The Essence Of Rebranding : Part I

It's been just over 2 years since I graduated with a degree in journalism and now, I'm itching to metamorphosize (this is a word, I checked) into a more refined version of circa 2017 me. I need a change. I need to metaphorically cut my bangs, unsupervised, with craft scissors and the Misfits' "Saturday Night" playing in the background.

For those of you who are familiar with my past work, you'd know that all I used to care about is Indian culture, South Asian diaspora and the effect of growing web-culture & it's influence on Indian media; as well as the occasional artist showcase write up. I also created KSHA magazine which in my opinion is my best work to date. However, I feel like there's more that needs to be talked about. That's when I realized that my brand needs a makeover and with something so abstract, I had to figure out how I was going to quantify this process.

So for any of you who are looking to rebrand, and I mean ANYONE, here's how -

MAP OUT YER BRAIN

The best thing about mind-mapping is that it can bring out peripheral thoughts into the forefront of your brain. There are so many pages out there to tell you how to mind-map but often times, I find I'm at a loss for the right tools.

I personally recommend pen and paper OR any note taking apps if you're the type to go paperless. I like One Note and Evernote. And then just GO HAM. Ask yourself questions. This is the best time to introspect. What's something you want to fix currently? How do you want other people to see you? What are some things you'd like to learn more about?

Pinterest is also great for mind-mapping for those of you who are more visual. And if you find that you're being made fun of or called basic for using Pinterest, they can talk to me. I'll show them my secret board of positive affirmations :)

Mindmapping the literal way

AUDIENCE IS NOT EVERYTHING

This mostly relies on what kind of brand you have. If you're selling a product, then yes, you must identify who your prospective clients are. All I'm saying is that you shouldn't bend for your consumers in a way that forces you to lose your identity.

If you're a writer trying to find your personal voice, try a bit of everything. See what works for you? Cast wide nets so you have a variety of people to test your content with. For example, instead of writing about how completely ignorant "Glow" & Lovely's marketing strategy is, one can try talking about how colorism runs deep into South Asian upbringing from scripture to prospective alliances. #justsaying

BENEFIT FROM SELF DEPRECATIVE TENDENCIES

If you're lucky enough and your Myer's Briggs personality test deems you as an ESTP - maybe, this won't apply to you. But if you're anything like me, you'd know it's very easy to fall into the habit of looking at the glass half empty.

I realized that by doing so, I was actually delving deep into where these thoughts were emerging from. Start by wondering why your glass is half empty. Maybe someone was thirsty (I mean, have you looked at yourself in the mirror, lately). Perhaps you forgot to pay the water bill.

Train yourself to understand why your current form of expression isn't working and reform. Don't let your insecurities weigh you down. Use it to climb up!

IDENTIFY OUTRAGEOUS INTERESTS

Lewis Carrol wrote in "Through The Looking-Glass" that Alice could think of six impossible things before breakfast was served. Something about that always stuck with me and it has definitely helped me in my rebranding process.

It's as if to ask "What's the riskiest option I can take here?" or "What can I do that could potentially ruin my brand but open new doors by way of doing so?" It's not for everyone, but sometimes chaos is attractive.

In the movie "Her", Joaquin Phoenix plays a character who is employed as a writer for a company that composes personally written notes for their customers to gift to their loved ones. As a part of my aesthetic, that's something I hope to do some day. I don't know how I'll do it but all I know is that I want to.

My Outrageous Pinterest Board - Click Image For More

THROW TIME OUT THE DOOR

The biggest flaw with humanity, I believe, is impatience. Success doesn't occur overnight. Also, not everything has to be a success. I read somewhere that not every hobby of yours has to be monetized. Influencer culture has created somewhat of a toxic environment for anyone to enjoy an activity they love doing, whether it's writing, singing or even styling.

Go at your own pace. Generations before us are used to a timeline that involved a strict process; go to college, get a degree, work, settle and have a family. The only thing you have to promise yourself is to be consistent in learning, making mistakes and getting back up to continue learning.

All these concepts will seem vague at first; like a brain fog. But the more you mull over the details, the process of ideation will become second nature to you. If it's challenging to do it alone, try bouncing your brain waves off of a trusted friend and take into account their opinions - or don't.

One could ask "why listen to you? what do you know?" I can say confidently that I DO NOT have the answers to guarantee your rebranding will indeed reel in views and a loyal audience. All I can offer is what I think can work and maybe help you find your way during this process.

TO BE CONTINUED...

p.s - Don't forget to wear a mask when you're out in public :)

Cover image sourced from Franz Lang