The reason American Idol works is because people pick their winners early and stick with them. They tune in for the whole season, cheering and voting along the way, and telling their family, “You know I really do have an ear for this stuff.”
The audience becomes part of the journey. Shoot, even the great Carrie Underwood was up there clucking like a chicken to connect with fans.
Polish is not required.
And it’s not just a one-sided relationship, it’s something we all love to do at some level. Like your favorite audiophile telling you they’ve been listening to Coldplay since their first practice in the bathrooms of Ramsay Hall. It feels good to be early and right.
If you are the new kid, the new employee, you can leverage the idol effect.
Perfection is not required.
What is required is a spark, a connection, some personality, and some promise. They want to relate.
Maybe you need some coaching. No problem, let your fans see you work. Let your coworkers in on your progress.
Maybe you need to learn the business and refine your skills. Good. Make your clients aware of the time you are putting in. They’ll see you grow and improve; they’ll be cheering for you. They’ll be getting themselves ready to buy in the process.
If you really make an impression they will tell their friends, they will vote, and they cheer.
Yes, they’ll do it as a favor, but it also makes them feel like an expert. People love to say, “I knew it” almost as much as “I told you so.”
Make it easy for them to say it loud and proud. Make it easy for them to spread the word.
The idol effect is real, but it only works if you do.
To learn more about the Idol Effect, check out my book, Passing Notes to Strangers:
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