Friends of Dave #162: Pain Train is Comin'
This week it's all about family, office linebackers, the Super Bowl.
Had a number of family things on my plate this week (which I may discuss in the weeks to come) so I'm taking a bit of a break from the intro.
But do not despair. In honor of the Big Game this Sunday, I am introducing (or reintroducing) you to Terry Tate, Office Linebacker. I strongly recommend that you sit back, click and enjoy it in it's entirety.
Hard to believe it already has been 17 years since the original spot first appeared in a Super Bowl ad for Reebok (who remembers that it was Reebok, btw?) -- and while it is highly doubtful that a campaign like this would be produced today, the humor still endures....and it reminds us that we all could use an linebacker in the office from time to time....even when you work from home.
There are plenty of Super Bowl themed articles for you this week, including the Last Word giving the inside scoop on Prince's historic, rainy halftime performance. Music and football Friends will definitely like it. But that doesn't mean you should sleep on the work related stuff -- all quality and most are short reads.
My Super Bowl prediction: 49ers 38 Chiefs 34. SF defense and run game will be too much for KC to handle. And following suit from my predictions last year and the year before, I believe this game is once again going to have historically low ratings (though higher than last year). But I do think the game itself is going to be a good one that goes down to the wire -- and it will be exciting throughout.
Enjoy!
XOXO
Dave
WATCH: Terry Tate, Office Linebacker
For those interested, here all seven Terry Tate office linebacker ads (many I do not recall ever seeing) -- take the time this weekend and rewatch.
Think on This...
Success of any kind can distort the way we see things. And this is true of success that we experience personally, but also of success that we perceive in others.
This one is a little involved (as most articles in this section tend to be) but worth it if you have some time to focus, particularly if you are interested in cognitive bias and distortion. Some good embedded links to follow as well.
A Few For Your Day Job...
The Surprising Power of Simply Asking Coworkers How They’re Doing
When people feel like they belong at work, they are more productive, motivated, engaged and 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their fullest potential, according to our research at the Center for Talent Innovation.
It is not hard to do and it shows empathy, which builds a connection and engagement. Quick one.
The Art of the Demo: Tips on Storytelling
Some good points here even for you demo pros. Another quick read.
Terry Tate: The Forrest Gump of branded content
After you read this, go to Twitter and search "Terry Tate." I guarantee you someone in the last few days has tweeted a line of dialogue, or posted a link to the films — from 2003. How many ads generate that kind of recall?
The 18-year-old comedic series for Reebok still holds valuable life lessons and lessons in how to create compelling marketing content.
The explosion in availability of consumer and consumption data, combined with rapidly changing consumer demands and expectations, are flipping previously highly effective models on their head.
Some Super Bowl Randomness...
All Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked Worst to Best
To me, Prince is the all time best performance, but the list has merit.
Here Are the Most Popular Super Bowl Snacks in Every State If you're partying in Idaho, brace for … salad?
Old Bay has a hot sauce now and some folks are pretty excited
You know who is not the least bit excited? Maryland crabs.
53 Super Bowl rings, 53 stories — www.espn.com
Must read for football fans -- also interesting to see how the rings have evolved over time.
And The Last Word....
The Oral History of Prince’s Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show — www.theringer.com
We’re thinking, “Are we gonna change some stuff? … Are we gonna wear tennis shoes now?” Prince was like, “Don’t change nothing.” And that was part of him teaching us and me personally to be fearless.
As the heavens opened up and rain poured down, Prince (in what, for my money, is the BEST halftime performance ever) ran through a handful of covers and some of his own songs. It was an iconic set on the biggest stage possible and it only expanded his legend. Really interesting behind the scenes account of what happened that day in Miami 12 years ago.