Gossip
"I heard, Leonardo DiCaprio was at greenhouse last night partying and making out with [insert sexy supermodel] until 3am."
Rumor
"I heard, the Batman sequel is going to be all in 3D, like that movie with all the blue people."
The difference between rumor and gossip seems minor doesn't it? In most cases, it is, but, generally, rumor is the only one you can spin to your advantage. Because a rumor is often, but not always, something that can be verified at a later time - when the movie opens in the theaters, in the case of my above example - it can create anticipation. And anticipation creates buzz, buzz creates popularity, and popularity leads to business (I'm talking jobs people!).
Have you heard of Tom Ferris? He created the four hour work week. He's really a motivated guy, you should look him up, he will inspire you. Tom did some research and found out that "according to various estimates somewhere around 80% of jobs get filled informally."
That means the majority of people get their jobs from people they know (the rest just keep going on Craigslist hoping that 'Personal Assistant' job that pays 100/hr is real).
In 'Rumors & Gossip; Part 1' (yesterdays post. you should check it out) I talked about how actors and corporations sometimes use public relations people to change their image. In this crazy 9% unemployment world we live in, a bad image could be the difference between a good Turkey dinner (happy thanksgiving!) and a turkey sandwich from subway (not so happy thanksgiving?!).
Wouldn't it make sense to do a little PR for yourself?
Ever notice how many parties, functions, and charity events celebrities go to? That's not for fun. Okay, it is for fun, but it's also for work. Every single time Kim Kardashian steps into a nightclub, she is building her brand (that's the new fancy talk of the day, "brand this, brand that..Brandy?").
You don't have to be famous to build your brand though. We're all tiny little brands in our own worlds. You can host a small social event - a dinner, a get together - and invite a small, but varied mix of friends and acquaintances. (the cool kids!)
People in PR know the importance of a good party. In your own party, you get to talk face to face with people about your interests, your goals, and if you happen to mention that your looking for a new job, that wouldn't be bad either.
And if the informal mix of people generates good vibes among your guests, guess what? You win too. The next time you're getting ready to host another shindig (I don't get to use the that word enough) the buzz will be buzzy.
Being your own public relations agent is about controlling and creating that buzz about you. A rumor is just a sexy way of letting people know what you're up to.
I can hear you now; But I don't want to throw a 'get together'. First, stop whining, it's not cute. Second, You don't have to. Keeping up appearances can have the same benefits of throwing a nice get together. When someone awesome or well connected sends you an invite, make the best effort to be there, even if it's for just a few hours.
A lot of people would rather not bother with the work of being social, because they feel it brings too much stress and drama.
I don't like people talking behind my back.
Why do you keep interrupting me?
Sorry.
People are going to talk about you no matter what. If they're not, that is just a blow to your brand. The best thing you can do is get the information, stories or rumors about you out yourself. It's up to you to make sure whatever is being said, is something you want to be heard.
"Man, that Batman movie is gonna be sooo awesome. I can't wait!"
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Note:
When I refer to your 'brand' I'm not necessarily talking about anything involving the entertainment business. God knows we don't need another Kim Kardashian.
Your brand can be anything, whether you do hair, fix elevators, file taxes or sell houses. Your brand is what you do and the lifestyle image that presents.
As always, I welcome any questions, comments or corrections. leave them here, or send them to HowToTalkInAmerica@Gmail.com
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