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Newsletter - Issue #69

SUMMER IS PERFECT FOR PERSONAL BRAND REFLECTIONS

Summer… a familiar shift toward a slower pace that comes this time of year.

I want to propose something to you as an entrepreneur: What if this summer became the most strategic pause your business has ever taken?

This is my final newsletter before our September return, and I want to leave you with something more valuable than another marketing tactic or communications hack.

I want to give you a framework for using these quieter weeks to strengthen the foundation that everything else is built on: Your Personal Brand.

Summer is perfect for Personal Brand reflections.

Here’s what I’ve observed after many years in communications: the entrepreneurs who use quiet periods for strategic reflection always outperform those who chase constant activity.

Summer offers something rare in our always-on world.. a natural breathing room. Clients are traveling, industry slows down, and we all finally have space to think beyond the urgent demands of daily business operations.

This isn’t about taking a complete break (though if you can, you should). It’s about using this natural pause to assess, reflect, and prepare for your strongest return yet.

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The Summer Personal Brand Audit: 5 Key Areas to Assess

1. Message Clarity Check

Sit down with someone who doesn’t know your business well - maybe a family member or friend from outside your industry. Ask them to listen to your elevator pitch and then explain back to you what you do and who you help.

Red flags to watch for:

• They can’t clearly repeat your message
• They focus on how you do things instead of the problems you solve

Ask yourself this question: If someone has 30 seconds with my ideal client, could they clearly explain why that person should talk to me?

2. Digital Footprint Check

Google yourself. Seriously. Set aside an hour and search your name as if you were a potential client researching you.

Assess:

• What shows up in the first 3 search results?
• Do your social media profiles tell a consistent story?
• Are there any surprises or inconsistencies?
• Does your online presence reflect who you are today or who you were 2 years ago?

Ask yourself this question: If my ideal client Googled me right now, would they find someone they want to work with?

3. Relationship Reputation Check

This one requires some courage. Reach out to atleast 5 recent clients or professional contacts and ask them a simple question: “When you refer someone to me, how do you describe what I do and why you recommend me?”

Pay attention to:

• The language they use (it might be better than your own messaging)
• What they mention first (this is your strongest perceived value)
• Whether their descriptions align with how you want to be known

Ask yourself this question: Am I known for what I want to be known for?

4. Content Consistency Check

Review your last 3 months of content across all platforms. Look for patterns and gaps.

Evaluate:

• Is there a clear thread connecting your content to your core message?
• Are you sharing insights that position you as the expert you want to be?
• Does your content reflect your values and personality?
• Are you watering down your message or trying to appeal to everyone?

Ask yourself this question: Does my content consistently reinforce the reputation I’m trying to build?

5. Internal Alignment Check

This is the deep-work, and often the most important. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel authentic when I talk about my business?
• Am I trying to be someone I’m not to appeal to clients?
• Are there aspects of my personality or background I’m hiding that might actually be strengths?
• Do my business goals align with my personal values and life priorities?

Ask yourself this question: Is my personal brand an authentic extension of who I am, or am I playing a role?

These assessments will give you alot of data and information.

Take note, and try to identify 3 gaps between where you are and where you want to be. These will be your focus points for the next few weeks. It’s hard to tackle everything from the assessment - but by focusing on the most important 3 first, you get the ball rolling.

And here’s your reminder:

This exercise IS NOT about completely reinventing yourself or your business. Most successful personal brands aren’t built through dramatic overhauls.. they’re built through consistent alignment and gradual refinement.

You don’t need to emerge from summer as a completely different person. You need to emerge as a clearer, more aligned version of who you already are.

The point is to use the natural rhythm of a “slow summer” to do strategic thinking that usually gets lost in the busy-ness of normal business life.

It’s about making sure that when opportunities come in September (and they will), you’re positioned to attract the right ones and communicate your value clearly.

It’s about building a personal brand that feels sustainable, authentic, and aligned with both your business goals and your life priorities.

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My Summer Commitment to You

While I’m taking a break from regular newsletters, I’m not disappearing completely. If you do this audit work and want to share insights or ask questions, I’m still here. Hit reply and let me know what you discover.

I’m also using this summer for my own reflection and planning. When we reconnect in September, I’ll have some exciting updates about new ways we can work together and resources to support your personal brand journey.

See You in September!

P.S. If you complete the personal brand audit, I’d love to hear about your biggest insight. Sometimes an outside perspective can spot patterns we miss ourselves. Just hit reply.. I read every email personally.