When Reality TV Chickens Come Home to Roost... (The Porsha/Kenya Fight)

Over the past few days, everyone has been up in arms about the recent cat fight between Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore.  Two beautiful women.  Grown women.  Cast members (I refuse to call them stars) on the popular reality TV show Real Housewives of Atlanta.  Well, technically it wasn't really a fight.  One woman physically assaulted the other one because she (and other cast members) felt like she was being provoked.

*sigh* 

Let me just say this... I don't condone or support violence.  AT ALL.  And I will never come to someone's defense who physically attacks another person if it isn't self-defense. I totally understand feeling provoked though. I get it. I've been there - many times.  But I watched the reunion show and my question is this: Weren't they all being provoked??? 

Those beautiful women sat there in their designer gowns, flawless makeup and spewed out demeaning comments at one another all night.  They called each other slut...hoe....b*tch...repeatedly. Talk about being provoked!  I personally know some women who will get it poppin' it you call them ANY of those names.  Sure, one of the cast members had some props with her antics, which was annoying, inappropriate, and childish.  But I blame Bravo TV for allowing that.  They write the checks and they make the rules. #fact

I blame both women also. You can't bully someone with verbal abuse, props and/or accusations and get physical when you (Porsha) feel provoked.  It doesn't work that way.  If it did, we'd all have arrest records with multiple charges of battery. You also can't add fuel to the fire (Kenya) and then act surprised when it blows all the way up!

I don't watch Real Housewives of Atlanta regularly. God bless you if you do.  But from what I've seen, most of these ladies' conflict could be avoided if they would do one simple thing: Grow up.  

You're Being Interviewed By The Media? Here's What NOT To Do!

Take a look at this interview with former reality star Kate Gosselin and her twin daughters.  Brace yourself.  It's brutal.



Awkward, right?  My guess is that Ms. Gosselin's publicist prepped her and her girls for this interview.  But when the cameras started rolling...something happened.  The kids became nervous (understandable).  Emotions took over (common mistake).  And the interview took a left turn with the reporter's questions (it happens). 

Know this: Great interviews don't just randomly happen.  No. No. No.  Preparation is key!  

Tips:

• As an interviewee, you have to know what you want to accomplish in the interview.  Ask yourself - What is my goal here?
  
  
• Decide what it is you want to say.  Create 3-4 key messages and stick to them.
  
  
• During your interview, stay focused and confident.  Remember, you're there to accomplish your goal!
  
  
• If you're asked a question and you don't know the answer, say so.

Being interviewed by the media can be extremely intimidating.  Without the right preparation, you could end up making a fool of yourself.  No one wants that, right?  Right!

For The Love Of Everything Holy, Protect Your Brand!

Real Quick:

A lot of people think only large corporations and business conglomerates should be concerned about their brand.  Wrong!  Always remember that you are a brand.  Yes, you!  Think of yourself as the CEO of you.  It doesn't matter if you're a teacher, a police officer, a business owner or someone in the spotlight. YOU determine your brand (make sure it's authentic).  YOU work hard to maintain your brand (manage people's perception of you).  YOU protect your brand.    

Side Note:  The "Beyonce" brand  (Yes, she's a brand) is an excellent example: Talented.  Professional.  Business woman.  Mother.  Fashonista.  Wife.  No-Drama.  Philanthropist.  Whether you're a fan or not, you gotta respect the Beyonce brand. 

I recently watched a reality TV series (I know, I know. *holds head down in shame*) where a very popular, talented, R&B singer single-handedly destroyed her brand over the course of a few weeks.  

What took years to build, she tore down in one season of reality TV.  Show after show, her ego, attitude and unwillingness to collaborate with other artists was almost too painful to watch.  And on top of all of THAT, she also came across as a bully!  Whew!  #fail

The "PR" me cringed every time I saw her and her antics on screen.  

Lesson:  Don't compromise your brand for anyone or anything.  Commit to that.  Remember to always protect your brand.  And think before you react.  Ask yourself, "Is this helping or hurting my personal brand?"  If it's hurting....do I even need to say anything else?

Note:  If you're ever asked to do a reality TV show, remember this: The production company doesn't have fans, a reputation or a brand to protect.  It's your responsibility to protect your brand.