JOHNSTOWN —
I have a friend who works for Progressive Insurance. When my 8-year-old son saw the company car and logo he enthusiastically asked: “Do you work with Flo?”
This got me thinking. What do people like Flo, Joe Isuzu and the “Can You Hear Me Now?” guy do when their ad campaigns are over?
It’s a great paying gig while they have it. Stephanie Courtney, who plays Progressive’s Flo, reportedly earns $500,000 per year.
The downside is strangers, friends and family repeatedly ask to hear those signature lines – anytime, anywhere. Paul Marcarelli (Verizon’s Test Man), tells how during his grandmother’s funeral, as her body was being lowered into the ground, he heard the voice of a family friend say: “Can you hear me now?”
Brand actors such as Courtney, Marcarelli and Nick Leisure (Joe Isuzu) end up well known and yet still anonymous. We know their character, but not them. And we don’t want to see them as anyone else, limiting their post-campaign opportunities.
It’s an extreme example of how labeling others can stifle personal and professional growth.
Now, think of the people you respect. They are probably “not boxable” types who do their thing (actually things) and enjoy doing it. They ignore labels and bounce from box to box.
If you’re one of those bosses or co-workers putting labels on others, you’re missing out on valuable, free resources. Ask for input and actively listen to the responses. You might be surprised at how many creative ideas can come from those around you.
For those reluctant to step out of the box, take a chance. You have a unique perspective that can benefit your company. Communicate with peers, bosses, customers and vendors. Make them aware of the ideas you have to improve your company’s products, services and processes.
When you do move outside of your so-called box, be patient and beware. Some people will be uncomfortable with the new you because of their own self-esteem issues.
Speak up and offer creative ideas anyway. Make sure others can hear you now and in the future.
David M. Mastovich is president of MASSolutions Inc., which focuses on improving the bottom line for clients through creative selling, messaging and PR solutions. In his recent book, “Get Where You Want To Go: How to Achieve Personal and Professional Growth Through Marketing, Selling and Story Telling,” Mastovich offers strategies to improve sales and generate new customers; management and leadership approaches; and creative marketing, PR and communications ideas. For more information, go to www.massolutions.biz.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
