Your Brand Plan - Blogs - Personal Brand Blog by David Sandusky

Mari Smith Unmistakable Personal Brand

David Sandusky — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:11:54 GMT

You don' have to follow Mari Smith long to see she is having a blast! Plenty of LOL and w0000Ting and other fun personality in 140 characters or less. :D

Mari is best known online for adding significant value to social networking for fun and profits. Particularly with facebook. Her blog, why facebook, is a hit! The Mari Smith Fan Page is a great example of how to create a fan page for your business.

I become aware of Mari when facebook started to become a professional relationship and business connecting playground. Her name and resources kept coming up when I would look for tips and techniques to be effective on facebook. At that time I learned Mari and her husband Ty sold everything in San Diego and hit the road for a RV mobile lifestyle. I was intrigued, read more and feel like I got to know Mari. All along I was learning about facebook pages and certain applications quicker than if I poked around myself which is what I normally do. As a result I shared specific blog posts and how to follow her in the appropriate forums here on www.YourBrandPlan.com. I personally know people found Mari from posts on the forums and benefited from connecting with her on faceboook and/or twitter. Most people do not go out of their way to tell me about a third party find as a result of searching for something on the forums. That is unique.

I was inspired to write about Mari Smith as an unmistakable brand in the personal brand blog because when I finally got around to researching how to create a custom tab and content on my facebook pages, I found her step by step post on how to create a custom landing tab to your facebook fan page. I knew I need not look more for easy instructions and I started to create some tabs in minutes. Thank you to Mari and that is an unmistakable personal brand!

Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno Unmistakable Personal Brands

David Sandusky — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:17:53 GMT

Jay Leno is the center of NBC late night television drama, again. I am actually fascinated by what happens this time around because I think NBC is making mistakes left and right as it relates to the personal brand of both Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. The Jay Leno show and the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien are less relevant in context of this blog about unmistakable personal brands. In other words it does not matter what the writers and producers of the shows do, the popularity and future of each show, where ever they ultimately land, will be about the entertainer/show host and the behavior of the television audience.

Let's start with Conan O'Brien because he has 100,000 more facebook fans on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien fan page than The Jay Leno Show. This is relevant in audience behavior.

The way I see the Conan O'Brien personal brand does not mesh with the early late night crowd. His hilarious standup comedy, skits and antics are loud and obnoxious just like the studio audience. This does not sit well with the prepping for bed audience in my opinion. The behavior of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno television audience moved to Nightline on ABC. Will they come back? It depends on the new habits of the falling asleep behavior. The shows can change, but the hosts will not and should not. So, unless Fox picks up O'Brien to fit within the Simpsons culture where Conan O'Brien was a writer, He may be on a long train to being done. O'Brien has waited a long time for the coveted Tonight Show spot. Leno looks like he will be getting it back but only for a half hour. O'Brien may be waiting again only to find that his personality will not be welcomed at 11:35 for reasons I already stated. The television audience may be writing the reality ticket for these guys and NBC does not have clue.

Jay Leno does a good job poking fun at NBC and makes light of the current situation. Remember five years ago when he announced retirement only to come out later in a monologue to announce his prime time slot. He said to NBC during his monologue, "you can't get rid of me that easily!" Well Maybe NBC should now. His show is getting canceled after ratings complaints from NBC affiliates. No surprise in my mind. His late night talk show format does not work in prime time mainstream television. People want to engage with the drama or go to cable and engage with cable format talk television. Leno will go back after late local news for a half-hour experiment that will fail in my opinion. NBC will learn, maybe, about Conan O'Brien's personality not a fit after the late local news and, bam, new generation of late night television on NBC.

How long and who do you think it will be...assuming you agree with me.

The Barrel Man, Unmistakable Fan

David Sandusky — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:55:12 GMT

One of the best examples of a brand champion is the fan who loves his team no matter what and proves it rain or shine. In Denver and the Pro Football Hall of Fame via the Hall of Fans, The Barrel Man (Tim McKernan) is an unmistakable personal brand. The Barrel Man is a super fan at every home game at Mile High Stadium (INVESCO Field at Mile High now) wearing nothing but an orange barrel that covered his mid-section, a cowboy hat and boots.

