What’s Love Got to Do With Success? Lessons from Media Darlings

While Valentine’s Day focuses primarily on romantic love, I would like to invite you to escape the frenzy of your local greeting card store, which at this time is probably looking as chaotic as the once-yearly shoe sale at Barneys, and widen the lens through which we see “love” this month.

After all, if you are reading this, you are most likely in “work” mode, and business is on your mind so what can this drippy topic do for your bottom line?

Unless you own a dating service or are a relationship coach, romantic love may not be related to financial increase for you, but in a broader sense of the word, L-O-V-E can be a significant asset to the building of a much-adored personal brand, which is, of course, the foundation of a successful business.

A persona that elicits adoration, attention and interest from others owns the ability to influence. We need only look at some “media darlings” to see this. What is a media darling? It is a well-recognized person that interviewers and audiences love to hear speak. They are sought after for interviews and are often featured on magazines and TV shows. If you are seeking to bring attention to yourself or your business through media, video or public speaking in anyway, learning from media darlings is as easy as, well, L-O-V-E.

Love of Life: The public loves someone who loves life, and lives with an intense passion and purpose. Example: Angelina Jolie is regarded as an incredible humanitarian, as well as a Hollywood beauty. She openly shares her love of children and travels with hubby, Brad Pitt, worldwide to better the lives of others and draw attention to those in need.

What you can do: When you speak, share your passions, even those that may not be directly connected right now with your business. You’ll not only stand out but will attract those that share your vision.

Optimism: Sharing your story with positivism is attractive, but media darlings take it one step further, they show gratitude. Example: Reese Witherspoon, Denzel Washington, and Rudy Giuliani all illustrate the use of gratitude with nearly each interview, and the media loves them for it.

What you can do: List all that you are grateful for in your path to success, and share the stories behind a few. A benefit to this exercise is the positive outlook you’ll adapt for the rest of the day!

Victorious: We love winners! Example: Sharon Osbou
e was always in the spotlight as Ozzy’s wife, but once she allowed us to share in her battle and win over cancer in their reality show, she endeared herself to us for life.

What you can do: Share your past struggles and how you overcame them.

Emotion: Personal charisma is effective at the emotional level. We are aware when a very charismatic person is speaking because there is a connection far beyond the definition of the words coming from their mouth. It is visceral. This is the level of optimum communication, where reception is greatest and your message can make the most impact. Example: MLK, Ronald Reagan, JFK, Billy Graham.

What you can do: By utilizing the first three elements of LOVE, the emotional connection with your audience, or target market will be more easily accomplished.