I recently caught up with stars of the “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me” tour. The stand-up show — which features Handler in addition to Josh Wolf, Heather McDonald and Brad Wollack, all regulars on her E! late-night show — is based on her new book of the same name. I asked the group about her success, and it seems she’s managing her brand effectively. You can do the same branding test with your friends: How well do your perceptions of yourself match up with those that others have of you?
Throughout your career, what important decisions have you made that have led to your current success?
Handler: To always trust my instincts, to always believe I have something to offer — no matter how meaningless or stupid it may be — and to never listen to anyone who tells you “no.”
What is it about you that makes others pay attention?
Handler: I think it’s that I don’t filter myself. And people can sense that I am what I am, and I’ve never pretended to be anything else. Be who you are, always.
From your perspective, how would you characterize Chelsea’s personal brand?
Wolf: Chelsea’s personal brand is built on honesty … and chicken fingers.
Wollack: Brash, bold and hilarious. People see her as the woman who will say anything and do anything.
What do you believe has led to Chelsea’s career success?
Wolf: Staying true to herself.
McDonald: What has led to Chelsea’s success is her strong work ethic and her generosity as a performer, which has led to her producing several projects for other talent as well as herself.
Wollack: Trusting her instincts — be it choices in projects or choosing people to work with.
– Dan Schawbelis the author of “Me 2.0,” the Managing Partner of Millennial Branding, LLC, and a personal branding expert.
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