I am sure I am just one in several million writing about the fiasco that is Britney Spears. Her latest performance at the VMA and then afterward going commando in a mini dress for the paparazzi to photograph is just another example of her brand out of control.

Gossip columnists, panelist on the View and even Dr. Phil comment about her life spiraling out of control and yet has anyone stepped forward to rescue her from herself?

It isn't just a rescue of her as a person, which is frankly the most urgent need, but as a performer, can her brand ever recover from this past year?

I wonder at the people in the circle of influence for these young starlets who are constantly in the news for their antics. Who is there to say: hold up missy, I think things are just a bit out of control.

Sadly, the same can actually be true for our business. We all need someone to hold the mirror up and make sure we are aware of how our actions or the direction we head is inconsistent with our desired brand image.

Not long ago I wrote about a book that had hit the market which was of a questionable nature. The purpose of the post was to talk about partnering between brands, but someone I dearly respect sent me an email and questioned my thinking. My INTENTION was of a business nature, but how it was PERCEIVED was vastly different from my desired brand image.

Needless to say I was grateful for the friend who held up the mirror and I removed the post from my blog.

Do you have someone in your life/business that will help you when you stray from your brand image messaging?

Deborah Chaddock Brown