Developing the Cult of Personality and Other Marketing Tools
The cult of personality is a common theme among politicians - they want you to really like them, even if you don't really know why.
One of George W's great claims to fame was that he was a guy you would want to have a beer with.
While not necessarily a feature that indicates success in the Oval Office, it certainly was effective in getting him in there for 8 years! Political spin doctors work hard to develop the image of their candidates, as a strong cult of personality means the actual policies and issues at stake become far less important.
This theme is also very common in the business world.
Salesmen like Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) take the cult of personality to insane new heights.
For thousands of dollars apiece, Kiyosaki fans don't actually get any useful information, but they do get to feel a connection to this great guy and his great story.
Of course, the majority of his stories are incomplete or complete fabrications, but they are really good stories! Of course, Kiyosaki is the extreme.
Most highly successful entrepreneurs and salesmen do have similar skills and use them legitimately.
They are likable, fit in a variety of situations, and can get along with just about anyone.
They work hard to expand their network, getting to know a variety of people and acknowledging what those people can bring to the table.
The build a reputation as the one with the answers, or who at least knows how to find the answers.
So, how does a regular, first-time entrepreneur develop his own cult of personality? It's easier than you might think! Start with these four ideas and you'll be off to a good start! Get Out and Network! The more people you know, the more valuable you are as a contact.
Find good networking opportunities, but be careful not to limit yourself to the same group of people over and over.
And, NEVER put yourself in a corner waiting for others to talk to you.
Make the first move, even if it's uncomfortable at first.
Listen More Than You Speak People love to talk about themselves, and the more interest you show in their stories, the more they will like you.
Not only that, but the more you listen, the better you will know each contact's talents and skills, as well as their needs.
Most folks don't come right out and say what they are really good at (many don't really know).
But once you have pinpointed a particular talent, you can always find a way to make it work for you (perhaps as a referral to another good contact).
And, if you can help them out with what they need (by putting them in touch with another contact), you will build that positive reputation.
Figure Out What Makes Them Tick Focus your networking and socializing efforts on figuring out what really matters to the people you are talking to.
Over time, you will start to see clear patterns in what they want or need and where they are in the process of getting there.
Eventually, you too will become one of those leaders that really understands what's going on with the people you meet.
Play It Close to the Vest Don't give away too much information about yourself or your business.
Don't be secretive, but keep any and all negativity out of your conversations.
Always be positive, always be optimistic, and never complain.
The less fodder people have for gossip, the less you'll be the target of gossip.
Better to make it such that all they have to say about you is how helpful and knowledgeable you are and how great your business seems to be going!
One of George W's great claims to fame was that he was a guy you would want to have a beer with.
While not necessarily a feature that indicates success in the Oval Office, it certainly was effective in getting him in there for 8 years! Political spin doctors work hard to develop the image of their candidates, as a strong cult of personality means the actual policies and issues at stake become far less important.
This theme is also very common in the business world.
Salesmen like Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) take the cult of personality to insane new heights.
For thousands of dollars apiece, Kiyosaki fans don't actually get any useful information, but they do get to feel a connection to this great guy and his great story.
Of course, the majority of his stories are incomplete or complete fabrications, but they are really good stories! Of course, Kiyosaki is the extreme.
Most highly successful entrepreneurs and salesmen do have similar skills and use them legitimately.
They are likable, fit in a variety of situations, and can get along with just about anyone.
They work hard to expand their network, getting to know a variety of people and acknowledging what those people can bring to the table.
The build a reputation as the one with the answers, or who at least knows how to find the answers.
So, how does a regular, first-time entrepreneur develop his own cult of personality? It's easier than you might think! Start with these four ideas and you'll be off to a good start! Get Out and Network! The more people you know, the more valuable you are as a contact.
Find good networking opportunities, but be careful not to limit yourself to the same group of people over and over.
And, NEVER put yourself in a corner waiting for others to talk to you.
Make the first move, even if it's uncomfortable at first.
Listen More Than You Speak People love to talk about themselves, and the more interest you show in their stories, the more they will like you.
Not only that, but the more you listen, the better you will know each contact's talents and skills, as well as their needs.
Most folks don't come right out and say what they are really good at (many don't really know).
But once you have pinpointed a particular talent, you can always find a way to make it work for you (perhaps as a referral to another good contact).
And, if you can help them out with what they need (by putting them in touch with another contact), you will build that positive reputation.
Figure Out What Makes Them Tick Focus your networking and socializing efforts on figuring out what really matters to the people you are talking to.
Over time, you will start to see clear patterns in what they want or need and where they are in the process of getting there.
Eventually, you too will become one of those leaders that really understands what's going on with the people you meet.
Play It Close to the Vest Don't give away too much information about yourself or your business.
Don't be secretive, but keep any and all negativity out of your conversations.
Always be positive, always be optimistic, and never complain.
The less fodder people have for gossip, the less you'll be the target of gossip.
Better to make it such that all they have to say about you is how helpful and knowledgeable you are and how great your business seems to be going!
