Today’s Show Recap

Thanks for listening to Makin’ It. On this week’s episode, on Show Buzz, the Tommy, Todd and Brittany take a look at the “Mad Men.” Also this week, Tommy and Todd interview Chris Jamison, third runner-up on “The Voice” and get his secrets for success in the music business. Finally, on Makin’ It or Breakin’ it, the gangs asks the question: Is the NBA practice of letting star players rest during non-pivotal games fair to fans? Let us know what you think of the show in the comments section at the bottom of the page!

Are you feeling it? Let’s start the show!

Show Buzz:

Tommy, Todd and Brittany start the show with Show Buzz, and this week they take a look at AMC’s drama “Mad Men.” The show, which ran for seven seasons, gave a glimpse of what life was like for men and women in the late 50s, 60s and early 70s featuring relationships, work life and how women’s roles changed during those time periods. Additionally, it showcases how advertising went from being utilitarian into a form of entertainment. However, it is Don Draper’s pitches to his clients that are an education in and of themselves. Draper relied heavily on an emotional approach to selling, often using vulnerability to relate to his customers as well as consumers. He often sought to learn how people felt about making purchases such as cigarettes, breakfast cereal and slide projectors. Draper’s tactics are still important today toward making a connection with consumers and boosting sales because people want to feel good about opening their wallets. Connecting with customers is something anyone can do, not requiring a degree or education. However, many people don’t naturally gravitate toward being vulnerable because of the fear associated. Regardless of the fear, emotional connection is what selling has become today because people use that relationship in order to determine with whom they want to do business. What do you think of the show “Mad Men?” What do you think of using vulnerability in order to sell your products? Do you find the approach successful? Let us know in the comments section.

Next up, Tommy and Todd interview Chris Jamison, third place runner-up on Season 7 of “The Voice.” Jamison never thought music would be his everyday life while he was studying marketing in college. Nor did he think he would be accepted as a contestant on “The Voice,” work with Adam Levine or take third place on the show. What Jamison did know was that he loved music. Having played music in restaurants and bars, he decided to take a shot on the show when he sent in an audition tape, forgoing the long lines of the casting calls. The producers asked for a callback where he performed a few songs, and before he knew it, he was doing the blind audition in front of Blake Shelton, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani and Levine.

Working with Levine earned him some valuable performing advice. Levine told him to not be nervous while performing, not to worry about the audience, but to focus solely on what he is doing. While Jamison cites the advice as easier said than done, he said he learned a lot from it. Even though the hours were long, 12 hours a day on the warehouse set, Jamison focused exclusively on performing and not on the fame or success he could achieve from the show. Jamison’s soulful style, inspired by Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Justin Timberlake, garnered him third place on the show and a record contract with Republic Records.

Even though his record contract didn’t work out, Jamison decided to cut his own album and work on a Christmas music project, doing what he loves. He uses his marketing background to promote his music, focusing on the importance of social media toward gaining an audience and connecting with fans. As his biggest learning experience, Jamison said that he once thought he had his life all figured out but actually hadn’t, which led him to realizing the importance of taking a chance on life and learning how ride the wave. What do you think of Chris Jamison? Let us know in the comments section.

Makin’ It or Breakin’ It:

Finally, Tommy, Todd and Brittany end the show with the Makin’ It or Breakin’ It segment. This week they ask the question: Is it fair to fans when the NBA chooses to rest its star players so they are in top shape for the finals? Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs have taken up the practice of resting their top players, such as LeBron James, to prevent them from getting injured so they are available to play in the playoff games. Now, more than ever, coaches are expected to maintain winning teams, preserving their businesses. However, fans who buy a Cavaliers’ ticket expecting to see James might be disappointed when he’s not present. Regardless, basketball is not the circus where you go to see the performers. It’s a sport where the team is expected to win regardless of who is playing. Moreover, college teams do not play depend solely on the top team members. The team itself is expected to win. Additionally, the practice of resting players isn’t new; it’s done in baseball and football as well. However, team owners could offer a compensation to fans, such as free vending, if a top player isn’t present for the game to smooth over his absence. What do you think of sports teams resting star players so they are in top shape for the finals? Do you think it is fair to fans or does it matter? Let us know in the comments section.

Thanks for tuning in to Makin’ It. Let us know what you think of the show and if you have questions about your business, send us an email at info@makinitnow.com or leave us a comment below. We love to hear from our listeners and we read comments on the air. We just might choose yours for next week’s show (so don’t forget to tune in!)

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Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs:

Order Tommy’s new book, The Way of the Rich at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com and buybooksontheweb.com.

For more information on Chris Jamison and where to get his albums or find a tour location, click here.

For more information on “Mad Men,” click here.

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