Many of you know I’m a total pop culture junkie. I worked as a celebrity gossip reporter for almost two years, and in that time, I learned more about celebrities than most will in a lifetime. (I’m also a master Twitter stalker, if you ever need a hookup.)

Even though I no longer spend my days penning pieces about Khloe Kardashian’s latest wardrobe malfunction (you wouldn’t believe how many times that girl’s accidentally flashed a nipple) or Ian Somerhalder’s attempts to save the planet, I’m still obsessed with all things pop.

That said…I HAVE to talk about Miley Cyrus.

I’d honestly been avoiding the conversation for weeks. But given that it’s been weeks and people are STILL talking about her, I feel Miley deserves a little (more) limelight right on this here blog.

But not because I want to make fun of her.
Because I want to praise her.

Hear me out.

People are still shaken up about Miley Cyrus’ shocking VMA performance (which really, wasn’t much more outrageous than Gaga’s infamous meat dress or Kanye stealing the mic from a sweet little Tay Tay Swift, but who am I to judge?)

And now, one thing’s for sure: People love to hate Miley Cyrus.

But there’s a catch. It’s working for her. BIG TIME.

Miley’s new song “Wrecking Ball” is number one on iTunes, and her earlier-released track “We Can’t Stop” is holding steady at number ten.

And did I mention her VMA performance brought in 300k tweets per minute?

Now that’s attention.

So, what lessons can we glean from the former Disney darling?

 

1. Timing is everything.

Miley released her video for “Wrecking Ball” the same day she got all kinds of cozy with Robin Thicke on stage. And “Wrecking Ball” isn’t just any video – it’s a vid that features the 20-year-old stark nekkid. Not exactly child’s play!

In addition, Miley’s MTV documentary will debut in early October & it’s said to give her fans an “inside look” at life as Smiley. AND the sassy starlet is (conveniently) cooking up a new album “Bangerz” & just released a track list via Twitter.

Now, imagine if she would have waited two or three months to release the doc or promote her album? People may have forgotten. We’re a culture that moves on quickly, to the next “shocking” or “crazy” fad. Miley’s team clearly knows how important it is to strike while the iron’s hot.

 

2. Know your target audience – and SCREW the rest.

She knows who her music is for, and she’s not worried about what people who WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT HER ALBUM ANYWAY think about her. Easy peasy.

I mean, Miley surely got oodles of attention after her VMA fiasco – and not all of it was positive. Suburban moms ’round the country couldn’t believe that the former Disney star had traded in her country roots and long brown locks for a spiked short cut and, um, twerking.

Here’s the thing, though: Miley doesn’t give a f*ck – and the people her music is made for ALSO don’t give a f*ck. She was clearly trying to show the world she’s no longer a Disney princess, and do you think she cares if she’s pissing off some 40-year-old woman from Nebraska? Nope. Not at all. Said 40-year-old woman is NOT Miley’s target audience.

And while she may have lost a few younger fans (thanks to their mothers banning Miley from their households), the truth is, the people who LIKED Miley’s performance (and they are out there) are HER people. And even people who were appalled by the VMA performance? You best believe they’ll still check out her new album, just to see if they can find anything else to hate on.

 

3. Create a revolution.

 

In Miley’s new MTV doc ad, she asks her fans to join her “movement.” She’s not only creating an ideal audience (by vetting out all the peeps who don’t get her new look and act), she’s also asking them to rally around her as she spreads her message of – well, I’m not exactly sure but I think it’s something about NOT GIVING A F*CK – ’round the world.

This isn’t just about Miley. This is about everybody owning who they are and NOT GIVING A F*CK. She’s made it clear this “movement” is for everyone. And any movement rallied around self acceptance is A-OKAY in my book.

Every brand needs a revolution. Every brand needs a foundation on which to stand. The “new” Miley has created her foundation – and it looks pretty darn solid from here.

 

4. Don’t apologize for who you are.

When questioned about her performance, Miley told reporters she’s just “really f*cked up”. Not exactly the most flattering thing to say about yourself, but she’s OWNING who she is in a huge way. And therefore, she’s attracting other people who own their innate craziness, too. (And let’s be honest: Who isn’t a little cray cray nowadays?)

In other interviews, Miley has openly admitted that while she “wants people to love her music,” she really DOESN’T CARE what they think of her. She just loves music and believes that because she puts so much good energy into it, she’s not doing a damn thing wrong. Intention is everything!

5. Haters beget lovers.

If you don’t have at least a couple people who can’t stand you, you’re not putting yourself out there enough. Miley is a prime example: Her antics have garnered her haters abound.
The catch? Her song sales have only escalated as a result.

You Turn!

What do you think of Miley Cyrus? Is she a marketing genius or just a crazy 20-something? Spill in the comments!

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