Perchance to Dream

This week, the screen and stage lost a humble and down-to-earth friend in Tom Poston. As I was thinking about a Friday Fun Video, I came across this clip called "George's Dream" from Newhart in which Poston, playing George the handyman, imagines himself having pancakes.

Newhart asked why he was dreaming about pancakes, when you can do anything you like in a dream. George responded, "I like this."

Thinking about how this applies to marketing for a moment, it's extremely easy to remain loyal to a particular tactic, channel, or approach. Have you ever tried to sell a client on a fresh new approach, only do be greeted with their version of "I like this" - WADITWA (we always did it this way).

It's tempting to read the same blogs, trade publications and opinion pieces all them time. But I find my mind instantly broadened when I try a fresh approach to a problem, read a blog or visit a Web site that I haven't read before. Pancakes are great, but sometimes it's nice to try something new - and surprise your constituency in the process, as George does at the end of the video.