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Electric Impulse Communications, Inc. Newsletter
March 2005
I. Oscar's Lessons
Is it me or were they the most boring Oscars?
Everyone looked elegant while acceptance speeches
were generic . . . so who had a competitive edge?
I miss the days of fashion faux pas,
Bjork's swan dress and Roberto Benigni
walking down the arm rests of the chairs!
If anyone had a competitive edge this year, it was invisible!
Let's see what lessons Oscar 2005 taught us about identifying
and communicating our competitive edge:
1. Interviewed on the red carpet, Halle Berry's advice to winners
was to Speak from the Heart. That advice could apply to all of us.
2. Did you notice Chris Rock's repetitive refrain? "If you can't get a star, just wait, If you can't get Russell Crowe for your period piece, just wait.
If you can't get Denzel, just wait." You need a repetitive refrain
in your presentations and speeches. Notice Rock's nervousness
in his opening monologue? Speaker nervous - audience is nervous.
3. Chris Rock owned the stage after his monologue.
Pierce Brosnan did not. Barbra owned the stage, even when she
forgot her glasses. Al Pacino barely held his ground. Tim Robbins
owned his entrance. Scarlett Johansson could not figure out what
to do with her left arm since she did not have a podium to hide or
hold onto . . . her arm just kept moving.
Even actors have to plan and practice.
4. Two changes were adopted this year to shorten the show.
Two thumbs down on the strategy of going into the audience to
hand the winner their Oscar. The winner then stood up and
gave their speech to the back of hundreds of heads!
When you give people the spotlight, let them bask!
5. Sean Penn was almost memorable. Except he made
the audience uncomfortable. Could someone give him a
sense of humor? Use your moral compass judiciously.
5. Star Jones on the red carpet. Be sure to look in your own
rearview mirror before leaving your house!
II. Mishmash of Value:
1. Words of Wisdom from Unexpected Places
The story about immigrant resourcefulness caught my eye.
A few paragraphs into the article, I found a nugget of
gold. And then another!
The customers teach you what you should carry.
They ask for it and you know you can sell it.
ARE YOU LISTENING TO WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS ASK FOR?
Maggie Leung went on to say, "No matter where,
there's always a Chinese restaurant."
DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT, SERVICE, OR IDEA
THAT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A MARKET?
2. An Outfield for the Ages
The SF Giants have the oldest starting outfield in baseball.
Barry Bonds, Marquis Grissom, Moises Alou.
Is it an outfield for the ages or the aged?
Young blood versus experience. Which will win over a long
baseball season? Phil Collins made more money on tour than
Usher!
WHICH ARE YOU? DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES
OF BOTH YOUNG BLOOD AND EXPERIENCE?
3. Apples for McDonalds
McD has been introducing a new item on menus across the country: Apple Dippers. What's important, besides the boost to the produce industry of the 54 million pounds of apples they purchase,
is the lesson to be learned
Even though McD is a leader in their industry and the free world,
they continue to respond to their market. And perhaps lead their
market in a new direction.
ARE YOU LEADING YOUR MARKET OR BRINGING UP THE REAR?
III. Live and On TV
A. HBA University: Stand Out Internet Success
April 7, 2005
Special guests: Ohio.com
8:30-11:45 Homebuilder's at 799 White Pond Dr.
RSVP Dianne@hba.com
B. Staples Office Store-Chapel Hill
The World's Best Kept Marketing Secret:
10 steps Toward Entrepreneurial Wealth.
Most people don't have a clue where to start…
now you will! March 29 6 pm to 7 pm
RSVP normarist@aol.com
C. Cable TV Time/Warner Civic Forum of the Air
AKRON'S INTERFAITH MISSION TO ISRAEL
Week of Monday, March 14-March 20
Airs: Sunday 6:00 pm & 9:00 am
Other days 6pm/ Channel 23
WONE FM 97.5 Air Time: Sunday 6:00 am
WAKR AM 1590 Air Time: Sunday 8:30 am
Guests:
Jean Roche
Frank Comunale
Mike Wise
The next Civic Forum: Invisible Industries
Dr. Jeff Green-President/CEO DataTrak
Rob Minster-President Belenky Inc.