 Yale Youngblood |
Somebody owes me some royalty money. The other day, as I was sitting in my favorite chair watching my favorite team play basketball on my only television set, a break in the action triggered – are you sitting down? – a series of commercials.
I know. I was stunned, too.
Anyway, the third pitch in the mix came from a well-known office supply company. The gist was that this particular store carries whatever tools you need to improve your own business. In the case at hand, the office supply store’s customer was a fellow whose commercial enterprise was situated across the street from the new barbershop/salon marked by a sign that said, “We give $6 haircuts!”
Problem, meet solution
After consulting with the way-too-friendly staff member, who way-too-quickly led him to way-too-many solutions to his problem, the gentleman returned to his shop and went to work crafting his own sign. It said, “We FIX $6 haircuts!” and as soon as he hoisted it, sure enough, his own hair-care business boomed.
At the ad’s conclusion, I bolted from my favorite chair and shouted, “Whoa, Nellie!” OK. I really didn’t say that, but I’ve long wished for the opportunity to, and if ever there was a “Whoa, Nellie!” moment for me this was it. You see, I told that very story at one or two of my speeches during the modestly attended, yet critically acclaimed “Y-Squared Green Industry Tour of 1998.”
Some of you might even have heard me tell it. And, if you did, you’ll recall that I said that during my travels I had seen the same two stores that ultimately would be depicted in the 2010 commercial – and had found the sight so darned funny – and the moral so darned inspirational – that I just had to share the recollection.
Apparently, someone in one of the audiences felt so compelled, as well. And apparently, he/she became the first in a series of dominoes to nudge the next in line, who nudged the next, who nudged the next – until, finally, the last domino in place raced to his/her computer and e-mailed the boss, “Hey, I’ve got a great idea for an ad for that office supply company we just signed on with.”
The moral of the story?
Well, one is that I probably should find a way to copyright my work. The real message here, though, is that there just aren’t a lot of original ideas. Even when you come up with one, odds are good that someone’s going to “borrow” it – sooner or 12 years later.
You can take heart in one thing, though: That guy who “borrowed” your fine idea ... he’s probably someone who gives $6 haircuts.
yyoungblood@gie.net
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