Yep, We Got It Goin’ On

I think it is time to admit I have an addiction. Yes, you’ve heard about my fascination and adoration of designer shoes, I’ve talked about my anger at being shorted two “fingers” worth of beer, I’ve spoken of my great respect for my competitors. But, there is something else I have been hiding from you. “What? What? The Head Ninja is HIDING something from us?!”, you ask.  How could the girl who is in constant pain from the tall shoes she wears, who laughs with her head thrown back and mouth wide open at the slightest of jokes, and who tells everyone her life story when she meets them be – gasp! – holding something back?

Well I have been.

I, my friends, am obsessed with the rock band Bon Jovi. I know, I know. You are shocked. It has been my dirty little secret since I was 13 years old. Yes, an entire (cough) 16 years. And, no, I haven’t seen the inside of a rehab facility. . . yet. . .

Why is it that I love them so? Why is it that every time I see them performing on TV I stop and sit mesmerized at their performance as if I am in a trance? Why is it that every time Jon is interviewed I sit with a Cheshire cat-like grin on my face and watch as I hold my breath? I’ll tell you why. It’s because they are awesome. (And, okay, Jon is really, really hot…) Wait, wait – stop smiling Trish! – make your point. Sheesh.

Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is an incredible machine. I fell in love with them as a kid because their music rocked. I loved the big hair, the big guitar solos, the tight pants, the energetic performances – everything. I love them as an adult for different reasons. What I’ve realized is that – yeah, the guys are incredible song writers, but what they do right is that their songs are upbeat and positive. They give you that invincible feeling that you can do ANYTHING. Have you ever heard Bon Jovi fans talk about the “Church of Bon Jovi”? What they are talking about is the nearly religious experience you have as you listen to their music. It is so positive, so uplifting, so INSPIRING. It is incredible.

I actually do my best thinking listening to Bon Jovi.

The other thing I love about Bon Jovi and respect about the group is that they GET branding. They are a marketing machine. Sure, they are great musicians and write rockin’ songs. But, they understand how to build their brand. They understand how to constantly be changing and to build brand awareness and, most importantly, brand loyalty. Bon Jovi fans are steadfast, and crazy, and well – let’s face it – some of those chicks need to do away with the big feathered hair and leather jackets – but their fans are LOYAL.

How do they do it? How have these guys created this machine?

Well, I’ll tell you how. Jon Bon Jovi has an incredible business savvy. He closely monitors and controls his brand. He has had a vision since the conception of the band, has set goals, and has stayed the course. Sure, the band went their separate ways for a couple of years back in the 90’s, but they always knew they were better together. It is amazing the staying power they have. They just released their new album, “The Circle” and it quickly rose to #1. And, let’s face it people, Jon is still hot.

Bon Jovi - The Circle
Bon Jovi - The Circle

I love the way the music of Bon Jovi inspires me. Whenever I have a big decision to make you will find me in my little red car, top down unless it is below freezing (otherwise I am dressed like an Eskimo and have the heater on high!), and I will have Jon and the boys belting it out on the stereo. The song I have been listening to the most is an oldie but goodie – “We Got It Goin’ On” from the Lost Highway CD released in 2007.

What is it about these lyrics that make me think about Think Tank, the Ninjas, where we have come from, and where we are going? Check out the chorus:

We got it going on
We’ll be bangin’ and sangin’ just like the Rolling Stones
We’re gonna shake up your souls, we’ve come to rattle your bones
‘Cause we got it going on

Yeah, Bon Jovi, you DO have it goin’ on. And, you know what? So do the Think Tank Ninjas. I learned my lessons from the greatest at a young age – be focused, keep your eye on the prize, approach things from a positive place, and you will succeed. Thanks, Jon. Thanks Richie. Thanks Tico, and David, and hell even that “new” bassist Hugh. You guys have EMPOWERED me, you make me happy, keep my chin up, and let me know it is all okay at the Church of Bon Jovi. I bow to your marketing prowess and your musical skills.

The boys of Bon Jovi
The boys of Bon Jovi

Now, Jon, why don’t you come see what being a Ninja is all about? I’ll be here waiting. . . and you’ll know it’s our office because when you walk up the stairs and turn to the left you will hear the bass thumping and the windows rattling and you might just walk in on the Ninjas and I rocking out to air guitar. You know why? Cause WE GOT IT GOIN’ ON!

2 thoughts on “Yep, We Got It Goin’ On

  1. Great post Head Ninja! I have to admit I was a little skeptical when you said your post was about Bon Jovi, but it was very insightful. That’s what I like about you, you can take something and see it a totally different way. I never would have put Jon in the same thought as ‘business tycoon’
    What sucks the most is that when I was 13 I was totally in love with David Lee Roth. He’s not as business savvy, is he? Darn it all.

  2. Yes, Head Ninja, I was doubtful, too. And since I am (cough) slightly older than you, I am not the Bon Jovi person you are. Allman Bros and Clapton for me……however, I recently viewed a 90 minute documentary on Bon Jovi. Why? Because I had seen him interviewed a couple of times and realized that this guy did indeed have his **** together from a biz perspective. The documentary only reinforced that, and it further reinforced your point about branding and how he “gets it”. He is also a leader with a vision, which his fellow bandmates may have chafed at a bit in their younger days, but now realize that vision and his loyalty to them has made them a lot of money, and their respect for him is very easy to ascertain. He is a driven dude, for sure. Happy rock out to you!

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