The potential of the average person is like a huge ocean unsailed, a new continent unexplored, a world of possibilities waiting to be released and channeled toward some great good. Brian Tracy
I have always believed for me, that I am in constant change and evolution, as our life cycle so eloquently demonstrates.
When I wrote my Career Transition-make the shift, it so clearly showed me how my life and career had been changing and transitioning even though I was in the same business, market and industry. It also clearly showed me how we create themes for ourselves over the years relative to who we are at any given time, where we are in our professional lives and what’s important to us.
When you look back at the themes of some of the decades we’ve lived through, flower power of the 60’s, disco fever of the 70’s, pop culture of the 80’s, grunge and hip hop 90’s and the New Millennial Techsters, they all embodied the political, consumer, cultural and technology trends and themes of their time.
It got me thinking about how we have brand and life themes too and what my key themes are for this year.
- “Optimism is a brands best friend” I opened this year with that post here. I am unusually optimistic by nature, but have had that challenged over the past few years by the times we have all been dealt. I have had moments of confusion, discouragement and fear, but not for long. Optimism is a mindset and way of life that can carry you and your brand far, not to mention being a magnetic quality. I choose to see the optimism in things.
- Re-imagine what success means to me now. We have all had to leave behind and put into perspective the new word of jobs, work and careers. Some of us had pretty awesome, ‘highfalutin’ jobs, income, benefits and incomes for a long time. It was the best of times and a great ride. All things run their course and change. So, re-imagining what success is and means to you today is a very important exercise. What makes you happy, how can you monetize it and how can you take this new reality and really make it work for you today?
- Reinvent how I use my skills, success and accomplishments. We all have skills, successes and accomplishments. Using and integrating them into your branding and self marketing in a relevant way to show your value is should be an ongoing process. As we gain more experience and wisdom that should reflect in everything we do.
- Re-value my assets In looking at how I use and apply my time, energy and resources, re-evaluating how much free I actually give away and increasing the value of my time relative to the advancements I have made is a must. There are costs of living increases in the products and services we consume, so why not for my services? When you are building a brand or business the amount of “sampling” should be more at the beginning, but then much more qualified as the business grows.
Stay on point, be consistent, qualify your time and activities, be selective with your human capital and watch your brand themes evolve overall!
What are your brand themes for this year and how are you going to develop and deliver them?
Author:
Deborah Shane is an author, media host, speaker, writer and branding strategist. She hosts her Toolbox Blog and is in her third year of hosting a weekly business radio show called Deborah Shane’s Metropolis that has over 32K downloads! She is a regular contributor to several national business, career and marketing blogs and websites. Her new book Career Transition-make the shift is available on Amazon.com and all major book sellers. Deborah delivers smart, no-nonsense ideas and solutions, which make her a popular go-to resource for clients, national media and influential blogs. Visit her at www.deborahshane.com.
