I visited the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle this weekend. It’s the Paul Allen tribute to music, and I can’t believe this was my first visit, because I’m a rock and roll guy.
The big attractions currently in the EMP are exhibits featuring Nirvana, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and my personal favorite, AC/DC. All these bands and acts have staying power. The Stones are still popular 50 years after they got started. AC/DC is well into 40 years and two lead singers into their journey, and all ages still love them. Hendrix and Nirvana founder and lead singer, Kurt Cobain are both dead, yet their legend lives on to new generations. Why?
The music industry is hard. Terrific talent has come and gone and never made it, or lasted. Yet acts like the ones mentioned have. The reason? Engagement that leads to evangelism. These entertainers had charisma, engaged their audiences, touched their souls, and were characters that transcend time.
How do you transcend time and have staying power in business? You stand out in a crowd; you build loyalty; you create unique intellectual property (in music terms – songs and albums); you offer unbelievable value; and you leave them wanting more AND seeking you out. In music and business, there are rock stars and one-hit wonders.
Build your “fans” and a lifetime of evangelists by being a rock star!
This week’s quote – “All the world’s indeed be a stage, we all merely players; Performers and portrayers; Each another’s audience outside the guilded cage. ”
~Lyrics from the Rush song, “Limelight.”
Your post bought back some memories and certainly confirms staying power. ACDC in the early 1970’s was playing in school venues building up their core followers…
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