Homage to the Electrical Outlet
Many people can tell you who invented electricity and the light bulb, but I would wager most people do not know who invented the electrical outlet. Harvey Hubbell, a man nearly forgotten in history, that’s who. I would argue that Harvey’s invention is just as important as the light bulb because the electrical outlet made electricity available to the masses. In fact, the outlet paved the way for electricity to be the most overlooked commodity of the modern era. That’s right, the outlet. Without Harvey, how do you plug in a TV? Better yet without Harvey, what does the term “plug in” really mean? How do you charge your iPAD? Think about it; the outlet powers your home.
People most often think about what is behind the outlet; the electricity, and what is in front of the outlet; the thing being powered. It’s the magical connection of electricity to the thing being powered that is truly amazing, and truly simple.
What if you were to treat every day as if you are an outlet? What magical connections could you make come to life? As a marketer you have the ability to take the mundane, the everyday, and bring it to life in a magical way. No, you aren’t making TVs, but you are making the connection between the TV and the consumer. You make magic with your ideas, your words, your art. Outlets seldom get the praise of a beautiful Christmas Tree, but the tree wouldn’t be lit without the outlet.
You have the power to be an outlet. You have the power to bring electricity to an idea. You have the power. Cherish it.
