Marketing Lessons from Susan Boyle Stardom

If you have not seen it yet, go to YouTube.com and find the Susan Boyle video. This is the very first time that she appeared on the UK version of the America’s Got Talent show. I did not really pay attention to Susan Boyle and her signing talent until last week when a client urged me to view the video. Incredible talent, needless to say!

I have recently been doing a little work on uncovering her journey since that evening with UK’s Got Talent and her statistics are some that most artists covet. Her video on YouTube has been viewed over 3 million times, a feat that 99% of videos uploaded on YouTube will never achieve, a true viral phenomenon. Susan Boyle has reportedly sold over 700,000 copies of her album in the United States and over 3 million globally (Source: Nielsen Soundscan). Her album “I Dreamed A Dream” is expected to remain in the top 10 for the remainder of the year.

Why I am talking about Susan Boyle? First, what an inspirational story! As we focus on planning for 2010 look back to the initial phase of your business. Recall the inspiration that fueled your motivation. I am sure that for the most of us 2009 was not a stellar year and as a result, it probably emptied most of our motivational tank. Incorporate some key objectives that are achievable and will provide you the appropriate runway in setting the tone for a great 2010.

Second, focus on your strengths. Susan Boyle had one-key strength, her voice. And she capitalized on that in one evening in front of her target audience. For 2010, focus on one or two strengths and integrate it into your planning. Create a marketing communications plan around it and launch it to your market.