Ann and I were recently discussing how luck can sometimes overcome a lack of skill or talent or education....


Mostly this was in reference to me and the fact that dumb luck has been pretty good to me recently.
I recently received a contact through our main company website that was forwarded to me and another Brand Manager for a different product category in our company. This simple Web site inquiry was soliciting product for placement in a new television series.
I'm usually pretty wary of these kinds of fishing expeditions because they usually either expect you to pay for the placement (with no promises made that your product will even get used) or it is somebody pretending to be a studio person who is really just trying to get some fee product.
Well, something about this inquiry smelled a little different. (Ok, it didn't really smell like anything, but work with me for a minute here–)
I sent the contact person a response to see what the show is all about and try to flesh out some idea of what potential there could be. Turns out, the show is set to take place in Manhattan and one of the primary characters owns a coffee import/export business and rides his bike every day back and forth to work. It's written into the character. Perfect! I sell bicycles and they need a bicycle. They need a bicycle and I need brand exposure. Yippee!
Once I got the contact established with the studio guy, the ball went rolling very quickly and now a beautiful Masi bicycle will be on television this fall. On top of that, I even get the chance to place some additional Masi branded product on the set to lend more credibility to the character as a cyclist. The working title for the show is The Singles Table (on NBC) and I have a feeling it'll be serious must see TV for this bike nerd.
Luck was kind to me. But it also points out the need to leave no stone unturned and never say never to potential. You never know where these little leads might take you. If this show takes off, similar to how Seinfeld did, the bikes might become a nice permanent touch. Seinfeld was great for Klein Bicycles (the bike was always hanging in the background in Jerry's apartment).
Who knows... maybe this show will be the next Seinfeld and my brand can be the next Klein. Certainly worth the cost of one bicycle to try and find out.