di Accento

People in the public view:  actors, musicians and other talented professionals must address professional considerations differently so that brand is managed to protect the most valuable asset from the challenges that can occur with a constant public life.  Utilizing several years in strategic consulting and management assisting businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals, Lita Williams helps professionals manage their brand.

Lita Williams on famous people and public brand mangement:

How do famous people manage the hazards of public life?

Famous people employ professional assistance to manage the hazards of their public life.  Yet for the most notables that doesn't seem to be working.

It floors me both professionally and personally to hear of support systems that fail people in the most basic way. 

In the news, in print and throughout public venues where the famous are trafficked for public consumption, it is apparent that there is a strong need for talent managers to step up services.  Though an ongoing flux of viral communication and constant interest in the famous has provided steady employment for personal assistants and talent managers, famous people still don't seem to have the support systems they need.  Sad stories are abundant depicting the famous struggling with brand image and an inability to enjoy every day living in spite of fame. 

I recall hearing about emotional turbulence that plagued Phyllis Hyman, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.  As a fan and a brand professional,  their struggles continue to weigh heavy on my mind.  It is apparent that professional support systems were inadequate to ensure not only that their brand would be managed properly, but that help would be readily avilable to address personal struggles as well. 

What should famous people consider when seeking professional support?  Due diligence and referral options can establish the who; but what is more important?  Before professional support is ever employed, famous people, and anyone else seeking professional guidance, need to self-assess to determine the depth of services required for professional engagement.

Personal & Professional Managers

A true personal manager or talent manager will take necessary time to learn about the client and listen to understand client needs.  Once overall goals and personal needs are determined then support systems can be considered and professional requirements can be established with all actions thereafter aligning to support the client both personally and professionally.  If consistent care for the personal welfare and professional goals of the client aren't obviously evident in all activity that aligns the client then there are disconnects in support systems and professional assistance should be reassessed for better alignment or removed all together. 

Lita Williams, Executive Consultant

Need help with brand management and alignment of professional support systems?  Contact lita@diaccento.com