dispatches from the new world of work

Happy Birthday, Brand You!

The Big Week is here! Brand You turns 300!

Thursday. February 24, 2006. The 300th birthday of my favorite American ... Benjamin Franklin. Born 24 February 1706. Boston.

I'm in the midst of re-reading Ben's Autobiography, a marvel and perhaps more apropos today then when he wrote it. Franklin, born to humble circumstances and subsequently a polymath who was the toast of Europe and America, oft considered the world's most famous citizen, arguably did more than anyone to define and shape the American character. He believed in frugality and decency and hard work. He was the ultimate self-made man, and made no bones about it. Though indeed a champion of frugality, he was also a champion of commerce and welcomed the profit therefrom. He became in Philadelphia a wealthy man, and then at about 40 "retired" to doing four decades of good deeds—such as inventing America and in his 70s taking on some of the thorniest tasks associated with the Revolution.

As to the "brand you" bit, Professor Kenneth Silverman, discussing, in his "Introduction," Franklin's youth, notes, "He not only worked hard, but also arranged to be noticed doing so." Throughout his long life, Franklin arranged his reputation with the same meticulous care that he applied to his many businesses and his scientific experiments; in fact, over the years he carefully constructed many different personas to be trotted out as needed—and was the unmistakable manager of his own legacy, of which the autobiography is an essential part.

(His attention to persona went so far as to encompass his peculiar dress—and its impact on others. The "father" of "dress for success," or "dress-for-impact," too? Doubtless so.)

As one who has been on the sharp end of much criticism that my Brand You idea is "self serving," I can at least take solace from the fact that Franklin, too, was repeatedly excoriated for being too self-centered and oriented toward "material success" and reputation.

Also, many dismiss the Covey-Robbins sorts of "formulas" for self-guided development as "simplistic." Maybe, but again Franklin got there first. He unfailingly began his carefully planned and productive days, Silverman reports, by asking himself, "What Good shall I do this Day?" and ended his day, at 10 o'clock sharp, with the follow-up self-assessment, "What Good have I done today?"

Happy 300, Ben.

(NB: In re Brand You, consider this headline in the "BostonWorks" section of Sunday's Globe: "The Ladder Isn't the Only Way Up: More grads eschew the entry-level job in favor of working for themselves." Not your father's world. On the other hand, Ben's world.)

(NB: My favorite Brand You quote, courtesy the author Isabel Allende, "You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your own legend or not.")

Tom Peters posted this on 02/20/06.

Comments

My mantra sayings in the last few yesr include

-There is no such thing as an overnight success
-Always work hard
-Always do your homework
-Always believe in you

Sounds like Mr Franklin personifies that - I must read more about him

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 20, 2006 9:27 AM

7 or 8 yrs ago, my son and I were in Philadelphia and visited Franklin Court and its underground museum of Ben Franklin's stuff. Fascinating! We spent at least 2-hrs there. Highly recommended.

Posted by Walter Babetski at February 20, 2006 10:39 AM

Everything I've seen says Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17th.

What am I missing...February 24th?

Posted by Bill at February 20, 2006 11:20 AM

Franklin's way to start the day by asking "What good shall I do this day?" is critically important to our own modern commercial lives.

It's the core of work that matters and sustainable enterprises.

Thanks Tom

Posted by Rick Terrien at February 20, 2006 11:25 AM

Wow, looks like I blew it "big time"--read an article about Feb 24, obviously wrong; and I forgot to Google!!! Sorry, otherwise Post still holds. (Have no chance to ressurect the article, as I'm in Madrid.)

Posted by tom peters at February 20, 2006 11:43 AM

Ben Franklin is also my favorite american, followed very closely by Thomas Jefferson. It would appear that Ben learned about the ability to influence opinion and thinking when he adopted the Silence Dogood persona at age 16. No doubt that taught about delivering the message through the right messenger. Trevor - Ben Franklin's autobiography is a fascinating read. His accomplishments spanned a wide spectrum of disciplines and continued throughout his lifetime. He certainly personified a life well lived.

Tom - thanks for reminding me about how Ben Franklin crafted his image. There is much to be learned in that and I will have to give some more focus to that myself. It might be interesting to you that I consider this blog to be similar to Franklin's Junto. It certainly fulfills much of the same function.

I don't care if his birthday was last month - I am going to celebrate a belated birthday this Thursday and tip a glass to Ben in honor of his 300th!

Posted by walter white at February 20, 2006 2:55 PM

Thanks Walter - I must look it up and I will raise a glass with you. I always forget birthdays anyway and I am sure his family won't mind us being a bit late Walter :-) - any excise for a nice glass of Red aye?

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 20, 2006 5:55 PM

Seems like we miss something if we simply distill it down to hard work.

Many men may work hard on purpose, but how many can say they work hard WITH purpose?

Without purpose there is no Brand You, correct?

Without purpose there is no icon of American history named Ben Franklin.

Posted by DUST!N at February 20, 2006 6:28 PM

Franklin is one of my favorite US Presidents too... I always try to keep two or three pictures of him in my wallet.

;-)

Posted by Gabriel Salcido at February 21, 2006 12:26 AM

good to read, better to feel and best to think of person like Franklin. and i go with all thoughts given in above comments making my comment blank empty. what a nice piece to remember the legend.

Thanks

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Posted by sat at February 21, 2006 3:40 AM