Most entrepreneurs have already created a bit of a personal brand for themselves. Maybe you’re fairly content with the brand you have curated. Or, maybe you feel like it’s time to hit refresh. New year, new decade, and new you! If you’re ready to step it up in 2020 and beyond, here’s what you need to focus on first.

1. Establish a game plan.

Making sweeping changes to your personal brand requires a strategic plan. In theory, you can pivot from a corporate executive to a chef overnight. However, your behavior might confuse almost everyone especially if there were no hints leading up to this new persona.

This is where it helps to pull together a strategy. Make sure it covers these bare bones basics.

  • Figure out whom your new personal brand should reflect. How will you position yourself next? Will you pivot towards becoming a thought leader, influencer, or educator?
  • What is your end game? If you are drastically revamping your personal brand, what is the purpose in doing so?
  • What kind of message will your new personal brand convey? What kind of insight and value can you bring to the table that is fresh and unique?
  • Determine how you’ll communicate personal brand changes. Will you start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel documenting these changes? Do you need to create additional social media handles that separate your personal brand from your professional one? Gradually introduce, and hint to, upcoming changes in your personal brand so your fans are fully prepared in advance.
  • Are you in the process of turning your personal brand into a full-time business? If so, you’ll need to draft a business plan. This document will act as an objective guide that helps lead your new business to success. It will also help you discover who will be in your target audience — which may be different from your existing fanbase.

2. Figure out how you’ll build up your personal brand.

Now that you understand the “why” behind your personal brand, you’ll need to figure out where you’ll build it up. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Remodeling your website to be more user friendly. If you don’t already have one, you may sign up through platforms like Squarespace. Search for domain names and purchase them, and build your website using a series of templates available through the platform.
  • Order new business cards with updated contact information. Hit refresh on your existing contact information if necessary, too. Consider creating a new email address for contacts to reach you.
  • Determine the kind of medium you’ll communicate the message through. You may choose content, like thought leadership articles self-published on LinkedIn. Or, you may choose aesthetically pleasing imagery on social sites like Instagram, or communicate through live video on YouTube or IGTV.

3. Take new headshots.

If your existing headshots look a little dated, then it’s time to take new ones. Hire a photographer and get a series of photos taken that include professional headshots and lifestyle images for social media sharing.

Have fun with these pictures, too! Wear different ensembles and get new backgrounds and settings for each set!