I find it deeply concerning that many people are willing to turn themselves into a commodity for the purpose of participating in an economic system. A form of it seems to happen within social media. Didn't Groucho Marx say that he refused to be a member of any club that would have him? We need more Groucho attitude!
This is such a great post, Rosana. In my newly found hobby as a standup comedian, I find that even if I despised putting myself out there with videos and flyers, it is the only way to get noticed by producers and to get invited to perform. It's all a new territory to me and I'm struggling with it. You are right, we are so much more than that video or brand that we put out there. Thank you for sharing this.
The "brand" is a hot topic here how Substack right now and receiving much pushback by writers here. and rightly so. Thanks to you, Flower Child for this post….we are indeed individuals!
Good post, as always. It’s one thing to put yourself out there and promote what you offer authentically (as you say). But this vacuous self-promotion for the sake of self-promotion is like some kind narcotic for people who don’t see it for what it is. There’s someone who can not be named who’s whole deal since the beginning was all about their “brand” and the appearance of power and influence (without the responsibility of either) and looks where that’s landed us.
I think a lot of having a personal brand is also about “the hustle” or “the grind”. Not enough people do things simply because they enjoy them or are good at them anymore. It’s alllllll marketing to make a buck. Now I’m not saying people shouldn’t get paid for their art or anything like that but people have become obsessed with marketing themselves. Like you said, social media fueled the self brand and now it’s like a fire that’s burning out of control. Most “influencers” offer literally nothing but are good at marketing and tricking people into believing their offering quality content. And let’s face it, marketing itself is a trick in my opinion.
I find it deeply concerning that many people are willing to turn themselves into a commodity for the purpose of participating in an economic system. A form of it seems to happen within social media. Didn't Groucho Marx say that he refused to be a member of any club that would have him? We need more Groucho attitude!
This is such a great post, Rosana. In my newly found hobby as a standup comedian, I find that even if I despised putting myself out there with videos and flyers, it is the only way to get noticed by producers and to get invited to perform. It's all a new territory to me and I'm struggling with it. You are right, we are so much more than that video or brand that we put out there. Thank you for sharing this.
The "brand" is a hot topic here how Substack right now and receiving much pushback by writers here. and rightly so. Thanks to you, Flower Child for this post….we are indeed individuals!
Good post, as always. It’s one thing to put yourself out there and promote what you offer authentically (as you say). But this vacuous self-promotion for the sake of self-promotion is like some kind narcotic for people who don’t see it for what it is. There’s someone who can not be named who’s whole deal since the beginning was all about their “brand” and the appearance of power and influence (without the responsibility of either) and looks where that’s landed us.
"Non-branders are the best writers"
I will get a banner made pronto!
I think a lot of having a personal brand is also about “the hustle” or “the grind”. Not enough people do things simply because they enjoy them or are good at them anymore. It’s alllllll marketing to make a buck. Now I’m not saying people shouldn’t get paid for their art or anything like that but people have become obsessed with marketing themselves. Like you said, social media fueled the self brand and now it’s like a fire that’s burning out of control. Most “influencers” offer literally nothing but are good at marketing and tricking people into believing their offering quality content. And let’s face it, marketing itself is a trick in my opinion.