Your Iconic Image : What Makes An Icon?
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John merged his leadership and marketing company with the Geary Company in 2009. He continues to work with a broad spectrum of clients and provides leadership and marketing strategies that create compelling and memorable brands. Prior to starting his consulting firm, John served as Vice-President and General Manager of Cox Media Las Vegas. During his time at Cox, he was responsible for doubling the company's cash flow in less than five years and leading his team to the number one position in market share. He has trained and coached CEOs, General Managers, Sales Managers, Sales team members and a host of young baseball and softball players. John holds an MBA from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. He and his wife Cathy are the parents of four children. They also have five grandchildren and two intriguing schnauzers--named Maximus and Minimus.
When it comes to people we\\u2019ve worked with we have a long list of iconic names\\u2026Elvis, Hyatt, Gladys Knight, Rich Little, Smokey Robinson, Ford, Porsche, Lexus.
There are icons in local, regional, national and world wide markets\\u2026in sports, music, business, brands.
When we talk about what makes something or someone iconic\\u2026finding that unique quality, that distinct nature\\u2026then that relevancy /uniqueness needs to be able to last over time.
Consistency builds trust.\\xa0Consistency leads to that relevancy over time.
We remember bad experiences forever.
Whatever you build, you have to be able to live by it. You have to be able to deliver on that promise.
The difference between celebrity and icon relates to substance\\u2026a real iconic status has depth and texture to it.\\xa0You have to have some degree of core values you live by or you consistently deliver.
You will see people rise to high degrees of celebrity then be gone because it was superficial.
You become iconic when that uniqueness becomes memorable and it resonates with you and with those in your sphere of influence and you continue to be that brand or that person.
You can become iconic in your sphere of influence or the area you compete in.\\xa0You don\\u2019t have to have worldwide reputation.\\xa0You don\\u2019t have to have a national reputation. \\xa0
Become iconic in the sphere in which you compete.
I think that when you reach icon status you have a degree of responsibility.
Russell Wilson and his wife are doing so many great things for the community.
Sometimes that responsibility, unless you\\u2019re build on that framework of \\u2018real\\u2019 can be crushing because you can\\u2019t maintain that.\\xa0That\\u2019s where image has superseded the quality, depth and texture of what it took to get there and I think that\\u2019s where you see on that very thin layer of \\u2018celebrity\\u2019 that it pushes people.\\xa0When you are built on that basis of being genuine\\u2026you\\u2019re able to accept that responsibility and deal with it in a way that continues to uplift and strengthen people and deliver that experience that you\\u2019re looking to deliver.
The Nike swoosh has lived on forever...Nike always puts out a compelling image with a subtlety of the swoosh but its always there.
Imagery plays a key role in developing that icon status.\\xa0
Imagery can connect emotion to the brand or person and emotion makes it memorable.
When we think about branding, we also look for imagery that we can marry with the messaging to create a compelling and memorable and emotional connection.\\xa0Imagery is critical and you always want that imagery to reflect what that icon stands for.
Sometimes we will spend 8, 12, 16 hrs looking for the right music to lay in with the message.\\xa0That can solidify\\u2026what this really stands for.
Midnight Train to Georgia.\\xa0There is a depth and texture of emotion in that song that is not only moving but its powerful and connects us to the message.
Do you start with who they are or how they want to be seen?
Where are you today and where do you want to be in the next 1, 3, 5 years and let\\u2019s take a look at that plan.\\xa0What can you deliver today that is unique and distinct\\u2026that will help you get to the next goals and level?
A year time frame is too long.\\xa0It\\u2019s hard to see that far into the future, so we will break it down in to 90 days.\\xa0What can we do in the next 90 days that will help you get to that longer distance goal or image?
Maybe iconic is more a leader in their field.
The legend of Wallace Zurnick\\u2026 \\u2018coach it was never my goal to get to first base, it was always my goal to get to second base, I\\u2019d never been there.\\u2019\\xa0He had his goal and when he got his opportunity he didn\\u2019t stop, he went for it 100%.
Maybe it\\u2019s overblown, the idea that we have to be\\u2026popular on a broader basis to be an icon.\\xa0I don\\u2019t think so. \\xa0
The road to success is paved with plenty of potholes.\\xa0Being able to deal with adversity and setbacks while keeping your eyes focused on your goal and where you want to be is critically important.\\xa0
It\\u2019s about being mentally tough, it\\u2019s about being emotionally strong.\\xa0That doesn\\u2019t mean we don\\u2019t break down from time to time \\xa0Optimism is a great gift you can give to yourself as is living in gratitude.
It\\u2019s about getting down to that \\u2018real talk\\u2019 area.
I don\\u2019t believe we can over-communicate in today\\u2019s environment.
Do what you say and say what you do.
Seek first to understand then to be understood.
Name:\\xa0John Dalrymple, President and Managing Partner
Company:\\xa0Geary Company Advertising
3136 E. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89120
E: john@gearycompany.com
C: 702-813-6312
www.marlanasemenza.com
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