“In this age, you must be relentlessly remarkable to stay relevant, if not you will be relegated.”― Bernard Kelvin Clive
Staying relevant in one’s chosen field, especially in this era, is one of the biggest challenges professionals face. In the swift, dynamic society that we live in now, remaining significant even for five or ten years is no small feat; it signifies that you’ve done something truly exceptional.
Take, for instance, the entertainment and sports industries—fields where relevance can be fleeting. Consider the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who have dominated tennis for over two decades. Their longevity in a highly competitive sport is nothing short of remarkable. They not only excelled but remained at the pinnacle, adapting to changes in the sport, evolving their game, and continuously striving to outdo themselves.
Similarly, look at Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. For more than 15 years, these two athletes have redefined football, setting records, winning titles, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Their ability to stay relevant stems not just from their natural talent, but from their relentless work ethic, discipline, and unyielding drive to remain the best in a sport where new stars emerge every year.
We can draw some lessons from these notable figures and their successes: to stay relevant, you must continuously evolve, remain disciplined, and refuse to settle for less than excellence. Their stories remind us that staying at the top requires consistent effort, reinvention, and a mindset focused on long-term goals.
One thing for all of us to keep at the back of our minds is that as quickly as you rise to prominence, you can just as easily fade from the public’s memory once you’re out of the spotlight.
Platforms and trends change frequently, and the digital noise is overwhelming, with everyone fighting for attention. If you don’t continually reinvent yourself or offer something new and relevant, it’s easy to be forgotten. There are numerous examples, particularly in media, of personalities who were once household names but quickly lost relevance after stepping away for a short while. This isn’t just the case in media but also applies to politics, business, and various other industries.
For musicians, for instance, staying relevant is even more challenging. Consistently producing hit songs or albums is tough, and while some may manage to create back-to-back hits, it’s increasingly difficult to maintain such momentum season after season. The pressure to innovate and stay fresh is constant. Without evolving, the “next big thing” will easily replace you.
To sustain relevance, it’s important to continually assess what will keep you on top in the next five or ten years. Transitioning into different fields or expanding your skill set is often essential to remain visible and influential.
Several high-profile figures have successfully transitioned from one career to another, such as Asamoah Gyan, who moved from football to media, or musicians like Okyeame Kwame, who shifted his focus away from active music creation but maintained relevance through other endeavors. These individuals have understood that to stay relevant, they needed to pivot into new roles that allowed them to continue growing and contributing to their field.
This concept applies to businesses as well. Brands must consistently innovate and maximize current opportunities to stay at the forefront. Remaining credible over time is key, but adaptability and foresight are crucial. The question becomes: how will you remain relevant as times change? What new skills or strategies will you need to adopt to ensure your continued growth and relevance? This is the mindset required for success in any industry.
Building relevant brands and staying relevant, whether across changing careers or within one’s field, requires a deliberate approach that balances visibility, value, and adaptability. Here are some questions to reflect on as you aim to remain the go-to person or business in your field:
- What unique value do I offer that sets me apart from the competition?
– Being seen and heard is important, but once people engage with your brand, are you delivering the substance that keeps them coming back? This involves assessing the feedback from your clients and ensuring that the quality of your services or products meets or exceeds expectations.
- How am I consistently adding value in a way that resonates with my audience?
– Simply being loud or visible on social media isn’t enough. What message are you sending, and what solutions are you offering? Make sure that the substance behind your presence matches the image you’re putting out.
- Am I delivering on the promises I make to my clients or customers?
– Brand credibility is built on trust. Ensure that you can live up to the expectations you’ve set. If clients feel let down, your brand’s image will suffer, no matter how impressive your marketing may be.
- What sacrifices am I willing to make to stay relevant?
– Remaining relevant comes at a cost—time, energy, and sometimes resources. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices needed to maintain your place at the top, whether through upskilling, adapting to new trends, or even pivoting your brand as necessary?
- How am I future-proofing my brand?
– Staying relevant means thinking ahead. What trends or technologies are emerging in your field that you need to be aware of? Are you anticipating the needs of your audience in five or ten years?
- How am I contributing to meaningful content that impacts future generations?
– Particularly in media and entertainment, there is a lot of focus on quick wins like viral comedy or catchy content. But are we providing value that will educate and inspire future generations? This goes beyond entertainment and delves into the lasting impact of the content we create.
These questions will help guide reflection on how to build a relevant, resilient brand that stands the test of time. Staying at the top of people’s minds requires continuous growth, credibility, and a focus on delivering consistent value.
Three Ways to Stay Relevant Across Generations
If you want to make a lasting impact in any field—entertainment, academia, or beyond—there are things you can do to remain relevant and influence future generations, even after you’re gone.
- Begin with Public Speaking
Public speaking is a powerful way to share your knowledge and experience. No matter your profession, if you’ve built expertise over the years, consider sharing it with others by speaking at events. Contact event organizers or arrange your sessions to engage with younger audiences. Look at people like Brian Tracy—he’s stayed relevant for decades by speaking and imparting wisdom. P.K. Amoabeng of UT Holdings is doing the same, sharing his insights with various organizations.
Public speaking can truly be a lifelong pursuit, impacting people far beyond your industry. John C. Maxwell has made this his life’s work, showing the value of mastering the art of speaking. So, say, engage, and continue to inspire.
- Share Your Wisdom in a Book
I believe every entrepreneur should write a book. Documenting your experiences, challenges, and solutions allows future generations to learn from your journey. Books are lasting resources, providing wisdom long after we’re gone, like the works of Aristotle or other great minds.
If writing seems daunting, know that I can assist as a ghostwriter or publishing consultant. Capturing your thoughts in a book means your ideas live on, ready to inspire anyone who reads them.
- Start a Mentoring or Coaching Program
Mentoring is invaluable. Leaders like P.K. Amoabeng have established coaching programs to pass on their expertise to the next generation. Even in sports, legends like Abedi Pele have set up training programs to foster young talent. Mentorship can take many forms—collaborating with young artists, training, or partnering with emerging professionals.
By sharing resources and guidance, you not only stay relevant but also become a valuable figure in your field. People recognize your contribution, keeping you at the top of mind in your industry and beyond.
These three steps—public speaking, writing a book, and mentoring—are powerful ways to stay relevant and impactful. I hope you find this useful.
The best is yours.
Let me hear from you regarding your branding and book publishing needs.
Bernard is a leading authority on personal branding and digital book publishing in Africa. With over a decade of experience in digital publishing, he has been a trusted consultant for entrepreneurs, pastors, and individuals looking to build their brands and write their books.To learn more about Bernard and his work, visit www.BKC.name. WhatsApp: +233244961121
