The 5 Marketing Lessons I Learned From Don Cheadle

August 19, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

Don Cheadle is a fabulous actor. In fact he is so good you may not recognize his name. It is this incredible talent that makes Cheadle a role model for awesome, knock your socks off marketing.

Cheadle allows his role to be the star. Cheadle lets the character and dialogue speak. He yields himself as a vessel never taking center stage. In this same way, you should not upstage your marketing. If your copy is all about YOU, then you have failed at Cheadle lesson number 1 - it’s not about you.

Cheadle makes you feel it. We know the rule - engage their emotions, but Cheadle shows us how to master the technique. Cheadle’s roles get under your skin and stay there for a long time. I remain haunted by Hotel Rwanda. I was pulled into the story as though Cheadle reached out from the big screen and offered me his hand. Because I was all in, heart pounding, mind racing I did not forget. Hotel Rwanda led to a passionate activism on behalf of Darfur. Your marketing copy should make your customers feel and do. The words should wrap around your customers, caressing their senses and inviting them into the story.

Cheadle has a clear brand identity. Cheadle is an actor period. His life, interests and pursuits have not sullied or overshadowed his brand. If you know his name, you’re not thinking “guy who only eats green M&Ms,” or co-mingling his name with some too skinny starlet. Nope, he’s an actor. You can articulate his brand. The dude has a clear identity. Watch and learn dear marketers.

Cheadle does not use cheap gimmicks. Cheadle is very good at his job and that is his calling card. He did not have to create a strange persona, adopt an addiiction and create a new 12 step program, date someone several cards short of a full deck or jump on a couch. Cheadle is an actor who can act. When you can do what you claim, well that really is the best kind of marketing of all.
Cheadle is consistent. In role after role, he delivers the goods. It doesn’t matter if the movie is a blockbuster, academy award winner or a little known film. You can count on Cheadle to be a good actor. Your marketing messages will of course change but your core values and your commitment to quality should remain steadfast and true. Your customers should be able to count on you today and tomorrow.

Cheadle may not be the biggest named star in Hollywood, but he definitely has sustainability. Anyone can be a flash in the pan hottie but it takes real talent to build and sustain a brand.

What are your tips for marketing success? Have you gained any insight from your favorite actors?

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Marketing

Comments

7 Responses to “The 5 Marketing Lessons I Learned From Don Cheadle”

Alina Popescu on August 19th, 2008 7:51 am

These are indeed great marketing actions! And you are right, had no idea what his name was, but loved him in Hotel Rwanda.

Alina Popescus last blog post..Blog PR Tips: Don’t Pitch to Dead Blogs

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Brad Shorr on August 19th, 2008 8:32 am

Cheadle’s devotion to his craft his truly inspiring. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, too. Actors as marketing teachers? Interesting concept … I mentioned Clint Eastwood the other day, and he’s a good illustration that saying less is more. I think that’s a good lesson for marketing and writing.

Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Remember the Basics?

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Karen Swim on August 19th, 2008 9:42 am

Hi Alina! Laughing, I know for the longest time I could not remember his name either! He was also in Traffic, another wonderful film.

Hi Brad! Cheadle does seem genuinely nice. He is also involved in humanitarian causes but in that too he allows the cause to shine. I’d love to meet him one day. Anyone out there a first degree connection? LOL! I love the Clint Eastwood reference. Less is more is so right on. Ooohhh, good one!

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Wendi Kelly- Life's Little Inspirations on August 19th, 2008 11:13 am

Hi Karen,

I had no idea who he is but you just proved the 6th great point of marketing, which is that when you consistently provide great service and goods over the long haul that you will build your business and name by referral more than anything. People will talk about you and spread the word! Which you just did!
( That’s my tip by the way)

Now I want to go find out more and watch his movies! Thanks for the referral and the great post. Some really good points here!

Wendi Kelly- Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..For the Love of Words

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T L Thomas on August 19th, 2008 3:51 pm

The man is a chameleon. No matter what role he plays, his portrayal is real and believable. He has not allowed himself to be pigeonholed into one type of movie or another. I imagine he will appear in many more movies to come, he definitely has staying power. I should only be so lucky! Great article, Karen!

T L Thomass last blog post..Single at Mid Life - And Crazy As …

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Karen Swim on August 19th, 2008 10:11 pm

Wendi, your tip below is fabulous, worthy of repeating and committing to memory:

“but you just proved the 6th great point of marketing, which is that when you consistently provide great service and goods over the long haul that you will build your business and name by referral more than anything.”

You are such a wise woman! Let me know if you watch one of his movies. He really is fabulous!

Hi TL! I know he truly is a chameleon. With other great actors you sometimes have to get past the persona to see the character or they become so entwined with a character you find it difficult to see them in a new role (Denzel in Training Day, Queen Latifah in Set It Off for example). Thanks for the visit and the awesome comments! I definitely think you have staying power!

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Ellen Wilson on August 20th, 2008 3:06 pm

Karen,

So that’s his name! I love Don Cheadle. I have always thought he was very good. Kind of sexy too. Authentic and intelligent.

I like the way you characterize Cheadle and then compare his acting to marketing. Very good. I learn the best marketing tips from you.

Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Forward Momentum of Bloggery

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