On Michael Jackson, Octavia Butler, and Manifestos
Michael Jackson and Octavia Butler walk into a retreat…
MJ and OB might not be a duo topic you expected from me, but did you know these two change agents shared a significant common habit? Long before The Secret and vision boarding, before manifestation was a common topic, they were both known for writing notes about the world they were going to create, who they wanted to be, and how they were going to do it, wherever they could.
Both left troves of notes to self that can almost be viewed as a guided map to their greatness. They both called their careers the way pool players call a shot.
What’s a Manifesto?
I’m mildly obsessed with manifestos. I study them, I use them in my classes (like Michael’s), I print them for inspiration (like Octavias’s). From the Latin root “manifestus,” or proof (same as “manifest”), manifestos are a declaration of who you are, what you stand for, and the vision you want to shape.
They can be about your own future, or can speak to a larger world philosophy, your ideal community, or the culture you want to shape. They create and proclaim the reality you want to see.
They can outline your thoughts on how to work, how to live, how to love, how to create (like marketing guru Seth Godin’s Linchpin Manifesto below, currently one of my sources of professional inspiration), how to build community, how to organize… The possibilities are endless! Which is why I believe they’re so powerful.
Mission, vision, and value statements are incredible tools to maintain a north star for your personal or professional goals, but sometimes a manifesto just hits different.
I’ve been working on my own, and I decided I want y’all to do it with me. I think many of us have a vision that’s kicking around in our spirit - something trying to take form. So, I’ve created a whole FREE guide for you to write your own manifesto!
You still might be wondering if this makes sense for you, but give it a shot! I included the manifesto examples above plus some others for you to warm up. The guide will help you do the rest, and there’s a template for your final manifesto for you to print, save, or share.
In theory, a manifesto is meant to be shared so that it can inspire others. It’s totally ok if you want to keep yours to yourself, but if you do decide to share, I’d love to see it! Please tag me on IG @naimagram if you post, or send to me via email!
HAPPY MANIFESTING!
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Have I ever told you my story?
In 2017, I resigned from my then very prestigious job on a whim. The unplanned pivot forced me to apply my near 20 years of marketing experience to my own brand - and I didn't do a great job. In my haste to get myself "out there," I skipped the first step I always took with an artist: I didn't have the story.
It took me a moment to figure out what I was doing wrong. The lightbulb eventually went on because I was building my personal brand through a passion project without realizing it. I was creating content that was consistent, entertaining, informative, and most importantly framed through my unique perspective and voice. Building a solid brand identity and niche by accident is wild, but when I looked back all the steps were there.
I spent years figuring this out for myself—learning how to align my talents and passions into a cohesive story. Doing it for my artists was one thing. Doing it for my own brand required some self-work.
Now, I want to make it easier for you.
In this 3-day online mini-course, I'll walk you through how to clarify your unique message, use your personal narrative as a powerful branding tool, and position yourself for growth as a creator, entrepreneur, personality, whatever your thing happens to be.
This is not a quick webinar with hacks or shortcuts. We’re gonna do some work - but we’re going to build a firm and sustainable brand identity in the process.
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I look forward to meeting you somewhere along your brand journey!