Extra Points ~ Making a Splash

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has swept the planet by going viral all throughout social media. To say it’s been successful in raising money is an understatement. In a month, the ALS foundation has raised as much as they did the previous year. A friend and colleague posted on Friday, “Can’t we just donate without all the hoopla?” The answer is NO. Here’s why…

Before this challenge, ALS was almost an unknown entity. For almost 80 years, it went by the “aka” of Lou Gehrig’s disease. It paled in comparison to the “name brands” of donations like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS. This challenge has not only raised tremendous amounts of money, but even better, it put ALS on the map for future donations by raising the brand. Nobody is referring to the Hall of Fame New York Yankee player when nominating others and dumping ice water on their heads. They are calling it ALS and people are checking it out. The carryover effect will be massive. However in order to do that, they needed to create a buzz. Or, maybe in better terms, a BIG SPLASH.

You must do the same in your business. If you aren’t the name brand; if everyone doesn’t know your name; and if you want to create a sustainable business, you can’t just dip your toe in the water. You need to make waves. Like the ALS campaign, you must find a creative and out of the box way to present your message, to gain attention, and to become relevant to your audience. I’m not suggesting you dump water on your head…that’s been taken. What I do recommend is you spend some part of your days brainstorming how you can make a splash so you can best help others and advance your business with tremendous results, too. What’s your plan to make a splash?

Watch my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to honor a childhood friend that is currently fighting this terrible disease. Please join me in making a donation to help research to find a cure.