The criticism matter – Close to 18 years of name calling, gross disrespect, mockery and yet Nana Addo was not deterred from achieving his dream of becoming President of the Republic of Ghana. From the many campaign platforms, he mounted, there was one resounding statement, “I have listened to the people and know what they want.” Most often, we take criticisms to mean our critics are suffering from the “Pull-Him-Down Syndrome.” It is about that time we rather appreciate the many criticisms, positive or negative, that come our way, pick the best out of it and develop policies that will make us and our businesses better. Charter House’s Ghana Music Awards is probably Ghana’s most criticized event yet it is one of biggest indoor and keeps getting better each year. “They listen to critics and make the best out of the criticisms.”

Flamboyant campaigns don’t mean a win – We have all the tools at our disposal to get heard by the masses, yet as entertainment people we sometimes over step our bounds and try to undertake overly expensive promotions. If there’s anything you could learn from the John Mahama campaign, flamboyant campaigns do not always translate into votes. Not to say you cannot engage in porsche promos, but my point is never expect to rake in the numbers because you have made the most noise and adopted the most expensive campaigns for your products. Being beaten with about a million votes definitely doesn’t look like the flamboyant campaigns paid off. For us in an industry where Telecos mean a lot in the area of sponsorship, Glo is a great example of massive advertisement that never yielded the expected results.

Time No Dey – You do not need a decade to make a statement when you find yourself in the spotlight. Whatever you have to do for your clients, do it now and leave a good impression that lasts. After a good 8 years at the helm of affairs, the NDC appealed to Ghana for more time to undertake programs that were going to be directly beneficial to the Ghanaian. The question asked by most people was, “if you couldn’t achieve it in 8 years, what shows you can do it in another 4?” For most of us we put little effort in producing good events with the hope of making it better when we amass some wealth. The patrons know what they want, take the first opportunity to make that statement or you will lose them all. The very moment you are unable to satisfy the entertainment needs of your clients you should be getting ready to pack your bag and baggage and say goodbye to the business. Can you recall the number of events that failed to continue after two or three editions? The list must be tall, right?

Never compromise on the right thing – Mrs. Charlotte Osei, the returning officer for the presidential election has done a great job and deserves a good commendation. She never compromised on getting the right thing done no matter the cost. In less than 24 hours after polls closed, the opposition were already pushing the EC boss to declare results when she did not have her work completed but she restrained herself, concentrated on what had to be done and only came out to make an announcement when she was ready. Prior to the elections, she made a lot of headlines with her effort to sanitize the electoral process. For most of us in the world of entertainment, we succumb to pressure and end up making very avoidable mistakes. You will pay for not doing the right and the cost will be heavy. One event that has grown from worse to worst over the last seven years has been the Ghana Movie Awards. After this year’s edition, a leading sponsor openly expressed its disappointment and announced its intention to disassociate itself with the event. Imagine the rippling effect of this announcement on future editions? Despite calls for proper organization of the film awards in Ghana, the managers of the event have done very little to improve its standard. The first stroke that dints the image of the awards scheme has been thrown by a sponsor, will this award have any relevance in our industry in some few years to come? Do the right thing.  

 

EVERYONE MUST WIN – Do not be selfish and think of what only you gain out of a project. Remember, a successful event is the one that has all its stakeholders – patrons, organizers, sponsors, performers – walking home fulfilled at the end of the day. Was it not a beauty seeing the posture of the leaders of the two major political parties at the end of the long run? Although both parties were not winners of the contest, they both won the respect of many across the globe and peace prevailed. Sometimes all everyone need is a simple thank you or I am sorry.

We have what it takes to be winners in our industry, let’s learn from the experience of others, apply it to our work and make the best out of our situation. Experience is the best teacher, learn from the experience of others.