Oct 22 08
Donnie Deutsch and CNBC
By Renn Vara
I’m a news and cable network nut. Over the years, I’ve been known to write a number of letters to the editor along with emails to TV and radio hosts. Yep, I’m one of those guys.
Well last Friday night, I did it again. This time in response to a cable show hosted by marketing guru Donnie Deutsch. He had financial madman Jim Cramer on talking about today’s market reality. Between their overly earnest laments about the down economy, they gave advice to fledgling entrepreneurs.
During one call, a couple in their 50s who owned a cookie company asked what to do during the current economic mess. After a few questions, both Donnie and Jim suggested they “put their business on hold.” I couldn’t believe it. The host of a show called The Big Idea and THE Jim Cramer were telling these hardworking people to quit. That’s right, quit.
I immediately wrote a somewhat emotional email to Donnie suggesting that he and Jim should have talked about taking market share. They should have suggested this couple diversify their approach by going after new markets with their message of quality, price and service. In short, find a way to survive and win.
In short order, I received an email from Donnie’s producer, Melanie, asking me to call into the show on the following Monday repeating what I said in my email. How cool, I thought. When Monday came around, I received a call from Melanie as promised giving me some background and putting me on hold for . . . two hours.
Now understand. This is early Monday morning, the beginning of a very busy week. I had a meeting with a Google executive that I couldn’t miss.
As I paced the floor, checking my watch every few seconds, I kept wondering why I was wasting my time just to express an opinion on CNBC which I knew would take maybe 15 seconds to complete. And for what? Ego? Social impact? Personal gratification?
Then suddenly I heard my name and Donnie launched me. I barely remember what I said and just as suddenly it was over. I hung up the phone and dashed out the door late for my meeting. As I drove a bit panicked about the lost time, I thought about the power of the media and the impact it has on each of us, even those of us who should know better.
Is it any wonder our customers struggle with public speaking, media interviews, and all other forms of communication? This experience once again reminded me of the privilege we have to do what we do. It also reminded me how important it is to help our customers get through these experiences. Chin up all. I get it. Again.
