Fly The Friendly Skies!

In the early 60’s Leo Burrett and his team landed on a marketing idea that stuck for decades. Chicago based marketing firm and United Airlines (also Chicago based) agreed upon a statement that was universally known as the United Air brand. This contributed to TV and Radio ads as well as print. It seemed like the sky was the limit on what a local marketing firm could develop. It launched them internationally. This was the phrase, “Fly The Friendly Skies!”

The creator of “The Marlboro Man,” Leo was growing his firm to what is even today the most successful in the advertisement world. This iconic brand appeared everywhere. Smoking was officially a mocha man brand. (Later Leo’s team hired their first black woman to lead and introduce a more female friendly icon for smokers.) I know, this is not a welcomed habit but in the 40’s through the 80’s it was a mainstay for most people. Not until the late 90’s was smoking indoors and at restaurants banned smoking. 

Why do I start this blog with this bit of history (& on such a terrible habit by today’s standards? It related to how culture is defined and how people follow. 

Ideas and crowd-sourcing branding is powerful. Ideas catch on. Culture responds to these kinds of well-delivered brands. Name any familiar brand like Coke, (Dr. Pepper is my favorite), McDonalds, and thousands more. Themes catch on and especially with a catchy song. 

Themes are common to all genres and groups. Today is no different. There are many more naturally since there are many ore channels and tools available. 

The Super Bowl is just around the corner and brands compete for top billing. Just watch which brand is on top. Doritos, Insurance Companies; tastes in food and drink will also be represented. 

I am watching too. I hope to see the now popular commercials that speak about God’s Love that Hobby Lobby has been funding. The elevated stage and audience will present hope to millions! This is literally Good News! 

The Gospel will go out to millions in those powerful but brief 30-Seconds. They will impact the lives of many who are lonely, in need and overwhelmed by their circumstances. I usually pray during these commercials for those that need to hear this powerfully positive message. 

All this today that we need to people who carry the message of hope to those we encounter. It may be that the life we lead, the time we spend with people and the words we say will impact the life of someone we are praying for!  The memorable words of Jesus can bring people to the incredible message of hope! 

For God so loved the world….

I go to prepare a place for you….

I will not leave you as orphans….

I offer living water….

I am the bread of life….

I am The Way, The Truth, The Life….

As we live out the words of Jesus and the hope of the world, we can change culture, provide hope, reach the least, lost, last, and lonely. 

Let us take time to listen and share the hope we found in Christ. 

They say that the best form of marketing is word of mouth. What is it that you are saying that others are hearing? What can we do to reach others as God’s Ambassadors. 

As I write this blog, I am 35,000 feet from the earth’s soil. There is a mission all around me and you. I know that the landscape looks and feels different at the surface so before you act, take time to pray. Take time to care for your neighbor. Take time to share the hope you have with another. No matter the obstacle you may face, may the Lord find us faithful. (Matthew 25.)

Take 2 minutes to write down those names of people you know that need the Good News. Take 4 minutes to pray for them. Take 8 minutes to bless them. Take 16 minutes to listen. Take 32 minutes to serve them. Or visa versa if you prefer. But, take the time you need to build a relationship with them at the speed of trust!