Gorilla 76

4.23.10 Intern Sharon shares ten things she’s learned in the past year

As my senior year of college is coming to end (how that is happening already, I have no idea), I reflect on all the things I learned this past year. So, I thought I’d share (lucky you!).

1. Always send a thank you note. I know, sounds simple, right? Send one. Trust me, you’ll stand out.
2. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Cliché, I know. But it’s true. If your first idea isn’t well received use that as motivation until you get it right. Or until you inspire someone else to get it right.
3. That brings me nicely to my next point…bounce ideas off each other. When you’re stuck or need a change of pace, use the people around you. You never know what you’ll be able to come up with.
4. Have fun. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, it’s going to show. Obviously, not every day is going to be perfect. But work hard. Have fun. And it’ll make the not-so-perfect days worth it.
5. The best way to hold a broom: one hand firmly at the top and the second hand partly down the handle. Move hands back and forth, sweeping all around the office. Listen to music – it’ll help.
6. Learn from your mistakes. Cliché number two! But, it’s true. Listen to what the people around you have to say (especially when you’ve made a mistake). Use that to become better.
7. Keep up with social media. Look for new ways to do old tricks. Always be up to speed with what’s going on in the (advertising) world around you.
8. If you believe in your idea, fight for it. Because if you don’t, no one else will.
9. Best way to do dishes: grab bucket full of dishes, go down the hall to the bathroom, scrub, scrub, scrub, dry, put back in bucket and bring back to put in office. Again, listen to music it helps.
10. Beer and homemade cookies always equal a good going-away gift.

Well, I’m sure I’ve learned more than just that…probably. But, that’s all I’ll share with you. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

As always thanks for reading,

Sharon

4.9.10 Tiger Woods is still good at golf…

…and Nike is still good at advertising. Or are they? (Obviously, they still are. Phrasing is for drama build only. Imagine being read by deep voiced, Scotch-induced male. Late 50s.)

Here’s why it works:

It’s all the questions we’re dying to ask Tiger ourselves, but can’t. It’s taking Tiger from a golf (and Nike) icon to a humbled individual. Instead of glorifying him, it’s subtly chastising him. It’s making him seem, for once, an actual person who makes mistakes instead of a sports image who can do no wrong. It’s honest. It’s gripping. It’s memorable. And it’s completely unexpected.

Here’s why it doesn’t work:

Skipping over the fact that it’s his DEAD father talking, there is something creepy about the commercial itself. Maybe it’s the fact that Tiger looks actually apologetic, opposed to his calm, rehearsed persona. Apart from that, there’s just something uncomfortable with staring at this new Tiger. In addition, it seems like a bit of a cop out. Almost like he is using his dead father and his newly humbled position to trick us into forgetting and forgiving the mess he’s made.

But, then again, maybe that’s just me. Decide for yourself.

As always, thanks for reading.

- Sharon