Business Book Review: Reinventing You by Dorie Clark
Reinventing You is for anyone who has ever started over. And for anyone who hasn’t, so you’re prepared when that day comes.
My Rating: ★★★★
Length: 248 pages
Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
Released: 2017
Key takeaway for personal branding
When it comes to personal branding, Dorie Clark is an internationally renowned thought leader.
The central theme of the book is that at some stage (or several) in your career, you’ll find you need to reinvent yourself. Reinventing You is both inspirational and actionable for navigating these stages of growth. Sometimes this growth may even look like a step backward before taking several steps forward.
While many personal brand experts focus on strengths and vision, Clark does so with another important reminder.
You can take it with you
No matter where your transition leads you, the reputation you have spent so much time building can follow you into your new endeavours. Stanford professor, Jeffery Pfeffer, calls this the psychological phenomenon known as the ‘halo effect’. Whereby if you’re talented in one domain, people will assume you have the ability to be good in another.
In a similar vein, Clark also emphasises the importance of your past experience. Rather than discounting it, connect your narrative. Tell your story in a way that helps your audience make sense of your transition. Help give yourself the credibility you have earned for your personal brand.
Favourite Quotes
Every art student has a portfolio ready to be shown at a moment’s notice. It’s no different in the business world; no one will believe you’re serious unless you begin to create content that demonstrates your expertise.
Accept the fact that sometimes you have to take one step back to take three or four steps forward.
It’s your demonstrated expertise—not your academic credentials—that counts in the business world.
Humans understand the world around them through stories, narratives we tell ourselves about what’s happening and why.
Let people judge you based on the quality of the material you produce, not on your past history or credentials.
One of the most important ways you can maintain your positive brand momentum is to be consistent.
Time heals all wounds. In the business sphere, similarly, the key to successful rebranding is consistency and proving your values by living them out every day.
Reinventing You demonstrates why Clark is one of the world’s leading personal brand authorities. The book’s attention to detail makes it a highly practical manual for anyone looking to define and evolve their personal brand.
Several case studies support the concepts. But, more of Clark’s own personal stories could have further elevated its emotional connection with readers.
Reinventing You is highly regarded as one of the top personal branding books. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever needed to redefine themselves. If you haven’t, it’s likely you one day will. I suggest reading it before you find you need it.
Reinventing You by Dorie Clark: Available on Amazon.
