Making a dent in a teenager’s universe

Posted by Rahna on January 31, 2008 under Personal Branding | Be the First to Comment

Last week I gave a talk on Personal Branding to a Teen Leadership council, and the feedback I got really reinforced a lot for me.  The talk went well, and the kids were very receptive.  Here’s what I learned:

Kids are very receptive to change

These kids were eager to hear about how they could mold their personal “brands” and become anything they wanted to become.  The idea that they could choose who they become, that they have control over the development of who they are was very empowering to them. 

The grown-ups in the audience also want to evolve

It doesn’t matter how long you have been something….you can always evolve, growing into something new and amazing.  As a matter of fact, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and this concept is empowering, no matter how old you are!

Being “cool” is relative to those around you

Someone who wears a Storm Trooper outfit achieves rock-star status at the Star Wars Fan Celebration but is seen as totally on the fringe for, say, auditions for American Idol.

Too many people have a negative view of branding

Funny,  this never occurred to me before.  I’ve spent 20 years becoming an expert in branding.  The evaluation sheet asked what people learned.  Here are some sample replies: “I’ve never heard of brands in a positive light like this.” “I liked that branding isn’t a bad thing.”  Good to know these young minds that haven’t developed a passion for marketing (yet) were able to see the light!

Everyone wants to make a difference

Steve Jobs is quoted as saying, “Let’s make a dent in the universe.”  That idea is universally electrifying.

Here’s a question for the readers of this blog: How are you making a dent in your universe?