A few years ago, someone very close to me went on a job interview. During the meeting, the hiring manager asked her all of the standard and very typical questions:
“What was your last employment like?”
“Are you a team player?”
“Tell me about the time when you…”
We’ve all heard these questions before.
But towards the end of the conversation, the questioning took a very different turn. This person was asked the following:
”If there was a certain song that always played when you walk down the street or entered a room, what would it be?”
Now I thought this was a very excellent question – especially for an interview. It was unique. It was different. It was a great way to break the ice. But it also was a very clever way to gain some insight in to their personality, build immediate rapport and engage more on an emotional level.
Music and the Iconic Story Hero
Music is a great tool for providing inspiration and triggering certain feelings and emotions. Many brands even use the power of sound for recognition and recall (e.g, audio logos).
But it can also be a signature asset for people as well. That’s why some of the most iconic figures in television and film have their own theme music.
For example, whenever we think about Rocky Balboa, I’m sure most of us can’t help but hear “Gonna Fly Now” playing in our heads.
And most Gen Xers can remember the 1970’s TV show “Wonder Woman” and its catchy intro singing… “All the world is waiting for you. And the powers you possess.”
But having a theme song isn’t just for the good guys. Star Wars fanatics (like myself) can appreciate Darth Vader’s “Imperial March” as the perfect menacing theme whenever he appears on screen.
When you hear these particular songs, you immediately think of them, their power, their personalities, and their story.
The Soundtrack to Your Story
We all have many ways that we express ourselves. The purchases we make. The clothes we wear. The way we style our hair.
But music can also be a part of that equation. Think of the songs you pick for your exercise playlist. Or let’s even take it back to that mixtape made for the high school sweetheart. These are all forms of self-expression.
When I work directly with leaders and entrepreneurs as a consultant, sometimes as part of the brand discovery process, I ask them to come up with a song that best defines their brand and their story. It’s a fun exercise and productive exercise, since music is a great benchmark for reflecting your personal narrative and characteristics (brand personality).
Remember – branding is really about defining who you are, and the STORY you want to tell. And every good song has a story.
I encourage everyone to think about what your personal theme song would be. What is that one song that could be your own personal musical hallmark?
So the next time you are working on those business launch plans, or just need an extra boost of motivation…
Turn that song through your headphones or in your car. Get inspired. Go build your tribe. Start your movement!
By-the-way…that person in the interview I mentioned earlier did in fact get that job.
Maybe it was my wife’s answer to the theme song question, when she started singing “I’m Every Woman” that closed the deal.
Question: What would you consider to be your music anthem right now? What song do you want playing when you enter a room? Please feel free to share your thoughts below in the comments and/or social media.
