It is official.
The Redskins have launched their new name and branding as the Washington Commanders. Granted, the name could have/should have been changed a while ago for obvious reasons (for example, thinking of my own identity, the St. Louis Jews would not have been a good team name either).
For a non-footballer (although I love a good Super Bowl party!) I always thought the Washington Redskins was for the state of Washington (come-on—anyone? Just me?)
The Washington Commanders? That’s clearly DC, the seat of government and power! It’s actually a BETTER name!
It’s change that’s hard.
There’s the internal angst around change and what it means to you personally. There’s getting used to doing things differently. And then there’s the external conundrum. What will others think? On the “other’s” question, the adage “opinions are like…” is true.
This is where being a micro-business owner is good—others’ opinions don’t carry as much weight. Because, for smaller businesses, personal and professional are so closely intertwined.
What YOU think, what makes YOU happy is an equally valid driver.
What works for you when you are thinking of change in your company name or services? And how do you gauge if a change you are considering will be positive and sustainable?
That’s a real question right now for me. I have a new name and branding coming down the pike. As it gets closer, however, I’m getting cold feet. “What will people think?” “What will I lose with the 17 years I’ve gone by Intercultural Talk?” (…and when society has finally evolved to know what “intercultural” is?) What’s are the risks and benefits? And, ultimately, what’s the excitement of jump starting something new?
Foisted or chosen, change is hard.
This week’s show, with Chris Bijou and Kelly Jenkins of IoE Corp, looks at where tech is going, and things we as small businesses or people pursuing life projects need to pay attention to, to be prepared. This is change foisted upon us, that we must embrace to continue to thrive.
Next week I’m talking to Debbie Saviano, a self-proclaimed career transition queen, someone who has gracefully, unapologetically and successfully changed hats regularly throughout her career, by design.
Leveraging change to grow.
What I’m hoping from both of these conversations is to learn tricks for managing through change and leveraging it all as an opportunity to be vibrant and engaged and serve in an ever changing world.
How about you? What scares you about change? What do you embrace about it? What tips do you have for managing through it?