Natalie Portman’s character, Nina, in Black Swan was pegged as a precise, beautiful, technically-perfect dancer: a metaphor for a the graceful lines and effortless movement of a white swan. But the production also calls for the lead dancer to transform into the white swan’s alter-ego, the black swan.
The darker, pleasure-seeking, unrestrained black swan is something the director of the dance company didn’t think she could handle. He thought of her as too rigid and frigid to take on the characteristics of a black swan. Nina was branded as one-dimensional.
“If I were only casting for the white swan, I would pick you. But I am not just casting for the white swan.” His perceptions of Nina were firmly lodged. He was not convinced.
Nina’s job was to convince the director that she had what it took to transform. This is a brand-level struggle.
Nina’s personal brand was at odds with what the target (the director) demanded. Not many companies can overcome this kind of struggle. How do you re-wire somebody’s perceptions about your company in order to cause them to act?
You prove it. Just as Nina did in her final act. Transform first and then the world will believe. Talk less. Act more. Your customer wants proof.
Comments
Post has no comments.