My best friend sent me a digital version of a Super 8 movie we made in 1972 along with another close friend. It was my film debut and like time-traveling back to my high school days. (or daze).
It was called The Fate of Elan and was so sophomoric, silly and creative, that it instantly connected me with my teenage self. Most of all, it reminded me how important it is to be authentic, to take some risks and be action -oriented. In 1972, this was all second nature and baked into our everyday lives. We weren’t thinking about marketing authenticity. We were exploring what it would be like to live as creative beings.
Our guru in 1972 was Frank Zappa. We celebrated his exuberance and sheer genius in being an artistic reflection of exactly who he was and Frank never disappointed us. Each of us wanted to explore our inner Zappa and to live our lives our authenticity. We didn’t want, to be Frank. I think we wanted a green light giving us permission to explore. We wanted to be James, Jeff, and Larry.
Frank Zappa was our green light.
Zappa helped us see the path and gave us artistic permission to explore, discover and find the artists within each of us.
1972 was a long time ago, but with semi-primitive recording tools, we managed to make a 14-minute film that allowed us to explore areas of our creativity. It was a collaboration that allowed us to practice our art and the work we would end up doing in the future. Only James, Larry and I could make such a silly film but in it are the seeds of our authentic creative selves.
My friend James was always fascinated by music and especially recording it. Of course, he grew up to be a successful audio engineer and you can learn more about his work recording legends in jazz and popular music here in this podcast. James even won a Grammy for his audio engineering work.
My other friend Larry became an expert in accessible media working for WGBH and Yahoo focused on innovation in media, policy development and drafting federal legislation. He even holds a patent for an invention in the film industry. Larry always had a film camera in his hand and loved how irreverent collaborations.
My role in this movie was as the protagonist. I also received credits for the script although I have no memory of writing it. I thought it was all impromptu. I see in this 18-year old version of myself, how much I enjoyed the creative process and my desire to make people happy and smile.
Watching this 44 year old home movie, reminds me important it was to explore my creativity.
Marketing Lessons on Being Original
- Whatever your business endeavor, to market your brand or business, always ask yourself, what could I do that no one else would ever consider doing? Is it a gimmick or just an authentic extension of your brand? In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, my wife and I decided that if we could have a homemade display of our Rachel’s Brownies in every store we sold, we could communicate an essential truth about our brand. It was a crazy thing to do as we had to buy thousands of baskets and thousands of red & white checkered napkins – and launder them. But no one else did what we did, and it helped make our brand and merchandising distinctive.
- How can you encourage your team or colleagues to exercise their inner specialness in a way that will matter to those you serve? If you understand your community deeply, how can your authentic self, bring value in a distinct and meaningful way? Carroll’s Kitchen in Raleigh wanted to help women in transition from prison and homelessness, so they created a gathering place to help them in the form of a restaurant – instead of just creating a typical charity. The founders inspire their employees to live and express their vision in ways that will matter to the community they serve.
- How does your brand behave that is unlike how other’s do business? Meathead Movers is a typical moving company made up of energetic guys. But their passion is to end domestic violence and to find their way to contribute to making a difference in the communities they serve. The WHY behind their brand helps them live their values and be original thinkers and doers.
I like to tell my daughter Fanny, who runs a food business that includes TV work, recipe development, and food writing, that only you can be Fanny. Find a way to be your authentic self so that your brand develops around the distinctive qualities of your personality. That way, your brand won’t become a commodity.
Go ahead and make Frank proud of you – just don’t eat the yellow snow.
How are you making your business, brand, product or service the genuine element?
Looking for help to bring out the inner essence of your brand? Let’s chat. Email me at jeffreylynnslater@gmail.com or text me at 919 720 0995.
Photo Credit: Frank Zappa estate
