Hello, you.

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By Bobbi Eggers

Hello, you.

Spring is flirting with us. We feel little hints of it and then, cruelly, it is snatched away. I heard a bird singing yesterday morning. 

You tease me, cruel bird.  Maybe because the fresh, clean air of spring is in the air, it seems like everyone I talk to is looking to try something new, something better, a different approach. Lately, conversations with friends always roll around to the desire for change, in their personal life and/or business. Redoing, rethinking, relaunching, re-energizing, a passion not quite fulfilled or just a shot in the arm.

I work in the world of re-branding. It is my passion. To take a business and reconsider how they should look, feel and communicate with the world. Everyone has different goals and, surprisingly, the methods of communication are individualized, even in this digitally crazed world. I love it. It is my training and my strength. Like watching the spring crocuses on the hill explode in fast motion, a business can blossom and rejuvenate enthusiasm.

But as I look around me and talk to my friends, I realize that it’s just as important to rethink and clarify you. It surprises me how many people don’t really think about this. Along the road of life, especially now, everyone needs to take a step back and reboot. Whether you are thinking about getting back in the game or your business is taking a new direction, or you’re just following your passion to see where it leads, give your “personal brand” a facelift because who you are carries over into your professional life. Today, lines have become blurred. The idea of personal branding makes some people feel uncomfortable but if you don’t take control of your personal brand, you are missing out on opportunities and letting others control your narrative.

“It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be,” is a pithy, visual, inspiring book written by my beloved friend and mentor, Paul Arden, arguably one of the greatest admen of all time, an instinctive branding genius. “Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have,” Paul said. You own your personal brand. Do not discount it. “Dreaming and talking about it won’t achieve anything. There is only one person who can determine the shape of your life. You. Who are you?” 

So what makes you you? Greenwich is blooming with help to get you started on your success story.

Most important: be authentic. Become the storyteller of you. The content that you show the world is the story of your brand. People want to follow you or know you because they are interested in what you do, who you are. Be focused and meaningful. “Come join me on this journey of my life because I am talented/driven/funny/ adventurer/fashion forward/smart/horse lover/cat lover/lawyer/teacher or however you define yourself, whatever your core story is. Whether it’s transactional or just for fun, embrace yourself. Don’t doubt yourself. And be the person you want to know.

Rethink your Instagram profile. It is a one page collage of you. 

Invite us into your “brand story.” Your brand is your reputation. It’s what you’re known for and how people experience you. Bring who you are to what you do and how you do it. And it has to be your own voice. Unless you are Coca-Cola, if you let someone else speak for you, it will not resonate. If you let someone else curate your taste, it isn’t you and it will be outside of your “sweet spot.” And it takes a long time, so the sooner you begin, the better off you’ll be. 

Do you need some help finding your story? We have a Master Storyteller right here in Greenwich. Bonnie Levison travels the world as the Lead Storytelling Instructor with The Moth and hosts the Story Barn at the Greenwich Historical Society. Bonnie has coached all kinds of interesting people with all kinds of stories from all kinds of places. Bonnie can help your authentic, inner voice to be heard, whether you want to polish up your business talk, or have a microphone in your hand and share your story with others: bonnie@themoth.org.

Need some support from others? Circulate. Create connection and camaraderie around the refreshed you. One of the great parts about Greenwich is the social aspect of gathering to meet, bounce ideas off each other, hear how others are figuring it out. Woman Owned Greenwich, started by Cathleen Blood, is a robust new group connecting women business owners in Greenwich. 

I have now been to several of their talks and think tanks and have been greatly inspired by the quality of professional women. One more unique opportunity to love about our town.

There are incredible resources for support here, more than you can imagine. So say hello to spring in Greenwich and say hello to a fresh, new you.

To reach Bobbi with questions, you may email BobbiEggers@gmail.com.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: On May 3, Bonnie Levison is hosting “Lives Well Lived: True Stories Told Lived,” at the Greenwich Historical Society at 6:00 p.m. featuring six older adult Greenwich residents telling fascinating personal stories. Sponsored by the Greenwich Commission on Aging, call (203) 862-6710 for $10 tickets. Includes light bites and refreshments.

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