Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Brand As Unbreakable As His Biceps
Around 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a bodybuilder born in Austria, extends one arm while contracting his chest muscles on the famous Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The BBC asked me to analyze Arnold Schwarzenegger's brand, given that he's now a life coach with his recently released book, "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life." This got me contemplating the valuable lessons we can glean from this renowned and inspiring personality. Throughout his career, from his iconic performances in "Terminator" to "Total Recall," Arnold Schwarzenegger's brand has consistently been impressive and grandiose.
But did he actually do so?
Even though he has acted as cyborgs and barbarians in movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger is truly a human being and is someone that people enjoy being around.
Therefore, what steps did he take to achieve this?
I think that Arnold Schwarzenegger's brand has a lot of influence because he doesn't take himself too seriously. Although he is often portrayed as a strong and powerful figure, Arnold has managed to maintain a funny and lighthearted persona that people all over the world find likable. Whether he's cracking jokes in his movies or posting pictures of himself smoking cigars on social media, he always seems to be able to poke fun at his own image. This is especially impressive in the highly competitive environment of Hollywood.
In light of the current serious atmosphere, I am confident that Arnold Schwarzenegger's unique characteristic will remain very popular. This aspect of his brand serves as a reminder of what I advocate for in my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle - being approachable and genuine is crucial. Nielsen conducted a survey that found that 67% of consumers prefer brands that come across as authentic and open.
The Skill of Starting Again: Reinventing oneself can be a daunting task. It requires courage, hard work, and a willingness to leave the comfort zone. However, to grow and develop as an individual, one must be able to adapt and evolve with the changing times. Reinvention is a necessary process for personal growth. The first step in reinventing oneself is to let go of the past and embrace the present. This means acknowledging one's mistakes and failures but not dwelling on them. Instead, they should use them as learning experiences and move forward with a positive attitude. Accepting change is also vital in the reinvention process. Adapting to new situations and being open to new experiences can lead to positive growth. Another essential aspect of reinvention is having a clear goal or vision for the future. This requires self-reflection and introspection to understand what one truly wants in life. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals can help guide the reinvention process. Lastly, it's crucial to take action towards achieving these goals. Consistency is key in the reinvention process. It takes time and effort to create new habits, develop new skills, and build new relationships. Staying committed and focused on the end goal can lead to a successful reinvention. In conclusion, reinventing oneself can be a challenging but rewarding process. It requires letting go of the past, embracing change, having clear goals, and taking action towards achieving them. By cultivating these skills, anyone can learn the art of reinvention.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's incredible journey from being a top bodybuilder to becoming the Governor of California and finally, a successful Hollywood actor has shown how he can adapt and transform himself to keep his brand strong. Maybe, he could even have some useful pointers for Madonna on how to reinvent oneself. This flexibility and the ability to keep pace with changing times, much like how chameleons change colors, is what has kept his brand alive and thriving.
Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights the significance of not giving attention to those who discourage us in his newest book titled "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life." Despite achieving massive success, the action star was advised that he could not excel in humor. Nevertheless, he persevered with his belief in his comedic talents and carried on with rebranding himself.
To put it in simpler terms, we're currently in a time where things are changing and people's desires are constantly evolving. It's now more important than ever to be able to adapt and come up with new ideas. McKinsey released a report that states 80% of CMOs believe their companies will undergo major changes within the next five years.
Aspire for great things and dedicate yourself to achieving them.
Arnold Schwarzenegger embodies the philosophy of striving for big ambitions and putting in the effort to achieve them. He has undergone an incredible transformation from a young bodybuilder from Austria who was known as the strongest man in the world to reaching the ultimate stardom in Hollywood and eventually becoming the Governor of California. His achievements were not accomplished easily but were the outcome of immense commitment, relentless labor, and a steadfast faith in oneself.
In my opinion, this highlights the significance of not only having big aspirations, but also taking big actions. HubSpot conducted research which found that 61% of customers prefer businesses that provide personalized content. Arnold Schwarzenegger's success is proof that customized material is essential for enduring success.
Finally, I have realized that Arnold Schwarzenegger's brand has consistently displayed a captivating vulnerability that highlights his humanity and has influenced many people. He has faced numerous disappointments, including candidly discussing his extramarital affair with his nanny and his divorce from Maria Shriver. However, he has exhibited phenomenal strength and resilience, overcoming health scares, political issues, and other obstacles. Furthermore, Arnold Schwarzenegger is now endorsing Lidl's DIY products, tapping into his previous occupation as a bricklayer and handyman. This is an exceptional and remarkable move!
In my opinion, the brand value of Arnold Schwarzenegger is as strong as his muscular biceps, and I don't think it will decline in the near future.
Jeetendr Sehdev, who has been recognized by Esquire as the Influencer of the Year, is a well-known media figure. He is also an accomplished public speaker and the author of the widely popular book, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shamelessness Is Effective (and How to Use It Correctly).