In my 15 years in public relations and marketing, I have worked with over 100 celebrities from the pop music industry, to the classical music industry to the film industry. I noticed that they all share certain characteristics. Understanding these truths can help you shift your own thinking and help you too be “celebrated”. The biggest difference between you and any celebrity is that way more people know them and celebrate them than they do you. Let’s face it; your moment of fame when you sang in primary school or in that play in kindergarten was your premier “celebrity moment”. We’ve all had some kind of taste of “celebrity”. Mastering those things we experienced and learned in those times are the same things celebrities do now. On that note, let’s get into it.
YOU AMPLIFIED (YOUR BEST SELF):
If you remember that moment in your life you were celebrated, you will probably realize it was because you were being you x 50. When your mother or father told you “practice makes perfect”, she meant it. Celebrities have practiced being themselves x 50. They have practiced being themselves or being so exceptional at what they do, they become MASTERS at it. You need to decide to step FULLY into you, the authentic you. Then master it so well that no one can do what you do, the way you do it. So the thought of being like anyone else is a bad idea to being celebrated. Be your best self. From Oprah, Angelina Jolie to Denzel Washington, Stephanie Linus and Idris Elba. They are MASTERS at themselves and their craft. Start practicing your own SELF MASTERY.
STAY CURRENT AND ENGAGED
You can probably name 5 celebrities that are “has beens”. Do you know why? They stopped staying in front of us or engaging us. If you don’t evolve, let’s face it you will become redundant. There is nothing wrong with sticking to what worked in 1990. But you have to find a way to evolve into current technologies that fit your personality in the new millennia. So if you like old school R & B music as an artist, you should find a hybrid that can pull your music into the ears of the millennial. If you don’t engage the new population, you will be left in and with the old population. My suggestion: sit down and take inventory of how you do things and develop ways to evolve into the new millennia. Either using the Internet (social media), a hybrid of your sense of style, a partnership with someone or a company that does things the new way. Just remember, if you do not engage the influential population, you just may get stuck promoting or marketing to your generation alone. That can be limiting. Think bigger. The celebrity that has mastered this art is BEYONCÉ. She is still herself, but you can see it’s a more evolved version of her with a similar sound to her style of music and fashion. Her fan-base ranges from teens to grown adults. Even grandmas can sing a Beyoncé Song. Stay Current.
LEARNING 101: COMMITMENT
If you think celebrities reach “celeb status” and stop, think again. They are always learning. Either at being better at their craft or learning a new craft, they understand that knowing and doing more keeps them evolving into other parts of themselves. This other parts are what keep us engaged and interested. They commit to learning. Elite athlete Serena Williams is a great example of this. With all her accolades in the tennis world, she decided she wanted to be a manicurist too. I know. Many people looked down on it. (Side bar, a lot of men and women build their wealth in this people-pampering field). Don’t knock it. She decided to do something she loved. She got certified as a manicurist and now, she has a line of nail polish in partnership with OPI that are a part of her wealth building way of life. Take a cue from Serena. Whatever it is that you like and want to learn, do it and don’t bother about what people would say about you. It just might be your millionaire idea. GO FOR IT.
There are many more truths, but these were the top 3 I found consistent with the celebrities I got to work with. I hope you tap into these truths for yourself. GOODLUCK!
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I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
The truth is in many ways, we all have a publicist in our family or we are our own pr persons. When your family members try to hook you up e.g., “Adewale is a great guy, you should meet him.” The person that just said that just showed you what pr is. But when it comes to business or your personal brand, getting clear on what will help you grow your brand can make or break your image and your bank account. In my 15 years in Branding, Publicity and Marketing, I know that people consistently mix the 3 segments and the funniest of all is, when you expect your publicist to be your sales person. These 7 tips will help you get clear so you can work with your pr team to make the most of what you are representing or selling.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRANDING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, ADVERTISING AND MARKETING?
I will make this simple using examples we can relate to. This was on the back on my old business cards.
Branding is:
Public Relations is:
Marketing is:
Advertising is:
Basically, the job of your publicist is to provide PUBLIC opportunities to help expose you or your brand (which you should always be working on). It provides opportunity for the Marketing person to convert that publicity to dollars. But you have to repeat it multiple times (advertising) so that people remember. So, you usually need all 4 on your team for a very effective strategy.
BE CLEAR ON YOUR CUSTOMER PROFILE
If you have an idea of your target audience, It can help you identify which publicist to go for and can put your publicist to work faster. You should know the following as a business owner before you hire a publicist
Your gender market i.e. – Male, Female, Boys, Girls, Students
Their Age Bracket i.e.- Age 10-18, 20- 25, 30-45
A clear value statement of what will you be providing to them
Why they should pick you over the competition
The beautiful thing is, if you come up with this, a good publicist will help you fine tune it if need be, and you’re half way there because when you have a profile of your ideal target audience, it makes reaching them that much easier and faster.
