Personal Brands like traditional brands need occasional repositioning
A recent BBC story (a reliable news source Josh) about one of my all time hero's prompted me to start thinking about the importance of repositioning of personal brands. Whilst I wont be swapping dark clothing anytime soon in the classroom it is perhaps now high time I adopted something new. David Hasselhoff is big in Germany - and has successfully repositioned himself over time in most distant memory starting off as a policeman (driver of KIT) a member of a synchronized swimming team (wearer of red shorts) and most amusingly as a singer (with several albums to his name - again you've gotta love the Germans). Now it seems he adds shaving and chandelier maintenance to his repertoire of skills along with public service announcements extolling the benefits of avoiding alcohol whilst on medication. Would it not be amusing to see him use these news skills to his advantage? Gillette's new poster boy (now Beckham is history), Yankee Candle (because they're safer then chandeliers) and Johnny Walker 'Red Label' Whiskey? Throw in a Tylenol campaign for good measure and you're golden - again.
Here I am earlier practicing David's cool stance which I will use at the classroom podium.
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a bit of hasselhoff trivia for ya:
I asked this german exchange student why david is so big in germany… apparently, Knight Rider was one of the first western TV shows to appear in East Germany before the wall came down. It was a huge hit– the ladies loved this “cool sexy american dude” (quote from him) and I guess he had a place in their little german hearts from then on…
But is it the ONLY news source? That’s my point….friggen diversify will ya?
In all seriousness I find the BBC to be the most politically neutral news source out there. Other faves, CNN and The Times. If you have suggestions lets have em
more excuses to read more…
I took a look at Al-Jazeera in english after a Fast Company cover story. It doesn’t have the kind of bias I was expecting and gives multiple perspectives on what’s going on over there.
Covers other news items from the rest of the world that don’t always make CNN, etc. Worth adding to the reading list, IMO.
but Fox news makes all the money honey.
Neil, just make sure whenever it is you do get a facelift you dont use the same guy as Herr Hasselhoff
HASSELHOFF!! HASSELHOFF!! Ahhh - such great memories of walking through the streets of Berlin screaming out that name….
HahahaHaha Omg… I am speechless.. you rock professor…