What I Learned about Marketing from Godzilla
My colleague and mentor Michael Katz provides an apt metaphor for AI:
“Godzilla is coming to your neighborhood. He may not step on your house, but nothing is going to look the same.”
Godzilla is, of course, the enormous, ubiquitous, prehistoric, reptilian monster that first appeared in the eponymous 1954 film, and has risen from the seemingly-dead for innumerable sequels. In most, it is awakened, and apparently pissed off, by man-made causes.
(Interestingly, Godzilla is always referred to with gender-neutral pronouns.)
As a distraught resident of Tokyo, or a marketer, might observe, we are being overrun. As we ponder fight or flight, here are three important observations:
1. Neither Godzilla nor AI give a hoot about you
This is not about improving civilization or our daily lives. AI is for profit — all those investors are looking for a big return. Which, I hope, you hear loud and clear and engage with AI. Learn how this technology can help you do what you do, only better. Follow the money.
2. Godzilla, and AI, are going to do what they want to do when they want to do it
Each chooses their own path for their own reasons. Our reason must be to stay out of the first one’s way, and to use the latter to lighten our load. Each changes the landscape, forever.
3. This is Godzilla change management
Every effective strategy for change involves carefully explaining the future state, how each person can benefit, and giving everyone the tools they need to succeed.
Sorry. Godzilla has a different definition of effective change management.
There are several stories about how Godzilla got its name. One is that it is a metaphor for nuclear warfare. Another is that Godzilla is America taking vengeance on Japan. The most widely-accepted story is that the producer named the monster after a stage hands who was particularly big and strong. The worker’s nickname was Gojira — both gorilla and whale.
You need to become that Godzilla — relentless in your pursuit of your own success. Keep your eye on the prize.
