BRAND THOUGHT: WHAT YOU SAY OR WRITE AFFECTS YOUR PERSONAL BRAND-Lesson from a Malaysian Artist

This morning I read an article on the local weekend newspaper about a feud between two local female artists. One of them had written on her 'twitter' page how disgusted she was with the other. She used very vulgar, abusive words and curses. She went to the extent of calling the other artist 'anjing' (bitch-which she repeated more than three times), 'betina sundal' (whore), and 'sial' (well I don't think there's an exact English definition for it but I think 'accursed' would be the closest). I've heard about this artist's sharp tongue before but I really didn't know that it could be this sharp.

I was kind of shock to discover the 'rudeness' of her chosen words in expressing her anger with this other artist. This artist who wrote on her 'twitter' obviously did not realize or just plain ignorant to the severity of her action.

First and foremost, she has tarnished her personal brand and insulted herself in her effort of insulting others. Secondly, she has insulted the Malay race who is known to be rich in culture, gentle mannerism and very refined in nature. But what's worse is that, she has tarnished the Muslim brand and contradicted her religion, Islam! Islam is a religion of peace and love. Yet, she publicly demonstrated hostility towards another Muslim sister. Indirectly, she also insulted her other Muslim brothers and sisters in this whole process. Let me elaborate further on these points and how we can all learn from this situation.

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Before I read what she wrote on her 'twitter' I respected this artist. I think she's a hard worker, focus and has strong determination although I'm not a fan of hers. I still felt that she is talented even though she needs a style makeover.

However, when I discovered what she wrote, I got the impression that this artist is very hostile, very rough, uneducated and I do not want to go near her. I don't want to offer her any jobs either no matter how talented she is. I got the impression that she is vengeful and a very angry person. If you notice, the words I use to describe her take a 360 degree turn. Although, I don't know her personally so some may say I'm being too judgemental but from the words she used, I can't help but to form this negative impression on her. Her attitude sucks!

You see, what you say or write reflects your thoughts, your feelings, how you see things, your character, your mindset and your attitude. It also reveals your status, your level of education and even your family background, where you came from. People can get all this information just from the words you use. Are you refined or are rough? Are you nice or are you harsh? Are you educated or are you ignorant? Are you poor or are you rich? Are you positive or are you negative? So all the answers to those questions reflect your personal brand.

We want people to have positive experience with our personal brand whether they've met us personally or not. We make our choices most of the time from our emotion and gut feeling. How do you decide whether to get Guess or Levi's? We decide from the emotion we feel with each brand.

In this artist's case, I don't get a good feeling or emotion from her and I believe many wouldn't either after reading her 'twitter' posts.

YOUR RACE, YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR NATION

This artist is a Malay. Malay is a race that is known to have gentle mannerism, rich in culture and very refined in nature yet her words do not reflect that at all. She contradicted everything about Malay and put her own race down through her action. She showed to the world that the Malay race is rough, uneducated, no manners and abusive and yet those are not who we are.

I'm sad, very sad when I thought about it. Being a celebrity and a public figure, is a responsibility. Everyone and everything is connected. We are actually one and we come from the same source, the one and only Allah. We are all linked. Her action affected so many people and so many things on various levels without her realizing it. The more known you are, the more responsible you have to become.

We are all representatives and ambassadors. We represent our family, our culture, our people, our religion, our nation, and many other things like it or not. We don't just represent ourselves and yet all of those represent us. All of those make who we are and shape our personal brand. It is up to us to choose our words wisely so that we do justice to everyone and everything that we represent. Most of all, we do justice to ourselves.

THE MUSLIM BRAND

Doing what she did, is truly a bad representation of a Muslim. This is the saddest part. A Muslim forgives, a Muslim live in peace and help others, a Muslim speaks kind words. A Muslim doesn't insult and humiliate people publicly. A Muslim doesn't hurt. Islam is a religion of peace. It is our responsibility as Muslims to carry that brand well and represent as well as do justice to our other Muslim brothers and sisters. In a way when she insulted the other artist, she has also insulted Islam, the Muslims and herself in the process.

Having said all that, it's always important to remember that we are a BRAND. Our brand identity as a Muslim must reflect in all forms of communication. Communicate with style and class cause Islam is classy, ageless and timeless. It's the complete way of life.

Vulgar words are not stylish nor classy. You definitely do not find vulgar words in the Quran. Let's have 'LOVE' in our vocabulary. Allah wrote the Quran so stylishly, the words are beautifully chosen, so mathematically accurate, lovingly written and so perfectly crafted. Allah demonstrated to us through the Quran, the power of words and the importance of choosing your words wisely. Speak well of yourself and speak well of others. Stay true to the Muslim Style and Brand! Stay true to your faith and most importantly, stay true to yourself!