The Barrel Man has been going to Broncos games since 1967 and started to become a staple in 1977. Story goes that he lost a bet with his brother over whether wearing a barrel would get him on television. He won, wearing one painted to resemble an Orange Crush can. This was during the days of the famous "orange crush defense" Everyone in Denver knows the Barrel Man.

McKernan died on December 5, 2009 of lung failure. We have heard many stories from current and former Broncos with appreciation of the super fan and the chatter has started to get The Barrel Man on the "Ring of Fame" at Mile High Stadium. We Mile High Salute you Barrel Man!

Die hard fans like me remember this spoof of the song "I Love L.A." - Check out "I love Elway" featuring the Barrel Man himself.

Rush Limbaugh Brand Too Successful for NFL Brand?

David Sandusky — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:33:59 GMT

Could the fact that Rush Limbaugh enjoys an unmistakable personal brand be the reason he is cut out of his desire to be a NFL franchise owner? How does the most listened to radio talk show in America, broadcasting on over 600 radio stations nationwide play?

You know what you get from Limbaugh from commentary on his show whether you love or hate him. Would other team owners worry about the power of the blow horn and controversy - even those who agree with the politics? Generally fans do not hear much from professional sport team owners accept for maybe Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones certainly Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Cuban has popular blog called Blog Maverick where he does comment on why the NFL can't let Limbaugh be a team owner. Cuban's personality has created controversy, but few have the reach of Rush Limbaugh. Is that to much success and power when freedom of speech could be the NFL's "issue" of the day?

The Rush Limbaugh Show website tags the host as America's Truth Detector; the Doctor of Democracy; the Most Dangerous Man in America; the All-Knowing, All-Sensing, All-Everything Maha Rushie; defender of motherhood, protector of fatherhood and an all-around good guy.

There is a "consensus" among the American people, who have made this the most listened to program, that it is also the most accurate, most right, and most correct.
People who disagree with this are Rush Deniers.

Is there a simple clash of two very successful brands where one does not see room for the other?

"Most Trusted Man in America"

David Sandusky — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:19:11 GMT

With the passing of a legend, you hear the same thing over and over including the impact a person has on an individual by the individual. That consistent experience had by a population is the mark of an unmistakable personal brand.

When Tim Russert died of a heart attack, we heard how he changed the standard of preparedness in interviewing for both journalist and guest on the popular show Meet the Press. We heard, and I felt, we would never see another Tim Russert. But we can be inspired by his passion and way of preparedness. That is a lasting impression doing it like Tim Russert.

Yesterday we learned the 92 year old newsman Walter Cronkite died.

During Cronkite's masterful 30 year career, people connected with him because of his honesty, professionalism and passion for story telling. He became known as the "most trusted man in America".

Cronkite was not afraid to try new things, he was a pioneer. I bet he would have embraced social media like twitter as an early adopter. He created the "anchor" position and was the first managing editor and producer of a evening news show. CBS Evening News was at the top of the ratings when Cronkite retired. Cronkite remains an influence in the business even as he has passed.

Married to his wife Betsy for 62 years, Walter Cronkite will be remembered as a long time dedicated family man, how he delivered the Kennedy assassination with human emotion, unashamed glee when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon and his personal commentary on the Vietnam War. All event and activities combined, Walter Cronkite is the most trusted man in the America.

Dolly Parton Unmistakable Personal Brand

David Sandusky — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:52:44 GMT

When my wife and I are home on Sunday evenings, 60 Minutes is on the television. We are usually cooking dinner and have already opened a bottle of wine.

This was true last evening. From the kitchen I hear an unmistakable voice, energy and love for life come from the living room. It is Dolly Parton on 60 Minutes. As I peeked around the wall to view the T.V., I expected to see a big blond hair smiley faced fire-cracker!

