Never Say Never

"The ideal applicant will have a unique eye for capturing stories, a warmth in interacting with others, a self-motivated work ethic, and a dedication to producing high-quality work."

***

I can't believe I'm doing this again.

In fact, I've actually lost sleep over this, the past two nights, tossing and turning, over whether or not I should actually go for it.

Is there really a chance I could be chosen?
Are people going to think I've lost my mind?
Do I really have the energy to put forth a solid campaign?
Do I really WANT to use this much energy to do this?
What if I spend all this effort for the next 32 days and I don't make it?
I have never made a video in my life - what if I look ridiculous?   

(oh right - there was the Whitney Houston video, singing with spoons at 3am, that seems to forever get recycled on social media, year after year ...)

After all the conversation back and forth in my mind, I've decided there is growth to this process, regardless of the outcome, and I'm going for it.

I'm campaigning to be Cancun's - Brand Experience Officer for a 6 month contract.
In their terms, their CEO.

The last time I campaigned for anything was Student Council President in Grade 13.   I took a pack of Crayola markers and scribbled "No one doesn't like Sarah Lee" and taped them to every hallway in the school.  A campaign won by a bakery slogan.   True story.

Technology has advanced slightly since those days and I desperately do not want to use the cake lady slogan this time around.

So I'm investing in the power of social media to help me.

***

Here are the facts -
There are already over 3,000 applicants for this position from over 104 countries.
Some of these already have 5,000 -12,000 votes.
You can vote every day, once per person, until December 24th.
Cancun tourism narrows down to the top 100, then 50, then 5 lucky applicants spend a week in Cancun for a final interview and 1 position is awarded on January 31st.

I am campaigning to help shift the stigma of Cancun from being a young, all-inclusive party destination to one rich with luxury that can compete with the likes of Tulum and Uxmal.  I want to promote and expose their white sand beaches, foodie havens, yoga and wellness spots, local adventures and boutique hotels.  I want to live it, write about it, post photos of my discoveries and help support the rebrand of Cancun as a destination for all ages.

With a lifetime achievement award for hospitality management combined with an obsession to travel in the South, I believe I have the right mix of travel and understanding the business to take on this task.

I am inviting all of you to take this ride with me and tomorrow when I post the link to vote, I'm hoping you will take the time and click on the button beside my name.

(Did I mention I really hope you will vote tomorrow?)

Even better, I hope you vote the next day.

Better still, forward my link and get your husband, wife, kids, colleagues, office, teammates, friends and every other person you know to click 'vote' and help me catch up to the 12,000 votes the leader has at the moment.

And - if you jump on my campaign wagon with me, share my post, get others to vote, vote everyday and get others to vote everyday.... well then, I might even have to start buying some dinners and drinks for my gratitude.

***

So, here goes everything I've got.
32 days.
Every ounce of energy and contact I know.
Every method of social media.
Digging deep for ideas to get people to vote.

Typical Sarah Lee all-in work ethic and commitment to task, head first towards all my favorite things in the world;

The South, my laptop, a stellar glass of Cab at a boutique hotel - and a once in a lifetime chance to write about it all and make a difference.

Game On.
Here we go.