Why People Hate You and Barack Obama.

With a dip in Obama's approval ratings lately, you will wonder if this Black man in the White House has what it takes to win the next election. 

People hate Obama. And they should. Considering that the unemployment rate in the US is in its all-time low of less than 9%. Considering that all the bailed out companies are yet to return to angry tax payers all that money that went into their rescues. Considering that the Health Care bill passed by the Government of Obama is unpopular with the hardworking tea party Americans. Considering that this man has pushed the boundaries in repealing some draconian laws against same sex loving Military personnel. Actually, that's like pitching against the Church. He who goes against the church goes against the Mainstream America

But then, here's why it is difficult to hate on Obama. Like Johnnie Walker, this guy keeps walking.

As Personal brands get approval ratings of fans, customers and communities, we should always take a moment out to keep the focus. On what we are set out to do. Keep walking. 

The Monica Lewinsky's scandal that shook the personal branding of Bill Clinton didn't dip his approval rating. If you look at the graph below, between 1998 and 1999 when Bill went through the Monica saga and was eventually acquitted, the graph didn't experience any dramatic dip. Americans were more forgiving because of his persona. Clinton left office with the highest end-of-office approval rating of any US president since World War 2. He's the 4th tallest US President at 6ft.2in [ Just 2 inches taller than me. Not bad at all ] 

In another development, we notice that W Bush's rating went on an all-time dramatic dip after the war in Iraq began in 2003. Remember that this was a man seen as a Veteran who could save America. Bush enjoyed some great approvals but they all fizzled out no sooner than the 9/11 war started. Then, there was the Hurricane Katrina. What can you do to please people? What, honestly? Bush fought so hard to win people over but things went all the way down. America wanted a Government that would be more focused on the home affairs. A one time Veteran became a vetted personality.

Time and time again, we have realised that Great figures may be people's choice but they do not wait around to get on people's approval list. They live their best lives; calling out their most inner Muse. Hey! You can't make everyone like you but you can win people over with a strong persona. That inner part of you that can be perceived by your public. 

How do you go about working on your Persona? Focus on your strength and stop sobbing over your weaknesses. Obama cannot change the recession figures overnight. As a matter of fact, Bush signed in the $700 billion economic bailout bill before Obama got into power. I wonder why the Tea Parties gloss over this so quickly. Obama cannot change the unemployment figures in a jiffy. Although Gallup reported there might have been signs of growth in the job market but this is too slow in coming for the average man.  Without a major war, Obama led the rampage that killed the most wanted terrorist. That should not count or should it? People don't see these things.

If you are an Obama in your workplace or on your career, stop the approval game and start focusing on what really makes you you. Approval ratings rarely make political candidates win elections. The correlations have been far in between. When push comes to shove, people are going to connect with you because they can connect with your story and your humanness factor. Should we ignore the figures? Not at all. What we should do however is to always remember that people feel first and then think later. Find that niche of people that you can connect with and grow it. Bring your human side to bear. Play the saxophone like Clinton did on THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW. Appear in places where real people talk. Have a nickname if you can. Live. Love. Laugh. That was how Princess Diana did it and became one of the most popular persons in history. 

Join me and our team at our MAY 12 Personal Branding workshop on HOW TO OWN YOUR  AREA OF INFLUENCE, AOI. Late registrations still call Esther on +2348060213455 or send an email to info@kennybrandmuse.com for more details