In January I posted a meme on social media celebrating my goal of sending off my book for editing. This month I celebrate the achievement of my year’s goal that of publishing IMPRESSario. I am pleased that I was able to finish what I set out to do – not without its ups and downs I might add. It’s time now for me to acknowledge and celebrate that milestone. What about you? Will you acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments? No matter what your year has been like, it’s still important to pause and reflect and acknowledge your wins – large or small. There is always something to be thankful for.
Success is anything whether is it writing a book, gaining new clients or just ticking off the to-do list at work, requires commitment and enthusiasm. At this time of year we often feel a bit jaded and the enthusiasm definitely wanes, but it is also a good time to really look at where you are now and where you want to go in the future. Perhaps a refresh, rebrand or reinvention could be in store for you?
Several years ago a good friend of mine completely reinvented his career to become a magician. We used to work together in the public relations industry. Long story short, he decided that PR wasn’t the right role for him and pursued other creative avenues until he found what he truly loves doing. I too used to work in PR but have followed my passion of professional speaking (and author!) and helping others to shine through their personal brand.
Neither of us reinvented overnight. It was a process and although not easy, certainly one I’d recommend to anyone who feels they need to do something different or are really not happy doing what they do now. It can be painstaking to realise your ambitions and develop your true persona. But doing what you love is key to developing a strong personal brand. So much of who you are is aligned with your work.
When I work with clients to create a compelling personal brand, brand image and personal marketing strategy to support them in their business or career, we need first of all to get to the core or essence of who they are and what they do well.
How to do that? For you – find your passion in your work. Do a self-audit, look at your background, what you’ve enjoyed doing in the past, what you’re good at, what you’d really love to do if circumstances were different. Perhaps your reinvention might include starting a new business or refreshing an existing one. So many businesses start off flying by the seat of their pants, hang up a shingle, find a logo and hope for the best. If you can really understand your own personality, your values, your purpose, future vision and other attributes, you will start to get to your brand essence.
Getting feedback from others is also a vital part of the process. Really understanding the u in your business or what you offer in your professional life, will lead to a clear, articulated personal brand that will support your success.
If you’d like to know more about how to really work out your personal brand and future vision, this is detailed in IMPRESSario Present and Promote the Star Within You. Purchase your copy here.
Understanding how to work out your core personal brand and developing your NOOK is part of my free video series – NOOK, LOOK, HOOK, 3 Steps to Build a Stand Out Personal Brand. Sign up here.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario: Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is recognised as a leading authority on personal branding to boost image, profile, brand and business. Through her workshops, positive image development programs, consulting and keynote presentations, Sue helps businesses and entrepreneurs position and present an influential professional brand.
