Not Four P's, Three P's
All of us who have been in the communications business for years, had drilled into us early in our college years the four P's of marketing - price, product, promotion and place. This was one of those things like the chemical table symbols that just stuck in your head and stayed there forever; lead is Pb and gold is Au; and the lessons that you learned from your parents as they raised you from infancy. Similar to the P's, the lessons you learned from them are indelibly etched in your mind. It was interesting that the other day I learned another set of P's that came in an informative, inspirational way. These new P's moved me in a way I haven't been in recent years. I can't stop thinking about it. Two weeks ago I attended the funeral service of James W. Snowden, Sr., the father of one of our art directors, Glen Snowden. The funeral was held in a church in Springfield, MA, and was an emotional and stirring tribute to the man and the life he led. It all culminated in the poignant and funny, yet reflective, eulogy delivered by Reverend Glen Snowden. Although I knew that Glen was deeply religious, I didn't know that he was a pastor for his own congregation. He has ten parishioners; but if his eulogy is any indication, those ten are extremely well served by Glen. Glen's eulogy centered on the three P's that his father taught him that any man would be well served to think about everyday. Those P's were presence, principles, provider. Glen's father was always there for him, always a presence in his life. It's such a straightforward message. Be there for your kids. But, for many fathers it isn't that easy. Glen's message delivered a reminder to all of us in that room and for anybody who might read this blog. Take the time to spend time with your family. They and you will be better off for it. Principles. Glen talked about how his father worked for the US Postal Service. There was a no nonsense attitude and approach at 187 Marion Street. James Snowden, Sr., was not going to see any of his kids in what he referred to as "The House of Jazz," - was the local correctional detention center. It's all about principles and living your life the right way. That is what Glen's dad instilled in his children - the sense of principles. Again, it's a message that we're all aware of, but Reverend Glen brought it out front and center. Sticking to principles is hard, but in the end it's worth it. That's what makes Glen who he is and made his father who he was.
The last "P" was provider. In order to be a great man, you have to be a provider. Glen's father did not make a ton of money and oftentimes worked multiple jobs, including third shift. But, what he did make was enough to have a great family and provide for all of them. The lesson here is provide as best you can - both financially and emotionally.
Being a man, Reverend Glen's eulogy really struck an emotional chord within me. You can't always pay off on all the P's - presence, principles and provider; but if you try to do it the majority of the time, you're going to make it happen. In essence, Reverend Glen was delivering a message of being a responsible and good man. By having a presence, living by principles and providing for your family, you're a good man. What a way to honor his father With these three P's, there's a tremendous amount of responsibility that goes along with them. It was a great eulogy, eloquently delivered, with messages that both resonated and stuck with me. Thank you, Glen Snowden, for allowing us to know your father and to know you a lot better. Let's all live the three "P's" everyday.
