Rebranding Yourself

The term rebranding is typically synonymous with business marketing and the concept of a brand or product refresh. Rebranding is often important because it allows a company to evolve to suit the ever changing landscape of marketing to clients. Dunkin' Donuts is a prime example of how a rebrand can often revitalize perception but also increase sales and brand relevance. In 2018, Dunkin' Donuts launched a newly rebranded "Dunkin" with a refreshed logo, a modernization of their stores and added digital ordering options, among other improvements. Dunkin is just one of many examples of successful corporate rebranding. While we have become accustomed and often invested in seeing our favorite companies and products experience a rebrand, we don't often associate the necessity of that sort of change with ourselves.

When it comes to our personal brand, it is equally important that we learn to adapt to meet the demands of a consistently progressing job market. Anyone who has looked for a job recently would likely tell you that it's not for the faint of heart. Multiple applicants and multiple interview rounds is the unfortunate norm. Maybe you're not job searching and instead want to grow your client base or social media following. Whatever your motivation is, rebranding yourself is a necessary component to growing as a professional and will likely help you reap the benefits of setting yourself apart.

Beginning with a fresh resume is a great place to start when it comes to personal rebranding. Many of us haven't updated our resumes to reflect our current skills or we are working with an outdated format that just isn't appealing for employers and recruiters. It can be beneficial to seek help from a professional resume writer who can assist you in modernizing your resume and taking out unnecessary fluff. There are also numerous online resume builders that produce high quality results that will give you an edge on the competition and get you back in the game.

Social media is our calling card, especially if you use your social media to engage with your clients. When running a business, the company owner is more than just the face of the brand. As an owner you ARE the brand. While it's important to infuse a little personality into your content, it's important to be careful what you are sharing on your platform. That picture taken at the work conference in Vegas may be a great way to show the fun side of your brand, but it can quickly backfire when an image portrays you in a less than flattering way. Clean up your socials. Try to view your content from the perspective of a potential customer. While you can't appeal to everyone, you certainly don't want to lose a sale or a client over content that sheds a negative light.

As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. As we progress in our lives and careers, our style or appearance is often the last change we make. It's easier said than done to reinvent oneself, but simple changes can go a long way in helping

your image to match your professional skills. A good tailor can take your wardrobe from ill fitting to a custom look with just a little alteration. Having a capsule wardrobe of simple timeless pieces, that can easily be paired for different looks, is a great way to take the guess work out of what to wear, while still having you looking your best. It has been said that a good hair day is a good day. A great haircut and color can help you elevate your appearance and represent the image you want to convey. Don't be afraid of change. It can be the very thing that sparks your inspiration and launches you into the next chapter of your life.

Rebranding doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. It should represent who you are in the moment. Change is inevitable and often leads to growth in ways we could never imagine. Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself and your personal brand. Small, incremental shifts in the way we present ourselves to the world can have a profound effect on our continued success, professionally and personally.