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Many people reading this post will know that I've recently gone through a rebranding exercise. I've shouted it from LinkedIn and Twitter. I've mentioned it to my friends. I've emailed nearly everyone in my address book. I suspect I've been obnoxious about the whole thing even though no one has mentioned it.

Starting Out
When I started Global Copywriting, I did everything myself. I have been in the business world long enough to know what a business card looks like. I know what a letterhead is for and I'm smart enough to use DIY tools to build my own website. I was running a corporate austerity initiative and feeling good about it. I wasn't about to spend money I didn't have – especially on something as optional as branding.

One of my first meetings was with a graphic designer. (You know where this is going, right?) As a copywriter, it's smart to find designers for partners. Our strengths are different and we cover each other's weaknesses. In that meeting, we managed to convince each other that in addition to a partnership, we should also become clients. I agreed to a rebranding package.

The Results
I won't go into detail about the process of designing logos, developing websites and creating letterheads. The man to talk to about that is Ryan Briggs. You'll find his name splashed all over my website. I would probably shout it from a mountaintop – except I live in Fremantle, which is at sea level. He managed to capture the essence of how I wanted to represent myself even though I had no way to articulate that. His rebranding is so much better than my original effort to brand myself. I can't believe I ever thought I could economise on something so vital to my livelihood.

Unexpected Returns
In the short time since I implemented my rebranding, I've experienced a sense of pride that I hadn't anticipated possible. Before, my marketing collateral was functional; now it's impressive. When I hand out my business card, it's with the same confidence I had when working for a multi-national software company. I'm actively driving people to my website instead of explaining that it's nothing more than an online brochure. I enjoy getting out and meeting prospective customers, but now my brand is doing some of the front-end work for me. I'm making a good first impression before I shake a hand, write a sentence or speak a single word. I'm working more efficiently – and that means I'm making more money.

Taking Action
I would recommend any small business invest in a professional branding exercise. In the current climate of media domination, how we look is becoming as important as what we say or how we approach our work. I consider my "brand" to be an important credential to my future success. It enhances my integrity and signifies that I'm a reliable business.

I'll calm down before long and quit spending so much time speaking about my new look. I'm so impressed with the positive changes to my attitude about my own business that I'm going to write a white paper about the subject. I'm currently researching the benefits of branding and rebranding. Look for the paper soon on my website. Don't worry, I'll be tweeting and shouting about that when it happens.