“Like” is not a Brains on Fire word.
August 16th, 2005
The other day, a client called to comment on a couple of ideas we shared with him. When he said, “l like version A,” my heart sank. Yeah, yeah, I know he liked it, but that’s just it, he didn’t love it. And that’s when it hit me - “like” is not a Brains on Fire word.
“Like” is ordinary.
Like is a feeling, but love is an action. Love is what you do even when you may not like to. Unless you truly love, you will never go out of your way to make something remarkable happen. There is no sacrifice in “like.” There is no courage in “like.” There is no vision in “like.” There is no distinction in “like.” Never settle for just being liked or being like anyone else. Reach for love and the world will reach for you.
Other posts by Cordell.
Olivier Blanchard says:
Before starting a project, do you guys ever ask your clients to show you examples of ads, products, magazines or other things that they love? Things that inspire them?
February 17th, 2006 at 12:44 pmGreg Cordell says:
Absolutely. Bring it on. No rules. We want to get to know our partners as best we can to understand as much as they will share about what inspires them, their hopes and dreams. For entrepreneurs this is often easier. They are full of fire and ambition and are eager to share why they are so excited. Our role is to help them spread that excitement everything they do. For seasoned veterans who may have been brought into a more mature organization, we are often engaged in helping re-ignite their love for the business. We often get involved in new ventures and re-imaging. Here, we have to help them get outside the mythical corporate boundaries and channel their passions in life through their business. Your love for what you do and the people you serve must be primary force creating your reputation or you’ll never push yourself to greatness.
February 17th, 2006 at 12:44 pmOlivier Blanchard says:
Awesome. I ask because in over ten years of dealing with agencies (from the client side) have I never seen anyone do that. Not once. Sad. You guys are a rare breed indeed.
February 17th, 2006 at 1:43 pmIan McKee says:
Poety is written about love, 12th Night does not start “If music be the food of like, play on …” Romeo dies of heartbreak from lost love - but not from lost likes. Love defines our life and our search for meaning. Does your brand inspire love? Would your customers get tattooed with your logo to delare their love for you? Take a look at http://thepowerofinfluence.typepad.com/the_power_of_influence/2005/08/now_who_would_d.html to see examples of peple who LOVE.
February 17th, 2006 at 1:44 pmOlivier Blanchard says:
Cool link!
February 17th, 2006 at 1:44 pmJerry Jewler says:
Surprise, Greg. For no reason, my mind began focusing on you a week ago and I said, “I’ve got to contact that guy and see how he’s doing.” Judging from this site, you are doing extremely well, and how proud that makes me. I am just fine, an older version of the Jerry you knew. Retirement is a dream and I get to do things that benefit the community and get paid nothing. More power to you. You’ve been a success for a long, long time and you’re still hot!
March 18th, 2006 at 9:30 am