Let’s be honest, I’m going to lose some friends for writing this. And I’m not just talking about Facebook friends. I’m talking about real, couch-moving, bail-paying, wedding-attending friends.
Well, I’m not planning on moving, getting arrested, or getting married anytime soon, so here is my confession:
I love American Idol. I’ve been a closet fan for years. In my head, Simon Cowell and I are old buddies. And now that it is (maybe) in it’s last season, I felt I needed to come forward.
But at least I can guise it as somewhat related to my profession:
American Idol is just like social media. Here’s what it has taught me:
Many will try, few will win. A lot of people try to get noticed, but only a handful really get everyone’s attention.
Once you’re on stage, be prepared for anything. This includes taunts, mockery, and below-the-belt insults. Develop thick skin – you’ll need it to survive.
You’re always being judged. You can’t mail in your performance. Everything is recorded, referred to, and scrutinized on replay. Make every word count.
There are a million other channels. No one has to subject themselves to you. They can easily flip the switch and find something else. Give them reasons to never do that.
What the crowd says, goes. You don’t have to be the most talented, the most technically proficient, or even the most original. If you’re likable, you stand a chance.
You don’t have to win to be successful. Some of the biggest success stories will come from those who never make it to the top – but they were noticed along the way.
Harsh criticism can be a blessing in disguise. But only if you embrace it, adapt your approach, learn and move on.
Did I miss any? Did you even make it this far?
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Thanks for a great article… aside from my love of American Idol, I really think you’ve drawn good parallels here – the reason the show has been such a success (quality content, good buzz, etc.) are the same things to strive for in social strategy.
Hey, as far as guilty pleasure T.V. shows go, American Idol isn’t too bad! It could be tool academy….
@Krissy: You hit the nail on the head and used way less words! Thanks for the comment.
@Jillian: Tool Academy can teach us a lot, too, mostly about making bad decisions though!
Sad but true.
Keep thinking like that,and you will go far in this world.