BILLY ELLIOTT

I really enjoyed it and it got me thinking about the messages contained in it. It also got me thinking about those messages from the perspective of a marketer. All the great brands have a message!

In case you haven't seen it, Billy is a boy growing up in northern England during a miners' strike. His family and community are struggling against looming poverty and all the associated ills of violence, alcoholism, depression etc. Billy discovers a love for dance. Ballay! That's ballet to you and me. Despite great resistance from his father and brother, Billy sticks to his guns and eventually triumphs. It is a great story and one that has been told many times. The story of pursuing a dream and overcoming adversity. A lot like the dream that many entrepreneurs have. Or the dream of a brand manger. Or a CEO.

Each component of Billy Elliott represents some greater theme. The miners' strike represents adversity and the seemingly insurmountable odds that life throws at you. Dad represents broken dreams and shattered illusions. The brother, angry idealism. The grandmother, faded dreams and opportunities past. The dance teacher, hope, inspiration, a guiding hand. Billy's cross-dressing friend, the courage to be different despite overwhelming odds, And Billy, determination, innocence and belief in a dream or vision. Like all good stories, determination triumphs over adversity and Billy comes to live his dream and dances in the Royal Ballet. Or is that ballay! And all put to a great Marc Bolan soundtrack.

What can we take from Billy Elliott?
1.If you or your brand have a shot at achieving a goal, take it. In fact, be sure to have a goal and make it a worthy one, something you can really get your teeth into.
2. Sometimes people will challenge you, obstruct you and generally try to deflect you from your goal. That's their way of testing your resolve. Work with them. Show them you are sincere and you may be surprised. They may become your biggest advocates and supporters in the long run.
3. Keep it simple. Be very specific about what you want to achieve. Communicate that to the people who can help you. Then every day do something that adds momentum and takes you one step closer.
4. Dance Billy Dance!

If you'd like to know more or are interested to discuss these further please contact me or Denise on 09 5288808.