You know that feeling after your payment has been processed for an As Seen On TV product that you can’t get the money for shipping back on? You just got a box on your doorstep with a Slap Chop that didn’t change your life and you found out the billow pad they made your Snuggie out of gives you a rash?
It’s deflating.
Overhyped Advertising + Underdelivered Product Quality = Vows Against TV Products and Nightmares About Billy Mays.
In ReWork by the founders of 37 Signals Jason Fried and David Hansson there is a blurb on being “At Home Good”. Essentially, it’s the idea that a product that may not be as flashy as others when you first come across it, but after spending time with that product, you can’t help but realize how remarkable it is.
When a product doesn’t deliver and is just bought on the basis of sketchy marketing, it’s simply in-media good. It seems good when the media presents it the first time around, but when it comes down to it, it’s more smoke and mirrors than quality.
Now apply this principal to people.
Ask Yourself…
When someone meets you, do you wow them with a facade but fail to be genuine?
Do you have an act, build yourself up, or put on a show that works on the surface?
Now when they get home and think back to your encounter, are they still impressed or do they feel like you just berated like you’re on the campaign trail?
Are you connecting with people or are you marketing yourself as something else?
Are you engaging, being truly interested in others, or do you just seem like a good deal before someone walks away?
Are you talking more than you should? Are you listening to what they have to say or just planning your next canned response?
Don’t advertise. Don’t project a false persona. Let your true personality shine through–imperfections and all. Get vulnerable. Be honest about your weaknesses. Be real with people.
No one is looking for perfect packaging on the outside only to find an empty box upon further inspection.
Be someone who makes people think when they get home, “There’s more to that person than meets the eye.” Walk the talk.
Photo provided by michale.
Or why the food you just ordered never looks like the photo on the menu. #fallingdown
“But enough about me, let’s talk about you,……..what do You think about me?”
CC Bloom, played by Bette Midler in “Beaches” 1988
Thanks for stopping by Gerard. Great example of all show and no delivery!
Thanks for the flashback, Mr. Bee! Love the irony of the statement….
Great article, Great news, great ideas for newbies like me
I love everything about this post man, especially concerning people. Nothing gets on my nerves more than someone with a fake persona and no substance.
Couldn’t agree more, Adam. It’s easy to get frustrated about people who aren’t genuine, but I know it’s something I can fall into easily as well. Constantly have to look myself in the mirror and make sure I’m walking the talk.