Death of Three Personal Brands

June 26, 2009 by 1 Comment

This week marked the death of three personal brands, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon.

What
do you remember about each? Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was one of the
all-time chart-toppers and had a short resurgence from the movie, "13
Going on 30" with Jennifer Garner. Farrah ranked No. 1 in TV Guide's
"TV's All-Time Sexiest Women" – based on her "Charlie's Angles" series
and that 1976 swimsuit poster (12 million sold!). And Ed McMahon, the
most famous "second banana" for his long-running role on the "Tonight
Show" with Johnny Carson.

What will people remember about you? What would you like them to remember?

When
watching the tributes this week, it was sad to see McMahon's final
ending with financial troubles and Jackson's varied image issues.

Overall though, what do you remember most? All three were big personal brands.

Coaching Challenge: Now, think about what you'd like people to remember most about your legacy. How would you like to be remembered? Make a list of your Top 10.

What action can you take right now to move toward your Top 10? Go for it!

Posted by Wendy Terwelp

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Filed Under: Current Affairs, Discovering Your Brand, Everything is a Brand, Expressing Your Brand, Exuding Your Brand, Personal Branding for Careers, Personal Branding For Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding Quick Tips

Comments

  1. Paul Copcutt says:
    June 27, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    The interesting contrast with these three personal brands was that Ed MacMahon was the very same personal brand throughout his 40 years. He will be remembered for one show.
    Farah Fawcett actually only appeared in one series of Charlies Angels, but then left to try to take on bigger and later more serious roles – which to some degree she succeeeded in re-inventing her brand – although will forever be remembered for that one TV show.
    Michael Jackson was also one personal brand who tried to reinvent himself, again to varying levels of success. But again will be remembered for one show (video clip).
    So when you are looking at what you want to be remembered for, it does not have to be something you are known for now – it could be a case of reinvention too , but make it memorable.
    Just my toonies worth

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