Accolades and condolences continue to stream in for the passing of Steve Jobs. Everyone weighs in on his genius and his visionary leadership. He taught all of us lessons in trusting yourself and being true to what you love. As people pause for a moment of silence, I encourage us to pause for a moment of celebration for the life of Steve Jobs.

–Judy Jernudd

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When  LABJ wrote the article about Startegic Studios, announcing our website TV interviews, we invited the photographer to come to our studio, rather than our office. We set up the cameras, and brought in our videographer to help showcase our service. Along with LABJ’s ace photographer, Ringo Chiu’s expertise, “Wow! The photo created stand-out attention.”

From a branding position, to develop a first of mind go-to impression, consider the visuals you use on your brochure, website or marketing materials. Questions you want to answer:

• What are your photos conveying?
• Do they look like everyone else?
• Are they helping you tell your story?
• Do they capture attention?
• Are they unique unto you?

We live in a visual world. Draw people in to take a look.

Stay tuned for more Startegic Branding strategies!

Judyth Jernudd

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Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Thanksgiving!

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You are in a painful explosion you’ve ignited rocking your world as you knew it. Admitting  your transgressions is tough for you, your family, friends, fans, sponsors and supporters, but hearing it from you beats denial or a lack of  response. Here’s another for you to look at it. At least everything is coming out in the open, right? You might be feeling some minor relief yourself. This could be your first significant  step in moving forward.

Here’s the thing.  We wanted to hear  from you when your story first broke. Maybe you thought the story would just disappear. See, that’s  another form of denial.  I’ll repeat what I said in my first letter.  Get it all out in the open soon. Only you know the answer to the question on so many people’s  mind.  Is there more to come?  The lesson you had to learn the hard way, to manage a crisis you need to get it out there ahead of the headline.

Many people are comparing your crisis situation to a famous basket-ball player.  But there are a couple of major differences between you and Kobe Bryant.  He was accused of rape. Not an alleged consensual almost three year long affair. And Mr. Bryant’s  persona was not as connected to the public as yours.  You’ll recall he eventually held a news conference facing the consequence, and the media, in a sea of remorseful tears on national TV!  His sincere apology was emotional and believable.  The strategy though, of  his wife holding his hand while he talked about his adultery backfired.  How many wives can you imagine hand holding while their man admits to cheating  in a scene played out on a world stage? Or even in the bedroom?  Yes, I heard the jokes about the rock on her finger she flashed while dutifully “standing by her man.”   For a number of women, a golf club seems more fitting, doesn’t it.

You will want, no, you will need to get in front of the public sooner than later. While you, your lawyers and PR team strategize, keep this is mind:  Part of your brand image repair depends on when and how you deliver your apology.

On one hand, people are cheering for you and your family to get through this thing. Others are jeering and joking. Bad news buzz burns  fast.  And as soon as another public figures get caught in a similar indiscretion, you will move to the back burner. But what does  future look like for you? It depends on how you move forward to handle yourself  and your public image.

Your sponsors are rallying around you while your personal life unravels,  but one thing is certain.  If  future indiscretions surface, you will need more than brand management to be the Tiger Woods the world thought they knew. Humility, honesty and urgency are your best options right now. Seize this chapter in your life to make friends with them.

Warm wishes,

Judy

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Can you learn charisma? Yes. Can you make eye contact with your audience? Yes. Can you project all of the above in front of the cameras during your media interviews. Well, yes, but it takes “know how,” rehearsals and practice. And the payoff is worth it!

Gold Star Tip: Practice making direct eye contact with everyone you meet—unless you are in a country where it might be considered taboo. Hold your gaze for about four seconds. If you get used to looking at people in their eyes, you will find a deeper connection with the person you are talking with… including audiences and TV cameras. Looking into a person’’s eyes helps you concentrate, improves your listening skills and makes them feel more important to you. And the media might just write about it!

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French cooking, Paris, and Julia Child. Mix them altogether for a perfect recipe and “presto”, a delicious film! It is a challenge to think of one ingredient without blending all three.

Julia Child was the first celebrity cook I met in person. Before Wolfgang Puck became a celebrity chef with his own cooking dynasty, she was a household name. Julia blazed the trail with her books and television shows by the time we met. I just started my television career when the first opportunity to do “live” television came my way. It was a PBS pledge drive in Los Angeles. I was an eager novice ready for whatever might happen.

In walked Julia Child to the enormous TV studio. You couldn’t miss her 6′2″ frame. Her presence, larger in person, seemed to make the TV studio feel small. A producer introduced us. She leaned down to greet my 5′2″ frame. With great joy and in that only-Julia-Child-voice, she said, “I’ve been watching you and you’re awfully good, you know!” I was awestruck. I thanked her and said, “No, Ms. Child, I did not know.” What a beautiful gift of encouragement she passed along to a beginner. Her words have stayed with me throughout my life. Thank you, Julia.

Judy’s Gold Star Action Tip: Who did you compliment today? What a different world we could create with less criticism and more praise. Somebody needs encouragement from you today.

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Happy Holidays! We will be on holiday until January 1, 2009. Look out for the first of our “5 Rs” to start off your New Year right!

It is my tradition to share our “5 R Principles” with our clients, friends and family. We hope you enjoy reading them and they find meaning for you.

Stayed tuned!

Judyth

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