I have never been a big video game player. Sure, I spent a little time at a Pac-Man table back in the day, but usually with a beer within reach and it was mostly just to hang out with my friends. Super Mario, World of Warcraft, Angry Birds — I just don’t get them. So imagine my surprise when over the Christmas holiday I became quickly and stupidly addicted to Stupid Zombies. I mean really, I’m not into the whole zombie culture, in fact I find them rather frightening. And I’m certainly not into guns. So why, then, did I spend too many waking moments pointing an electronic toy gun at growling electronic zombies?
Maybe I was looking for some mindless entertainment? Well there was a lot of football on TV so I was avoiding that – but I had my great Jungle Books and All the Mowgli Stories to read. Maybe it was nice to finally find something electronic that I’m good at? Yea, that’s right, I can kick some zombie butt as fast as any 40-something year old female. But I’d like to think I’m a little more complex than that. Maybe it was the funny way their heads roll when they’re killed and the way the blood spurts out? Ugh, I hope that’s not it (but thanks to my friend JB who introduced me to the Stupid Zombies, I do appreciate that).
So, what is it? And what in the world does it have to do with MBM and marketing? I don’t really have a good answer but I’m going to go with “expect the unexpected.” Just when you think you know someone – even yourself – there’s something new to learn. Maybe you’re better at something than you thought you were. Maybe there’s a hidden talent in your partner just waiting for the right moment to shine. Maybe your clients are looking for something, and they don’t even know what it is — but they will when you give it to them.
So, for 2012, I encourage you to try new things — for yourself, your family, your friends, and your clients. You might not reach the high score on the first try, but you’ll never know until you try.
- Maggi
PS – and be sure to avoid Stupid Zombies, or call me and I’ll take em down!
