What businesses can learn from watching "The Voice"
It’s “blind audition” time on “The Voice.”
If you’ve never seen it, “The Voice” is a popular show on NBC where big-name recording artists compete to find America’s next great singer.
The format is simple. The four superstar “judges” sit with their backs to the contestants. They can’t see them perform—they can only hear them sing.
When judges are wowed by a voice, they hit their button. This causes their chairs to spin around. The judges haggle over the singers and form teams.
Acting as coaches, the famous singers then use their musical prowess to guide the unknown singers through weekly competitions until, at last, one champion is named.
“The Voice” is dramatic. Mostly because we get to hear each contestant’s “backstory.” Viewer Discretion Advised: Have a box of tissues handy!
There’s the single, mom of three who grew up singing in church.
The bullied, gay teenager who found solace in songwriting.
The veteran who used to be homeless and suicidal, but now volunteers at the same rescue mission that saved his life.
Ask my wife. I come undone during “blind auditions.”
When a hopeful soul with a painful past steps bravely onto that big stage…and belts out a tune that gets Kelly Clarkson or Blake Shelton spinning around and shaking their heads in wonder, I can barely see the screen.
Why is “The Voice” so powerful?
Because it taps into two primal realities that every business owner should understand:
1. People long for transformation.
We all want to become the best possible version of ourselves. That veteran isn’t content to be “a guy who leads music at the soup kitchen.” He aspires to become “the Voice.”
The application to business? Help your customers improve their lives and live out their dreams… and you’ll never lack for customers.
2. People love stories about transformation.
Question: Who can resist a wrenching story about someone heroically overcoming obstacles to get to a better life? Answer: Nobody!
We’re wired for that. Stories are how we make sense of the world—and make our way through the world.
The application to business? Talk about the problem you help people solve—and the difference your solution makes—and folks will perk up, then line up.
Hey, gotta run. Time to see if this hearing-impaired girl can actually turn some chairs.
Here’s to using your voice to tell stories of transformation!
P. S. Y'all. The hearing-impaired girl. OMG! Here's a clip.