Note: This post was created in 2011, yet every takeaway remains as powerful today. Cmon, simply look at the Kardashians’ growth since then to prove these strategies rock!
Even if you despise pop culture, you’ve probably heard of the Kardashians thanks to Kris Jenner who landed her family $65 million in endorsement deals and TV shows in 2010. This “momager” has made it her business to promote daughters’ Kourtney, Kim and Khloe incessantly. Reality shows, fragrances, make-up, calendars, books and as of August, Kardashian-themed boutiques in 400 Sears stores nationwide. Love ’em, hate ’em, what truths can you take away from ’em?
1. Service builds skills. Before becoming a branding expert, Kris honed her skills as a Beverly Hills hostess (originally married to Robert Kardashian who became a household name while representing his friend O.J. Simpson in his murder trial) Brownie-troop leader, soccer coach, room mother and carpool driver. She claims that her ability to see a problem and fix it comes from her years in these roles, as well as, the ability to multi-task.
Whether it’s volunteering at a favorite charity, serving on a committee, organizing a party, or going on a child’s field trip, giving service enhances your leadership, organization, and communication skills.
2. Self-promotion is required. Too many of us believe that if you work hard you’ll get noticed, but the truth is everyone’s too busy to notice how hard you’re working. It’s up to you to toot your horn. Kourtney’s tweet, “I love NYC rain…except when ur trying to run around the city in major heels with your sisters wearing Kardashian Kollection for Sears!” is a bit obvious, but makes the point.
Look for subtle ways to bring up your talents, skills and abilities in a conversation. “When I was working on a similar project last year for (name drop, project drop, etc), I learned X. Have you found this to be true as well?”
3. It all starts with the ASK! When asked about the secret of becoming self-made in a recent publication, Kris said, “If someone says no, you’re asking the wrong person.” And when it came to negotiating she remarked, “Ask for what you want. You’d be surprised – you just might get it.”
Remember, the answer is always no if you don’t ask. So, rather than get discouraged when things don’t go your way, regroup, do your homework and go ASK again.
4. Packaging and presentation speak volumes. When she married Bruce Jenner two decades ago, the 1976 Olympic gold medalist was $500,000 in debt. Kris had walked away from her marriage with no alimony and the newlyweds now had eight children between them. Although her husband was picking up a few speaking engagements for Fortune 500 companies, she claims he didn’t have a business card or press kit. So, given their financial situation, she got busy and made stickers of him crossing the finish line as his logo. When meeting with potential business contacts she would beautifully display the press kit she put together along with little Hasbro Bruce Jenner dolls and his Wheaties cereal boxes. Not unlike a party favor in years past, these visual takeaways left a lasting impression that made him current and top-of-mind.
How we dress, the words we choose to use and the materials we use to represent us (cards, proposals, letters, emails, powerpoint presentations, and websites) are always communicating a message. What lasting impression are you leaving based on your choices?
5. Clear intentions bring peace of mind. Although you and I may not be comfortable with the choices Kris makes, nor many critics who say she is exploiting her children (her two youngest daughters Kendall and Kylie Jenner are up next), she owns her goals. According to the article in More magazine Jenner was quoted as saying, “My job is to take my family’s 15 minutes of fame and turn it into 30. I work hard. It’s a very rewarding feeling when I go to sleep every night knowing I did the best I could for my family.”
When you believe in what you’re doing and own your why, you can let go of others’ approval and simply speak your truth. How’s that for a reality check?
I had spent my entire youbg life striving for what I wanted and got it. But it was almost a blink of an eye when some very evil people stripped it all away from me. Now at the age of 44 i am wondering what to do next. I spent my former career gaining multitude of training and thought this is what I would be doing the rest of my days. I loved my chosen career and did not want to embark on any other business adventure. Now at no fault or choice of my own I have been on a roller coaster ride downward with no end in sight and completly black balled. I have always worked very hard and Iam still a warrior so I will always strive ahead, but know im lost at sea.
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