Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a longtime "Superman" fan.
So when I received a LinkedIn connection request from an "Associate Producer for Zack Snyder's Justice League" last week, I was more than a little bit intrigued.
I clicked on the email to see this person's full profile, and laughed out loud at what I read:
I can't decide whether to be impressed or outraged by this person's audacious claim.
In this case, it's probably a little bit of both.
But this extreme example nicely illustrates two truths:
1. You can articulate whatever image you like for yourself, your brand, and your company.
2. It's your audience who decides whether or not they will accept it.
Authenticity matters.
Choose your positioning wisely.
P.S. In fairness, it's true that Zack Snyder has said his version of the film never would have seen the light of day without the support from his fans. And he even promoted the purchase of an "Associate Producer" t-shirt whose proceeds would be used to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; one of the reasons widely cited for Snyder removing himself from the initial Justice League film was the death of his daughter by suicide. But for someone not directly involved in producing the film to list themselves as an "Associate Producer" on their LinkedIn profile is probably a stretch, to put it kindly.