Rocker Speaks To Saskatoon Business Crowd
Gene Simmons of KISS offers business and life lessons
Dressed in black, wearing sunglasses and a red poppy, Gene Simmons spoke to a crowd of a thousand people at Saskatoon's TCU Place.
The man behind the rock band KISS was invited to speak by the Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE). Simmons spoke about the power of creativity and branding. He also offered up some lessons on life and business. They included: Don't do drugs, live everyday like its your last, diversify your interests, maximize your profit potential, and always listen to your mother.
"All these things that your mother kept telling you, you know, eat spinach, go to school, get plenty of rest, she's right," Simmons said.
Simmons, who speaks four languages and is working on a fifth, also spoke about the importance of communication. He told the crowd to live life they way they want.
"You can have it your own way, you really can," Simmons said. "Don't let, respectfully, church, government or anybody else tell you how you should lead your life."
Premier Brad Wall then moderated a question and answer session with Simmons. It led to this back and forth that left the crowd in stitches.
"The ultimate bottom line is, politicians should also be business men and woman. Would you say that's correct?" Simmons said to Wall.
"I would,"
Wall responded. "Would you like to buy some potash?" Laughter from the crowd. Wall went on to explain. "Its a long story. We mine a third of the world's supply and we need to sell a bit more," said Wall.
"At what price?" Simmons asked.
"Less than last year," said Wall, to laughter from the crowd.
It was recently revealed that the government is predicting the province will officially be in a recession later this year. It will be due, in large part, to declining revenues from potash royalties.
Comments
Very nice of Gene
Seeing that Gene has some "ties" to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan it's very nice to see him speaking to the these young future business people of Saskatchewan.
So Wall thinks his fiscal
So Wall thinks his fiscal mismanagement is a joke, does he?
No wonder, then, that Wall would be "in stitches" after the question about whether Sask politicians should be business people or not.
Wall has never run a successful business in his life.
No wonder that he'd laugh.
Otherwise, he'd have to answer the question.
Stephen, seriously get a
Stephen, seriously get a life. Have some fun. Are you still bitter about the election in 2007? Doesn't seem like the people of SK agree with you.
Gene Is KING!
Plus, it doesn't hurt that he was on tour at the time, and has family in the area as well.
Gene kills three birds with one stone. Normal guy - two birds.
Declining potash royalties,
Declining potash royalties, and yet the country is looking to sell land to the Chinese for that very resource, thereby cutting us out of control of the revenue. Are you for real? KEEP OUR LAND IN COUNTRY!
the world is climbing out of
the world is climbing out of a recesion, and we are just goin g in now. that is the saskatchewan way of doign things, light years behind everyone else, why else do you think we host so many concerts featuring rockers that the rest of the world was sick of ten years ago, ACDC, Aerosmith, KISS.....
I have no doubt that Wall
I have no doubt that Wall (and probably most of the assembled throng) missed the irony of Gene saying that you should not let anyone else how you should lead your life. I wonder if it gave Wall a second's pause in the wake of the idiot McMorris's renewed jihad against smokers? Wall is a little man who basked in the reflected glow of a true individualist.
Government does nothing but tell people how to live their lives: what kind of car you can or should drive; what kind of light bulbs you are allowed to use; what kind of energy source will be subsidized or driven out of business; how much of your own money you're allowed to keep; what kind of food you should eat; what kind of medical care you can't have because someone else can't afford it so no one should be able to buy it.
Gene is the ultimate libertarian--"my life lived my way"--and everyone loves to watch his show and envy (or marvel at) his success, but how many people are willing to live their lives their way, or are willing to let other people live their lives their way?
Gene doesn't smoke or drink, but he doesn't lobby government to ban smoking or drinking.
Gene Simmons
I heard the show blew, (comment removed by moderator) and is a self promoting troll. BTW ALICE COOPER OWNS Kiss ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Way to go SYPE
Way to go SYPE on hosting a spectacular event with a sold out crowd. Gene's business ideas made me really think. I can't wait to see what speaker you bring in next!
So, if you are tired of
So, if you are tired of saskatoon, then get the heck out, no one is forcing you to stay.
As for Gene Simmons and his little talk on Wednesday NOVEMBER 11th, 2009, I do have great respect for Mr. Simmons and did go to his concert the night before, but as per his own words, he has great respect and admiration for the Soldiers, or Hero's as he calls them, but instead of honoring the hero's of Canada, (where his life partner is from), he decides to take a pay check and give a speach. I know he was invited, but you know he could have spent his time going around to our legions and visiting the Canadian Veterans who have also sacrificed so much.
just my opinion and observation.