Elvis Presley, known as the king of rock’n roll, received various reactions from all segments of society due to his stage performances and style. Particularly, the older and conservative segments found Elvis’s dances and stage shows unconventional and therefore did not like him. However, Elvis’s manager Tom Parker turned this situation to an advantage.
Tom Parker: A Mind that Capitalizes on Opportunities
Parker realized that Elvis was not just a beloved figure, but also a person who was seriously criticized and even hated. This situation was a marketing opportunity for him. Parker made major deals for the sale of various Elvis-themed products including lipstick, perfume, scarves, necklaces, and trading cards. Interestingly, Parker did not stop at these products and specifically produced “I Hate Elvis” badges for those who despised Elvis, and put them on the market. These products also saw great interest and reached very high sales figures.
Profits Gained from the Hated Aspects of Elvis
Elvis and Parker knew very well how to turn public reactions into economic opportunities. Any criticism or negative press was actually increasing Elvis’s popularity. Over time, critics’ negative comments led people to talk more about Elvis and made them want to listen to him. This situation further increased interest and curiosity in Elvis’s music.
Elvis and Tom Were Also Highly Successful in the Marketing Field
As a result, Elvis Presley and Tom Parker showed an excellent example of how to turn negative criticism and even hate into profit. Although criticism is often seen as a negative element, they knew very well how to turn these criticisms to their advantage. This strategy allowed them to be successful not only in the music industry but also in the business world.
These successful marketing strategies help us understand better what kind of duo Elvis and Tom Parker were. Their creativity and business acumen made them significant figures not only in the music industry but also in the field of marketing in general.
Source: Pricing Brew , Capitalism
