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7 Branding Lessons from the reboot of American Idol
With a whopping 10 million viewers in its premiere, American Idol still is hitting the high notes. Now, as the shows settles into its rhythm, there are a few personal branding gems hidden within the reality competition. These lessons also work for you as an entrepreneur, employee, or executive.
Don’t Remain Invisible – “Your presence is a little forgettable” is the verbatim statement judge Katy Perry admitted to contestant Alyssa Raghu. Not surprisingly, she was quickly voted off of the show. As I often say, “people must remember you in order to do business with you.” Take it to heart. “Your presence is a little forgettable” is not something you want to hear from @AmericanIdol judge @KatyPerry. Nor from any potential clients. Remember “people must remember you in order to do business with you.” Click To Tweet
2. Look Outside your Sphere for Mentors – Ron Bultongez showed wisdom beyond his years by looking for inspiration outside of singing. Someone he admires? New England Patriot head coach Bill Belichick. (Go Pats!) Look Outside your Sphere for Mentors –@AmericanIdol @RonBultongez looks to New England Patriot head coach @RealBBelichick for inspiration. (Go Pats!) Click To Tweet
3. Stay True and Authentic – Katy Perry has both fallen down on the show and ripped her pants! Trying to pretend it didn’t happen is often a mistake and disingenuous. I’ve walked out of a shoe, fallen off the stage, and had a microphone go up in smoke…all while giving a speech. In every instance, I faced the music and the audience. Stay True and Authentic –on @AmericanIdol, @KatyPerry has both fallen down on the show and ripped her pants! Trying to pretend something didn’t happen is often a mistake and disingenuous. Face the music and the audience. Click To Tweet
4. Face the Video – Yes, we all know it’s painful to watch ourselves. But one contestant saw in bright reality how often she was flipping her hair – almost 20 times per performance! Whether it’s speech disfluency (using ums, ahs, so, whatever, or like) or hands in your pocket, these are often distractions that take away from your message.
5. Share Your Personal Brand – When you let people in, you often get better connections, better relationships, and better business. You might share stories about your vacation, family, school, or ambitions, but it brings folks closer just as in the case of Marcio Donaldson who tells the gut-wrenching story of instantaneously becoming a father. Share Your Personal Brand – When you let people in, you often get better connections, better relationships, and better business. Like @AmericanIdol contestant @MarcioDonaldson who told his story of becoming a father. Click To Tweet
6. Staying still Speaks Volumes – There’s a tendency to think that moving around whips up energy, but not always. Sometimes, staying in one spot and using small gestures work more powerfully than big ones. (trust me: I must work on this one too!)
7. It’s Not Always About You! – Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland was honorable and humble in a recent duet. She recognized that it was her job to mentor the American Idol hopeful Layla Spring and let her stand in the spotlight. Shine. Giving kudos to others is a fine way of showing your leadership brand. It’s Not Always About You - Giving kudos to others is a fine way of showing your leadership brand. Like @JenniferNettles from @Sugarlandmusic did for @LaylaSpring on @AmericanIdol. Click To Tweet
SO, what can you do to boost your personal brand? What have you seen from other reality shows that work or that backfire? Share your experiences below.
To your sizzling success,
Liz
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