I have been watching the current season of Celebrity Apprentice and I especially enjoyed the episode where the teams were asked to do a music makeover for an up and coming country music artist.  Each team was asked to create an image/brand for the artist and get them media ready. It was really fun to see what the teams chose for their artist.  Team Rock Solid consisted of Brett Michaels (Rocker), Curtis Stone (Celebrity Chef) and Bill Goldberg (Actor/Wrestler).  Team Tenacity consisted of Sharon Osborne (Music Manager/TV Star) Holly Robinson-Peete (Actress), Cyndi Lauper (Grammy Winning Singer) and Maria Kanellis (Former WWE Diva).

The task required the teams to create a new image for their performer.  This included new clothes for their photo shoot, hair and makeup, media training (for interviews with magazine/TV people), and a media kit (for marketing). Then each artist would perform sporting their new look.

I was enjoying every minute of the show, but was really quite surprised at the outcome — the all male team won this challenge!  They really paid attention to the details.  One of the things I loved most was when the guys were discussing their artist’s “look” as they tried various shirts on him. The goal was to make him a bit “edgier.” At one point they were trying to choose a shirt and Bill Goldberg (the hulking wrestler) asked the singer what color his eyes were!  I couldn’t believe my ears!  Do guys really get that wearing your body colors (hair, skin and eyes) is a great way to make you shine?  I wonder …

While Curtis and Bill went out to shop for more clothes, Brett Michaels sat with the artist and coached him on speaking to the media while writing his one-sheet to be included in his media kit.  Brett gave him some great tips for speaking to media people from magazines or TV. He told him to be positive and remember that these people are really glad to meet you — so make eye contact and show them that you’re glad to meet them as well.

When Bill and Curtis returned, it was time for the photo shoot.  They didn’t have much luck shopping so they picked up some of Curtis’ clothes at the hotel and did the best they could with what they had.  Brett took off the chain he wears around his neck and asked Luke (the artist) to put it on. At first he was very apprehensive and even said it was a bit out of his comfort zone. But the guys encouraged him to go with it for a couple of photos and he agreed to give it a try. The biggest thing I noticed was how hard it seemed for Luke to make the changes the team was asking of him. It reminded me of what I often tell my own clients – It’s important to feel comfortable with any change and to make sure you are reflecting your essence and how you wish to be perceived. But, it is also a really good idea to be open to at least trying something new and different to see if it might resonate with who you are today. Who knows — you might even like it!

Note from Laurie: This post is a Daily LaunchTip from Victoria Colligan, Founder of Ladies Who Launch. She understands the power of your image and that we are all our own walking business cards.  Be sure you are sending the message that you intend!

You have two business cards. There’s the impressive, pocket-sized work of graphic art that you proudly proffer at every opportunity, and then there’s you. The most successful entrepreneurs I know literally look the part of the brand they are building. Most importantly, they understand their brand which informs their “look”. This may be easier said than done. For us time-starved, harried entrepreneurs, “looking the brand” may seem like another thing we have to do, among all the other things on our “to do” lists. Yet representing our brand from the inside out can make all the difference. It lends credibility to what we are doing and conveys passion around our venture. At the end of the day, passion and credibility are key components of closing any sale or entering into any negotiation. You are a walking business card. You represent a brand. Whether you’re detail oriented, creative, artistic or a strong communicator, customers are only human and they will subconsciously judge your inside by what they see on the outside. It’s worth it to spend a little extra time to look clean, crisp and put-together. Whether you choose cotton or cashmere, it’s all marketing material. And as you keep clarifying and evolving your business brand, the nuances of how to best represent it on the outside will continue to become more clear as well.

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