Because who you are is constantly growing, evolving and becoming, figuring out your brand can be a messy process. And messy can be fun, as long as your don’t feel you need to THINK your way through the process.

Let me explain below.   Get yourself a notebook and start collecting the clues!   1. Map out all the major events of your life in five-year increments. What happened along your path to shape who you are now? What were the most traumatic and ecstatic things that happened to you? What did you learn from them?   2. List all of your jobs and career choices in chronological order. What pieces of those are you most proud of? What made your heart sing? And what lessons kept repeating themselves?   3. What are your biggest quirks? What traits do you have that make you feel weird or “outside” the norm? How have coped or dealt with them?   4. What are your top passions? What do you love to do, experience or share with others? What would you do if money were no object? If you had only a year left to live? How do you spend your non-working hours?   5. What “superpowers” do you possess? What strengths and expertise cause others to continually seek you out? Ask your friends, family and colleagues to share three to five words that best describe you.   6. What core values motivate and drive you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What aspects of how you work with others do you consider non-negotiables?   These are all clues that — when you allow your subconscious mind and intuition to help — can provide clarity around things like: Your Big Why and what motivates you to keep going even when things get crazy rough. Which types of clients you prefer and possible niche(s) to pursue (do you enjoy working with creatives or engineers? And do they need/want what you have?). The best way to deliver your product or service (do you want to build something big and wide or go deep with just a select few?). How to present yourself and talk about what you do in a way that connects with just the right crowd (these are the outward signs and symbols like your logo, your tagline and other copy). Where to put your energy and focus so that every action you take is congruent with your vision and mission. How to say YES to your dreams and stop trying to please everyone who shows up.