Marsha Friedman
Perhaps you have been an expert in your field for years, but you are seldom contacted for your opinion. One idea you may not have thought of is to become a celebrity. Celebrities seemingly have magic powers and exude a certain appeal. As a celebrity you would be sought out for your knowledge while being the name and face in the media associated with the field you represent.
“Everyone in every walk of life has one thing in common with the new crop of ‘expert celebrities,’” said Marsha Friedman, author of Celebritize Yourself. “At one point in time, those celebrities were putting in 40 hours a week in obscurity, too. Rachel Ray worked the candy counter at Macy’s. Bob Vila remodeled houses in Boston. They all started from exactly the same place where most people find themselves today—putting in an honest day’s work.”
In her book, Friedman recalls the story of Dr. Phil before he was widely known. While it is true that Oprah is something of a kingmaker in show business, Dr. Phil’s hard work in positioning himself and his message as unique paid off: His career skyrocketed due to the investment of time he took to perfect his communication skills and promote himself. His ascent to top of television expert celebrities is widely known.
Becoming a celebrity sounds like a difficult process, but Friedman’s lays the path to success clearly: Step 1, Write; Step 2, Speak; Step 3, Sell!
That means in order to become the sought-after expert celebrity you’ll have some work to do. This includes writing your own book, seeking opportunities where you can speak to the public, and most-importantly, selling your service or product through the positioning of your expertise.
Celebritize Yourself is one part how-to manual, and another part cheerleading section for your expansion into fame. It breaks down into steps the things one must do to become a known quantity in the media. Even the worst writers and most self-conscious speakers can become celebrities according to the author.
By getting on track and appearing on television, radio and in print the expert celebrity has a message that sticks before they even say anything.
And next time, it won’t be someone else’s book you’ll be reading about.
For more info: Read more about Marsha Friedman's Celebritize Yourself.
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