Catch a Rising Star
One thing I’ve learned in the marketing biz through the years is that you can never predict what will go “viral” on social media. You can make cool content. You can build big audiences to share it. You can research all of the other factors; best time of day to post, algorithms, media type, etc. But getting content to take off, in my experience, has a few key elements.
- It has to be visual.
- It has to touch on an emotional level (humor works best for me).
- It has to appeal to the widest possible audience.
A number of years ago, I decided to tweet a pic of every South of the Border billboard southbound I-95 to see family in Charleston. The kids tweeted while I drove. The pics were shared over a million times and I gained almost 10,000 Twitter followers in a few days. #YouNeverSausageAPlace #YoureAlwaysAWeinerAtPedros
In February, the Texas Inn’s legendary server Miss Debbie “Big Mama” Eagle’s post went viral. Seven Million views in 50 U.S. states and 17 countries. 20,000+ reactions. 7,000+ comments. (Why? See the three rules above.) Suddenly the world discovered what people in Lynchburg, Virginia have known for almost 30 years. Miss Debbie is a star and has always been a star. She had a play written about her. She’s had songs written about her. When she had health issues in 2021, it made the news and people contributed over $14,000 to her GoFundMe. Debbie has a batteau named after her, the Miss Debbie, and it is currently floating down the James River from Lynchburg to Maiden’s Landing in Powhatan this week during the James River Batteau Festival.
Big Mama’s star continues to shine this week. T-Room…The Musical opened at the Thoresen Theatre at Randolph College Wednesday night. The main character in the play is named Miss Betty…and you know who that is based on. Debbie didn’t sing on stage, but she signed plenty of autographs. On July 3rd, she will be in “the friendly city,” making her debut at the Texas Inn Harrisonburg location, from 2 – 5 p.m. Debbie will be signing autographs, merch, and insulting strangers.
Debbie’s star is rising and we are all a little better off because of it.
MONDAY:
LAZY (OR PUZZLING!) WAYS TO HAVE A MEETING
The leadership team met down in Williamsburg on Monday…poolside at Kingsmill. By the way, a lazy river is a great way to have a meeting, sans laptop of course.
The accounts team tackled an outing to Escape Room RVA, which proved a success when they escaped – with just a minute to spare!
TUESDAY:
POWER UP THE PRESENTATION
After a successful presentation of several creative options, we’re excited to see Chesterfield County Police Department’s new billboard go up along U.S. 460 very soon!
WEDNESDAY:
MISS DEBBIE’S DEBUT
On Wednesday night I had a hot date. Miss Debbie joined me for Endstation Theatre Company’s opening of T-Room…The Musical at Randolph College, celebrating the Texas Inn’s 88-year legacy as a Lynchburg staple. The show was perfect and I think Debbie got a real kick out of hearing some of her one-liners performed by a stellar cast.
Summer has begun! We think this is the perfect time to head out to Compass Entertainment Complex to try everything from batting cages to bumper cars, or plan a trip to the beautiful Chesapeake bayside at historic Fort Monroe to soak up some sun!
THURSDAY:
IT’S AMANDA DAY
Thursday was Account Executive Amanda Anderson’s birthday!! If we know Amanda, she celebrated with a little Stella’s tiramisu, or maybe the baklava ice cream from Scoop – our vote is to get both! Wishing you the best birthday and so happy you have a much-deserved day off!
FRIDAY:
VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR
I wasn’t able to join my friend John Reid on WRVA this morning, because he’s been out of the office and under the weather. Get well soon, John! But, I did compile a great list of things to do INDOORS, because the weather continues to be super swampy in Richmond this weekend.
Highlights:
- The Vegabonds with special guests Kind Hearted Strangers are now set to play at The National tonight….NOT Brown’s Island, because of thunderstorms. Doors open at 6. Cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Venture Richmond for details!
- Seattle Summerfest LIVE is on Saturday at Atlas42. Enjoy RVA’s take on the best of Seattle grunge rock. Featuring Black Hole Sun (Chris Cornell tribute band), All Apologies (Nirvana tribute band), and Deja Foo (Foo Fighters tribute band). There will be drink specials, a full bar, and street food menu. Seating is limited. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. Call (804) 965-0420 to learn more.
- Shuckin’ Sunday is at Steam Bell Beer Works from 11 a.m. til 6 p.m., or til they run out of oysters. Beer, oysters, and live music from Pat O’Brien…you can’t go wrong with that.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Fort Monroe Presents: TRADOC 50th Anniversary Celebration
Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe
Gullick Dr. Hampton, VA 23651
June 30, 2023 | 5 – 9:30 p.m.
A free celebration concert honoring 50 years of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command is being held Friday, June 30, at Outlook Beach, in Fort Monroe. They’ll be featuring the TRADOC Band, family activities and food trucks, the U.S. Army Parachute Team “Golden Knights” demonstration, and a special guest appearance from Ashley Smith of 13News Now!
Sunday Supper – Best Reason to BBQ
The Brandermill Church
4500 Millridge Pkwy,
Midlothian, VA 23112
July 2, 2023 | 5 – 6 p.m.
Reservations: dawn@brandermillchurch.org or call the church office at (804) 744-3661, ext 101
Our friends at The Brandermill Church are hosting BBQ Sunday Supper for a great cause! All the faves and fixins will be on hand, with pulled pork and chicken barbeque sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans, with chocolate and vanilla sheet cakes for dessert! Reservations required – $7.50 for adults, and kids up to age ten are free!
Get your reservations in by 5 p.m. Monday, June 26th, by emailing dawn@brandermillchurch.org or calling the church office at (804) 744-3661, ext 101. Holy Smoke food truck is providing the food and after costs are covered, the remaining funds will be donated to the Sunday Park Food Pantry.
“Just because you’re the owner, doesn’t mean I can’t knock you on your noggin.” — Debbie Eagle, 2023