How is an aspiring consultant like an aspiring pop star?
Three reasons their success is more linked than you think
#3 Opportunity is driven by who you connect with
It takes some really strong networking to secure opportunities for both aspiring pop stars and consultants. That includes both who you know and what they think of you.
Both domains have become heavily influenced by social media and other online technologies. While I have yet to see America’s Got Consulting Talent and doubt I ever will, networks from YouTube to LinkedIn, Music.ly to Fiverr are influencing how they connect.
With a little luck and a lot of hustle, an opportunity is likely to present itself. Whether pop singer or business consultant the next step is critical…
#2 You need to establish a great rhythm
This is definitely a looser analogy, but it is a good one. Long before the lyrics begin or the final output is delivered, the people you are trying to impress are making a judgement on potential. One of the early reads is rhythm.
Whether the radio dial, a YouTube click, or a quick email to one of a hundred other consultants waiting for their opportunity, if people don’t connect with your rhythm they will quickly tune out.
For pop stars this is All About the Bass or maybe it is a High Hat with a Suped-up Tempo… but if it is too slow, too fast, or oddly inconsistent — it won’t sell, much less go platinum. For consultants, it is about the rhythm with which you deliver updates, check ins, and key early milestones. If you miss your audience, things will not go well.
Even if you deliver the perfect rhythm, you still have one final step…
#1 You need to say something memorable
It really isn’t about the perfect song, the perfect deck, the perfect lyrics, or the perfect recommendation. It is about saying something that will resonate with your audience and perfect for one listener, won’t be for another.
For both domains, it is about taking a risk. There is little room between memorable and annoying in the world of pop singers. Consultants can be labeled as all talk, if there language is not supported by insights and results. And both run the risk of being overplayed.
Here, consultants should learn from pop singers that there are any number of ways to create a memorable experience.
Some artists rely on style, though this rarely lasts more than an album or two. Hootie and the Blowfish growled into the mic. Blink-182 and Green Day kind of …whined. Ozzie was over the top with some British flair. You get the idea.
Some artist rely on repetition. This is too often the realm of one hit wonders, but if you only want to sell a single album, it may work for you. You can Mambo #5, have One Less Problem Without You, Ice, Ice Baby, or declare I’m Too Sexy. Good luck with that.
You can get people actively participating. Whether you ask them to Macarena, do the Butterfly, the Superman, or mix in a Whip and a Nae Nae. These sorts of songs get people’s attention. For consultants, it may be comparable to running a workshop or facilitating and idea session, just be aware that folks often need a break after you are done.
You can get them watching. Even if the song isn’t so great, you can make up for it with a video that is highly memorable. This is often a good one-two punch with participation. So go Gangnam style, create a Thriller, or appeal to all The Single Ladies. Or if you lack the right moves, go for eye candy. Follow the lead of White Snake, Robin Thicke, or even a little Bad Blood. I have witnessed live demos, proof of concepts, and stunning visualizations that were certainly the business equivalent, if not quite so exciting.
Or just give them phrases they want to repeat. There are those that connect them with fun and success. We Will Rock You, Mr Boombastic, Let’s Dance, and Shout come to mind. There are those that are more aspirational like being Cool for the Summer, knowing That’s What Makes You Beautiful, or looking for Two Tickets to Paradise. Finally, there are those phrases that simply confront people with the truths they are relieved to hear someone else say; Love Bites, People are Strange, and Parents Just Don’t Understand.
In the end, success is most achievable if you utilize several of the techniques. You will sustain it longer if you learn to modify your style like Bowie or Lady Gaga. And if all else fails, you can try to recruit Christopher Walken.
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