Inspiration for writing this blog post came from the most unlikely place. Somehow, I ended up @Jeff Lipschultz’s Twitter page some days back. Nothing out of the norm … Jeff has a significant online presence and is heavily active on Twitter. I probably absorb more of his tweets than from any other, actually. A person can’t throw a rock (uh, click?) online without running across one of his articles, blog posts, or the like. Jeff has definitely done a terrific job of building his online brand, one I strive to mirror every day of my online existence.

Anyway, when I happened by Jeff’s profile by accident (or maybe by happenstance?), I was immediately struck by his resemblance to comedian, Ray Romano. In true tweeter style, I posted a tweet asking my followers if they agreed. For the record, Jeff stated I wasn’t the first to mention the likeness. =] Thankfully Jeff is a sweet guy letting me talk about his appearance.

The more Jeff and I conversed, the more the idea of “brand transference” [or, what some might consider a brand bleed] began to surface for me. My make-shift definition of brand transference simply implies there’s probability one person’s brand can benefit another. Let me say right up front, I’m focusing on a small portion of what encompasses a person’s brand … and I’m no where near the first person to talk about the complexities of a personal brand.

Wikipedia states a personal brand is “… defined as the creation of an asset** that pertains to a particular person or individual; this includes but is not limited to the body, clothing, appearance and knowledge contained within, leading to an indelible impression that is uniquely distinguishable.”

** Have you ever considered how many “assets” make up one person? Many!

Does Ray Romano owe Jeff Lipschultz a check?

All in fun, of course … yet this question actually came about after a lengthy conversation with my husband, as we debated whether one person could benefit or find detriment based off another’s brand.

My originating thought was maybe those who happen across Jeff’s picture, and make the instant observation as I did, subsequently find themselves thinking about Ray Romano. His mannerisms. His jokes. His choice of clothing. My husband was all too quick to mention how probable, yet highly crazy my observation was. Maybe, just maybe, I thought, those who see the similarity as I did subsequently find themselves purchasing Everybody Loves Raymond on DVD or setting their DVR’s to record Men of a Certain Age.

The lesson for jobseekers to learn here is that a personal brand is more liquid than solid — giving you authority, but not *complete power* over how it’s controlled, contained, or perceived. Just ask Paris Hilton! She’s negatively talked about, even when she’s on her best behavior. =]

What say you? Do you agree one person’s brand can transfer onto another? Or, do you disagree?

Related posts:

1. Easing Your Job-Search: YOU – The Brand
2. Benefits to Creating Your Personal Brand
3. Tiger Woods: The Price of Fame — and a Bleeding Brand (Controversial Careers Series)