👇You Deserve an Update
So you can start next year without hestiation
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.
Ps. Want to support this newsletter?
Book a 1:1 coaching session and let’s work together on your side hustle idea
Become a paid subscriber for $5/month and get access to archives & office hours
If you’re a business owner and want to run an ad in this badass newsletter, hit reply and let’s chat!
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.
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'
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
Block time in your calendar for each inventory task
Create your achievement tracking spreadsheet
Reach out to 3-5 people for recommendations
Take stock of your current professional materials
Start with one platform and build momentum
🙏 How to Support Odd Jobs Newsletter:
Jen Glantz here! Your support of this newsletter means a lot to me. I write and run this on my own.
To keep it an honest and spam-free place, I hardly ever run ads. So if you’d like to help keep this newsletter up and running, consider becoming a paid-subscriber.
You’ll have access to workshops (on-demand and live) and my coaching services so I can help you brainstorm and execute your own odd job or side hustle. Thank you, endlessly!