For the next 16 weeks I will be unavailable between 4 – 5pm est! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this is Oprah Winfrey’s last season. For the last 25 years, the Queen of media (and Personal Branding) has been the most influential person on TV. Her impact on media, talk shows, pop culture and the entertainment industry as a whole can not be under estimated. Her impact has extended it’s reach into politics, education, social causes and a whole new women’s movement!
When she first came on the scene 25 years ago, the primary focus of talk shows was to either bring the the top actors/ actresses of the time on air to talk about their latest project, light banter and singing from the host (ala Mike Douglass and Dinah Shore) . Or the trash talking, audience fighting themed shows like Robert Downey or Ricki Lake. That was fine then, they entertained and served their purpose. But never were there heavy topics and top news stories. And none were used as mediums to educate, turn guests into millionaires just by mentioning their product or book, give away cars or fulfill viewers “wildest dreams“!
Oprah made the decision very early in her career to only do “feel good” TV. She resolved to do shows that would empower and motivate her audience – and it worked!
I don’t think there will ever be another Oprah Winfrey (that role has already been taken!), but when she leaves us after this season, we will continue to see the boundaries of Personal Branding pushed to new limits.
Push Your Own Boundaries
Where most people get stuck developing their Personal Brand is they don’t step outside of their comfort zone. If you notice, those who most successfully develop an effective Personal Brand (Oprah, Donald Trump, Diddy) have done so by pushing the envelope. They did things that most of us have been told wasn’t possible. In order to make a breakthrough with your Brand, you have to be willing and committed to going beyond what is expected of you.
Until you put yourself out there, you won’t even know what you’re capable of. Oprah knew at a young age that she wanted to be a journalist. Most of us don’t figure what we want to be when we grow up until we grow up! But I’m sure even Oprah didn’t imagine that the fame and fortune she has today was even possible for her. Once you push the envelope on your dreams and they become reality, you will get more comfortable with dreaming bigger and pushing beyond those boundaries!
Be Realistic, Not Comfortable
There’s a saying that goes “Do something uncomfortable everyday”. Think about that for a second. When was the last time you made a move (without being forced to) towards your goals, that was scary and uncomfortable at first thought? Have you ever made a cold call to set up an interview with a potential employer or mentor? Have you gone back to school for a degree totally unrelated to what you’ve been doing for the last 25 years?
Warning – Don’t go doing something that’s totally untrue to who you are. Stay authentic to your core values or else you will come across as pretentious and ultimately fail. But do take that first step towards your goal. Set a deadline for yourself and take one uncomfortable step today towards that deadline!
There’s a saying that goes “Do something uncomfortable everyday”. Think about that for a second. When was the last time you made a move (without being forced to) towards your goals, that was scary and uncomfortable at first thought? Have you ever made a cold call to set up an interview with a potential employer or mentor? Have you gone back to school for a degree totally unrelated to what you’ve been doing for the last 25 years?
Warning – Don’t go doing something that’s totally untrue to who you are. Stay authentic to your core values or else you will come across as pretentious and ultimately fail. But do take that first step towards your goal. Set a deadline for yourself and take one uncomfortable step today towards that deadline!
Set Your Intentions Early
As I mentioned, Oprah decided very early on what type of show she wanted to produce. Once she saw that was possible she decided that she wanted to own her show and the production of it. (Something that was up until then unheard of!) But she set her intentions early and didn’t lose sight of her goal. When people realized her intentions and talents for actually making it happen, she could not be denied.
Make your intentions known! Not just to everyone else, but to yourself. Decide early on where you want to be in your career. Once you set your intentions and show your dedication for that, your goals become realized. In fact, you likely get more than you intended, but that just makes the success that much greater!
As I mentioned, Oprah decided very early on what type of show she wanted to produce. Once she saw that was possible she decided that she wanted to own her show and the production of it. (Something that was up until then unheard of!) But she set her intentions early and didn’t lose sight of her goal. When people realized her intentions and talents for actually making it happen, she could not be denied.
Make your intentions known! Not just to everyone else, but to yourself. Decide early on where you want to be in your career. Once you set your intentions and show your dedication for that, your goals become realized. In fact, you likely get more than you intended, but that just makes the success that much greater!
Happy Branding!!
For more information about the branding coach Kelly Green:
http://thepersonalbrandblueprint.com/the-oprah-brand-effect/
http://thepersonalbrandblueprint.com/the-oprah-brand-effect/
Awesome article.
ReplyDelete