Let's talk about "freak factor" and what it has to do with personal branding!
Your "freak factor" is a trait that you've probably worked hard in your life to hide and not incorporate into your personal brand in the hopes that no one will know about it.
It's a unique trait that makes you different and unusual, at least to the people who knew you early in your life.
It's a thrilling experience when you meet another freak and recognize that the distinctive trait that used to cause you stress is something you share. At that moment, you've discovered your tribe, where your uniqueness is embraced. While you might still look like a freak to the general public, within the right group, you're perfectly understood.
Lady Gaga explained this concept in an interview years ago, using the word "freak" to explain herself and how she hopes her work can help people who may feel like her.
She said one of the biggest misconceptions about her is "that I am artificial and attention-seeking, when the truth is that, every bit of me is … devoted to love and art."
"I aspire to try to be a teacher to my young fans … who feel just like I felt when I was younger. … I felt like a freak," she said. "I guess, what I'm trying to say is, I want to liberate them, I want to free them of their fears and make them feel … that they can create their own space in the world."
My Own Freak Factors
I've thought long and hard about my own "freak factors" and consciously worked towards not only accepting them, but being proud of them. Here they are:
- I am obsessed with cold sparkling water to the extent that I hope to secure a brand deal with San Pellegrino or Perrier.
- I am passionate about singing and dancing.
- I was born in Romania, which was under communist rule until 1989.
- I struggled with weight issues and felt unaccepted by society because of my appearance, even though I looked completely normal.
- I have ADD, which means that my mind is constantly generating ideas and tends to wander in different directions.
What are your freak factors? Have you integrated them into your personal brand? If not, how do you plan to do so?
Claudia Miclaus is the founder of STELLR Global, a reputation architecture firm for founders and CEOs, and is writing Multitudes.
Contact me today to see if we're a fit for working together.
As usual, stay on the rollercoaster until the ride ends. Great things need time to manifest, so be patient with yourself!
Love,
Claudia
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