Phelps-mania: A Global Brand is Born in Beijing

Managing Brand YOU, brand management

Michael Phelps has clearly emerged as the biggest story of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, so far.  Only time will tell how strong Brand Phelps will become but suffice it to say, this is a global brand in the making. There are brilliant lessons for us all in the Michael Phelps brand platform.

First, Phelps has remained focused and proven his willingness to sacrifice in the quest of his inner drive and passion. Swimming has been his area of dedication since age 11 and now he has a record 8 Gold Medals, in a single Olympics, surpassing the previous record of 7 set by Mark Spitz in Munich during the 1972 Games.  He can now boast of having won a total of 14 Gold Medals in the Olympics.

Successful brands focus and sacrifice!

Second,  Phelps used his competition to actually strengthen his own brand.  While swimmers from other countries predicted his inability to win so many Golds, he posted their actual comments in his locker for mental motivation to reach new levels of personal achievement.  This was especially true when the French team openly claimed they would smash the USA team during the relays.

Successful brands beat competitors through differentiation and conviction!

Third, Michael Phelps could not have accomplished his 8 Gold Medals, without winning 3 team relay events.  He understood the power of teamwork and the need for synergy in the pool. In all three relay events, he had to rely on the strength of 3 others in order to stand on the Gold Medal awards platform.

Successful brands have a comprehensive strategy and game plan to win!

USA Swimming is another part of this winning story.  With so many children and adults in America looking for ways to develop themselves mentally and physically swimming emerges as a very viable activity.  One should expect a surge in swimming interest might follow this Phelps-Mania.

Once again only time will tell if Phelps stays true to his own brand positioning and leverages this extraordinary and historical Olympics effort into a greater purpose or cause.

As personal brands, we all have the opportunity to excel in our own area of focus.

What is your own passion?

Are you focusing intensely on what matters to you?

Have you set appropriate long term and short term goals with clear strategies to achieve these objectives?

Michael Phelps is now a Global Brand Icon and he has reached this status through perseverance, focus, and plenty of support from his mother and team mates.

You do not have to be in Beijing going for 8 Gold Medals, to Manage Brand YOU. Take these key learnings from our newest Beijing Champion and determine how you will commit to creating your most successful self.

Best of Success.

jerry posted on August 17, 2008