Only 3% of the population defines themselves as classical music lovers, for the rest we are either tolerant or just "don't get it". While some people concentrate their energies on trying to raise that 3% to a 4%, Benjamin Zander believes beyond any reason of a doubt that EVERYONE is a classical music lover, they just don't know it yet.
Zander boldly commits to not playing his musical piece until everyone in the audience realizes their love for classical music. He uses pure emotion and storytelling, as he breaks down a piece bit by bit. He finds commonalities with the audience so that he is connecting on their level. He gets them interested and engaged. And only then does he play the piece, and everyone in the audience "gets it".
Zander's statistic about classical music reminded me of another statistic I saw recently... 58% of people have no idea what social networking is (eMarketer). But I don't really believe that. What I believe is that everyone wants to use social media to enrich their lives and strengthen their relationships, they just don't know how to get started. What I believe is that every company wants to connect with their customers and build a loyal community, they just don't know where to begin.
I used to be content with my peer-appointed title of "social media expert". People will ask you questions when they need to and it makes you feel smart and helpful. But as my love for social media grew and grew, that was when I realized it wasn't enough to just be an expert and wait to be asked... I wanted to be a Social Media Evangelist. I spread my dreams for a socially connected world whenever I get the opportunity. I'm no longer telling people what to do, I'm telling them what is possible...
But maybe, that's not enough either. I want to be like Benjamin Zander. I want to be a conductor. A conductor's power is to make other people powerful, and to awaken them to the possibilities. It's showing, not telling. It's leading, not preaching.
So from now on, I want to be Marta Strickland, Social Media Conductor.
What are you a Conductor of?
(thanks to Jim Bachalo for the link)
Strategists & Planners
Comments (5)
I love the way this conductor doesn't evangelize by buttonholing people and telling them why they should love classical music. He shows them. He gives them the cognitive tools they need to understand what it can mean to them.
Posted on October 9, 2008 09:50
Wow. what a powerful video! I thought the end of the video - one of his takeaway messages - was very powerful. It's not about wealth, or power, or fame. It's about how many shiny eyes - enchanted and joyous people - you have around you. Now THAT'S something to live into!
Posted on October 11, 2008 13:13
I saw this video two months ago and got really interested in the concept of deceptive cadence, not just in music but in marketing and life. I actually got so interested, that I named my new blog Deceptive Cadence.
Seven weeks into blogging with the new name, and it's been treating me well.
Posted on October 13, 2008 22:32
Sami,
I love the idea of "deceptive cadence" too (as indicated by the look of surprise). Thanks for sharing your blog... I love the old clip of John Cleese with the fish vs Compaq. Great stuff!
Posted on October 14, 2008 07:59
I hope to inspire the people around me to create without fear of making a "mistake" and charge forward towards learning! I want to conduct creativity in a way that inspires new uses!
Posted on January 19, 2009 18:30