BOOING TAYLOR SWIFT DURING THE SUPER BOWL (and why I think it’s a good thing).

Before Swifties throw beaded bracelets at my head, let me begin by explaining one thing:  When people boo at you, it means they have an opinion.

Of all the 65,000 people in the stadium (including many celebrities), no one else was booed.  Just Taylor.  People definitely had an opinion about Taylor.

It meant she mattered so much that people couldn’t resist choosing a side.

It meant those people knew who she was and cared enough to have an opinion.

It meant there were also people who stood with her, too.

And that?  The ability to have people attracted or repelled from your presence?  That is pure strength.

That.  Is.  Brand.

While most people (celebrities and business owners alike) clamor for attention, Taylor’s mere presence demanded it.

There’s a common adage that states, “A personal brand is what someone says about you when you’re not in the room.”  I’d venture to say that an unstoppable personal brand is what someone says (or boos) to your face.

Is it easy?  Hardly.  Is it worth it?  Yes, because those who support aren’t merely fans, but fanatics.

They are people who thrust you to step into your highest self, begging you to push on because it helps/inspires/educates them.

What an honor. Your brand is even MORE powerful when you show up for them.

When a confused Taylor Swift realized the Philadelphia Eagles fans were booing her, she gave a small smile and continued her conversation with friend.

May we do the same.  Smile and continue on.

…but wait…there’s more…

You might be feeling the same as Jeff when I shared my thoughts on LinkedIn:

Allow me to explain even more: Your mailman has a brand. Your grocery store associate has a brand. Your grandma has a brand.

Remember, a brand is what someone says about you when you’re not in the room.

While I agree with Jeff (yes, there’s a lot more important things in life than being a brand), it doesn’t mean your brand doesn’t exist.

Just because we don’t like the idea of personal branding, it shouldn’t allow us to choose to be “a happy idiot.” Sure, you can stick your head in the sand, but that doesn’t mean the world disappeared because you can’t see it.

The truth is that some people just won’t like you, or your business. I can choose to be happy, even when people boo me because no one will be perfect for everyone.

Yes, Santa has a personal brand. AND EVEN HE GOT BOOED.

So smile like Taylor and ho-ho-ho your way to building a brand that keeps you happy when people clap or boo for you.

j*