Social Web Strategies

Ohh well, the world can’t seem to get enough of Michael Jackson. the self proclaimed “king of pop”. Today, the world is watching at the memorial service of MJ at the Staple Center, California, as the world bade goodbye to the greatest pop artist to date.

Let’s blog for a while, the “brand” left by MJ.

The title “king of pop”,  as discussed in various entertainment shows, was “claimed” by MJ. Though it was not bestowed upon him,  nobody dared challenged him on this. The world agreed and his music and classic dance moves changed the standards of pop music from my generation and for more than 2 decades. Michael Jackson chose this brand, introduced it to the world and lived it!

But there’s another side of the MJ brand, he was also know as “Wacko Jacko”, this time the brand was bestowed to him by people.  Though this allegedly saddened Michael, his behavior off the stage earned him this moniker. His child molestation case, his obsession to change his image and remain young and his affinity to cosmetic surgery. His marriage and family life added to the perception battle of his brand. Long after MJ is gone, his professional image, as well as his personal life will always be talked or debated about.

There is one lesson we can learn here: We can not limit our brand on our professional persona. Our behavior off the stage or outside work will also define our brand, whether we like it or not.

A high profile career can make  our private life under scrutiny. The chance  to discover skeletons in the closet is likely.