The Zone Of Mediocrity
The entertainment world is full of podcasters, radio shows, YouTubers, and other content creators that take up time with generally acceptable content that doesn’t provoke a reaction.
If you want to make a difference and create a brand that actually attracts and retains a fan base, you can't be average. Generic doesn't work.
The problem for many is that everyone wants to stand out, but they lack the courage to be truly special. They are trapped in the Zone of Mediocrity.
The Zone of Mediocrity is a concept that refers to the middle ground where performance, creativity, and talent are neither exceptional nor poor, but rather, average or unremarkable. It's a state where the performer fails to captivate, inspire or engage their audience.
As a result, talent languishes, often leading to stagnation and, ultimately, obscurity. That's one reason so many podcasts fail quickly. The performer fails to cause the audience to care!
How To Not Be Stuck In The Zone!
The Zone of Mediocrity is a terrible place to be stuck. It’s like wanting to be in a relationship, but the other person has put you into the “friend” zone.
Every great brand is disliked by at least one segment of the audience. Does that make you uncomfortable? Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Criticism stings, but it’s a side effect of attracting fans. The very things that attract a passionate audience naturally causes others to complain, especially in today’s world of hyper-sensitive consumers.
Escaping The Zone Of Mediocrity
This is not a recommendation to deliberately try to offend the audience. Rather, it's encouragement to focus on things that attract fans by taking a stand to build a clearly-defined brand based on your core character traits.
Legendary marketer Lee Abrams explains it well:
There seems to be this effort across the land to create things that are average. Probably because of the fear of doing something wrong. But it’s the extremes that cut through. Average, unless backed by a marketing campaign of Biblical proportions, will just blend in and not make any significant impact.
- Lee Abrams
Take It To The Limit
Attention goes to those that are willing to be the best version of themselves and take it to the extreme. Extremes cause strong reactions. But be smart about it:
Know Who You Are: The first step is to build a deep character brand profile. This will act as a road map that bulletproofs your performance because you will have a vision for your success.
Take a Stand: Once your profile is in place, get out of the middle of the road. That's for roadkill. Tolerance is an attractive trait in real life, but in entertainment, it’s a problem. Inject your content with a strong premise and an energized point of view.
Speak in Absolutes: Have a “take” with conviction. If you don't have it, you're not prepared. Dig deeper to find your perspective that will resonate! Turn up the volume on your personality!
Conclusion
Being in the Zone of Mediocrity is like being a decent football team that plays not to lose. That’s a strategy to have an average season. The team may make the playoffs but they never win a Super Bowl.
If you are stuck in the Zone of Mediocrity, check out the 5 Star Character Brand course. It includes the step-by-step process of building a personal brand that turns casual listeners into fans.
If you have completed your Character Brand Profile, use it with pride. And courage. Pour your energy into your performance.
For details on how to build a 5-Star Character Brand profile, check out the full self-guided on-demand course with all the tools and resources to fully develop your personality here.
Share this post on:
RELATED TOPICS
Unique Performances
Forget about creating original content. Focus instead on unique performances. Read More >
Use Your Gifts
Everyone has gifts. How will you discover and use yours to create a strong brand? Read More >
Do Not Be "Real"
This shocking advice may rock your world, but it's important to understand this concept. Read More >
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
READY TO BUILD YOUR CHARACTER PROFILE?