In 1970, the Carpenters Turned a Bank Commercial Into a Hit Song. It’s a Lesson for Every Leader

Most people have no idea how “We’ve Only Just Begun” began.

EXPERT OPINION BY MINDA ZETLIN, AUTHOR OF 'CAREER SELF-CARE: FIND YOUR HAPPINESS, SUCCESS, AND FULFILLMENT AT WORK' @MINDAZETLIN

The Carpenters circa 1970. Photo: Getty Images

The Carpenters song “We’ve Only Just Begun,” is an enduring hit, a sweet, hopeful ballad about young love. The song was one of the duo’s biggest successes, making it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But “We’ve Only Just Begun” has a surprising backstory. It started life as the soundtrack in an ad for Crocker National Bank (later acquired by Wells Fargo). The song’s path from advertising jingle to radio staple can teach you a lot about how to engage your audience, employees, and customers, no matter what business you’re in.

Our story begins when Crocker Bank........

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