Drive

Okay, I'm hooked on FUEL TV. I don't know if you've seen this channel, but its programming is devoted to surfing, skateboarding, motocross, and BMX. I especially like the BMX/Freestyle stuff, where the athletes do amazing things on BMX bikes - jumps, trackstands, ramp tricks - that blow my mind.

Anyhow, there is a show on FUEL TV called Drive. I recommend watching this show at least once, because the show's concept as it relates to business is genius. Based on the award-winning documentary film, DRIVE: Notes From the Wilderness, the Drive series goes on the road with professional skateboarder Mike Vallely as he travels across the U.S. and around the world exploring the people, places, and issues defining skateboarding and youth culture today. More than just a skate trip, Drive is the world through Vallely’s eyes.

Mike Vallely goes to places where kids have built homemade skate ramps. He goes to places like Africa where kids want to skate but poverty makes it difficult. He goes to urban areas where adults have started skate parks to give at risk youth something to do besides get involved in crime. And Mike skates with them. And talks with them. And motivates them. And gives them free stuff - stuff they would probably never be able to afford.

Mike gets these kids fired up about skateboarding and shows them what it is like to be a professional skateboarder. He gets them involved and excited, which leads to a long term love of the sport. Sales trainers call this "transfer of enthusiasm".

At the end of the show, Mike gives the kids free hats, t-shirts, boards, and promotional items provided by his sponsors. You can only imagine how special these items are to these kids - they were given to them by a pro skateboarder on the TV show that they appeared on! What memories. The sponsors get huge bang for their buck.

Think a moment about your business - are you passionate about what you do? Mike Vallely loves skateboarding and passes that enthusiasm on to others. Do you get others excited about what you do? Do you transfer enthusiasm?

Think also about giving back to your industry. Mike Vallely passes his knowledge on to others. He shows them how to do tricks, build ramps, and try new things. He gives back. Do you give your knowledge to others - not only to clients, but what about young people who might want to do what you do?

Sometimes we get messages from unusual places, and I sure got some great ideas from Drive. But don't worry - I won't be attempting a 50-50 Grind any time soon.