LeBron's Personal Brand Went South

The most popular phrase out there is "personal branding?

And in this week after LeBron deserted Ohio for South Beach, his brand took a nose dive.

Wherever he chose to sign, he was going to get more money than he could ever spend. In Miami, he may have team success if more talented players sign with the Heat's "Big Three."

Had King James signed with the New York Knicks his "marketability" would've went through the roof. But marketing over the next three years is not what we're speaking about in this piece.

If James had signed with his hometown Cavaliers he his personal branding Q-rating (or is it PB-rating) would've risen to epic proportions.

-Hometown hero stays home
-Loyalty
-There are things more important than money and winning.

Those things are invaluable and could've been parlayed positively by personal branding for many, many years.

We'll never get to see that special cachet that LeBron would have if he'd chosen to remain in the Buckeye State.

I won't second guess his decision, although he did not seem elated when he shared his thoughts with the World.

Though it's off topic, the LaBron haters (Cavs owner, fans) need to get a life. Whining is not good for your personal branding, Mr. Gilbert.

He was a free agent and can go wherever he wants. The Cavs should worry about getting some new players, rather than crying over spilled Gatorade.