While David Bowie needs no introduction, I’d like to share with you my personal relationship with the man’s music, art, fashion and brilliance. I have been a Bowie fan since the age of 10 and have grown up anticipating his new albums each year or so. His movies were the icing on the cake between album releases, as were his television appearances and internet presence. There is no single artist in the world to me that comes close to his gifts of music, art and style. My daughter now is a Bowie fanatic, and we enjoy his magic together.
So, what does this all have to do with marketing, sales, promotions and building a census? Quite a bit, actually, as you will see.
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Learning to Market like Bowie
One of the first so called rules of marketing is you must learn to sell yourself. Bowie was an expert at this. Whether he was Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke, lost in Berlin, an Eighties breakout or a dying Black Star, David Bowie knew how to draw people in and believe in what he was selling. He was genuine and confident.
Bowie taught me that to be successful in marketing, you need to periodically reinvent yourself and never become stale. People look forward to something new and exciting, so give it to them! Even though you may reboot who and what you are in the business world, never lose sight of your principles, values and ethics. Behind every character that he played, David Bowie remained himself.
Another important lesson I learned is to always find a way to be relevant and timeless. It seemed like every few years Bowie was changing and giving the world something important in music and art. Most times, he was ahead of his time, setting the new style, making it relevant and long-lasting. Bowie set trends that countless artists and bands attempted to imitate.
As a smart businessman, Bowie always collaborated with the best people in the music industry. And just like him, you should align yourself with major players in the business community. Build your reputation by working with the best and always keep an open mind. You never know where the next great idea is going to come from.
One thing I loved about Bowie’s vocals and acting was that he did it with a great sense of urgency. You could feel it in his voice and see it in his eyes. To be a great marketer, you must live and work with a deep sense of getting things done. I have a dear friend who always says “Later is now!” and he is absolutely right. Work with urgency and let your passion drive you.
One of the songs that brings tears to my eyes after his death, is “Heroes”. It is and probably always will be my favorite Bowie song. As you conduct business, promote and sale your services, don’t forget to be someone’s hero. There is always someone who is need somewhere. Share your good fortunes with needy agencies and individuals in your community.
There are some other qualities of David Bowie that have taught me a lot about marketing. Continually pave your own way and be yourself. Live with commitment, purpose and deep meaning. Work well “Under Pressure” – get it? And when you are at the end of the road, have a graceful, intelligent and artful exit plan, just like David Bowie.
Final Words
From Ground Control to Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke to the Pop Star of the Universe and to the Ultimate Artist, David Bowie has taught me so much about not just marketing and business. I’ve learned a great deal about love, life, work, fatherhood, and death. Be a “Rebel, Rebel”. Don’t fear “Changes”. And, if everything fails… “Let’s Dance”!
Please take a moment and check out https://collinslearning.com to find out what else I’ve learned from David Bowie. We have the corporate solution to training and education for your entire staff and company.