The Measure of Success

Last week a little post I wrote about marriage struck a chord with people. It was the most visited, most shared post we’ve had on The Daily Blur. Like ever.

I have to admit; I got a little excited about that. When Tim sent me updates, I smiled. I told people about our numbers. I felt proud when Tim wrote about it.

Is that the way it goes with most of our messages?  We get more excited about the buzz they generate than their effectiveness. The more social shares, the greater the viral impact, the more talk at the coffee shop, the better.

But, is that the point?

It’s more important to me, based on my goals and values, that my post helped people. If one couple was kinder this week as a result of my post, then I rejoice. If one couple agrees to stop threatening each other with the “d” word, then I am thrilled. If one couple started kissing more, then well, you go people!  Good for you!

Based on your goals and values as a company, what do you want your message to accomplish? I suggest it should not be about the cleverest ads. I suggest it should not be about how many Facebook likes you get. I suggest that it’s not really that important if your ad goes viral on YouTube.

Unless…

That message advances your goals and values. Does the ad sell more inventory? Does the message help more people? Does the video improve the customer experience?

It all comes back to The First Order of Business. It almost always does. That ad or media piece we get so excited about; that’s the top of the pyramid. And if you attempt to balance your business on the top of the pyramid, you may very well end up in a pit of mediocrity, unable to advance the goals and values of your organization.

Put your goals and values first. Lay that foundation. Let that drive your message. And then celebrate what matters.