Performance, Packaging and Promotions - 3 Ps according to me, have become the most essential aspects of our life today- more so professional and public lives. Each of these are crucial tiers which we have to pay attention to, focus our energies on and put efforts into, in order to be successful in today's professional life.
Content (read, performance) was for a long time the only important aspect but things have changed, and more dramatically so in recent times.
To give you a simple example, in today's world, as an employee of an 'X' organization, not only one has to exceed given targets (i.e. perform well) but also ensure that the efforts put in are also packaged well. Packaged in a way that the organization sits up and takes notice of it, realizes and appreciates the labor that has gone into it. Silently toying away is a thing of the past.
And in instances when you exceed their expectations, you must also 'talk' about it (be your own PR machinery). So that the entire eco-system, (not limited to your boss) which includes your colleagues, sub-ordinates, senior members, staff from other divisions etc. must all become aware of your achievements and triumphs.
There are still some who focus only on the first 'P' (Performance) and sorely lack in the other 2 Ps (Packaging and Promotions). 'Why should I talk about my achievements, isn't that bragging? I would rather have my work speak for itself.' That's the thought process they believe in.
Nothing bad about it at all.
But my friend, in today's fast paced, chaotic, short sighted world which also has people with short term memories, it has become essential to break through this clutter by singing our own song and blowing our own trumpet.
To reinforce this thought further, I will share an incident which happened today.
On my way to office, I was reading the newspaper and passively listening to the radio and my favourite morning RJ, Jituraj. As usual, he was talking in a feverish pitch about the happenings in the city, the new films, their songs and reviews, some social causes and then suddenly he veered to the subject of Marathi Theatre. He said something that really stuck with me through the day.
He was recounting how, since time immemorial, Marathi Theatre has been offering the most critically acclaimed plays, best performances and directors, original stories and award winning actors/actresses to its discerning audience. Unfortunately, it has not got the deserved adulation and status which it should command and its stagnating today. Those who follow theater passionately, will surely understand its predicament.
Then he spoke about, how in spite of its diminishing stature, its zealous audience continues to throng the theaters for a 3pm show even on a Monday afternoon and make it a 'House Full'. This passion reflects the love they have for the content and performances of the talented powerhouses that embody Marathi Theater.
Imagine how big these guys (Marathi Theater producers) would have been if they were strong in their Packaging and Promotions department as well. Probably would have given all other formats a run for their money. Sadly, the ilk of Marathi Theater producers, directors and writers belong to the small surviving group which focuses purely on 'Performance' and ignores the other 2 Ps. They don't understand that in order to reach the heights it is worthy of and become even bigger, they need to change their own mindset. A mindset which caters to the 'new' needs to bring in younger audiences to theaters. And in addition, shout out from roof tops about the brilliant art that they have to offer to them.
He concluded that its time the Marathi Theater industry realizes what they lack for promoting their art. Otherwise, its definitely curtains down for them. And that will be a sad day.
In line with what Jituraj was saying, there are many such examples in India and amongst them are our historical monuments. These ancient shrines and landmark locations are several centuries old and soaked in rich history and heritage. They could make fantastic tourist destinations but sadly are left in ruins without much maintenance and beautification. The infrastructure surrounding these remarkable sites is so under developed that you can only feel pity for ourselves. Not to mention, they are severely under promoted as well.
And why just monuments, take the case of eateries like Merwan's (Irani restaurant) who for decades has been serving yummy mava cakes to foodies across generations. But now, because of not being able to reinvent itself and promote to the younger clientele, its going to be shutters down from March for Merwan's. For its multitude of old fans, it will be the end of the mava cake era.
In a nutshell, it will be safe to conclude that its not just enough to deliver a great performance but it's also important to write your own advertisement and promote it to the right audience as well. Otherwise, you may just remain a great piece of living being which no one else either saw, heard or met.
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