The Reason I Wore Slippers to One of LA’s Hottest Clubs, And Why Your Company Should Wear Slippers, Too
Last night, I wore slippers to a downtown club called Elevate, a sizzling melting pot of Manolo Blahniks, fake boobies in tube tops, and of course, a whole lotta “bump and grinding.” After waiting in line for five minutes, my boy “Slug” and I were rejected at the door by a three hundred pound Steven Segal look-alike who deemed our sandals inappropriate and didn’t buy my “shoe thong” euphemism. Fortunately, I had both a pair of penny loafers and slippers in the truck of my car (long story, don’t ask), so Slug and I were experiencing the “bump and grinding” while the night was still young.
Although many would naturally be embarrassed wearing slippers in a trendy club, I chose to rock them with confidence, and the results, I shit you not, were fucking amazing: throughout the night, about ten women, aging in range from 19-45 and deliciousness from 5.2-9.7, noticed my slippers and complimented them. Basically, I stood out from the crowd and they dug it.
This brings me to tonight’s soapbox: don’t dress your company in traditional shoes, but let it wear slippers. In other words, dare to be different. The most successful companies, big and small, blaze new trails, embrace fresh perspectives, breath life into tired problems.
Some great, recent examples of companies wearing slippers include Chipotle and Apple. Chipotle revolutionized the meaning of fast food by placing added value on the quality of ingredients and amping up prices a lil’ bit. The result: it was one of the premier success stories of 2007 with its stock up 157% for the year. As for Apple, their decision to re-brand their gadgets and technology with the pregnant letter “i” made a huge statement about shifting power to the consumer, customizing to the individual. And accordingly, 2007 was a tremendous year for the company: it launched the iPhone, experienced a huge growth in computers sales, and savored the near doubling of its stock price.
I am not telling you that taking chances equates to guaranteed success. You also need, amongst a slew of factors, strong content (what’s beneath the slippers; moldy feet or manicured?) and equally strong marketing (do you rock the slippers with confidence; do the right people notice and enjoy your slippers?).
However, if the night is young, and you’re ready to choose an outfit for your company, consider what matches your Hush Puppies before picking out your shirt and pants. In other words, build your company around your uniqueness.
End of article, end of metaphor.
(If you’re wondering whether I took home a luckily lady last night, you’ll have to keep on wondering. I’m a gentleman, folks. And gentlemen don’t kiss and tell.)
(OK, you win. Her name was Rebecca. She was ooober foxy.)
Leave a Reply