Believe in your flyness. Conquer your shyness. Advice from a self-help guru? Think again. Words of wisdom from none other than Mr. Kanye West. A thought-provoking little slideshow from our friends at Fast Company definitely inspired some thinking. With lessons not only suited for individuals or artists, but brands as well.

Here’s an artist, perhaps not the most talented rapper in the world (as umpteen YouTube videos from various live performances would illustrate), yet he has risen to the top of his field. How? An absolute and complete confidence and belief in his art. That’s what separates the boys from men in this arena. That’s what separates good brands from great brands. It’s the most simple notion. Belief in yourself as something great, yet having the humility to listen to criticism (which he claims to do, despite his well noted diva fits) and GROW from it. Become better. There’s an unwavering drive and thirst to become the best. Period. How many GREAT big brands have this to thank for their success? Apple. As their most fabulous “I’m a PC/I’m a Mac” ads will illustrate, a brash and brazen slap in the face to millions of PC users. A general “I’m sorry, but I’m better than you” is a wonderfully quirky way of not being afraid of demonstrating flyness. Brilliant.

It’s appealing to have a brand be confident (that is already pretty great, despite quips–just like Kanye) and just come out and SAY what they want to. Too often we get bogged down in mixed messages in fears of ever saying anything too strongly and rubbing someone the wrong way. Lesson to learn: sometimes you just have to find your voice and allow it to well, sing.  You might not be right the first time, or the second for that matter, but listen to what your criticism is and go back and be better. Question, question, quesiton…

“I question anyone who questions me. But I question myself all the time.”

Check out the whole slideshow here:

http://www.fastcompany.com/multimedia/slideshows/content/kanye.html#pause

(Source: Fast Company 2009)

–A bit more on  Kanye: he’s building his own brand. And not only does he have his own record label and has a successful recording career, he’s started his own franchise of Fat Burger restaurants in Chicago, a shoe line with Nike and Louis Vuitton and of course, is about ready to launch his own clothing line. Mr. West is doing just fine–

YouTube Symphony is a brilliant idea that is a collaborative online orchestra, bringing together some of the world’s most spectacular talents. Completely user-driven, artists were chosen on the basis of audition videos that were voted on and winning artists are coming together April 15, 2009 at Carnegie Hall.

This is symbolic of a huge shift in our culture. We’re one GLOBAL symphony now. It’s gone beyond nationalism (a very critical component of the classical music scene), it’s pure talent. And it will be the fans who decide your fate. Sound familiar? Don’t even think of bringing up American Idol here. But I know what we’re all thinking…

YOU can be a star. Twitter yourself there. Make an incredible YouTube video. Blog your way there. And it’s not just about striving for stardom. It’s about personal expression, the only difference is now people can actually HEAR you, and that impossible dream might just be possible.

And yes. This is a bit partial. My best friend’s brother was one of the winners of the YouTube Symphony. And you can check out his vlogs below. Be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8×5pcc6Utyc&feature=PlayList&p=B8B08228E249AB61&index=0