INTERVIEW YOUR PROSPECTIVE PUBLICIST
The truth is PR cost money, but public relations is so far the only way to get exposure to millions of people at one time. That opportunity is invaluable. So before you make that financial commitment, you should sincerely want to know what your partnership with your publicist could do for your brand and how you together can help your target market. So do not be afraid to interview your publicist. Here are 7 questions you should ask your prospective publicists.
How many years has he/she been doing that form of PR?
What are the top 3-5 results they can share with you about their successful campaigns?
Who were their toughest clients and how did that relationship end?
Do they focus on local, national or international publicity?
What major media do they have good relationships with?
Are their efforts more prominent on print, TV, radio or online media?
Do they charge by results (À la carte) or with a monthly retainer?
PICKING YOUR PUBLICIST
Declaring your customer profile helps you almost immediately weed out the publicist you should approach. An entertainment industry publicist may have no clue how to market to teenagers. They can probably come up with a plan, but you save time and money going to the right publicist for your target market and industry. Find and contact publicists that have experience in your industry, genre or target market.
BE FLEXIBLE
Let’s imagine you have your demographic information, you are clear on your goals and you find the perfect publicist. And then he or she tells you “you need to re-brand, what you have now is just not going to work for the media you want to receive. Please do not be stubborn or in-flexible. Make the changes. If they can show you proven results of their success conversion, please invest in updating your brand to get the results you desire.
HAVE A REALISTIC MEDIA WISH LIST
A wish list is the ideal media you would like your publicist to get you into via TV, Print, Online or Radio. I say realistic because I have had prospective clients in the past tell me they want to be in Vogue and their branding is no were near ideal even for a daily newspaper. Be realistic about the type of publications you want to get in. If your brand is aligned with that media’s image then you have a higher chance of getting featured. But remember it may take months. I once had a magazine call me 6 months after my pitch and I had 24 hours to get them everything they needed. We made it and my client was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.
BE PATIENT
Public Relations is just that “RELATIONS” It’s building a relationship with the world about you, your brand. Just as you don’t always open your door to every stranger that you meet, you have to see your new brand as a stranger to the public, the world and the more they get to “know you” the more they feel more comfortable with you and eventually you become besties. Twitter is a perfect example. Most of us who joined twitter when it started where completely not comfortable with it. And now we are all besties with Twitter and that took almost what, 7 years. YES, so be patient and give people a chance to know what you, your product or service is about.
Everything you say or do is Public Relations. Be aware of how you are relating to the world. Imagine if your product were a person, what kind of person would you want to be friends with? That should help you be gentle with your brand and it’s message. GOODLUCK.
Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
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I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
With over 7.1 billion people in the world, I guarantee you; someone else wants to hear your story and can be inspired by you. Even if 1 in 10,000 people are interested in you, that is 700,000 people. Imagine what celebrities who are known by millions experience when people are interested in even where they eat, or what they wear for an event. Today I want to share with you 3 ways you too can build wealth like the celebrities.
1. Write a Book
Celebrities have been tuned in to story telling for centuries. They share their personal stories about how they overcame, or learned or share fantasy stories with fictional characters. In this digital age, you too can write a book and position yourself as a published writer. There are 3 angles to writing a book.
Information Expert – You share your know-how E.g How I got into the Nollywood industry; How I started my own business, How I created a million naira blogging business e.t.c
Research Expert- Collecting information in a particular industry or lifestyle. E.g- Things you need to know before you move to Africa, What no one tells you about life in Nigeria e.t.c
Fictional/Fantasy writing – You use your creative gift of story telling to tell a compeling and engaging story from your perspective: E.g. Evbu My love by Helen Ovbiagele, Dark Night Africa e.t.c
Writing a book in this age has never been so easy. I recommend the Best Seller in a Weekend Program. I actually co –wrote a book last year and it was a bestseller for over 6 weeks on Amazon. It is worth the money to have your own bestselling book and add the title Author to your name. It opens up so many opportunities.
TV host, Wendy Williams: Hold me in Contempt – a fictional novel
Actor, Hill Harper: Letters to a young brother – Informative
2. Launch a Product/Service
So, easier said than done right. But think about it. With a product it is cash and carry. You have a product I have cash. I give you the product for cash. Celebrities are figuring out that launching products in the beauty (make-up, hair care products, perfumes), and fashion industry (shoes, bags, clothes) and even the technology industry is where the big box continues. Plus they get to provide a need in the market. So do your research in your neighbor, school, city or state. Find out how you can make the lives of others easier and better with a product or service. You do not have to re-invent the wheel. Even if there is a product in the market now and you can make it better, develop your own version and start where you are. Sell it to your family and if it’s that good, they will spread the word. When you figure out what your target audience needs, ALIBABA.COMwww.alibaba.com is a great place to find products you can re-brand and launch.
