Like many baby boomers, I grew up listening to Michael Jackson’s music and watched him become a brand that was larger than life all over the world. Since he past away last week, I thought I’d draw some branding lessons from his work. (While his plastic surgery and personal life are a whole other thing, I do admire his branding & marketing work.)
- Have a quality product. I don’t think many would argue that he was undoubtedly “The King of Pop.”
- Plan, prepare, practice. His performances were flawless. I don’t think he was one to “just wing it.”
- Select a niche. He was a performer, an entertainer. Not an actor. Not a politician.
- Create an icon or signature. For Michael, it was the white glove.
- Capture the medium. Michael Jackson’s fame was catapulted with the launch of MTV in the late 70’s when millions could watch his moves without having to go to a concert to see his performance. (What medium is exploding in the 2000 decade?)
- Protect your brand. Between his professional and the personal, I wonder how many lawsuits?
Other articles about Michael Jackson’s Branding & Marketing:
- How Michael Jackson Became a Brand Icon by John Quelch of Harvard Business Publishing.
Michael Jackson Almost Breaks the Internet by Laurence Borel on Blog Til You Drop.
A success is a praise for a lifetime. Michael Jackson was natural. If you start learning, you become theoretical.