At 63 years old, the unmistakable personal brand delivered on her promise once again. It is easy for her, as it should be, because Dolly Parton is authentic in her love and passion for country music, business and philanthropy.

Dolly Parton is a living legend and you know what you will get backed with the most successful female artist in the history of the country music, with a female record 25 number-one singles and 42 top10 country albums. She has been doing this for over 50 years!

Today the image of Dolly Parton lives strong as does the energy and excitement for life. An unmistakable personal brand that passed the test of time!

The Shaun White Influence

David Sandusky — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:08:46 GMT

If you owned a brand and wanted to make it popular with a hip and dynamic $150 billion youth market, who would you choose?

Shaun White is obviously a remarkable athlete, but what seems to grab us is his authentic and excited personality. Shaun is a good guy! He has a great smile. You feel proud of the young man...I do anyway.

No doubt corporate and product brands lined up at Shaun's door after the 2006 winter Olympics to capitalize on his personal brand following. What impresses me most I learned from a recent Fastcompany article about the Shaun White brand. I learned how selective he is with his partnerships. Comments like "A lot of people will just put their name on anything, and you can tell," he says. "I just can't do that." He identifies with the ability to be unique in what represents your brand. Always on brand!

Shaun asks himself what he wants to be associated with and how his image (brand and picture) is displayed.

It matters and Shaun sees the connection to his brand power. The control this snowboarder and skateboarder enjoys in his own official store is one thing, but he must partner with companies run by people he believes in for the bigger picture. That sustaining brand awareness is a remarkable lesson for us all. A vision for your success and the success of your partnerships is hard to do because environments and markets change. Core values is a different measure and one I see Shaun White is actively aware.

An unmistakable personal brand!

Richard Branson's Unmistakable Personal Brand

David Sandusky — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:12:28 GMT

Not many serial entrepreneurs are as recognizable to a family of brands as Richard Branson is with Virgin. I would be hard pressed to come up with many corporate logos that justify leading off a blog post about unmistakable personal brands. The image, culture and customer service values are Richard Branson!

If you have ever seen Branson on a TED videoto Branson's humble Necker Island on MTV Cribs, you note he is always calm, casual and having too much fun for one person. It is his "way of life" brand.

Branson's casual and fun personality comes out in his books as well. He tells stories with imagination and is not afraid to describe times of series business decisions taking place while in his robe.

How does one man innovate so many successful businesses and stay entrepreneurial despite the size and scope of the Virgin brand? By being Richard Branson! He keeps teams and groups small to encourage ideas and trusts people he surrounds himself with. Not to mention he has fun being about lifestyle and excellent customer service.

Branson's not-for-profit ventures are right on brand too. Virgin Unite works with partners all over the world to develop new approaches to social and environmental issues. Being innovative in causes important to Branson keeps it fun and focused so you know good is being accomplished.

Now that Branson is being even more transparent about his personal brand via twitter and his blog, our opportunity to be inspired by one of the world's most entrepreneurial entrepreneurs is strong.

Fun. Global. Entrepreneur lifestyle. What a personal brand.

Kevin Rose - Unmistakable Personal Brand

David Sandusky — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:51:13 GMT

Kevin Rose, founder of Digg is a celebrity. Not the kind my mom and dad would know about. As a matter of fact, many will hear about Rose for the first time as Inc. Magazine November 2008 issue hits the newsstands.

Online, however, Kevin Rose is a big deal. As I recognize Kevin Rose as an unmistakable personal brand, he has the second most (Barack Obama) followers on twitter, Digg has over 30 million unique visitors a month and his Internet T.V. called revision3 including Diggnation which is an Internet t.v. show with more than 200,000 viewers a week.

Why the following? He is a geek icon who gets excited about launching products and Tea. People like him. He is building a new-media empire where people can be entertained by the geek icon. You don't find many web architects who want to be in front of the camera as well. Unique.

