Hi Oddies,

Jen Glantz here.

I like the end the year summarizing who the heck I became at the end of it. When we started 2024, we were a different version of ourselves than we are right now. Even if this year wasn’t memorable or was memorable, for odd reasons, you became someone different.

Why does that matter?

All the stuff that happened changed you and it means it is time to update your docs.

Today, I’ll share how to take inventory on your year and then how to take that info. to update your resume, website, social media, and more.

Next year, when something cool comes along, you won’t have to struggle to get yourself together or make updates. You’ll be ready. You will have what you need to go after anything you dream.

Scroll to see how.

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Give Yourself an Update

As we approach the end of another year, it's time for more than just holiday preparations and New Year's resolutions. It's time for your personal brand inventory – an easier than it seems process that could define your success in 2025 and beyond.

Think about this: if you make these updates now, you can go after ANYTHING you want professionally/business-wise in 2025 without hesitation or having to do these tasks,

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In today's digital-first professional landscape, your personal brand isn't just what you say about yourself – it's the complete digital footprint that precedes you into every room, virtual or physical. Consider these statistics:

• 77% of employers Google candidates before interviews

• 85% of jobs are filled through networking

• 91% of employers check LinkedIn during hiring processes

• Personal websites lead to 84% more interview opportunities

Your Comprehensive Year-End Inventory Checklist

1. Achievement Mining (2-3 hours)

Start by creating a master list of your year's accomplishments:

• Review your calendar month by month

• Scan your email (sent and received)

• Check project management tools

• Look through meeting notes

• Review performance reviews

• Gather client testimonials

• Note any awards or recognition

Pro tip: Create a spreadsheet with columns for Date, Achievement, Impact, and Supporting Data.

2. Skill Assessment (1-2 hours)

• List new skills you've acquired

• Note existing skills you've deepened

• Document tools and technologies you've mastered

• Track certifications or training completed

• Identify emerging industry skills to target

*The hardest part is gathering this info. If you have some of it, and you’re comfy doing it, plug it into ChatGPT and ask it to assess it all and spit out a report for you to use toward updating your resume/personal brand.

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3. Update Your Digital Presence

LinkedIn Profile (2-3 hours)

• Refresh your headline with current focus areas

• Update your about section with recent achievements

• Add new skills and get endorsements

• Showcase recent projects in your experience section

• Update your profile photo if needed

• Request new recommendations

• Post some recent work highlights

Professional Website (3-4 hours)

If you don't have one, now's the time. If you do:

• Update your portfolio with recent work

• Refresh your bio and professional summary

• Add new testimonials

• Update your services/skills section

• Check all links and contact information

• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly

I love Showit to build my websites and love the platform.

Resume (2-3 hours)

• Add quantifiable achievements from your inventory

• Update your skills section

• Refresh your professional summary

• Remove outdated information

• Ensure formatting is current and clean

• Have a peer review it

Email Signature (30 minutes)

• Update job title and contact information

• Add recent certifications or achievements

• Include links to updated profiles/website

• Ensure all links work

• Keep it clean and professional

Social Media Audit (2-3 hours)

• Update bios across platforms

• Align messaging with current goals

• Archive or delete outdated content

• Plan content strategy for 2025

• Check privacy settings'

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4. Beyond the Basics

Personal Brand Statement (1-2 hours)

Craft a clear, compelling statement that reflects:

• Your current expertise

• Your unique value proposition

• Your professional direction

• Your target audience

Professional Headshots (2-3 hours)

• Schedule new photos if yours are over two years old

• Ensure photos are consistent across platforms

• Have both formal and approachable options

Network Inventory (2-3 hours)

• List key professional relationships developed

• Identify mentors and sponsors

• Plan networking goals for 2025

• Schedule catch-up calls with important contacts

Content Inventory (1-2 hours)

• Catalog articles, posts, or presentations

• Plan content strategy for 2025

• Identify gaps in your thought leadership

• List speaking engagements or publications

Making It Manageable

Don't try to do everything at once. Here's a suggested timeline:

Week 1: Achievement mining and skill assessment Week 2: Update LinkedIn and resume Week 3: Refresh website and social media Week 4: Complete remaining items and review

The Power of External Input

Don't do this alone. Reach out to:

• Trusted colleagues for feedback

• Mentors for career direction

• Clients for testimonials

• Industry peers for skill benchmarking

• Professional writers or designers if needed

Setting Up for Success

Create a system for tracking achievements throughout 2025:

• Keep a monthly accomplishment journal

• Save positive feedback emails

• Screenshot kudos or recognition

• Track project metrics and outcomes

• Document learning and development

The Bottom Line

Your professional inventory isn't just about updating documents – it's about taking control of your narrative. When you're clear about where you've been and what you've achieved, you're better positioned to seize opportunities and create your own luck.

Remember, the best time to prepare for opportunity is before it arrives. Start your inventory today, and step into 2025 ready for anything.

Action Items for Today

1. Block time in your calendar for each inventory task

2. Create your achievement tracking spreadsheet

3. Reach out to 3-5 people for recommendations

4. Take stock of your current professional materials

5. Start with one platform and build momentum

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