We are all uniquely designed as people regardless of where we are from. As a personal brand strategist it is very interesting to see how different people and different cultures approach personal branding and image management. My approach to branding is somewhat different than some of my peers. I believe that physical development is a very important dimension to developing the ultimate personal brand. Your personal image goes beyond the clothes that you wear, your online digital footprint, or the social networks you are apart of.

This blog post started as a twit this morning. I read an article in the New York Times that took personal imaging to a new level. The Japanese government has imposed laws for waistline limitations to shrink the overweight poplulation in Japan, the waistline requirements for men is 33.5″ and women it is 35.4″. This is quite an incentive plan by the Japanese government to inspire its people improve their personal image. I do believe that we have a personal obligation to ourselves to be the best that we can be. The next time you complaint about going to the gym just be glad that the government is not imposing financial penalties (the penalties will be imposed upon companies and government, i.e NEC, Japan’s largest maker of personal computers, said that if it failed to meet its targets, it could incur as much as $19 million in penalties) because you ate that burger. It is pretty safe to say this system will probably be effective in Japan, but in the U.S. that wouldn’t fly one of my friends in the Twitterverse said it best stating that Americans would scream it is a violation of their civil liberties.

Slimming_Japan, originally uploaded by Hajj Flemings.

Some of the top young professionals in the region put their imprint on the 2008 Mackinac Policy Conference (MPC). The state of Michigan has declared that one of its top priorities is to attract and retain young professionals. By deciding to make this demographic apart of the most powerful conference in the state, a major step was taken. Detroit Fusion, a diverse group of young thinkers and leaders comprised of the Gen ‘X’ and Millennial generations, was not only present, but on the agenda and welcomed by everyone.

If the state of Michigan is committed to changing the dead manufacturing model that built the middle class, a transition to a knowledge-based economy is required. The economic obstacles that we face provide a great platform to redefine the new economy. The same way Ford, GM, and Chrysler built the middle class and the economy of our region with manufacturing, new industries and infused thinking will build the new economy in Michigan.

Michigan’s top-leaders realize the talent they are attempting to attract and retain has to be part of the conversation. The seat of innovation has always come from the entrepreneurial mindset of great thinkers that were not weighed down with the weights of tradition but challenged and uplifted with the idea that human capital is the currency that drives any economy.

The inaugural class of young professionals from Detroit Fusion realized that the conference was only the beginning. I believe that every person has to take ownership to be change agents and brand evangelists of ‘The New Michigan’. Young professionals must be fully engaged in the process with input and resources to help infuse life into a stronger Michigan. The 2008 Mackinac Policy Conference and Detroit Fusion, through the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, was the first step in that process.

Mackinac Policy Conference + Detroit Fusion, originally uploaded by Hajj Flemings.

Did ‘The Brand YU Life’ book cover inspire the new NBA commercial (‘There Can Only Be One’) or the new Time magazine cover design with Hillary and Barack. Who knows? Nevertheless, all three are great designs.

After researching the design direction of the commercial I found the following statement from the NBA:
“There Can Only Be One” is designed to bring to life the dedication, desire, and sacrifice that create the intense emotions and drama of one of sport’s premier postseason events: the NBA Playoffs & The Finals.

When I saw the ads the first thing I thought about was the dedication, desire, and sacrifice required to operate in your purpose as a personal brand. The split faces represented to me the split personalities that most people have: one of a person trying to get a particular job and not being fulfilled and the other operating in their purpose and loving what they do.

My reason for being a personal brand strategist is that I was tired of just working a job and wanted to live my passion and operate in my purpose. Operating in your purpose is the highest calling of personal branding opposed to just getting a job. Positions can be filled, people can be replaced, but ‘There is only one’ who can fill your purpose.

There Can Only Be One, originally uploaded by Hajj Flemings.

Hello and I would like to welcome you to the 2008 Personal Branding Election. My name is Hajj Flemings and I am campaigning to be your personal brand strategist in 2008. Part of my charge is to help the American people to become more globally competitive. I believe that this is a season of change. I believe that common, average, everyday, working class people such as you and me can get uncommon results in their life.
My Platform
1. My platform is one of anti-abortion. I am tired of people aborting the vision and destiny for their life.
2. The price of Oil is increasing at an alarming rate. I am running into people everyday whose dreams have simply run out of gas, who don’t have the fuel to finish the race. I am here to restore hope, passion, purpose, and mission to all people of all races, all creeds, and nationalities.
3. War is Heavy on the hearts of many American- Many of you are @ war with the real you. Fighting who you were created to be.
4. Health Care is a major issue my personal branding plan is to restore the health of your personal brand.I have developed a 7-point Brand Plan:
1. Identify your Passion
2. Define your Mission
3. Count the Cost
4. Create your Voice

Let’s pause for a moment. Hilary was recently quoted on the cover of Newsweek, saying that ‘She has found her voice’. America Hilary is 60-years old, please don’t wait until you are 60 to find your voice. Had she just read my book. ‘The Brand YU Life’ she would have found her voice a long time ago.

