreds, if not thousands of people. More the better, as far as I am concerned.
First, watch this 2 minute Youtube video clip at http://bit.ly/xsIUFJ to understand what they do. It's incredible. It really is. It's heartbreaking - makes a lump in your throat.
Run by diminutive Peter Frampron-esque looking Avrum Rosensweig, the organization strives to make the world a better place. It does lots of things, but nearest and dearest to my heart is the excellent work they do on Toronto's cold and foreboding streets to the thousands of homeless and displaced peple that call the street their home.
Now, back to the video. It's real. It's compelling. It's bold. Most importantly, this stuff happens - and it can --- and does --- happen to ordinary people like you and me. In fact, this kind of stuff happens all the time. I watched it once. I watched it again. I got a lump in my throat - and it's making we want to give more than I am right now.
No doubt many of us, if not most, have children. We tend to treat them well. And for the most part, our children are very comfortable. Yeah, they want to go to more hockey games than they do. (at least mine does), want the latest fashions and complain when they don't get them, (at least mine does).
For the most part, my kids had no idea what happens in the real world - until I took them out on Ve'ahavta's Mobile Response to Hunger van. It goes out 5 nights a week, loaded with food - and wherever there's a homeless person they stop - give them food and a few minutes of company and move onto the next person they find on the streets. There's no shortage of homeless souls.
I've taken my children out on the van a few times. It's not a light-hearted evening, nor is it necessarily pleasant. You're dealing with the marginalized. The homeless. The displaced. But wow!!! It opens your eyes. The homeless are real people too - just like the rest of us.
And this is what the video is all about. This is what Ve'ahavata is all about. It's a low profile organization that is doing miracles every day. It is changing people's lives. It's about doing the right thing.
Want to show your children (12 years and older) life's harsh realities? Just take them for a few hours on Ve'ahavta's van. Next time they won't grumble so much when chicken's for dinner and they wanted pizza. I know my kids don't grumble quite so much anymore. And every time they grumble - I remind them they have a roof over their head - and comforts - and a warm bed - and food - and shelter - and good lives - and love --- and, and, and, - the list is endless.
To note that one of the charity's supporters is a company called Distributel. They've promised to donate $1 per Youtube view. As of time of writing, the Youtube piece has been viewed 1,785 times --- make it more
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