Recently, I was chatting with one of my clients and director of Disney’s Frozen, Chris Buck. I asked him who, in the ‘industry’, he felt had the most solid personal brand. Without hesitation he answered, “George Clooney.” I happen to agree.
George Clooney is an actor, icon, activist, and humanitarian. George stands for supporting others, whether it’s his philanthropic efforts or his passion for spotlighting other artists, ushering them forward in their careers. This work enables fans and peers to connect with him in a meaningful way. He provides no reason for people not to like him. There are few superstars or icons who can match this aspect of Clooney’s persona.
George stands out as classy, friendly, approachable, self-depracating and a team player and that’s exactly what makes him compelling, too. Others are attracted to him for those very reasons. Not to mention his good looks 🙂 (I would have been remiss not to point that out).
As a big movie fan, I never miss awards season- The Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. Without fail, when George takes the stage the reception is one of smiles, generous applause and a true sense of the love of his colleagues. His interactions are warm, authentic, and full of laughter.
Although a man in the spotlight, GC seems to have the ability to shroud most of his personal life from the public. This adds to his mystique- another asset of his personal brand. His fans can’t seem to know enough about him.
Which leads us to his image. Regardless of whether George is working with refugees in Darfur, touring Venice, Italy or taking the stage, his image is consistently polished and impeccably groomed- that of a true gentleman. At the same time it reflects his range. He’s consistently George no matter the environment.
What does George Clooney’s personal brand have to do with you?
Just like GC, your personal brand will impact both your personal and professional life, today and in the future. Your personal brand is the cornerstone of your overall brand. The brand of Y-O-U begins with what you personally stand for, who you are, what you want people to identify you with, your image, and what you want people to remember about you.
Further, your personal brand is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Personal branding concepts teach that success comes from self-packaging and that is an important element, but the value you uniquely and consistently deliver to others is the most crucial element.
I’ve dissected the personal brand of George Clooney with three simple questions? Now, ask yourself these:
- What do you stand for? This is your value proposition- what values people attribute to you.
- What makes you stand out? This highlights what makes you different- why your customers should choose you over your competition.
- What makes you compelling? This is your marketability- what makes others act, click and swipe their credit cards.
The beauty of using George as the case study is that his personal brand is ‘spot-on authentic’- the best of the best because George is simply being the best version of himself. I teach my clients to visualize and identify themselves at their best- their ultimate potential, and start BEING that person. The game-changing confidence, subsequent actions and success come quickly.
Are you being the best version of yourself? What action can you take to step into that role from this point forward?
Image of George Clooney courtesy of www.PlayBuzz.com