1. Make the mental commitment to change.
Making a firm commitment to change is the first step and perhaps the bulk of the work. If you need a change, be it a new direction, new challenges or a new environment, admit that you need a change. Then, start the new course.Whatever title, prestige or fame that you have gained in the past, let them go. When you fully accept the fact that life is about to shift in a new direction, you will then be ready to rebrand yourself. However difficult making this type of commitment can be, if you really want it, you will somehow move forward. Look ahead now; don’t look back. Give your brand new self a chance to shine.
2. Humble down.
Rebranding also includes trying new things and picking up new skills. Even if you were quite advanced in your field in the past, you are now the new kid on the block again. In the new arena, no one knows how well you will do, nor does anyone trust your abilities just yet. You are starting from zero and have a long way to go, and it is a good opportunity to be humble and learn.3. Learn something.
Speaking of picking up new skills, now is the time to educate yourself. Part of making a commitment is to take action. To re-brand yourself, you should put in the work to gain new knowledge and skills. Take a class, get a certificate or degree, ask someone to mentor you, and pick up a book or two as references. Every person learns differently so it doesn’t matter how you do it. The point is to make learning both a necessity and a priority.4. Transfer prior branding.
Transfering you prior branding to the new one can expedite the experience. Take inventory of what you can carry over from the past to boost your new brand. Did you particularly excel in communication, leadership or technical subjects? Those are just a few of the many aspects of your previous brand that you can transfer to the new one with. Your experiences are valuable, even in a new career path.5. Introduce yourself with a convincing narrative.
Most people know the old you, and it is your job to introduce and advertise your new brand to them. Because it will be hard to shake that old image of yours from their memories, be extra diligent about updating your profile on platforms such as Linkedin, Facebook, online forums and blogs. The most impactful advertisements, however, are still phone calls and face-to-face conversations, so make sure you dedicate time for them as well.When introducing your new brand, articulating a thoughtful narrative can be extremely powerful. While it is easier to explain the transition from a personal point of view, "the job started to feel stale and I desperately needed a change," a more captivating narrative would be to focus on the impact that you will have on a broader scale like, "though I was more of a technical leader in the past, the leadership skills I have gained can help me become a great project manager who helps the team become more productive." When creating a compelling narrative, keeping it professional is key.
Parting Thoughts
Of course, none of the pointers above will be effective unless you are committed and consistent with living the new brand. Rebranding can be tasking but also brings a fresh start. Leaving your old self may feel scary but it offers opportunities to learn and grow. It will not be easy at first, but like everything else in life, if you keep at it, good results will follow. So continue to rebrand and reinvent yourself, and one day you will be able to celebrate the brand new you.[ End of Article ]
[ Disclaimer: this article includes affiliate links.]
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