Here's what ESPN Can Learn From Bruno Mars

After Thanksgiving, ESPN will initiate another round of job cuts (#ESPNjobs). More people are moving from cable to streaming, so their business model is understandably changing. What can ESPN do to turn things around?

In business today, it’s all about creating unforgettable moments that people talk about, tweet about, and post on their own social media. Each moment with each user needs to reel them in and make them feel connected to your brand. ESPN should be asking themselves: “How do we move from ‘me’ to ‘we’?"

Similarly, the music industry has long been moving more toward streaming services and away from physical albums. However, people still show up in droves to live concert events, even though the music is available for download and the performances are accessible across the internet on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

Recently, I saw this in action when I was invited as a guest of Visit San Antonio to watch the one and only 2017 Bruno Mars 24K Magic Tour with opening act Jorja Smith.

I sat down in the suite and stared at this amazing stage in the arena where the championship San Antonio Spurs play, and it was absolutely packed. All of the sudden, you hear his music, and there appears Bruno Mars. For the next two hours, I witnessed the reincarnation of Prince, James Brown, and Michael Jackson all wrapped up in one with a band that had more moves than Earth, Wind and Fire and a set that had to be designed by some of the smartest concert designers out of Full Sail University. 

At some point, I sat back and started doing the math. He’s on an 85-city tour, and tickets are not cheap. I started considering the business of being Bruno Mars—and it’s a BIG business. There are a ton of talented young people out there with amazing stories who can sing and dance well.

So what can ESPN and other networks learn from this? Let's look at what tactics Bruno is using to send himself catapulting toward business success.

Bruno Mars goes beyond music and performance--he is totally in the moment, connected to the audience like you were just sitting down having a beverage with him. He invited 19,000 people into an intimate setting with him and engaged them in true showmanship. 

As a child of the ‘80s, I was absolutely mesmerized. Not only could he sing, but he was kind. He was humble. He told the story of him and his dad, and how he was almost homeless at one point. He really made it about family, and he said he has been wanting to play in San Antonio forever, and he finally made it.

He made everyone feel like an insider. I couldn’t get out of my head the legions of fans who knew every word to every song—and they looked like they were older than me.

He has captured young people and those who are young at heart. People left there floating on cloud 9, and you could see smiles on people’s faces because he was smiling the entire time like they were having a great time TOGETHER.

Bruno Mars is the Michael Jackson of this era. I know that’s a big statement—but he’s got it. He’s got that ‘it’ factor. In the years to come, we will continue to witness brilliance on stage, and it appears from afar that he is intentionally humble, grateful and likable. 

ESPN needs to make sure each moment connects with the viewer and draws them in and makes them feel like an insider. What personalities can the audience connect to that make them loyal to that person? What person do they want to show up and see every day because of their character?

That becomes a point of differentiation. People remember it. And because of his kindness, his love for his craft, and the excellence at which he did it, Bruno has set an example for business people everywhere.

Simon T. Bailey is a speaker, writer, educator and innovator. He teaches people around the world how to build a bridge from their current reality to their brilliant future. He is the author of the #LinkedInLearning trainings, Building Business Relationships and Finding A Sponsor. He is also the author of the best-selling book Shift Your Brilliance: Harness the Power of You, Inc. and Brilliant Living: 31 Insights to Creating an Awesome Live. When he’s not working, he enjoys rooting for the Buffalo Bills (hometown team), going to movies and eating hot apple pie.