Yesterday I shared a lesson from a legend in the comics and entertainment world, Stan Lee (RIP).
Here's another story that illustrates why he was so successful:
Before Lee came along, comics publishers didn't do much to build a relationship with their readers.
They created their stories and got them out into the stores to be sold - but that was about it.
With the odd exception, there was little effort to do more than just broadcast to their audience.
Lee changed things up by printing and answering the letters arriving at Marvel's office inside his comics in sections he called "Bullpen Bulletins" and "Stan's Soapbox".
When answering the letters, he didn't just do boring "corporate speak" - he injected a healthy dose of his humour and personality, and it was like he was sitting across from the readers and chatting about comics.
He also talked about the goings-on in the office with Marvel's artists and members of the staff, and shared gossip with fans like they were old friends.
One time, he even admitted that he hadn't come up with a story for the next month's issue, and warned readers that he might be fired if he couldn't do it soon (which got them to root for him to pull through).
Lee even took things further by inserting himself and the Marvel artists into the actual stories, and breaking the fourth wall to speak directly with readers.
Relationship-building is key, whether its comics or in the coaching world.
Being candid with your market, having "in-jokes" with it, and incorporating your own slang into your copy will pay off in spades in the long run.
Stan Lee wasn't afraid to let loose and have some fun back in Marvel's glory days, and we'll be doing the same in the upcoming Coaching Jungle Mastermind.
Our calls start on January 6th, and members will receive a "founding member" lifetime discount and a subscription to my "Secret Coach Club" newsletter for as long as they're in the group.
You can get all of the details here:
Marc Mawhinney