After writing my last diddy Bad Press Does Not Impress, I realized the effectiveness of silence in rebuilding a person’s image. We’re bombarded daily with advertisements, product placement (open your eyes reality TV junkies), and name-dropping. But when over stimulation of bad press ruins a celeb’s image, the first step in the program is silence. Celebrities, here are six steps to winning back your fans.
1. Drop off the Earth
Go to rehab, take a sabbatical, move-in with your parents. Just get out of where you are and the people you’re around! Don’t talk to the media. Avoid parties or events where you will be spotted. Even the most innocent partying can shed negative light. Take time off work. Basically, be silent to your public! Silence says you’re serious about changing and moving on. Silence also lessens the chance that people will get sick of hearing about you. Take the time to let your fans heal and forgive you.
2. Own it
Nobody cares about your sob story when you’re in the hot seat. There’s a time and place, and that is not it. Think of Michael Vick complaining about not being able to own a family pet after his animal abuse allegations. It showed the public that he was not remorseful for what he did only that he got caught. Don’t blame others for anything you’ve done. Humbleness is noble. Be mature and accept responsibility. Your adoring fans will swoon.
3. Concentrate on the things that matter
Sure, sure it may be good for your soul, but it’ll get you the attention you want. Focus on family and close friends. Stay away from bad influences. If you’re an actor, what about the love of acting? Work on a low-budget project that will gain notoriety not box office bucks. Let your public see you do things that they know aren’t making you a lot of money. Volunteer your time (not just your money) to a cause you believe in. Your fans desperately want to believe there’s a good person inside of you. Let them see it!
4. Let your work speak for you
When you’re doing good work, the attention will come to you, you will not have to seek it out. Think of Winona Ryder after her theft attention. After laying low, she continued acting in small movie roles. This let the audience warm-up to seeing her. It also showed directors that she was worth taking a chance on where bigger roles were concerned. Don’t write a book, don’t push endorsement deals, and don’t do interviews! Just do what you do best and remember why you love it!
5. Have a trustworthy friend proofread
Even celebrities aren’t immune to emotional tweets or blog updates. Before the enter button is clicked, have someone proofread it. With technology, fans now have the ability to access your words directly from you. Don’t ruin this privilege! You may be trashed and scorned, but don’t respond! Keep it classy, San Diego, and don’t get carried away!
6. Be consistent over time
Continually practicing these steps over time is the final ingredient in this recipe. I never knew Drew Barrymore and Robert Downy Jr. had a dicey past until I saw their stories on E! True Hollywood Story. My generation knows them for their work and not their personal life. Once you’ve hit rock bottom, you’ll know you can’t stay there forever. Get out and stay out!
7. What step would you add to mend a bad image? What other public careers need image management (politicians, businessmen, etc.)?
