Surprise me!

Posted by McCann on June 29, 2011

You know – after so many years in this business – it is a little harder to surprise me – or so I thought.

Let’s face it – one of the things we all like about this business is that we have the license to surprise – and that’s one of its real treats. When we present an idea the audience is all set – ears flapping with antennas at full stretch waiting in high anticipation to receive the message. What could be better – how could anyone fail to engender thunderous applause just by having the courage to try something which takes them by surprise. Something which they don’t expect. Easy right.

So why doesn’t it happen enough.
Yes – sometimes the audience makes it obvious through their body language or the pre discussion banter that they’re not in the mood for surprises – or just about anything else.

Which for the poor souls faced with the challenge of selling this miserable person on an idea makes most weak at the knees. Well don’t be.
Rise above it and go for it. But don’t be silly with it – be remembered – for the right reasons.
This morning I was surprised.

A bunch of young account service people in our office did a creative presentation which took me by complete surprise – and it worked.
They had to create individual campaigns to a pre determined brief – and they were sensational. They were selling – themselves through their creativity – and what an eye opener. Clever, courageous, witty – and so refreshing.

It didn’t take much – but they took a shot and it paid off for them – and how good is that.

They will gain confidence and be remembered for it – superb. When was last time you were genuinely surprised?