What Michael Jackson, The Brand Icon, Can Teach You About Personal Branding

 There was an article posted by on the Harvard Business Review How Michael Jackson Became a Brand Icon and interestingly it's author John Quelch kicked off with the following comment;

"Countless books advise how to build your personal brand. Michael Jackson was so unique that he cannot realistically serve as anyone's role model in that effort"

But, I beg to differ, the fact is Michael Jackson was a personal brand and countless thousands of fans looked to him for inspiration and direction. So let's take John's Top Ten Factors and see how Jackson's brand can apply to your personal brand.

1. Start Early - even more critical now than when Jackson started his career. The world of work has changed forever and sooner that you start managing your career (or business) through personal branding the better.

2. Let Go- it is highly unlikely that staying at one company is going to happen in your career - so be prepared to make the move and be proactive about it - better that than get the call to the bosses office. Some of the most successful companies were started in a recession too - so let go and go for it.

3. Break Out - the day of the traditional resume and cover letter have gone. There are a myriad of other media available to you to get your message out there and in front of your target audience - if its relevant to them it will work.

4. Get help- develop your board of trusted advisors, ask for help and insight and when you need to, ask your network - but be sure you have been helping them along the way too.

5. Be visible- you are not going to have to moonwalk in to an interview or business meeting, or wear just one glove, but what you wear and how you act all says something about your brand. Make it distinctive and memorable - but it must feel right to you.

6. Go global- now even more than ever the competition for your next opportunity is not in the cubicle next to you - it could be half way around the world. Make sure that your reach is equally global - social networking sites, blogs and general web presence can do that - build your on-line brand.

7. Crown Yourself - 'King' might be pushing it a little too far, but leading authority on IFRS is not. Take your expertise or develop one and become known as the go to person for advice and insights.

8. Be vulnerable - it is great to have all the necessary skills and attributes expected to be a top performer in your industry / vocation - but if you do not show your emotional side you might be accused of being one dimensional - nothing wrong in being the fun accountant or caring IT manager.

9. Give back - community and causes are all part of who you are, your personal brand foundation should include a vision for the world that is bigger than you - what is your purpose in helping effect that vision? It might well include giving back.

10. Die Young- certainly not literally. But you should constantly be reviewing and refining your brand and sometimes that might include reinvention too.

Cross posted on The Personal Branding Blog and Reflections of a Square Peg

Comments

[Will at Virtualjobcoach]

Interesting stuff, but could you please clarify what you mean by 'personal brand'? There are several things in your top-10 list that Michael either failed to do (get help, let go and give back) or had no say in (breaking out, starting early and die young).

My number 11 would be "control and monitor all flow of information".

Good stuff,
Will

[Daisy Wright]

Hi Will,

I am not responding on Paul's behalf, but I read the original article by John Quelch and the answers to your questions may be found there. Here's the web link - http://tinyurl.com/nwxl82, and I have pasted the relevant paragraphs below:

1. Let go. Jackson went solo in 1972 at the age of 13. As with Diana Ross and the Supremes, there came a point where the group constrained rather than aided the further development of his talent.

2. Get help. Jackson benefited from his long-term professional relationship with producer and songwriter Quincy Jones. He often acknowledged the inspiration he received from James Brown, Diana Ross and other artists.

3. Give back. Denied a normal childhood, Jackson was amazingly generous to disadvantaged children. Some 39 charities benefited significantly from his support. He also collaborated on Live Aid with other entertainers.

I'll also add that he co-wrote the "We Are the World" song for USA for Africa, another charitable effort.

Hope that helps!

Daisy

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