George Carlin was in-your-face, irreverent, vulgar at times. And damn funny. He took serious subjects like war and made them laughable, all while he made a point.
It reminds me that sometimes, you have to stop taking yourself so seriously. That means me, too. I catch myself doing it more often than I’d like.
I’m blessed to be in business for myself, and to be helping small businesses succeed. I work with amazing, smart, hilarious, fun people. I get a great deal of joy from what I do. And there have been so many adventures along the way, many of which deserved a chuckle or two, even when they sucked royally at the time.
So my personal affirmation for the day, and the one I’d like to share in George’s honor, is to inject a little humor into your business. It makes you real, it makes you human. The best relationships are based on trust and affection. And I don’t know about you, but I can’t always trust someone who can’t take their head out of the game for a minute and have a good laugh (especially at their own expense). Sure, there are moments in business to be serious and focused, but not all of them.
There is something exhilarating about peals of good, hearty laughter. Over a cup of coffee, or in a board meeting. Yes, even in marketing. I’ve had some of the most productive and inspirational sessions of my career filled with a little silliness and some great camaraderie over laughter.
So go ahead. Laugh. George would be proud.
St. Peter and the gang upstairs have no idea what they’re in for. We’ll miss you, friend.
