Whether you’re turning the TV on, sitting in a movie theater, browsing the magazine aisle or perusing bestselling books, you’d be hard pressed to miss seeing the name, Oprah Winfrey. I’ve never had the sense she originally branded herself by design (rather it happened organically), but she has risen to superstardom nonetheless. As a personal brand nerd, I love pulling apart the strategies I see in successful brands. Take a look at three powerful lessons you can learn from Oprah’s.
She Believes in Herself-
Oprah Winfrey is confident and wholeheartedly believes in herself and what she stands for. Her confidence has served her well in the past because confidence attracts confidence and success. She’s even had the confidence to share her personal struggles and it’s through that transparency she’s connected to millions of fans and landed countless lucrative endorsement deals.
How Can You Apply This? If you’re not feeling confident about your purpose, products and services, it may be time to take a page from Oprah and get clear on what needs to be discovered and/or improved in your business and or/life. Revisit what really matters to you and update your value proposition. Take some continuing education courses to boost your expertise. In other words, get things in order so you DO believe in yourself and your fans will be raving. That builds confidence!!
She Keeps it Fresh-
Oprah is constantly reinventing herself. It could be a new hit TV show, Oprah’s Book Club Book, media network, or Oscar-worthy role. You name it. What she is most known for is hosting her internationally-known, award-winning talk show from 1986 through 2011. And although she is best known for The Oprah Winfrey Show, she’s always changing things up and that keeps her in the limelight.
How Can You Apply This? Keeping your personal brand fresh can be as simple as updating head shots or a brand refresh. Reinvent yourself with new products and services and be sure to keep the buzz going on all of your social platforms. Don’t be afraid to be childlike in your excitement about these updates and additions. Your positive energy will catch on!
She Takes a Stand-
“Dr. (Martin Luther) King dreamed the dream. But we don’t have to just dream the dream anymore,” Oprah told the crowd. “We get to vote that dream into reality by supporting a man who knows not just who we are, but who we can be.” The power of Winfrey’s political endorsement was unclear (Obama won Iowa and South Carolina, but lost New Hampshire). But Oprah does have a clear track record championing causes like Oprah’s Angel Network for which she has raised more than $51,000,000 for charitable programs including girls’ education in South Africa and relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, Business Week named her the greatest Black philanthropist in American history. That’s taking a BIG stand!
How Can You Apply This? If you have a cause you feel passionate about, sing it’s praises and LOUD and PROUD! Let people see what’s important to YOU and you’ll easily attract your own kind! Oprah understands that trying to cater to everyone will ultimately prevent you from attracting your ideal clients. Share your passions and those perfect clients will end up being long-time customers and a powerful referral base!
I’m curious to know what you think about Oprah’s Personal Brand.
Now, see what’s working for George Clooney’s and Barbara Corcoran’s Personal Brands.
JuliAnn Stitick is an established expert in personal brand and image development for entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives. For the last 20 years, JuliAnn has helped powerful, successful people align their personal brand with their ultimate potential and accelerate their business success.
Her connoisseur level of expertise is crucial to luxury brands and professionals who bring their A-game to every aspect of business. JuliAnn is a trusted advisor for top level entrepreneurs globally and organizations crossing every industry, from The Oscars to Lexus, The Golden Globes to Disney, Nordstrom to Kaiser Permanente and Caruso Affiliated.
Whether working privately with her clients or leading a keynote for a business conference, JuliAnn’s sincere and strategic approach, coupled with the proven ability to reflect the very best of each client, compels game-changing insights and actions that ultimately transform lives and paychecks.
Her involvement with The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts of America, The eWomenNetwork Foundation and youth groups allows her the opportunity to mentor young women into the workforce.
JuliAnn is married to Joe and lives in the quiet suburban foothills north of Los Angeles, California. She is the mother of three and grandmother of one. She loves all animals (especially her dogs) and spends her leisure time with her family, camping, traveling, bbq’ing, reading and watching movies.
Image of Oprah Winfrey courtesy of www.Oprah.com