5. Develop your Core
6. Be Authentic
7. Shift to Now

Go to my website and purchase my book, ‘The brand YU Life’ which outlines my plan to develop your personal brand. Vote for me as your personal brand strategist. My name is Hajj E. Flemings, your personal brand strategist and I approve this message.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has planned his first appearance since the text message incident broken last week. His press conference is scheduled for tonight at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit, MI.
A lot has transpired over the last week and many questions have yet to be answered.

Does your personal life affect your business life? This is a question that gets raised often, as a personal brand I don’t believe you can divide the two. There are countless cases where inappropriate decisions or character has cost people their careers and/or future earnings. As you elevate your personal life becomes less and less personal and people demand greater access, right, wrong, or indifferent it comes with the territory. Political officials are highly visible personal brands who are compensated by tax dollars, which requires them to live in a fishbowl. In this day in age you truly have to live your life as if you are on camera 24/7, with technology you are one sound bit, video clip, or text message (no pun intended) away from impacting the reputation of your personal brand.

He’s already branded, ‘The Hip-Hop Mayor’, can his reputation be impacted any further? What will his legacy be as the Mayor of Detroit? Can he re-brand himself? Will his effectiveness be compromised? Is he still capable? Will he have support? Can he be trusted? Can he be re-elected? Is his image tarnished? Are there any other issues that need to be addressed?

Does his personal life hamper his ability to function effectively as Mayor? In many cases people lose opportunities not because of their technical ability to carry out their responsibilities, but on issues that are non-related. Personal branding is anything but personal, it is how you personally package and position yourself for public presentation. Tonight the Mayor will address Detroit’s Nightmare.  Let me know your thoughts.
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick  Originally uploaded by Sybil Star

Today (01.21.08) we celebrated Martin Luther King Day, a man whose life spoke volumes. One of his most profound speeches was ‘I Have A Dream’ delivered August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. Martin Luther King is one of the most recognized leaders and personal brands in our country’s history. Consistency is one of the hallmarks of successful brands, his life and message communicated consistency, values, and a clear since of purpose.

As I reflect on the significance of his life. I reflect on the significance of my life and my purpose for sharing personal branding with the world. Part of my purpose is to help people ‘live their dreams’ and I take it very seriously. I don’t mean that as a cliche, I hope my blog continues to be a source of inspiration, education, and motivation, to assist you in reaching your life goals.

I_have_a_dream_speech Originally uploaded by MANY BLESSING TO COME

Oprah with Sen. Obama in Des Moines, IA, originally uploaded by Joe Crimmings Photography.

We are all under the influence of brands. Everyday we make decisions, based upon the power of a brand: for coffee, mp3 players, sneakers and now political campaigns. A celebrity endorsement is a marketing tool that has been widely used for years: Tiger with Nike, Vera Wang for HP, and Catherine Zeta-Jones with T-Mobile for example. Will a celebrity endorsement work for a political campaign? This weekend that was put to the test with Oprah and Obama hitting the campaign trails. Oprah electrified the crowds lending her support. Oprah is one of the most classic examples of personal branding. She lends her name, presence, influence, and credibility as she endorses Obama.  Does she have enough weight to impact voters? How effective is this as a marketing tool? More than 65,000 person attended the rallies this weekend according to the Obama campaign office. Oprah is genuine, believable and authentic in her endorsement. This will push the limit of her influence as a personal brand. Will it impact voters and increase Obama’s chances for the White House??? Only time will tell.

Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama (by Evan Vucci/AP), originally uploaded by stijn v..

Political Rock Stars. Celebrities. Senators. Pioneers. Ivy-Leaguers.

The 2008 Democratic presidential primary has all the makings of a great media story. It has sex (gender), race, and politics at its core at a time when America is ready for a political change. How much will personality, charisma, perception, image and branding impact this political race?

We are under the influence of brands with almost every decision that we make. Brands simplify choices, reduce risk for the consumer, and allow consumers to make decisions with confidence. Brands are shortcuts in the decision-making process. Personal brand management will be a strong catalyst in this race.

Every successful brand has name recognition, brand image, brand positioning and a brand promise. Obama and Clinton possess them all. Which candidate has the stronger brand–the Harvard or Yale Alum? Would you vote based upon political platform or brand? And is America ready for sex (gender) or race?