It’s all about Clarity
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Since 2014, I’ve chosen a single word to sum up my vision for the year, and posted it on my blog. Although I didn’t formally announce it, my word for this year is Clarity.
Here’s where I felt clarity was lacking.
My Online Presence:
My husband, Scott, has been working with me since 2007, and we have others who assist us as well. For that reason, I’ve usually referred to my business as “we.” Although I rely heavily on my team, I’m essentially the face of my business, both online and when dealing with clients. Going forward, I’m going to refer to my business in the first person singular. It just feels more authentic.
I was empowered to make this decision after reading Build The Business You Love, Not The One Gurus Tell You To, by Neil Matthews. I don’t have a “web design agency” – I offer web design services with a personal touch – and that’s nothing to be ashamed of!
My New Appearance:
No, I haven’t had cosmetic surgery or anything that drastic! But when I gave one of my new business cards to a friend last fall, the first words out of her mouth were “You need a new headshot.” She had a good point – it had been five years! I now have different glasses, a lot more hair, and I may even have aged a teeny bit.
I got in touch with Jon Evans Photography here in Hamilton, because Jon did such a great job last time. He is responsible for the photos on my new Home and About pages, as well as the one at the end of this post. He does good work, doesn’t he?
My Business Name:
My business has evolved significantly since I started in 2002. When I was a professional organizer and virtual assistant, I chose the name “Organized Assistant” so it would still work if I decided not to continue with either profession. Since my primary service has been web design for some time now, the name’s no longer a good fit. Many people think I’m still an organizer, though it’s been nearly 10 years since I offered that service. Others think I provide virtual admin services, which I’ve never done.
And so I’ve decided to do what many others have done before me – I’m rebranding as myself! And that’s why you’re seeing this new website.
My Brand:
With so many things out of whack, it was time to rethink my entire branding!
For structure, I invested in a branding course and supplemented the lessons with some free resources I found online to fine-tune my brand story, personality, message, and visual identity. You are looking at the results.
What’s next?
This website is the new hub for all of my online activity. Over the next while, I’ll be extending my new brand across my other sites and social media profiles, which you can access through the links at the bottom of this page.
In addition, I plan to blog here a couple of times a month, about website and online marketing strategies. If you’d like to receive my new posts by email, please join my mailing list.
Let’s talk!
Have you made any changes in your business? I’d love to hear how you handled it in the Comments.
Janet Barclay
I eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, cooking, watching movies, drinking tea, and spending time with my family.
This is an exciting development, Janet! I can’t wait to see how you continue to grow your online presence. You always inspire us to think, think, and think some more. Wishing you all the best with the shift in strategy. Love your new photos too!
Good luck with the new brand! As a sole-proprietor, I find that personal branding goes hand in hand with my businesses. And, the branding needs to change as my focus changes. Within the last year, I have transitioned my organizing blog into a side business as well as refined my small business admin services to best help other small businesses. Updating the site’s performance and design, and making changes to my logo across both businesses helped align my business to represent me.
Exciting and I look forward to watching it blossom!
I just love all of this. Your new photo is so cute, and it fits with well the lady at the top of your site. Great color, inviting, professional… just terrific! I imagine it feels great to have your professional materials align with your vision and direction. It is great to watch my friends evolve and grow and perfect their offerings. Looking forward to more!
I love your new image shots, Janet. I am excited for you in this next step in your business, we will all be inspired by you I am sure. I look forward to see the emergence of your new brand.
Thank you all for your support! I’m very excited about this change and happy you’re here to come on the journey with me.
Love this post! I find that even when we can provide clarity for others, it is sometimes difficult to be clear about our own vision. Oh, your new photo is perfect.
That’s a great point, Maureen!
Because I help clients with their websites and online presence, I was becoming more and more aware that I wasn’t practicing what I preached. It feels good to be heading in the right direction!
Mazel tov on your new branding, and on the clarity of it. I like “cartoon Janet” and I like the airiness of the whole look. it actually feels like a breath of fresh air. I think this look is inviting for new clients and gives people a sense of how they’ll feel when they put themselves in your capable hands!
Thanks, Julie! That’s what I was aiming for. 🙂
Love all the changes! Also love that you’re getting back to basics. As you know, I’ve also made some changes. My goal was to change as little as possible while better communicating what my current service offerings are and how they relate to one another. Instead of “Organized for Life” it’s now “Organized for Life…and beyond”. And the three pillars of my business are “Organize Your Life” (home, office, time, and virtual organizing), “Tell Your Story” (genealogy services and photo organizing), and “Create Your Legacy” (downsizing, legacy review, home inventory).
Hazel, I was really impressed with how much you were able to achieve while working within your existing layout! Thank you so much for sharing it with readers who haven’t seen your site or your recent changes.