Tanya McGinnity

My buddy Mitch Joel who is one of the many smart cookies over at Twist Image (where I used to work a wayyyy wayyy back) wrote a blog post that really spoke to me today.  His article, “The 10 Core Values of a Winning Personal Brand” would normally have me turning up my nose as I hate the phrase “personal brand”. Guess it’s the punk rock in me that makes me bristle when I hear those words together. I get that brands can be personal. (Dischord Records is a brand right?) That part doesn’t cause me any concern. It’s more that I get scared when flesh and blood humans begin to feel that gross level of self-importance online that feels like an over-eager, greasy handshake. You know the type. C’mon. I know you do.

I started blogging here with the intention of it being where I share links, witticisms, and smart assery should any potential employers, clients, suitors or abductors be looking for more information about me. But this blog is only a small microcosm showing what I’m interested in, an in turn, a glimpse into my personal brand. I am more than an LOL cat aficionado.

After a bit of soul searching, I’m coming to realize that my passion for personal blogging on this blog is waning, whereas writing about Buddhism is where I’m truly feeling my groove . Sounds like I have an existential problem on my hands. In killing my personal blog and dedicating my time to blogging about my spiritual pursuits am I committing digital seppuku? What is the sound of one finger pressing DELETE ALL POSTS in a WordPress admin panel?

I think in the evolution of our personalities (aka -personal brands), we need to rethink our priorities and refocus. As Mitch says in his post:

Focus. Too many people spread themselves too thin. They’re busy Tweeting when they should be Blogging or busy Blogging when they should be creating a video. Know the type of content you are best at producing (text, images, audio, video) and stay focused on practicing it and getting it to be great.

The key in this for me is “spreading yourself” too thin. I’m about to shed some of my layers and get a bit more stealth with how I’m spending my time. I know that digital sabbaticals are all the rage these days, but for me, I’m embarking on a digital refocus.

I couldn’t resist adding another LOLcat there…

After a few conversations with folks in my circle, it’s clear that nobody knows what the frankenfurter I do.

I think much of this can be attributed to my love of multiple interests. I’m envious of people who are focused on one project, passion or priority and are known as “that guy who’s into 1950′s horror comic books” or “the girl who is really into SEO”. Me. I’m a hybrid. I’m a knowledge collector. I’m a digital channel surfer.

After being made redundant a while back, I started on a path of exploration away from digital project management (the blood that runs through my corporate veins) and into different roles that were emerging in digital culture. I helped to work on a community for the advertising industry. I was a Community Manager for a Montreal-based startup. I did a bit of consulting. I finally decided that my low-level of French was a hindrance so set out to take French Immersion classes every day and although I still have a ways to go, I’m much more confident in my ability to communicate and understand.

Now, full circle and I’m back doing digital project management. I think there are those people out there who are natural “deliverers”. Those who love the thrill of completing projects. It feels amazing to be back at it again and surrounded by a great team.

As for my personal interests, I’ve decided that I need to scale back on some of my activities. I’m waaaaayyyyy overcommitted.

Look for another blog post on this shortly.