If the recent Forbes report is correct, Kurt Cobain estate’s annual earnings this year hit $52 million while Elvis Presley only $42 million, and John Lennon, $24 million.

Cobain died at age 27 in 1994, Presely died at 42 in 1977, and John Lennon at age 40 in 1980.

It’s the marketing machine that makes the ticker. That and the resonance of the product correctly identifying audience language.

The right touch of chemistry is magically powerful, and when that element strikes a cord, it provides something that stands out, is unusual, yet not so over the top as to be creepy or obscure.

All of these are branding issues, focusing presence-building on the uniqueness of the product. Though the marketing mechanics are different, and the target audiences vary, many of the same techiques and overall theory can be applied to branding strategies for consultants, public speakers, and professionals such as attorneys, CEOs, writers. The personality is the product and the power is in an under-current of emotional impact that speaks in new ways to common concerns.

www.Forbes.com