Time to Start Clicking

Faith Popcorn, author and chairperson of her company, BrainReserve wrote a book called 'Clicking' in 1997. Essentially, this book covers 17 consumer trends for marketers and companies to consider. One of these principles proposed was clicking, which was focused on connecting with people through our products and services.

Clicking was in action at our recent Ironman triathlon in Lanzarote. 1,500 participants, obviously, clicked with the esoteric idea of doing a long-distance triathlon on an exotic island. What clicked with them? What drove some of them to do their second, third and even sixteenth race on what has been recognized as one of the toughest bike courses in Ironman?

Arguably, Ironman Lanzarote clicked with the community in many ways:

1) Multiple lives and roles: participants who are parents, breadwinners, caregivers, community leaders, educative, professionals, et al.
2) Down-aging and being alive: people who want to live life differently, be energized, be passionate about something else, and fulfill physical goals. Go on a bike-tour, run an overnight ultra marathon, complete a triathlon, hike 100K, or run 73 stories up.
3) Fantasy-adventure: athletes get to dress up in superhero outfits (if compression tight clothing count) to achieve superhuman, endurance feats that could put some younger or rugged ones to shame. It is equal footing on the racecourse for both men and women, young and mature.
4) Faith: to achieve what we believe and can conceive. The journey of a thousand miles begins with he first step. A marathon is accomplished by both running and walking. You can complete the Boston Marathon at 80 years of age. Ask Uncle Kor!
5) Small indulgences: go on a shirt vacation, even in remote locations. Pampering yourself with a sport massage, chiropractic treatment, concert recital, attend a pasta party, or drink a cup of exotic coffee. These are part of a larger experience called life, and enjoying it in small ways. Costs are kept lower by booking online and earlier.

Leadership Lessons: Who have you clicked with recently? How do you click with people? Which trends do you click with? Have you made the generational click with your colleagues?