Marketing Me! Drew Carey - Personal Brand

While on the airplane the other day, I read an article about comedian Drew Carey in American Way. You may remember Drew Carey from his long running series, "The Drew Carey Show" on ABC, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" and now as host of the popular game show, "The Price is Right".

According the article, Carey has had a life of ups and downs. Depression. Attempted suicides. Personals and professional failures. Yet despite all of this, he worked his butt off and believed he would eventually realize his dream.

A few personal branding notables:

- Carey's trademark horn rimmed glasses were a left over from his time spent in the U.S. Marine Corps. Although the glasses are props (Carey has laser surgery), he continues to wear them as his fans expect to see them.

- Despite his popularity on television, Carey continues to perform stand up comedy as this was the vehicle he got his start with. Carey routinely performs in Las Vegas.

- Las Vegas. Carey is known for staying at a couple of hotels where he chats with other guests while playing alongside them at the gaming tables. Carey has no "entourage or body guards" other than friends and is readily accessible to his public.

Carey blames his demeanor on his Midwestern roots. He simply has no time for the typical arrogance of the entertainment trade. Further, he is big believer in the power of positive thinking - his reading list includes Dale Carnegie, Tony Robbins and Wayne Dyer.

To top this off, Carey reportedly makes a seven-figure salary just from the "Price is Right". He has published several books, has had two other television series and has performed hundred of live shows. By all respects, he is a very successful entertainer. Equally important, Carey understands the idea of personal branding very well.