Example of product Launches
Iman launched a make up line
The Kardashians just launched a kids collection
3. Joint Venture
JV is what they call it on the Internet marketing circles. Joint Ventures are the easiest and fastest ways to grow wealth. As long as you have a product or service that fulfills a need. So when you write your book or launch that product/service, joining marketing forces with people or brands that already have an audience helps. Both parties must share revenue, and sometimes expenses of the partnership. As long as you are providing value to your JV partners, it is a benefit to both parties to work together and promote each other’s products to their target market. E.g. If Linda Ikeji launched a social media app for bloggers and partners with Ikechukwu Ofili to promote it to his readers. Both parties have a product that can be beneficial to their audiences and working together, they can both build wealth for their brands.
Example:
In 2013 Jennifer Lopez did a joint venture with Verizon to target the latino market
I am looking forward to hearing how these tips worked for you.
Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER
It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.
I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
What makes any type of artiste a star is their authenticity. At the point in your life you choose to be a “STAR” or you fall into it, figure out what part of you that you are most comfortable with and that is what you should share with the world. The trick is, since it comes naturally to you, it won’t be hard to be “it”. Don’t worry about what others say about it. Give people time. Once they see you are being your authentic self, they will naturally gravitate and celebrate that, or at least you’ll have a fan base that is attracted to your authenticity, and then just bank on that. Branding is also a HUGE part of your “STAR” power. Are you the serious business guy, the funny goofy down to earth lady, the silent but powerful, the loud and aggressive. Whatever your personality, package it in your actions, words and marketing collateral. But remember you run the risk of being identified that way for a long time, so leave room for versatility.
How can celebrities protect themselves from controversy?
Most controversies stem from personal stories. If you don’t want your business out there, DO NOT put your business out there. That means watch who you talk to, conduct yourself accordingly in public while still staying authentic to who you are. It’s actually okay to think before you speak, no seriously, think before you speak! Controversy keeps the industry interesting, so we love it. Should you however be faced with one, have a strategy to explain to your fans or the media and STICK TO YOUR explanation, no matter what extra “gossip” is added along the way. DO NOT LIE, but if you are going to lie, at least make it a believable lie and try not to make that a habit. Remember people are now attracted to your authenticity.
Is bad publicity really good publicity in disguise?
That quote has been credited to Oscar Wilde and sometimes to P.T. Barnum. Times have evolved and you cannot use that phrase anymore unless you have the ability to spin EVERY bad PR into a good one; but frankly bad PR is bad PR. It can destroy a brand, so no, I don’t believe bad publicity is good publicity in disguise. If that were the case, the snake would eventually get good PR. Poor snakes, they have had a bad wrap since the days of Adam and Eve. The day I find a publicist that can spin the image of the snake that will be the day I completely believe that phrase.
What makes a star endorse-able? What would attract a company, for instance, to endorse a celebrity, spending millions of naira?
Your image makes you endorsable, your values, your AUTHENTICITY, your star power. A perfect example is a client we helped plan their video shoot in Miami: THE HKN GANG: Davido. He has star power which for any company equates to dollars. His fans hang to his every word – good or bad. So let’s get real here. They endorse you because they believe you can draw in more dollars for their brand. They endorse you because they realize people listen to you. Another client we represent is Stephanie Linus (formerly Stephanie Okereke). Her authenticity and star power are solid. She conducts herself respectfully in the industry and yet she remains relatable, which to companies means she can be trusted and when she says something it will be valued. So if you want to be endorsed, be sure you have the ability to influence people and the ability to influence comes with building trust with your fan base in your given industry over time.
Which Nigerian celebrity are you proud of the most regarding his/her branding?
I have to say Stephanie Linus (nee Okereke). Her image from when she started to where she is now is a perfect example of the power of re-branding and how it can immensely impact your career. When we started with Stephanie in 2009 she had less than 30,000 fans on face book. With strategic and purposeful branding, 3 years later, Stephanie has over 461,000 fans and has more than tripled her cover appearances. You inevitably have to respect that kind of re-branding power.
What is that recurring sin celebrities commit?
You have to blame this sin on technology. The new and improved sin is: underestimating the power of social media. You now have to constantly remember, whether you like it or not, you are officially a role model. Stop thinking you are talking to your friends. Your fans and your 5000+ fb followers are not your friends. Again, just as it is okay to think before you talk or respond to press, it is okay to think before you hit that tweet or publish button. Damage control in PR cost money and cost you time. You can’t avoid it all together, but you can sure minimize it, and use that money in your bank account, or spend that time working on your craft. Social media is here to stay, at least for now and you officially have to have that as part of your PR consciousness.
