“Have you? Given me your very best? Because I know there’s a lot more in you, a whole other level, that for some reason you just don’t want to go to!”-Herb Brooks to Jim Craig (Miracle, 2004)
When I embarked on my blog journey last December, I thought of it as just an extension of who I was, professionally and personally. I also looked at the blog as a way of being creative. It’s become more than that to me and those of you that read this. My blog is now part of my personal brand.
To play on that quote from “Miracle,” I’ve had to take my brand to another level. I knew I had something inside that would allow me to be a better public relations practitioner. But what are you doing to “freshen up” your personal brand? Here are some ways you can accomplish this.
Continuing education
I’m a strong proponent of taking in as much knowledge as you can. It doesn’t always have to mean going back to school, though. Get a book on web analytics. Take a webinar from Cision or your local PRSA chapter. I’ve found attending conferences to be a very valuable asset in freshening up your brand. It allows you to network and gain more knowledge… two keys in keeping your brand strong.
Be Adaptable
There’s something to be said for those that stay in the same career for 25 plus years. Over time though, if you don’t adapt to the times you become obsolete. That person’s brand has become stale and behind the times. In this day and age, you MUST be adaptable. My background was originally in television and radio. When I moved into public relations, I thought I needed to forget about my old career. It was a mistake. I learned to use my past experiences to enhance my personal brand. Aside from my PR job, I am the public address announcer for the New York Mets AAA affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. Prove to an employer or a potential client that you can offer them something other than the title on your business card.
Challenge Your Brand
You probably have met or know someone that just coasts. They work in a job that is comfortable, but really don’t care too much about it. Do better and always challenge yourself. Do you have a few close colleagues on Twitter? Ask ask them for their honest thoughts on your ideas. This will challenge you to be at your best.
By applying these examples, your personal brand will stay fresh and, in turn, help you go with confidence.
One Guy's Journey 
I love that you pointed out that even though we need to adapt, we shouldn’t forget anything we’ve learned along the way. I just recently started a new job and have needed to lean on everything I’ve learned my entire career, even things I thought I wouldn’t need anymore. I am having a blast because I had forgotten how much I loved PR in its purest form, not just being a manager of what everyone else is doing. It is reinforcing my personal brand as someone who has a broad range of experience. As great as specialties are, having an understanding of how it all comes together is integral to a successful career – like you having both the media and PR angles. Great post!
Niki,
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your perspective. You make an important point as well, regarding leaning on what we’ve learned. In some cases, I’ve seen people just ditch what they learned in the past. Everything you learn in your career, whether you change it or not, is helpful.
Hope all is well!
Jason
Great points Jason. Being adaptable is key. I know some people believe that life will go according to plan. From my experience, it tends to skew the exact opposite. While still setting goals for ourselves, we have to be realists and roll with the punches of life. Especially, when it comes to our own personal branding. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea,
How we adapt to change in incredibly important in how we succeed in life. You make a great point in mentioning being a realist. Sure, it would be great if life ended up like the Hollywood script. But we all know that isn’t the case.
I’m so glad you read the blog and contributed. It’s always great to have your perspective.
Best,
Jason