Strategy for the best Media Exposure is all about Making Lemonade from Lemons. Any Publicity is Good Publicity.
Winning an Oscar guarantees at least a few more years of solid work in Hollywood. Winning a Razzie for the worst performance only gives you a bruise that gets worse without any work. Actors in Hollywood have the same problems like many businesses including yours. Typically a struggling actor is just like a fledgling brand. They work tirelessly to improve their brand’s image and portfolio. Sometimes they have to cut their losses and find another career or sometimes they hit it big.
You can imagine that even being nominated for a Razzie might lower an actor’s value. But the best Oscar moment was actually brought to you by the Razzies.
Sandra Bullock has had a very long career and was first nominated for an Oscar just this year. I was so excited to see her win but not even Meryl Streep could carry the weight of an Oscar around like Bullock. Why? On the heels of her Golden Globe win and impending Oscar glory, one of Bullock’s other films from 2009 was getting bad publicity: All About Steve. So bad was this press that it was Bullock who won the Razzie for Lead Female Role. How would you handle one of the biggest achievements in your career with one of the worst of heckles?
Publicity Gold!
This happens a lot. A business is hitting gold with a new product or service. They’re getting amazing praise and tons of new business. Then with the good comes the no so good. A harsh critic highlights a poor choice or business decision that shines a not-so golden light on you and your work. Why can’t things just be consistent and be not just good but GREAT without a sour moment?!
Well voting for the Oscars ended far before the Razzies were announced. Bullock already had the Oscar in the bag last night. But instead of ignoring the bad and hoping that it will just go away, Bullock became only the second Razzie winner in history to appear in person to accept their not-so-triumphant award. And it made headlines.
It’s only instinct to feel like you have to be afraid of anything negative. It’s not horrible. But it’s not very clever. Bullock proved to movie executives that even if she is in a flop with them it will be memorable and hopefully profitable. Bullock gave away free copies of All About Steve at the Razzies. The movie which was never meant to be an Oscar contender has become etched in Oscar history as the movie that earned 2010′s Best Actress a Razzie.
Who wouldn’t want to be etched in Oscar history?
For those like you and me, we can learn to embrace negative feedback and make it positive. I’ve always been a huge fan of self-motivation. It’s not always easy but you must always remember that you are in control of your own image. You don’t have to be the next Tiger Woods – be the next Sandra Bullock!
I wish you a great start to the week and hopefully next Monday will have a lot more sunshine – it’s gloomy here in Dallas! Until Wednesday, take care!
Tell a Friend,
TZ
Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.
Thanks Tony!
That was great! I’ve always admired Bullock’s integrity, but she climbed the scale once again, through your Media Strategy Blog! Keep up the motivational reports- we love them!
~Leanne, Canada
Comment by Leanne — March 9, 2010 @ 12:40 AM
Leanne!
She did and I am not sure if that was the work of her publicist or just her alertness to opportunity. Whomever was responsible, kudos for making it happen! It’s these little things that so many business owners need to zero in on and make the most of when they are presented!
Thanks for the feedback! Tell our Canadian friends “Howdy” from Texas!
Have a great day!
TZ
Comment by Tony Zazza — March 9, 2010 @ 9:48 AM