I loved to watch VH1’s epic "Behind the Music” episodes on Sunday nights back in the late 1990’s. Each show profiled a musician or musical group, documenting their successes, excesses, and failures. It often laid bare some exceptionally embarrassing and disgusting behaviors and the general recklessness of some very popular music industry talents. These one hour biographies were brilliantly narrated by Jim Forbes.
I’ve often thought the reason the show was so wildly popular was because it was brutally honest and largely uncensored. To be featured, the artist or musical group had to agree that nothing was taboo. Their lives were exposed for all to see, warts and all. Nothing was held back. The viewing public learned that many artists and musical groups redefined bawdy, outrageous, sordid and sexist behavior. Many made millions of dollars and snorted, drank or wasted it all away. Fortunes were squandered. It was the ultimate in debauchery and hedonism.
Most musicians feared the public backlash would be severe.
Quite the opposite occurred. Music fans adored the shows and applauded the artists for telling us about their lives on the road. We, the viewing public, appreciated their bravery and honesty. We saw them at their lowest point and it made us see them as more like us. We could relate to them. They became accessible. Human.
The Fallout
The artist’s popularity soared. Album sales soared. Many were encouraged to tour again. Careers were revived. Suddenly, musicians were clamoring for VH1 to produce a documentary about them. Some enjoyed greater success the second time around.
America Loves Comeback Stories
It’s not that different with businesses. Chrysler had an incredible comeback from near bankruptcy in the early 1980s with Lee Iacocca as their leader and spokesperson. He admitted to Americans how the company had failed them. Humbled, he asked for forgiveness and a second chance. “If you can find a better car, buy it,” he urged Americans. We loved the audacity. And we decided to give Chrysler a second chance. And they soared again.
More recently, Chrysler struck again with their “Imported from Detroit” campaign. It went to the heart of what ails Detroit and spoke to the fierce pride of their people. They told us: We are making better vehicles that reflect the spirit and resilience of the citizens of Detroit. We were once at the pinnacle, now we’re in the abyss, but we’re going to rise again.
America Loves Comeback Stories
America loves stories in general. So what’s your business story? You have one. What is it about your business that makes you unique? Why and how did you get started? What mistakes were made? What did you learn and how did it help you become the company you are today? Why should I buy from you?
You have a story. Let me help you tell it.
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