Business lessons from Valentine viral videos
The torrent of hashtags, likes, and shares on social media arising from the three Valentine viral videos of a popular fast-food chain shows that Filipinos are a very emotional people. This was, in fact, the finding of Gallup’s 2016 Global Emotions Report, which lists Filipinos as among the most emotional people in the world. Emotions arising from both positive and negative experiences influence the way we talk, act, and feel. They also influence how we perceive and react to a brand.
These videos have been the talk of the town possibly because they capture persistence, perseverance, and positivity — traits that work well not only for one’s personal life but also for one’s career.
The first video, entitled “Crush,” focuses on persistence, a trait associated with entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs (corporate entrepreneurs). New business ventures and ideas take time to incubate. Plans are seldom linear, and businesses usually experience a cycle of some ups but mostly downs. Business owners and managers should thus learn to improvise and innovate in the face of new challenges and the ever- changing needs of customers — just like what our hero did to woo his crush. He persistently sent notes on burgers despite his being sheepish and despite the odds that his crush was not “into him” at that moment. Persistence, just like patience, is indeed a virtue.
The second video, entitled “Vow,” focuses on perseverance. The protagonist poignantly reminisces about both positive and negative experiences with his dearest. He was steadfast even to the point of sending his treasure to her wedding. The unexpected ending showcases perseverance because our hero did something difficult. Similarly, there are times when business success is delayed because of constraints and risks. However, owners of most successful businesses have endured failure and learned to move on from their mistakes to become bigger, brighter, and better. Hopefully, our hero will also marry “the one” in the near future. (Do I sense a sequel?)
The last video, entitled “Date,” focuses on positivity despite its theme of death and despair. What struck me most was how the plot focused on planning. From the meticulous preparation of the son for the date, to the haunting yet heartfelt message of the dad for the mom, the plans were properly implemented. In business, planning is key to success because it allows owners and managers to efficiently allocate resources and effectively achieve goals. It manages and mitigates risks and uncertainties to rapidly adjust to changing market conditions. It also provides a realistic view of what would happen under different scenarios. Despite the circumstances they faced, both mother and child became more positive in their outlook because of planning. The carefully laid out plans provided much needed positivity for them.
The traits highlighted in these Valentine viral videos apply not only to our personal lives but to our jobs as well. Being persistent, perseverant, and positive not only warm the heart but keep businesses alive, too.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and administrators.
THE VIEW FROM TAFT BRIAN C. GOZUN These videos have been the talk of the town possibly because they capture persistence, perseverance, and positivity — traits that work well not only for one’s personal life but also for one’s career.