Do you talk about your meaningful work to the people around you? Or just the one thing you feel comfortable talking about? So people will know just that part of you and have a vague idea of what you do behind closed doors? Like my situation for a long long time.

My conversations at any party, even family gatherings:

“Hey Hanneke, how’s your yoga business doing?”
“Good, thanks. But that’s not really my daily work.”

*Shocked person.*

“No?! What is?”
“Branding and web design is what I mostly do.”
“So you design logos?”
“Among other things.”
“Ha, I didn’t know that about you.”

Well hello, image that I created myself which is just a small part of the whole truth.

Of course, I understand why people always ask me about yoga and mindfulness, because it is what I mainly share about on social media. And people will only know what I tell them. What I don’t put out there, they don’t know. Simple.

So why do I hardly talk about my design work online? Because it’s not necessary, it takes time and I’m always busy. Clients come first and I have to set my priorities straight, right?

Is what I’ve been saying to myself.

Or am I lying to myself?

On some level, I do want to share about branding. I tell my clients daily they should let the world know about their amazing work. So why do I tell myself other things are more important? Am I fooling myself?

I do make time to share about yoga and mindfulness retreats. Why don’t I post about branding, strategy and design? Could it be true that I am just really scared to show my work and share my vision?

Damn. I realize this is the hard truth.

It’s scary to put your real self online

There, I said it.

I might be scared, but I also feel it’s time. How well can I do my job if I don’t set the right example? Practice what you preach is what they say right?

Working on your branding is essential if you want to create more impact with your work. I know that. And going through a strategic brand process is so valuable for your business and your personal growth. People think it’s just about making a pretty logo, create a website and post on social media the whole day. Nothing is further from the truth.

It is an inner journey to get to know yourself and your business better. To remember or discover why you chose this work. Why you love this work. To reflect, be still and totally shaken up. You’ll be flipped upside down, inside out.

Who are you? What the hell are you doing, why and for whom? Such important questions to ask yourself and to get as clear as possible about. For yourself and the world around you.

If you know yourself quite well and know what your business stands for, you will be able to communicate it better. If you haven’t defined this thoroughly in words and visuals, it will be hard for people to understand who you really are and what you do.

But knowing yourself is one thing, actively communicating it is a totally different story. I’ve done my own brand strategy a milion times. Putting it into action is what the problem is.

No more hiding darling

It’s becoming way more important to me to share my work with the world. For myself, to step into who I really am and acknowledge the value of my work. Without taking myself too seriously of course. But also to experience the lessons that are hidden in being visible. Putting myself out there. Letting my true self be seen. For taking up space in the world instead of hiding behind closed doors.

I’m allowed to be myself and show my true self. It is time to show up. 

And of course I want to do it for others. My amazing clients. The people that are making the world a better place, but play hide and seek at the same time. They are too busy, humble or afraid to get out there. They like to stay in their comfort zone. Walking around in the circle they already know. But they have the world so much to offer.

So much experience, knowledge, skills and wisdom. It would be selfish to keep that all to themselves.

There is a generation waking up that knows exactly how to get likes and followers and they will get found easily. It is time for the experienced pioneers to stand up, show up and brand themselves like they deserve. To create a solid foundation for their business and share their message with the world.

Wouldn’t it be such a waste if all what they have to offer will stay out of sight?

Personal Branding is not about polishing your ego, it is about polishing your message

I want all the changemakers to realize it is time to show the real you but also know this is not about you. It is not about your ego that wants to be polished and liked. It is about your message. What you bring to the table. That is what needs to be heard. Seen. That is why it is more than ok to share that with the world. With your name, your voice and your face on it.

You are the one who is bringing this message you so believe in. You are the channel. And people like to listen to people with an authentic story, not an anonymous company.

That is why personal branding is important for everyone who wants to make the world a better place. Including myself.

Love,
Hanneke

ps. Let me know in the comments if you recognize anything in it.