FIVE MARKETING HACKS FROM IMPROV
Improvised comedy is made up on the spot. But behind the scenes, there’s a whole lot going on. The secret’s in the smile of focus, frameworks, smart communication and brilliant communication… just like marketing.
So we’ve explored “rules” that make improv interesting and turned them into five simple #hacks to sell another tin of beans. Let’s jump in.
HACK #1. ALWAYS ADD VALUE
It might seem obvious, but it’s harder than it looks. The secret is “Yes, and..” Whatever life throws, your goal is to better. Starting with ‘yes’ allows you to find common ground. And “and” is your chance to build on the idea. So next time you feel like a “No but”. Try for “Yes, and..” instead. Who knows where you’ll go?
HACK #2. LISTEN IN
Like, actually listen. Actively. Don’t just smile and nod and think about what you’ll say next. Listen to what people are saying and think about what that might mean. Kids are great at listening and bouncing off each other to imagine adventures. Grown ups zone out, and jump in with opinions. So make like a kid and listen.
HACK #3. NEVER SAY NO
For a tiny word, “No” packs a whole lot of punch. Like a stop sign on a holiday highway, it slows stuff down and makes people grumpy. No is the ultimate blocker, it stops their idea to make space for yours. Rather than building on something together, you head to different parts of the sandpit competing for the best castle.
HACK #4. MAKE CHOICES
Making choices is easy. Getting behind them, doubling down and championing your choice to the finish line, that’s the hard bit. It’s not about being belligerent (Yes, and) it’s about being committed. People rally around people who commit and flip flops are only cool on the stony beaches of Brighton.
HACK #5. GET UP AND GO
Make a move. Physically. Stand up, go for a walk, have a stretch, go all out with a superhero pose. Our brains need chemicals to fire on all cylinders – and our bodies need movement to pump those chemicals around. So don’t sit and wait for inspiration to strike, get up and go to be brilliant.
GET YOUR POWER FROM PEOPLE
Whether you’re on the stage, at work or trying to solve the trickiest of problems, you can always find a buzz from other people. So why not spotlight these five hacks for winning teamwork every time?
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