This week we are taking a musical perspective and sharing seven things that Madonna (yes, Madonna) can teach you about staying relevant and in demand in your field.
1. We are living in a material world and I’m a material girl. Madonna and her team understand current pop culture. Do you? She grew to stardom in the 80s, a decade and generation of materialism and excessive spending. She sang about wanting, doing and having new and nice stuff. Can’t be more relatable than that. Good, bad or indifferent, she became an iconic product/brand because she sang about something we all want - aspirations to want and have better.
2. Communicates a simple message that everyone understands: Let’s face it, Madonna’s lyrics are not the most profound in the industry. And, that’s the point. Using simple, memorable and relatable words - allows you to connect with a wide and global audience. Remember it’s far easier to sing a song in another language if it’s short and sweet.
3. Have multiple looks and skill sets: Madonna is known not just as a singer, but also a performer, actress, style/trend setter.
4. Gives us shock and awe: Whether you’re a person, product or brand, every now and then, you should give your prospects/consumers/audience something that is different and unexpected. Sometimes that translates into making bold statements and leaving others with an unforgettable image of who you are/what you offer.
5. Partner and network with popular people to make yourself even more relevant. Madonna socialized, married, dated and did business with many other famous people. She shows that when teaming with famous “brands” can help increase your own brand popularity and demand. Find ways to leverage who you have worked with to create and find new opportunities.
6. Expect the unexpected: It’s one thing to shock and surprise others occasionally, it’s quite another to constantly keep people engaged in what you do and say. Find ways to communicate and promote yourself, your product or your brand in non-traditional and non-conventional ways. Send an email with an advertising-type headline, reach out to someone you want to for or do business with including an customized, graphic designed infographic on why you are the ideal person or product.
7. Have a distinctive, professional and direct business style. Although Madonna was young when she started her career in 1981, she has a shrewd mind and very savvy in her approach to her business. Part of her success comes from knowing how to promote her value and ensuring on deals and terms that are favorable to her.
Successful people like Madonna often leave a blue print/clear path to follow to help create and cultivate success. This week pick one of these tips to jumpstart your career reinvention. Find new ways to stay relevant and in demand.
There’s nothing to it – just strike a pose – and V-O-U-G-E