15 Minutes of Fame

In 1968 Andy Worhol said that "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

He could not have predicted the internet, blogs, print on demand, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and all the rest of the social media tools.... but he could not have been more right.

I will admit that I enjoy seeing things "go viral" online. While the world we live in is certainly different than it was 20 years ago, the cool things that we get to see online are often fascinating.

When I consult with professionals looking to increase their business I remind them that they must become "a little bit famous" in their industry. I do not mean "Brad and Angelina Famous"... (the paparazzi will not be chasing corporate lawyers and bankers around town) and I never expect anyone to be able to "go viral" on command with some video or other stunt. But I do know that successful professionals must be top of mind for their products and services within their community. Out of sight is out of mind. If you do not have that "little bit" of fame, you will not make the short list of prospective clients looking to make a decision. If you are not on the short list, you will not be selected for the business. End of story.

I used up my fifteen minutes of fame in 1987 when I was a five-day returning champion on a television game show. Reality TV and today's prime-time million dollar prize shows cannot compare to classic weekday morning network TV game shows of the 1970s and 1980s.

Howie Mandel, Drew Carey and Guy Fieri cannot hold a candle to the Game Show Hosts of yesterday like to Wink Martendale, Bob Barker, Allen Ludden and Dick Clark. (I secretly still want to host a game show. If you are a producer, give me a call and we can work something out!).

Here is a video clip that might make you smile. Yes, I was young, but look at how excited I was.




Have A Great Day.

thom