This post was unplanned. But, like most creative folks, I am motivated to write as my muse inspires...and sometimes she's more generous than others. So here we are. I particularly enjoy seizing opportunities to pen pieces that I feel are purposeful with an educational component.
I hope you find today's post to meet that criteria. I invite you to grab your favorite brew and read on. And if you have thoughts on this post, l would really dig it if you would leave a comment to share your feedback.
This week, while tuning into the daytime talk show, The View, one of the hot topics was lifestyle diva, Martha Stewart and her recent disclosure of infidelity with her former hubby. To say that I was stunned would be an understatement. I felt as disappointed as a kid first learning that there's no Santa Claus.
For the record, I have been a huge Martha Stewart fan for decades. I've watched her career over the years; written about her in numerous articles; followed her recipes; and purchased her products. I believe in her brand. In her quality standards. In her integrity.
But, much like Joy Behar (one of the hosts of The View), I am totally baffled as to why Martha would make the decision to go public about something so private.
Don't get me wrong. My position here is not to judge her. Nor to serve as her image consultant. Instead it's to use this as a teachable moment for those of us who have professional careers in the public and platforms. You with me here?
THE MORAL OF THE STORY...
Even when it's not intentional or strategic, whether you sell books, create blogs, or have tangible products in a store, your collective efforts over time are building a brand. This includes your business cards, your social media threads, your online image, your books, etc.
It takes a lot of hard work to build a solid brand; yet it can be dismantled with one simple act or bad decision. Freedom of speech is not always free. Hello?
I understand that sex sells. I understand that controversy sometimes garners followers, and the more followers one has, the greater the potential to sell books, make money, close deals. But, is it worth it? Consider the people that could be potentially damaged by it. Be it your family members, friends, fans or stakeholders.
Some things private should stay that way. Leave confessionals for your priest or your personal diary. Unless what you're sharing is something intended to give someone else struggling with the same challenge encouragement, hope, or courage.
Like battling a disease, dealing with loss, or increasing their faith and spiritual walk.
That's my take on the topic. What's yours?
Wow, that does seem odd to go so public with it now. I hadn't heard about it yet, and yeah. it's puzzling. And I agree with you, Jen, that branding is a sum total of most all the things. Especially with high profile celebrities. We've seen them rise and fade over the years with large and small glitches, often things they were only rumored to have done, or did when they were young and not so smart, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was raised/taught not to tell all in that respect; some things just aren't anyone else's business, or do not need to be voiced so often and loudly. That's partly why, I think, that I'm not a super fan of certain aspects of social media and the whole "live out loud" mindset. Too much, all the time, seems sometimes to lack self control and respect for decorum, privacy, our ability to think on our own, and a host of other things. Social media has its advantages too, of course, for marketing and connecting with friends and colleagues and the like. Balance, common sense, and respect make a good combo here.
Anyhow, stepping off the soapbox here...lol
Good topic for the week! :)
Karen
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have stated it better. You summed things up nicely here. Thanks for starting the conversation today.
Jennifer: There ARE things that should remain private. As a child, I heard there were three topics that should not be discussed even among friends. Politics, Religion and, I believe, the last one was sex. For a while, the world seemed to say it was "OKAY" to delve into these topics. As a Christian writer, I choose not to get into the issues of the world. In my social media phase, I don't usually respond to posts that have words that Jesus would not say. You know the ones I mean. That's my two-cent's worth.
ReplyDeleteHi Quietspirit,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear from you and reconnect. I was taught similar things that you were taught. Some topics are taboo and not worth entertaining, particularly in a public forum. Not even for money. Thanks for adding to the conversation.