Your Purpose Coach and Cheerleader
SIGN UP FOR MY FREE PURPOSE INSIDER! NEWSLETTER
It’s free. Sign up today and get some free helpful resources to build profits, including my report on the 7 Easy Steps To A Purposeful, Fun and Profitable Brand.
I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
Press/Media Contact
Yetunde Taiwo
ICY Public Relations
(T): 305.549.3676
press@icypr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEX CHOCOLATE CRY, THE NEW QUICK READ MANY WOMEN CAN LAUGH AT, AVAILABLE IN PRINT AND ON KINDLE, EXCLUSIVELY ON AMAZON BEGINNING AUGUST 8TH
First time authors Taiece Lanier and Yetunde Taiwo share the humor of the roller coaster of emotions during their cycle in this 28-page witty book!
MIAMI, FL (August 2013): – Sex Chocolate Cry, How To Stay Happy During Your Menstrual Cycle is a witty, new quick read by Fashion and Entertainment Entrepreneur, Yetunde Taiwo and Organization and Fashion Expert, Taiece Lanier. This is a book that almost every woman can relate to. The book is for mature women who are most likely sexually active, and who experience all the roller coaster of emotions that comes with menstrual cycle and sex. It provides a great read for women while they are going through their “period days”, sharing with them a good laugh in spite of the pain they will never get used to.
The book has four main chapters: Sex, Chocolate, Cry and Remedies. The short paragraph style writing of the book allows for a quick read and will make a great gift for girlfriends on any occasion. Sex Chocolate Cry, How To Stay Happy During Your Menstrual Cycle will be available for print soon and on kindle on its launch date, August 8, exclusively on Amazon and Kindle. It will be available online at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EC0ZZVI for $4.99 for the Kindle version and $12.99 for the full color, glossy print version.
Excerpts from the book include:
My goodness, sometimes chocolate is better than sex. Excuse me, what am I saying? CHOCOLATE is better than sex. There is something to be said about eating chocolate during “Aunt FLOW’S” visit that just makes the world look better and feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
A period is like having a baby, except you never have it. I’ll rather have a baby every 9 months than to go through a cycle every flipping month for the next 40 plus years. DARN IT “Aunt FLOW”
“Sex Chocolate Cry” is simple yet engaging. It’s 28 pages of what men need to read, to understand women just a bit more.” – Dumebi Agabakoba-Ishaku, Editor, Complete Fashion Magazine.
The new authors offer readers who purchase the book exclusively on Amazon Kindle on its launch date, August 8, a special bonus download title ‘9 Natural Remedies To Have A Better Menstrual Cycle’.
Interested readers can log on to www.sexchocolatecry.com and join the VIP list to get the notification of special ‘SEX CHOCOLATE CRY’ events around the globe. Media and bloggers interested in interviewing the authors or reviewing the book can please send an email to press@icypr.com.
SEX CHOCOLATE CRY, How To Stay Happy During Your Menstrual cycle By Taiece Lanier and Yetunde Taiwo Format 1: 28 pages; eBook Format 2: 30 pages; Glossy, full color, soft copy Language: English Sale Location: Amazon Print: $12.99 |Kindle: $4.99 (subject to change)
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
TAIECE LANIER is a Miami based Organization and Fashion Expert, C.E.O of Closet Editors Agency. She is also known as THE CLOSET EDITOR. Mother of two, certified fitness instructor, and a bona fide Chocoholic. She brings with her 24 years of MENSTRUAL experience.
YETUNDE TAIWO is a Miami based Fashion and Entertainment Entrepreneur. She is the owner of International PR Firm, ICY Public Relations and a bona fide foodie also known as the Afropolitan Chef. She brings with her 21 years of MENSTRUAL experience.
Hey you. Welcome to my Virtual home here on YetundeShorters.com where I get to support your awesomeness with tools, tips, resources to thrive out here in these world streets. Plus, I get to share with you my life as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur, TwinMom and Wife. A snap shot of the good and challenging. I am on a journey to realize my highest self while sharing the experiences, in hopes that someone else can learn from them, without having to go through it. I look forward to connecting live or online.
I am the creator of ICY ACADEMY an online program with a network of Inspired GO-GETTERS who are ready to step FULLY into their purpose doing what they love, while helping others in a way that creates financial freedom for them and their families. With my Signature Program: Meaningful Branding Sequence, I help individuals and businesses create a Purposeful and Powerful Brand that is Profitable. And we have a whole lot of fun on our way there.
