By Michael Desroches
We admit it. Some of us are more than a little obsessed with Inventing Anna, the Netflix series from iconic writer/producer Shonda Rhimes. The series tracks how a young Russian con artist posed as a German heiress to bilk New York’s elite out of $275,000 in exclusive hotels, designer clothes, a private jet, and so much more.
It tells the story of how one woman’s drive to create something meaningful came dangerously close to netting her $22 million from New York’s premier financial institutions. It tells a story of struggle, redemption (and more than a bit a fanaticism), on the part of the reporter who broke the “real” news behind the salacious headlines.
It also tells the story of just how well marketing works.
The young woman whose real-life exploits this series is based on successfully marketed herself as one of society’s elite. This working-class daughter of a truck driver learned about high society in fashion magazines. And she learned to live the image she saw in those pages so well that she fooled the world.
From the clothes she wore, to what she ordered to eat and drink, to the way she carried herself, to the art she loved, to every detail of her outlandish lifestyle, Anna created her own brand.
It was a brand built on false pretenses of unspeakable wealth, hints of Russian mafia-backed power, first-class luxury, and a very real ego. It was a brand that no one questioned.
Because she sold it so well.
Every action. Every decision. Every seemingly crazy phone call. It was all calculated for the effect it would have on her brand.
Now imagine, for just a moment, what that level of planning and execution could do for your brand.
For a real brand that’s not built on false pretenses.
For a real brand that boasts your exceptional team.
For a real brand that’s designed to move your clients forward.
It’s not that different. To get there, you just must do what Anna did.
You have to create your brand’s image. Then you have to live that image every single day across every platform you maintain and, in every encounter, you have with clients, donors, supporters and the public.
Sound intimidating? It doesn’t need to be. We can get you there. Reach out to me today and I’ll show you how.
Editor’s note: This blog is 100% true – except for the parts that are made up. But we never make up what we can do for YOUR brand!
About Michael Desroches
Michael Desroches is an executive marketing consultant, brand strategist, speaker, trainer, author and mentor. The Founder and Principal of Woodbridge, Connecticut-based Brand Inspiration has spent more than two decades helping corporations, nonprofit organizations, mid-sized companies and small businesses here in the northeast and across the country. He and his team help clients uncover their most unique traits and translate them into creative marketing that inspires donors to give, customers to buy, and people to trust. Learn more at www.michaeldesrochesonline.com.
