A new year is right around the corner! I know, try not to freak out. But truthfully, I think many are ready for 2021 and a fresh start. 2020 was unexpected and challenging for so many: so many unknowns, lockdowns, layoffs, and seclusion. And maybe today, you find yourself wondering what’s next for you in life.

Through all of this, there is one thing I sensed: that many are feeling a bit lost. Lost as to who they are. Lost as to who they want to be and what they want and/or need to pursue. And lost as to how God is guiding them and their next steps. I’ve seen the questions on social media. The posts asking for help. I get it; I’ve been there too. Maybe you can relate.

One of my greatest joys in life has always been helping others discover their voice and develop their expertise so that they can impact and influence culture. Why? Because I wholeheartedly believe that God wants to use the story, expertise, and influence of His followers to make a difference in this world. A world that desperately needs these voices and expertise.

When I scroll through social media, and I see the posts of those that God has allowed me to partner with to help them move forward in their professions, it brings me such joy. When I see the connections they are making, the clients they are connecting with, the podcasts they are creating, and the new job offers they accept, it brings me such joy!

When I think back to my life, I would have never imagined myself being where I am today. You see, I was the girl who said she would do at most, 2-years of college. I thought I would be “content” with working a 9-5 job in a cubicle.

Then, God changed my outlook and perspective. After college, I went off to seminary (in a new state where I knew no one) when most women didn’t go. I became a youth minister. I was the only female youth minister for miles and miles. During our quarterly community youth minister meetings, I was the only female in the room.

Soon after, God led me to teach. I taught in the public and private school systems. I taught English and reading. And soon after, I became a school administrator. I never imagined this for myself.

Then, social media came about, and I dove deep into the study of social media, marketing, and communication. Before I knew it, I was helping others with their online presence and speaking at conferences on social media and faith. And soon after, wrote the book, “#BeWorthFollowing: How to Be Different and Influence People in a Crowded Social World.” Seriously, I never expected this.

And today, here I am. Pouring into the lives of college students as they seek to live out their God-given calling in the marketplace. I get to help them discover their voice and develop their expertise so that they can impact and influence culture.

You see, my professional life has not been a straight line. For each new role that God has brought about in my life, I’ve had to rediscover my voice and redevelop my expertise. I’ve had to build a personal brand so that the right doors of opportunity could be opened for me. I did my part, and God did his.

This is why I believe building a personal brand is so very important. You can leverage your platforms to accomplish your God-given goals and live out your calling. “Personal branding,” “promotion,” and/or “influence” are not bad, evil words.

Think about it:

• Joseph: Went from feeling insignificant (especially by his brothers) to influential, saving a nation.
• Esther: Went from unknown and feeling insignificant to being known by the king and influential, saving her people.
• Moses: Went from self-doubting, timid, and feeling insignificant to influential and leading many.

And guess what? You too have been called to be influential. You’ve been called to use your story, expertise, knowledge, and influence (yes, you have influence) for the greater good.

Creating a unique personal brand will allow you to influence this world through your gifts, skills, talents, passion, expertise, and experiences. It’s what makes you different and unique. It’s what separates you from everyone else. It’s what you are known for.

I love how Jenny Randle explains this: “If you struggle with the concept of building a platform, switch your mindset. You’re building a community and trusting that God has called you to steward that community as a leader in the faith. You aren’t building a ‘brand’ (even though you technically are), you’re building the Kingdom.”

Yes! You’re building the Kingdom! You’re allowing God to use you to build a community that ultimately will draw others closer to Him. Are you ready for God to use you in new ways in 2021? 

If so, I’ve created a free workbook just for you! You can download it here on my website. Just fill out the form below!  Remember, whatever you do, it matters. Wherever God places you, you can make a Kingdom impact!