You, Yourself, and Your Brand
British artist Damien Hirst said, “Becoming a brand name is an important part of life. It’s the world we live in.”
Just think of everyone in the public eye. They are all brands. Politicians, actors and actresses, TV personalities, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, other CEOs, pop stars, and more. They all incorporate a public figure that is not much different from a product or service. A few examples from my point of view: President-elect Barack Obama is an elegant American-made sports car, George Clooney is an exclusive espresso, Oprah Winfrey is the #1 corporate identity service, Steve Jobs is a Mac, and Madonna is an energy drink.
You don’t necessarily have to sell anything for money to become a brand. All those great artists on Youtube who have their videos viewed millions of times, and bloggers in the blogosphere sharing their knowledge with all of us, didn’t go online because they wanted to sell something in the first place. Maybe Blendtec, the makers of the craziest and most effective blender, did. Nonetheless, if you watch their destructive, though funny videos, you really feel that you want to buy that blender. I’m going to get one for sure!
Some people become a brand without realizing it. I’ve got two perfect examples: Presentation-whiz and Presentation Zen author Garr Reynolds and Youtube ukulele player seeso. Garr posted his first PZ entry on January 18, 2005, and become ‘the’ destination for everyone interested in high-end presentation design and delivery. He didn’t put on a mask. All he wanted was to share his knowledge and engage in a conversation with a niche audience. By doing that, Garr became the leader of a tribe, as Seth Godin would put it, and therefore, a luxury brand. seeso did basically the same like Garr. He recorded songs on his ukulele—61 videos have been uploaded on Youtube since March 1, 2006. seeso’s trademark is playing pop covers on his ukulele, and according to his stats—more than 1 millions views and over 6,300 subscribers on Youtube—there is obviously a very big interest for his talent.
Garr and seeso became a brand by doing what the like doing and what they are very good, or even best at. You should find out what you really like doing and what you are best at. Once you know that, becoming a brand is just one step away—if you really want to.
