What the Spice Girls can teach us about Personal Branding
Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh, these female powerhouses certainly knew a thing about the importance of having a strong Personal Brand. So, “Stop Right Now” and look at what this girl-power group got so very right…
A strong look
The Spice Girls decided on a look and ran with it. Every outfit was curated to match the personalities we came to know and love. Whether we like it or not, clothes are a language by which we are judged: a shorthand that allows us to communicate with others. Power suits or jeans, Converse or stilettos, what we wear is a powerful means of self-expression. A study by Cornell University showed that first impressions are: 7% what you say; 38% how you sound; and 55% how you look. So, whilst a Union Jack mini-dress may be a little out there for casual business attire, the band had it right, clothes matter.
Consistency
Every piece of merchandise (remember those collectable postcards?) lyric, concert and interview delivered the same message. We never heard Baby deliver a rap or saw Posh lounging about in a pair of tracksuit bottoms. When it comes to your personal brand, chose your narrative and stick to it. Your clients will jump from your social media to your website and expect to find the same colours, tone of voice and imagery. A sudden shift is disconcerting and undermines the power of the story you’re working so hard to tell.
Visibility
From books to Barbies, clothing lines to films, the Spice Girls took every opportunity to get themselves out there. It meant that fans had countless opportunities to be a part of their movement. Building a Personal Brand means getting in front of your target market. as scary as it might feel. You might not need a line of lunch boxes but whether it’s blogging, networking, or giving a talk, declare your Brand Purpose and bring your followers into the fold.
Positivity
Constantly upbeat and optimistic, the Spice Girls truly believed in “All You Need Is Positivity". Scientists have long since proved that positive thinkers have greater energy levels. Martin Seligman studied the connection between positivity and business performance, noting that optimistic insurance people sold 37% more policies than their pessimistic colleagues. When it comes to your online brand story, an upbeat tone and smiling photo will help to project that optimism.
There you have it, if a strong personal brand is what you “Really, Really Want” just think…what would the Spice Girls do?
Leigh is an Exeter based corporate photographer, specialising in personal branding shoots and business headshots. No stuffy studios, just professional, natural portraits for modern entrepreneurs.