4 ways a KISS concert can make you a better hospital communicator

I went to my first KISS concert last weekend.

I’d never seen—or heard—anything quite like it.

You might think a KISS concert can’t teach you anything about your career. But if you listen to the lyrics and watch the showmanship carefully, you’ll see how to adapt some of KISS’s attitude to your social media strategy and career as a hospital communicator.

Is your hospital shooting off fireworks?

OK, OK, not literally. But in the sense of: Are you having a little fun? Let’s face it—nobody jumps up and down when they get admitted to a hospital, but is there anything you can do for your patients, staff, and audience that can brighten the mood?

Also, don’t let your legal department or HIPAA stop you from a great social media initiative. Act like Gene Simmons.

“Wait,” I asked a friend during the concert, “Did Gene Simmons just shoot fireworks from his guitar?” I realized that Gene Simmons could shoot fireworks from anywhere he felt like it. You can, too. When people tell you “no,” do you just say, “OK?” Maybe it’s better to just “Shout It Out Loud.” (Oh, c’mon—you knew this piece would reference at least one song.)

Take notes everywhere you go