November 1st marks the begining of an awesome charity called Movember where men grow out their mustache to support prostate cancer research. I joined the Search for The Cure team with Matt Cutts and Duane Forrester. It should be an exciting month with a lot of strange looks and a lot of explaining the mustache on my face (which is the point).
Yes, I am young. Its an old picture when I was 16... it was a joke 
I have been trying to actively recruit more people to grow mustaches with me, both at work and outside of it. I have been somewhat unsuccessful. Some people are really into the idea. Others however have lots of excuses why they cant and I have heard lots of excuses ranging from, job interviews and client meetings they need to be presentable for to significant others putting their foot down.
If you can’t grow one, I sympathize with you and you have a built in excuse. But frankly, I don’t think most of the other excuses are valid. If you just don’t want to grow one, that’s fine and its legitimate enough (dont know why you wouldnt, but thats a differnt story). If the above reasons are the only thing holding you back, I thought it would be helpful to create a list of rebuttal’s which you can use to justify the stash on your face.
Objections and Rebuttals for Movember
Objection 1: I have a meeting with a client.
Rebuttal 1: When you meet with the client, make it one of the first things you address. “Hello Mr./Mrs. Client, before we begin, I want you to know that I usually dont have a mustache, but I am participating in a charity to help raise money for mens health called Movember.”
Make them stop wondering up front. They now understand that you arent a normal mustache wearer, but its a way to raise awareness for a good cause. They will love it!
Objection 2: I have a job interview.
Rebuttal 2: Easy! Use the same method above. The outcome is exactly the same and the employer will have a new found appreciation for you that you care about other matters and get involved in causes. Most companies have a set of core values and giving back to the community often falls under them.
Objection 3: I am speaking at a conference.
Rebuttal 3: Announce it when you get on stage and but a link on the screen for people to make donations to the cause. Not only will this help you raise more money, it will give the crowd a new found appreciation for you and show them the “fun” side of you.
Objection 4: My wife/ Girl Friend said no.
Rebuttal 4: You should know, this is the most difficult rebuttle of them all. Take this one in strides and use caution. That being said, the way I would handle it is by continuing to point out that the cause it to raise awareness about men’s health. “Think of it like this” you will say to her, “if my stash can save one man, have them be slightly more aware of these issues and catch disesase early, wouldnt that have been worth it?”. She will be forced to answer yes.
In the event that she answers no, then try to think of a compromize. Perhaps a beard might be more appealing for her, and then the last week can be just stash.
Good Luck
My friends, this will not be easy for you, but well worth it. In the end, if I have convinced you of nothing else, it will raise you in the eyes of your peers, friends, and family. People will admire you for what you are doing. And maybe people wont join in, but they will certainly understand what you are doing, and they might even donate money to help support the team (my Mo Page is here for Donations) .
Have you heard any other objections? How would you handle them?
Happy growing to you. Please share pictures.
