Comments on: Branding: What’s So Wrong With Being Personal, Anyway?

By: James Brown

James Brown — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:43:34 +0000

“1. Don’t lie.
2. Don’t be mean. Or stupid.
3. Don’t wear or say anything uncomfortable because you’ll regret it halfway through the evening and the discomfort will outweigh the benefit of putting on such a front.
4. Realize that you are human. Act human. Act humane. Make business personal.
5. When – not if – you screw up, admit it and move on. With a smile. Because even a half-assed smile is better than no smile at all.”

I noted these lines. These has to be very important. It reminds me a lot of things from my childhood up to the present.

By: JennTof

JennTof — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:05:16 +0000

Thanks for the candor Ron. I just read your latest blog posting on privacy issues for Facebook. Zavee and me. You argue a compelling side to a multi-faceted story, but you do so with professionalism, compassion and realism. Probably the same reason you felt the need and also felt comfortable telling the world you miss you kids. Kudos to you. If I were you, I would consider the gentle pause you received from your employer as a reminder that they are paying attention and fully vested in the success of the company. From a parents point of view, I would liken it to how we act when our own kids do something dangerously charming and clever and then look to us for either support or condemnation. We may flash a warning smile, but deep down we are proud parents who ache when we see independence and growth in the face of uncertainty and limitless possibilities. It’s all new territory, but at the end of the day, it’s okay to be human. And it’s even better to be missed!
JennTof´s last blog ..A Bailout-sized Bonus and a Beer, Please

By: Ron Stack

Ron Stack — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:57:10 +0000

Rule #4 isn’t as easy as it looks, unless your business and personal brands are identical.

Our company, Zavee, is a social shopping start-up and needs to develop a coherent, yet authentic, brand for multiple audiences. I have developed a fairly consistent voice both on Twitter and on our blog, and I write about a fairly consistent set of topics, all related to Zavee’s business in one way or another.

One day I tweeted that I missed my kids (I travel a lot). You wouldn’t believe the shock waves. I was gently but firmly reminded, by those who know about such things, that I had managed to cross the line between authentically human and overly personal. I took their word for it, but I’m not sure I take their point.

On the other hand, this is new for everyone and it may take some time before the rules get settled. In the meantime, “act like a mensch” is as good a guiding principle as any – and I think that’s your point, too.

Oh, and screw it – I miss my kids.
Ron Stack´s last blog ..The Facebook Privacy Debate, Zavee and You