My American Idol??

Now that January is here I can finally say that the one an only thing I look forward to television-wise is back on the air, no not playoff football or The Super Bowl, but American Idol. The football is good too, but let's be honest, I'm from the Detroit area and we never get real excited about NFL playoffs here. No, the real draw this time of year is the new season of American Idol, and for good reason.........its both scary and inspiring.

It is scary as I watch the obviously misguided "singers" come before the likes of Simon Cowell and Randy, only to be deflated and berated for thier effort at stardom. I literally look away at times as if I am driving past the most horrific and grotesque accident I have ever seen. It is painful and maddening to think that the loved ones and friends of this individual actually tell them that they should try out for such a show.  Once you weed out the obvious posers that only want their 15 seconds of fame, you can see that some of these people actually believe they are good.

That's the scary part for me. Scary because I start to think, "is that me", as it relates to this whole retail initiative thing? Am I thinking I really have something to offer the healthcare community that will truly benefit their mission. (Fade to dream sequence) I can see Simon Cowell rolling his eyes and try to suppress his laughter, only to get Randy started by saying "Dog its just not good". I stand there dumbfounded and in shock, not knowing how to respond. Then I wake up and thank God it was only a dream.........wasn't it?

Then walks in this 28 year old, down on his luck, small town farmer, father of six that never had the opportunity to tell his story through the incredible instrument of his voice.  He really doesn't know if he is any good, but he is stepping out there and giving it a shot before he is "too old" for the show. His wife and kids are outside the audition room with Ryan Seacrest in anxious anticipation. He steps before the panel of judges and Simon, almost expecting the worst of the day, says "go on then, let's hear it". What follows is the most incredible rendition of Michael Buble's "Home" the judges have ever heard. He gets a resounding 4 "yeses'" (Randy gives it his 100 gazillion yes!), explodes out the door to his screaming family and is on his way to stardom. 

O.K., except for the fact that I am not 28, down on my luck, a farmer, a father of 6 and anything close to a singer , I can totally relate to this guy. As I enter another year of effort and pursuit of this passion to work with the healthcare community to capture the "low hanging fruit" of retail revenues, I can finally say that it is getting the "Yeses" it deserves. After the fair share of scary moments, I feel more confident than ever that more and more campuses are willing to see the extreme benefits of such offerings as cafe's, updated gift shops, convenience stores, salons and more. All of this is to the benefit of the staff, visitors, patients and overall campus experience. That's the "stardom" we all need to pursue for healthcare retail.

Now if I can only stop humming the tune "Pants On The Ground" I could regain my focus on my to do list for the week!