I recently had what I would call as an Elvis sighting experience. Only I believe that it was a Brian Wilson sighting of sorts. Lucky for me it turned into a chance to have a leadership discussion about image and branding with someone who could have been Brian WIlson. I have over twenty years of senior leadership and entrepreneurial experience, so I hope that I have learned something about image and branding as it relates to business. A conversation I could have had with Brian Wilson will be presented.
I was in a restaurant this past week. Okay, it was a Crystal’s so I don’t know if it really qualifies, but I was there. I had just gone to Memphis to see a concert on Beale street with my wife and a couple of friends. I might as well admit that I went to see Ted Nugent, but think what you want, the guy put on a great show. He’s a total entertainer. After the show, we were heading back to our home outside of Tupelo, when we decided to get a bite to eat for the ride back. I was in line waiting to order when I noticed the guy with jet black hair infront of me.
“Remember the King,” I shouted. (Remember I had just been to see Ted Nugent, the Motor-City Madman, and he does play loud.)
The Man turned around revealing that he was not Elvis. Not Elvis by a long shot as this guy was in his twenties. He did not have a beard, but his face seemed to be a bit irritated as if he were allergic to a glue-like substance that could fasten a black beard on your face. He was holding his right elbow. I am a licensed physical therapist, and I know this to be a posture of pain.
“Looks like you had a good time,” He said back. At least that’s what I think he said, my hearing being what it was.
“Yeah,” I bellowed back. “Motor-city Mad Man, whoo.” I high-fived my friend Graham.
The man ahead of me backed up as if he were uncomfortable being near me.
“Hey, you kind of look like that guy.” I said.
“You mean Brian Wilson?” I believe here responded.
“No,” I said. “Elvis.”
Graham started singing Stranglehold, but to the tune of Kentucky Rain.
“Lot’s of people say I look like Brian WIlson,” I think he said.
“That pitcher for the San Fransico Giants?”
He nodded.
“I love that guy,” I said. I may have had a tear in my eye. “Great example of branding.”
He looked as if he did not make the jump from Elvis to Ted Nugent to Brian Wilson to market branding, so I continued, “You know once you create an iconic image like that, you have to preserve it. It is a good idea to create an image that is representative of your business, make sure that it is catchy, memorable, and is easy to associate with the core business.”
Everyone in line was turning and nodding in agreement with me. I think some of the cooks in the back were shouting their agreement. Remember, my delivery may have been a bit loud because of the continued ringing in my ears.
Brian Wilson was no longer paying me any attention as he had to order.
“You know, if you wanted, you could order some sports gear and memorabilia at this sports shop website I own. They might even have one of those beards you wear.” I said.
He had his order, turned and I believe he said, “Have a good night.” He carried his food in his left hand. An obvious attempt to protect his injured right elbow.
“You too, Brian Wilson,” I screamed so that he could hear me as he left the Crystal’s. I would have an Ah-Ha moment the next day because of my poor nutritional choices and visit a bariatric surgeon for sound nutritional and wellness advice (Not!).
Anyway, As I waited for my five Crystal burgers and chili-cheese fries, I recapped the importance of branding to the register attendent. I think she was real appreciative.
Thanks for reading,
J. Pullman