Never, Ever Write an M&A Theme Song

Jun 4

Here’s another in a cringe-worthy series of corporate videos. Recognizing that we can all learn as much from what we shouldn’t do as what we should do, here’s some M&A advice: Never, ever take a U2 song, rewrite the lyrics to laud your mega-merger, and think it’s okay. It’s never okay. Ignoring the irony of what U2′s One is about, forget using U2 or anything other band. No M&A theme song.

That ends our M&A lesson today.

[via]

About the Author
Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

Share this post

Comments

  1. Frank,

    Another lesson:

    Tapping into the power of personal stories to tell corporate stories is a natural way to authentically connect an audience to your brand.

    As a seasoned corporate documentary filmmaker, corporate videos have the same potential to be as emotionally moving as any program on PBS or Discovery.

  2. John Windsor says:

    Ooo, VERY obnoxious . . .

  3. Frank Roche says:

    Thomas, I’ll definitely go along with professional production. I definitely think there’s a place for that…and video is very powerful. It’s just that the use of U2′s One was almost so ironic. I love video…but I’m not sure that two dudes from corporate signing some hokey lyrics are the thing…pro video like you produce, yes, clients should go for that.

    John, I have to say I’m still cringing while I watch this one.

  4. hollyster says:

    I’d also recommend not taking a gospel song and re-purposing the words to how great it is to work at a Big 4 Accounting Firm ;)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaIq9o1H1yo

  5. Frank Roche says:

    Hi Hollyster…yep, I posted that one a couple of weeks ago….another in the series of scary corp. videos. How funny is it when people think they’re doing something great but not realizing how really bad their stuff is? That E&Y one is really something….thanks for finding the B and A one…funny as heck!

  6. Marc Humphries says:

    Frank – this is class!

  7. Nigel says:

    I dont know about the bad vibes regarding taking the U2 song and converting it for a company gig.. I think it was carried out well and they got the point across to their staff. At the ens of it all it boils down to the fact that they are actually trying to be positive about the merger for which you need to appreciate their efforts. I say well done..in my humble opinion..

Leave a Reply

 
  • About KnowHR

    KnowHR serves up straight talk about human resources, communication and technology. Our goal is to help you make work better. Brought to you by IFRACTAL.

  • Featured Product

  • Sign up for KnowHR

    Want to receive KnowHR via email? Sign up now for our weekly KnowHR Newsletter.

  • Social Media

    • twitter
    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • tumblr
    • youtube
    • vimeo
    • linkedin
  • Flickr

    • Bethany at IFRACTAL uses the Labyrinth as inspiration to practice contact juggling with an orange
    • We ring in success with the IFRACTAL cow bell
    • Charlie at IFRACTAL is suspended in midair above Chicago at the Sears Tower
    • Sarah at IFRACTAL has a thing for Pringles
    • Andy at IFRACTAL is pumped up for work this Monday
    • Farewell to Steve and Zack, the IFRACTAL interns!
    • Steph and Jess at IFRACTAL kicking it with Spiderman!
    • Furley working up a sweat at IFRACTAL
    • Pat at IFRACTAL says "Hail to the victors valiant!" #mgoblue
    • Shanna's accessories are nerfing to joke about at IFRACTAL!
    • Pat's a sweetheart, but she sure whips up some mean lunches in the IFRACTAL kitchen
    • Jess and Steve scream for ice cream at IFRACTAL!
    • Shanna at IFRACTAL is pretty in pink, pretty badass that is!
    • We know about presentation at IFRACTAL
    • Charlie in his new Do-Rag is handling business at IFRACTAL
    • Frank and Jess at IFRACTAL fall victim to a Candy Coma