Writers are told time and time again that in the age of the internet we need to have a personal brand, put ourselves out there, sell our works. Sometimes all of this pressure to be a brand rather than a person can be a bit overwhelming, so I want to share a quick article that made me laugh. Matthew Schmid’s tongue-in cheek article, “I Love You, But Our Happiness Doesn’t Fit My Personal Brand’s Narrative Strategy”, pokes fun at branding gone a step too far.
As it says, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been a little upset about my recent social media output, particularly the tweet, “Oh my god, will the loneliness never end? #ImMiserable” which, as you deftly noticed, was tweeted during our second anniversary dinner date. As my significant other, you have every right to be upset. But, as I’ve said many times: I love you, but our happiness doesn’t fit my personal brand narrative strategy.”
If you find personal branding a heinous, stressful concept, take a deep breath and remember that at least you aren’t the narrator of that article.
Kristen Twardowski 
That’s hilarious! haha
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I feel like we all know someone who could have written it!
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Lol! Thanks for sharing!
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It seemed like a good day for a bit of humor.
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That was brilliant, and true. I’m very lucky that my marketing strategy for my blog and upcoming book involves my wife. In writing self-deprecating humor, I’m kind of a clumsy nerd, and goofball. My wife is sharp and confidant, and keeps me in my place, when I start going off the rails. Thanks for a good read.
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Personal branding does seem to work out the best when it incorporates the genuine parts of people’s lives. If aspects of a person have to be entirely hidden or lied about…well, that hardly is sustainable.
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This gave me a good laugh. I’ve despised the expansion of the word “brand” to include people and their actions. The world would be a far more productive place if people spent their time taking action instead of “building a platform” or “strategic brand alignment”.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go write a blog post about the 10 Best Ways to Market Your Novel. 🙂
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Ha! I’m sure your post will be a stellar one.
The expansion of personal branding is exhausting. In some cases, that platform creation does seem to be their main goal rather than any other project.
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I think the proliferation of DIY tools for blogging and social media, along with cottage industries promoting “building an author brand and platform” have a lot of writers putting the cart before the horse.
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Definitely.
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Oh my gosh that’s awesome 😀 I applaud anyone that has a brand, though, I feel like when it comes to writing I’m all over the place and can’t fit into a single “type.”
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I know what you mean. Having a personal brand may be great for getting followers or selling content, but it can also be so restrictive.
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Thanks for the recommendation, that article elicited some much needed chuckles
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It seemed like a good day to post something light. (I may have need a laugh as well.)
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I needed this! Thank you for sharing.
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I’m glad you found it at the right time! It certainly made me laugh.
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Excellent.
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Thanks, Jennie!
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You are welcome, Kristen! 🙂
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