Ever notice how there’s something special that happens during a live show, something that simply can’t be bottled and captured? How you just “had to be there”? That’s because, as humans, we want to be part of something special, part of a story, a narrative. And being at a live show represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of something special/unique — if even just for a few hours. What you’re witnessing can simply never be replicated (well at least until tomorrow night).

photo credit: Wikipedia

photo credit: Wikipedia

You’ve probably been hearing, or witnessing,the differences between Les Mis the movie and Les Mis the live show. And I’d be willing to bet that most everyone who has seen it live will recommend the live version — it’s truly something special. But many will also say that the movie is also good. Good — not great. The difference (besides a Javert who can be the appropriate foil to Jean Valjean) is the experience of the live show. (Carmen Voilleque does a great job of articulating this in her recent blog post.) But most of all, it’s special. What you see live can never be exactly replicated, by it’s very nature — it’s remarkably special, and the audience is in on it.

And as true as that is for Les Mis — it’s doubly true for your brand. Allowing your audience to be “part of it,” to be part of the thing that is unique and special will only solidify your brand image. But you don’t get the opportunity to produce a “live show” on a daily basis like they do on Broadway. You have have to invent ways that allow your audience — customers, stakeholders, the opportunity to become part of it.

You can do this any number of ways, but by far the easiest is with your social media accounts. Use these to create transparency between you and the audience. Let them see behind the curtain, to be a part of your company. If you let them in — you’ll find you help them to become part of the story, effectively enlisting them as part of your audience during the live show. The lift you can get from allowing them in is both substantial and profitable.

And if you’ve never seen Les Mis live — look for it at the next opportunity.

About the Author:

Tisha Oehmen

Tisha Oehmen is a professional brand strategist and a leader in the branding field. She has been named a member of the Global Guru’s Top 30 Brand Gurus. She is also the co-founder of Oregon-based Paradux Media Group and the best-selling author of the book, Finding Brand: The Brand Book Tutorial.

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13 Comments

  1. Sarah Park on January 11, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Live shows are always different. You see and feel differently when seeing an actual play rather than those in wide screen. Though, I have to say the Les Mis movie isn’t bad at all.

  2. Aayna on January 13, 2013 at 8:44 am

    The opening lines of this post remind me of an incident of a music show which I went to, where suddenly during the performance the singer fell off the stage. I can never forget that sight, for a number of days, I used to see the same sight in my dreams. Indeed, being part of it matters. I enjoyed reading through this share. Thanks.

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 15, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      Thanks Aayna – I can only imagine the horror of that particular singer! I bet they saw it in their dreams too!

  3. Fatima on January 16, 2013 at 7:27 am

    Social media marketing has made it easier to reach target audience and potential customers. Online businesses have flourished through effective social media marketing. Great share.

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 18, 2013 at 11:15 pm

      True Fatima – people get to be more a part of it when it’s social media. 🙂

  4. Kristine on January 16, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Very well said, this article will make you think twice regarding what is happening around you. Very good read! Keep it up!

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 17, 2013 at 11:16 pm

      Thanks Kristine! I appreciate you stopping by. 🙂

  5. Veronica on January 17, 2013 at 2:47 am

    Les Mis is such an awesome movie! It is equal parts inspiration and equal parts motivational! Thanks or sharing your thoughts about it!

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 18, 2013 at 11:17 pm

      I agree — I’ve always been strangely drawn to Les Mis. I simply can’t get it out of my head.

  6. Emilia on January 17, 2013 at 3:40 am

    I have not seen it because of a busy schedule but thanks to you, I got so excited and will surely make time to see even just the movie! Thank you so much! 🙂

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 18, 2013 at 11:18 pm

      Do give it a try — if you’ve never seen it, you’ll be glad you did.

  7. Calra on January 21, 2013 at 1:22 am

    I haven’t seen the Les Mis movie yet , but a lot of people said that it wasn’t that fantastic if compared. On to “being part”, I guess it’s one way to let your consumers feel their importance by participating and like you said, being part of it..

    • Tisha Oehmen on January 22, 2013 at 11:19 pm

      That’s exactly what it’s about — letting the audience be a part of it. 🙂 Social media can really help with that strategy.

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