Blogs

People as Brands

May 31, 2012

Returning from the land of celebrity in LA highlighted to me how well they do it when it comes to celebrity brand and reputation management. 

Self-marketing is a given in the States and more and more I'm seeing individual clients (whether they be established or up and coming talent) come to Thrive to develop a PR plan to support and grow their careers. 

People who are in the game of sport and entertainment are brands. Celebrities who are entrepreneurs want to manage their brands for future commercial gain. They know that automotive, alcohol and apparel brands desire their audiences. They are aware that their social media networks can have greater reach and impact than some mainstream media outlets. Those celebrities who do it well sit down with us and their managers, define their business goals then we craft a PR strategy to get them there….traditional media, social media, style control (what they're wearing), brand and event alliances, relationship creation and management, influencers for endorsements and rubbing shoulders with the right people. It's planned. It's strategic. It's commercial. 

Hollywood's hottest celebrity stylist and Aussie girl, Sophia Banks-Coloma, is the latest to join Thrive's stable of PR talent.

I was talking to Jodie Gatt, who manages Curtis Stone, about the Curtis Stone brand. I admire what his team have done so far. TV shows, book deals, major brand partnerships, a Curtis Stone homewares kitchen range that is impeccable in its design and functionality. And don't think that Curtis is just a face when it comes to his partners like Coles. He is an active contributor behind the scenes to their business and marketing function. Their success is his success. 

I say to colleagues that entertainment is to Sydney what sport is to Melbourne. I like that Thrive has nailed sport with associations with some of Australia's biggest sporting events. With our current entertainment clients and list of talent growing, stay tuned for more developments from Thrive in the People as Brands space. 

-- Leilani