Perception is reality.
You can accept it or you can change it.
How true is that?
What do people perceive when it comes to you? Self-analysis is a tough thing to do at the best of times, huh? Some people even think navel gazing is, per se, a waste of time.
I was watching a comedy sketch the other day with Jerry Seinfeld where he travels around in these cool cars, picks up a friend, fellow comedian or actor, and they enjoy a little friendly banter. Check it out here. You will not be disappointed and thanks Gin and Topics for showing us the way.
Jerry was talking to Joel Hodgson about how we humans find it easy to look backward as opposed toward the future for the express reason that it is easier to reflect on what has already happened in your life than it is to plan for the future. We tend to find comfort in the past; our memories of the moments we cherish.
The bit was hilarious but left me thinking about perception.
We all have impressions of the restaurants we visit, people we work with and the companies that make the products we buy. The internet has opened up the world of perception in a big, big way. Our digital signatures follow us around and stick to us like glue. Whatever we say, do, post, like or upload stays with us for eternity.
Seems like an awesome responsibility.
Cool, huh?
Well………
Anthony Weiner (how unfortunate that name has become) certainly knows about perception implicitly now, doesn’t he? Oh, THAT Anthony Weiner, righhhhht……as you Google his name or ask just about anyone about him.
The old adage actions speak louder than words couldn’t be more relevant in this day and age, could it?
But how do you really know someone anyway?
The way you see those virtual someones, is that how they really are? Do their actions define who they are?
They do and by their doing we have a perception of who they are. IRL is likely the best way to know who someone really is but even then we still never know what goes on behind the scenes. Do we?
So……should we?
I say no.
It’s interaction that defines a person. We can read it in their body language, inflection in their voice and their tone. Over time patterns emerge and it’s that perception that makes a person who they are; to you. You don’t need to know about their personal lives to make that assessment. Stay away, far, far away.
What else defines a person?
Golf does.
Your true inner beast is revealed when you golf. I know exactly how you will conduct business when you golf with me. It is the truest test of human nature {wink, wink}.
What else?
How about your on-line activity?
No matter if you are a company, individual, entrepreneur, social dude or business magnate your social contribution to the on-line world is critically important to the perception people have of you. You do what you do and it defines who you are. Simple. This is not meant to be taken as judgement at all. I know some of you might just go there but fuggedaboudit.
Not in play, my friends. Not in the slightest.
Why?
We are all human.
Aaaaaand, yes siree Bob, brands are human. Yep, humans make all the decisions that make a brand what it is. When we perceive a brand we are experiencing the people behind it and those people go out in the world and represent themselves and their brand. Forget about putting brand advocates, PR folks or marketing and communications people on the hook. Sure, they influence the front line but they alone do not represent the brand.
In reality, they can only really represent themselves.
The rest is collective and every member of an organization makes up the overall perception of a brand. The guy in the mailroom could, in today’s world, with the power of social media make or break the perception of a brand. We are all advocates now, like it or not.
Here’s an example of that.
What did you think? Advocate right? What is my perception of the brand? What perception do you have of the brand or of me?
Over to you: What is your perception of the idea that we are all personal brand advocates?
Why do so many people dislike Nickleback?
A quirky sense-o-humour coupled with an indelible sense of stylish sarcasm makes it difficult to take the world too seriously doesn't it? My faves: fun, passion and hard work. I work here everyday: www.designdialog.ca
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