Not so long ago, one of the most famous pop music princesses on the planet dropped an incredible self-titled album.
There was no promotion. No hype. No warning.
Just “pure, undiluted, in your face slayage”.
It went on to become her fifth-consecutive number one album, selling over five million copies worldwide, earning her a new Guinness world record for the fastest-selling album on iTunes.
Widespread hysteria around the album caused it to trend on Twitter, where it racked up millions of tweets in mere hours, tweets that were filled with praise from fans and fellow artists alike.
The world was stunned. I was stunned.
How had she done it - without any news, goss or even the slightest hint that anything was eminent?
In our current Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat universe, people love showing and telling about themselves, some to the extent of TMI – for the sake of validation or attention.
It’s naturally exciting to talk about yourself, your brand and your career but it takes even greater control to keep your mouth shut and be prudent about what you share.
Why can’t I share myself with the world, you say? Especially if I’m a setting up my brand?
The problem is that by being too open about your brand, business, life and choices before you have anything meaningful to show for it, you make yourself overly predictable and familiar.
“So much so that it is almost impossible to respect or fear you, and power will not accrue to a person who cannot inspire such emotions.”
In his book, ‘The 48 Laws of Power’, renowned author Robert Greene notes that you do not have to hide your intentions by closing up (with the risk of appearing secretive and making people suspicious) but by talking endlessly about your desires and goals — just not your deep ones.
By appearing friendly, open and trusting yet all the while concealing your intentions, you can keep your audiences guessing (and therefore intrigued) and/or send your rivals on time consuming wild goose chases.
The art lies in “keeping people “off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions.”'
Being private about your journey and the plans you have for your life, brand, career and even family makes your story and legacy all the more impressive when it’s fully realised and revealed.
If people don’t expect what you’re going to do and you suddenly reveal your accomplishments it looks all the more amazing to others.
They weren’t expecting it and they were caught off guard by your greatness — and best of all, you appear as if you didn’t even try.
Insight Inspiration:
Would you rather be a person who talks big or makes a big difference?
Growing your reputation could depend on becoming known as someone who is unpredictably successful without always shouting it from the mountaintops.
This way, people don’t know what you’re going to do next and can’t wait for whatever’s coming.
When you drop it in all its fantastic, well thought through and utterly irresistible form, the hype that will ensue should be priceless - the ultimate mic drop!
Think on it.