You get the feeling Rose will be young for a long time. It is his personality. He surrounds himself with smart talent so you get the feeling he will be producing great products and content for a long time too. Nice brand!

Gary Vaynerchuk Unmistakeable Wine Expert Brand

David Sandusky — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:22:40 GMT

I was cracking up when I saw Gary Vaynerchuk on Conan O'Brien loved The Big Idea clip and just read the FastCompany.com "Selling Wine the Web 2.0 Way" article. Gary is all over the place with an unmistakable personal brand about wine! His energy is transferable and may ultimately be his brand...but today, you think Gary, you think passionate about wine.

As any good brand, Gary has a website that captures on and offline activity with video blogs, T.V. clips, discussion forums and more all about wine and summarized very well on his about Gary page.

HEY! Why not log in and create your own blog and discuss business and career topics on the forum!

Michael Phelps is a Swimmer

David Sandusky — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:23:13 GMT

Sometimes a personal brand provides expectations because of the physical shape and size of a person. Sometimes unique abilities are part of nature and when combined with dedication and focus, the best in the world is the result.

What would you have to do if being recognized and paid as the best swimmer and Olympic athlete in the world is your goal? To beat the odds and Michael Phelps.

First, it would help to be tall and lean. More than that, a disproportionately long torso. Phelps is 6'4" but his torso is equivalent to a man 6'8"! He looks like a fish in natural habitat.

Second, dedication. Eat. Sleep. Swim. Phelps spends five hours a day in the pool burning 4000 calories. That is a lot of food!

Third, supportive people. Michael has a rewarding relationship with his mom. His coach noticed the unique physical gifts at age 11. Both recognized his competitive nature and need to focus his ADHD. A recipe for world champion.

Michael Phelps name is now recognized around the world. Swimmer. Athlete. Success. People are inspired and global brands are and will pay Phelps well to represent their brand with his. Because of the global recognition of the Michael Phelps personal brand, any investment in him that does not take advantage of the global recognition is not utilizing the brand to the fullest extent. Like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

I am thrilled for Phelps as he accomplishes a mission bigger than himself -- to make the sport of swimming more popular and recognized outside of the Olympic games. An unmistakable personal brand!

Dan Schawbel Personal Branding Expert

David Sandusky — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:56:31 GMT

Dan Schawbel is the leading expert on Personal Branding for the Generation-Y audience. He is all over the net - Google Dan Schawbel if you don't believe me.

What you will find is an unmistakable personal brand about, well, personal branding.

Before I go any further, I know what you are thinking - There is No 'ing' in Brand. True, but come on, no big deal. Besides, I feed everything Dan says on this forum with anticipation because I learn from him. Dan is dedicated to teaching personal branding and career concepts to his generation (Gen-Y). The lessons he learns and shares apply across generations today. If you are not learning about the concept of brand on and offline, you will fall behind in the ability to market that brand.

Dan is also the first Social Media Specialist at EMC Corporation. Cool full time job at a large company while maintaining daily and valuable posts on his very popular Personal Branding Blog. He is successfully managing slash career. In addition, yes, there is more, Dan and his team is going into year two of the anticipated Personal Branding Magazine. Subscribe to this magazine, I'm telling you. You will learn a thing or two from successful people.

So Dan writes for multiple popular magazines and blogs on top of the aforementioned responsibilities. Oh wait, I forgot to mention he is a public speaker and launched/launching every form of multi-media in this business 2.0 world and is ahead of the curve as we speak.
HOW? Because all of his activity is focused on his core competencies and passion.

Dan already appreciates his role in giving back and does. We have here a dedicated personal brand that is unmistakable.

Seth Godin - Remarkable Brand

David Sandusky — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:45:05 GMT

I must post about Seth Godin early on in the blog side of Your Brand Forums. Since my blog theme is highlighting unmistakable (should I say remarkable) personal brands.

There is no confusion about what you get with Godin. Common sense customer centric approach to marketing is remarkable. His direct style of writing and speaking sinks in.

