Celebrating our First Anniversary with Uncommon Honesty

It's been a year since Ed and I started The Promo Code with the idea that we could spread some marketing joy to all the good little boys and girls in the media...or just people who loved talking about media and promotion.

It's all good, y'all.

Christmas is only nine days away.  This is a favorite holiday for a lot of us, to be sure.  Even if you are not a "Chritmas person," it's time to celebrate all your blessings and the people who enrich your life.  It's also the time where countless writers and columnists want you know that they're thankful for their dog, their parents and the fourth grade teacher that pushed them on to greatness.

This year, I celebrate honesty.  Even when it stings a little.

I was talking to an old creative services friend the other day who asked me what former employees would say about me. I gave a truthful answer based on what I knew were the thoughts of over a hundred people I've supervised over the years.   A lot of those people have worked for me at multiple stations.

The answer was simple:  kind, generous, flexible, funny, talented...and incredibly handsome.

The truth is--I've never actually asked.  What boss would actually ask "what's it like to work for me?"
It just never came up from people I was supervising.  Have YOU ever asked?

As their supervisor, it was MY job to tell them what I thought of THEM and how THEY were doing.

Are your intentions being properly being received?

So, on a frosty morning in Portland, I had coffee with an old friend, who used to work for me but who now works at another station.  Since he left my employ, we get together to talk about family, mutual friends, musical theater (that's right) and television.

So, I took the opportunity to ask the question--what was I like to work for?  Some of the answers took me aback.

When I thought I was helping by editing spots, I was actually screwing things up (I am not a good editor). 

He said a lot of great things about me, but I should have asked this question years ago, so I could polish the rough edges and become an even better manager.  I think it's called 360 Evaluations--where your employees get to evaluate you.  This is a double-edged sword, as no matter what you do, some people will walk though fire for you, but some will hate your guts even if you give them a big raise. 

It's easy to put on blinders and say "I'm the boss and I'm smarter than the rest," but this is wrong in so many ways.

So, heading into Christmas, I rejoice for my family (who love and criticize me), friends (who tell me the truth) and a warm house to come home to.  As you go through your journey, don't forget to ask "how am I doing?" from time to time.  It may smart a little, but what you learn will open your eyes and make you stronger.

For that, you should give thanks.

Wondering what this gorgeous woman sees in me

In case you want to know, I'll be eating Christmas tacos  with the beautiful Victoria, my fantastic daughter, Gillian, who is home from college and our good friends, the Franklins, so it should be a great day.  You should come over.

Merry Christmas and happy Promo Code anniversary to Ed Roth, my partner in crime, to you and every one you know. 

--Rich Brase
redrich24@gmail.com

What I've Learned From Ron Burgundy

I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.

Ron Burgundy is everywhere and he's got my attention - big time!  Not the character, but the publicity campaign that borders on genius.  The efforts virtually guarantee a huge opening, as well as word-of-mouth that plants Anchorman 2 firmly in the consciousness of the target market.

In addition to the Dodge commercials, which technically don't count because they're spots, four recent initiatives got my attention.

1.  The trailer was emailed to me, directly from Ron Burgundy.  That the trailer was a great one was secondary.  As soon as I saw the name in my inbox, I smiled.

2.  Ron's appearance on that North Dakota newscast.  Overnight, the broadcast went viral, proving that big events can come from anywhere.

3.  His ESPN interview with Peyton Manning.    

4.  He opened the NFL pregame today with an analysis that was hilarious.  I didn't expect to see him, which only added to the enjoyment factor.

This latest effort has reinforced the importance of originality, especially when developing marketing and promotional campaigns.  True, there are few characters who have plugged into the sensibilities of media types like Ron Burgundy, but that's secondary.

 
By the beard of Zeus, I'm motivated to keep finding organic and entertaining ways to increase viewership, always making sure that it is unique to the brand.  Social media is key, of course, but isn't the only game in town.  Gotta think outside that cardboard receptacle.

So thanks for the push, Ron Burgundy.  We should have a scotchy scotch scotch together soon..

-Ed Roth
edrothshow@gmail.com