Newsletter #1: Who’s beside you when you’re taking the punches?

Yo!

Ever heard of Rocky Balboa? The fictional boxer—based loosely on a real guy named Chuck—who became America’s favourite underdog in 1976?

Of course, you have.

But maybe you shouldn’t have. After all, that movie was written by then-unknown, Sylvester Stallone, who refused to sell his script until starring in it was part of the deal. And he took that stand with $106 in the bank.

It would have been easy for this little movie, starring some little nobody, to come and go like so many others.

That’s not what happened.

Instead, Rocky became part of our cultural lexicon and in 2006, the movie was added to the National Film Registry for long-term preservation.

Why’d that happen and what’s it got to do with marketing managers?

Rocky struck such a chord because it’s easy to see ourselves in him. He was a bum, not living up to his potential and then … he didn’t want to be that bum anymore.

Maybe you’re more advanced than me, but I can sure see myself and my struggles in Rocky Balboa—both at home and work.

Which brings me to this Marketing Manager Letter.

I’m writing these letters to you because your job is tough.

Sure, you’re not getting punched in the face repeatedly, but there are days when you feel beat up, nonetheless.

Pressure to drive sales, not enough resources, multiple campaigns to juggle, staff and freelancers to manage, your mom still not understanding what your job is … and fatigue nipping at your heels.

You’re reading this today because you said yes to continuous improvement.

That’s great but also tough. Because to be better, you gotta be like Rocky and take the punches.

But I’m not here to punch you in the face.

I’m a little to the side, behind the ropes, in the corner beside that disgusting bucket of spit and blood.

I’m here to cheer you on.

Now you might think this is silly. But doing our best is way easier when we choose to surround ourselves with positive and helpful people.

[Did Paulie make it any easier for Rocky? No!]

And yes, I’m one of those positive people who won’t sap your spirit.

That’s why I’m making this monthly letter about positivity and usefulness—two essentials on the long road of reaching our potential.

One more thing for today…

Here’s what I learned from Rocky Balboa (or possibly Sylvester Stallone):

• Say yes to opportunities even when you’re scared of making a fool of yourself.

• Don’t be a bum.

• Do everything you can—including getting a coach—to help you go the distance.

• GET BACK UP no matter how many times you fall down.

Until next time, keep on truckin’,

Andrea

PS: What punches are you taking these days and how do you keep getting back up?

**********The quote of the month**********

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that.

-Rocky Balboa

**********Marketing tip of the month**********

Why you can no longer ignore httpS!

In 2014, Google decided to give web security a boost by favouring websites using the secure HTTPS connection (rather than the non-secure HTTP protocol). The S means that communications between browser and the website are encrypted, rather than in very hackable plain text.

And last year, the difference became obvious when web surfers started seeing 'Not Secure' messages in the top left of their browsers. Great way to scare away your customers, if you ask me.

It's not only the warning that should concern you: Google gives HTTPS sites a ranking boost vs unsecured sites.

If you're still in HTTP, talk to your IT team about upgrading the security on your site ASAP.

Source: American Writers & Artists Inc.

**********Good vibes**********

Spirit flagging? Take 10 minutes to rejuvenate yourself with Tom Cruise and Jimmy Fallon doing a lip sync battle.

I laughed. My 11-year-old niece—who probably thinks Tom Cruise is an accountant—cracked a smile. Smashing success.

UPDATE: Bad news … this video is no longer available. Bummer.

**********My 60-second commercial**********
I'm an executive ghostwriter, specializing in benefits, leadership coaching, corporate wellness and employee assistance programs (EAPs).

I work with executives and executive coaches who have big hearts, are driven to help others and never open a conversation they're not willing to close.

My clients are straightforward, ambitious, humble, hilarious and I never have to wonder what they're thinking because they say what they mean and mean what they say.

If you're a tough-love executive or executive coach who would benefit from the kind of work I do, please get in touch:

andrea@redsailwriters.com | 647-502-3187 | ca.linkedin.com/in/andreabassett

Let's talk about these thought leadership projects in 2021:

• Newsletters | White papers + e-books | Ghostwritten articles

• Workbooks to supplement corporate training

• Business book ghostwriting (fall 2021, early 2022)