Seth Godin's blog is one of the most popular in the word because the reader learns and is entertained along the way and Godin is always on brand with his marketing philosophy. By the way, readers can't post comments on his blog so we link to him or, as I do here, provide RSS feeds that post his work in my "What's on Your Mind" forum. I read every post! Godin, the Internet marketing genius, is deliberate.

Permission marketing made popular by Godin is all over his culture of adding value and sure to follow book sales, speaking gigs and involvement in other entrepreneur ventures.

What a marketer and mind. Go to his official site to get tuned in at SethGodin.com

HEY! Why not log in and create your own blog and discuss business and career topics on the forum!

Center of Innovation Starts off with Strong Collection of Personal Brands

David Sandusky — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:34:49 GMT

There is a new school being launched out of the Metropolitan State College of Denver called Center for Innovation.

The Center for Innovation seeks to foster cutting-edge and effective curricula utilizing creative learning tools that make entrepreneurship education a college-wide and community-wide experience. The mission of this initiative is to:

service the College and its unique constituents, including minorities, women and urban youth,

transform the way the College prepares students and community members for success in the rapidly changing American and Global economy, and

enable any student or community member, regardless of their field of study or business, to have access to entrepreneurship and innovation training.

Such an undertaking is difficult when considering mixing entrepreneurs and educators. This early success is where the magic is happening. The Executive Director, Mick Jackowski is a long time Marketing Professor who has the internal relationships and knowledge of higher education. He is also one of the founders of a student run business called Brand Spanking New and has working knowledge in industry and entrepreneurial ventures.

The board of the new center adds to the nice collection of personal brands that make sense. Christina James has done a magnificent job building a diverse, connected and talented board. Not to mention passionate.

As a team builder and personal brand strategist myself, I am always fascinated to see how talent migrates to committees. On this board, there are multi-talented individuals who would make a significant impact on one or many of the committees from fund development to marketing/PR/Speaker bureau to curriculum. But when you know the talent and the interested combined, you can predict where people want to play making for a well built team that is dedicated because they are contributing in an area of passion.

The other interesting decision to watch is the personal brand looking to flex talent muscles in areas they don't get to develop as much in a day job or on other boards. A talent that needs a light shined on it for that personal brand's own development. When you have a culture that encourages growth and accountability, amazing people show amazing talent. When the personal values based mission and vision match with that of the organization, magic takes place. It is going to be a lot of fun to be a part of a team doing something amazing for the Denver community and beyond.

HEY! Why not log in and create your own blog and discuss business and career topics on the forum!

@CoachDeb Twitter Expert

David Sandusky — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:53:26 GMT

First blog entry on Your Brand Forums!!! Yes, another new element to Your Brand Forums in line with my mission to build the best organized personal, professional and business development system with 360 degree accountability.
Yes, you too can run your own blog here for free to promote your personal brand by adding value online just by being registered - free! Do what you want...it is your brand at stake:rolleyes: My blog will be promoting personal brand experiences that impress

Today I spent some time on a Twitter teleconference as part of a web 2.0 telesummit put on by @AdamUrbanski. I wanted to know what New Media Marketing Strategist & Creator of Blogi360.com Author TwitterHandbook.com @CoachDeb had to say. I am writing about it because her personal brand impresses me.

If you are asking what is up with the @ before these names then you are not familiar with twitter yet. That is okay, It is still in early adaptor mode which is where you know I like to play. I started tweeting a few months ago and am far from a regular. Hence why I carved out an hour today to see what the pro says.

@CoachDeb has not been tweeting long either but because she is a proven online marketing expert, she is up to speed quickly. I must say she is a great presenter as well. She covered a lot of information crisp and clear while pointing to people and resources for more information - I like!

As you know there are nuggets over on the forum side of this site to learn tools and strategies on and offline. I suggest you follow (twitter talk) @CoachDeb and her other websites so you too can get up to speed on how to make money online.

HEY! Why not log in and create your own blog and discuss business and career topics on the forum!