READ TIME: 3 MINUTES
ISSUE: #003
Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of information while trying to rebrand yourself?
Same here!
As a neuropsychologist and entrepreneur, I know firsthand how easy it is to get stuck in the analysis paralysis loop. Trying to answer the question, "Who am I?" is a lifelong endeavor, not just a branding exercise.
But I’ve got a method that cuts through the confusion and gets you started on defining a few foundational elements that go into a personal brand: The Zig-Zag-Zoom Approach. Today, I’m sharing how I used this approach (plus some AI magic) to fast-track my rebranding journey.
***(Read more about the Zig-Zag-Zoom approach here and download a checklist to apply it to your brand.)***
✨ Step 1: Zig – Study the Norms
Creating a personal brand means standing out for something unique. If you're just another 'me too,' you'll fade into an overcrowded market of sameness. Whether you're a professional or a founder, start by conducting a competitor analysis—not just to see what others are doing, but to pinpoint what you shouldn't do. Differentiation begins where imitation ends
My first move was to ask ChatGPT for a list of the world's top 10 personal branding consultants and agencies. Armed with their names, I gathered the URLs of their websites (home pages and service pages) and got a sense of the current industry vibe.
Key Takeaway:
Studying the competition helps you understand industry standards so you can break them intentionally. Neuroscience backs this up—the brain loves patterns but remembers surprises. To disrupt, you need to first know the "norm."
🛠️ Step 2: Zag – Streamline the Analysis
Data analysis is notoriously time-consuming. Even with hours of effort, crucial correlations and insights can easily slip through the cracks. Instead of falling into endless rabbit holes while clicking through countless websites, I used Google's Notebook AI to streamline the process.
By uploading my Zig-Zag-Zoom checklist, the tool analyzed all the URLs for me, delivering a clear summary of industry trends in seconds:
- Colors & Aesthetics: Clean, muted palettes.
- Messaging: Emotion-driven, relatable, with a dash of authority.
- Service Models: Tiered offerings catering to different stages of personal branding.
Why This Works:
Psychologically, avoiding cognitive overload is key to maximizing brain performance. Our minds work best with smaller, digestible chunks of information. By leveraging AI for analysis and cross-referencing, I conserved mental energy, freeing up bandwidth for creativity and strategic thinking.
🚀 Step 3: Zoom – Create My Unique Spin
This is where the magic happens. After giving the insights time to marinate (thank you, subconscious brain!), I crafted a rebranding plan that’s authentically me—sharp, sassy, and unforgettable.
- Look: Monochrome vibes—black, white, gray. Minimalist. Sharp. Elegant.
- Sound: Sassy, direct, yet always personal. Think: the coach you wish you had.
- Feel: A seamless blend of fantasy and functionality. With AI, I’m creating surreal "fantasy photo shoot" visuals that exude uniqueness.
My Unique Value:
I bring neuropsychology expertise and entrepreneurial grit to the table. My rebranding underscores how I built a multiple 7-figure business by leveraging brain science. Now, I’m accelerating my evolution into a new domain, applying all the lessons I’ve learned to stand out in fresh and unexpected ways.
🧠The Science
This method saves you time, the deep market analysis often scares people away, but it has to be done as the critical first step to differentiate your brand. It’s also cost-effective—no need to hire an agency when free AI tools can do the heavy lifting (as long as you know how to guide them).
Beyond saving time and money, it conserves mental energy. The Zig-Zag-Zoom approach, paired with AI assistance, aligns perfectly with how the brain naturally processes information:
- Zig: Engages the logical brain by collecting and analyzing data.
- Zag: Lightens cognitive load by focusing and filtering insights efficiently.
- Zoom: Sparks creativity and emotion, enabling standout differentiation.
With this structured yet flexible method, you can achieve a rebrand that is both strategic and uniquely yours.
🤖 Final Thoughts: Make AI Your Sidekick
AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Notebook are revolutionizing the way we work.
I see how they’re not here to replace your creativity but to amplify it, helping you focus on what truly sets you apart while eliminating tedious tasks.
Are you ready to Zig-Zag-Zoom to microcelebrity status with AI as your ultimate sidekick? I’d love to hear how this approach transforms your journey—feel free to share your experience!
