Reimagining My Personal Brand: Five Hard Truths and Lessons
Written on
Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Every morning, as my alarm clock blares at 5 a.m., the first thought that crosses my mind is one of being behind. Behind on what, you ask? I couldn't pinpoint it, overwhelmed by 14 priorities lacking deadlines. This indecision, as my therapist pointed out, is a symptom of classic burnout.
Despite engaging in workouts, breathwork, and journaling, none of these activities could counteract the toxic mix of ambition and the desire to please others. Here are five signs I wish I had recognized sooner — indicators that it was time to rebrand Cyndi Zaweski.
Section 1.1: Rediscovering Passion
Writing has always been my true calling. However, the notion that writing wouldn't lead to a stable income drove me to explore alternative avenues, resulting in a journalism career. By 2014, I had transitioned to a role as director of content amidst the rise of "branded content." Yet, this career path, while successful, didn't fulfill my need for personal expression.
I eventually left my 14-year journalism career to pursue digital marketing at Columbia University, intending to freelance while nurturing my writing. As I started sharing insights, I gained clients and amassed 80,000 followers. Unfortunately, I mistakenly allowed algorithms and external opinions to steer my direction, which detracted from my authentic writing.
This led to a pivotal question: Can I find more joy in my work? That journal entry opened the floodgates to my creative rebirth.
The first video, "Why We Need to Rebrand the Term 'Personal Brand' (Or Cancel it!)", delves into the necessity of redefining what personal branding means, encouraging a deeper understanding of self.
Section 1.2: Facing Your Niche
Feeling misaligned in my niche was akin to living with split personalities. Anxiety eventually forced me to confront the truth about my path, prompting me to ask: What do I truly believe in? What do I stand for?
These reflections culminated in a 15-page document that became the foundation for my rebranding journey. Discarding the common advice to "define your target audience," I began with statements of belief, which forged a stronger connection to my "why." This clarity allowed me to better understand the audience my work serves.
A brand mission began to take shape: creating storytelling content that bridges business growth and personal development. Reducing this mission to a single sentence has sparked a wealth of content ideas.
Chapter 2: Embracing Authenticity
As a journalist, I learned to remain objective and never insert myself into my stories. However, as a content creator, authenticity is paramount. My brand now champions the creation of genuine content grounded in lived experiences.
I’ve learned that authenticity encompasses not just who we are now, but who we aspire to be. It’s about dreaming and taking steps to manifest those dreams. Rebranding is, in many ways, a rediscovery of self — a process marked by emotional growth during transitional phases.
It requires meticulous planning, research, and sometimes, a breakdown. This messy, emotional journey, filled with tears and vulnerability, also holds beauty. By sharing my unpolished growth, I provide others with permission to show their true selves.
The insights gained through action form the core of my most meaningful content. By sharing my journey, I encourage others to take action.
The second video, "How to REBRAND YOURSELF (Personal Brand Coach Explains)," offers actionable advice for anyone looking to redefine their personal brand and grow authentically.
Section 2.1: Redefining Offerings
Outgrowing my service offerings was not simply a matter of dissatisfaction; it was about reevaluating my direction. The disconnect between my offerings and my true self caused mounting anxiety.
Recognizing this was a challenge, especially since those offerings were profitable. The objective was not to discard everything but to refine what no longer aligned with my mission.
I initiated a process of evaluating my content through the lens of my revised vision: storytelling insights. This involved deciding what to adapt, what to keep, and what to eliminate, leading to a significant content overhaul.
Section 2.2: Stepping into Visibility
Three years ago, I created the 'Ascent StoryCraft' Instagram account in secrecy, seeking refuge from judgment. Fast forward to today, I've gained 57,000 followers and countless viral posts, yet my initial fears of exposure lingered.
A former colleague reached out to me, referring to me as an 'inspiration,' a notion that felt surreal. This experience reaffirmed that our most authentic selves resonate with others, often in ways we don’t anticipate.
This journey of content creation transcends mere production; it’s about our growth, transformation, and the unintentional inspiration we provide to others.
Conclusion: The Path to Progress
Can peace and progress coexist? I often wish I could simply start anew, but that would mean circumventing the uncomfortable processes that lead to growth.
The common mindset is: "Once this is complete, I’ll be ready to show up!" Yet, for many solopreneurs, including myself, this is not a viable approach.
This transformation requires time and effort, including website revisions and a revamped newsletter. While there may be short-term sacrifices, such as reduced social media activity or missed newsletters, this journey is essential for long-term success.
Despite my fears of losing followers or appearing disorganized, I cling to faith — faith in my growth and the connections I will forge along the way. Join me on this journey and follow my evolution on Medium or subscribe to my newsletter.