I always strive to simplify the process of effective personal branding. One approach that works really well for me and my clients is coming up with an annual brand theme.

At the close of each year, I take an extended holiday as a present for a year well done! In addition, it gives me time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t—what’s in and what’s out for the future—and time to marinate on what I’ll need to remain focused on what I want to achieve for the upcoming year.

I have found that creating a one sentence simple theme has a powerful result since they are easier to keep top of mind than a laundry list of the ever so overwhelming goals or resolutions. This theme keeps me consistent and ON BRAND! I see it as a theme (that changes every year) but, you may see it as a one sentence vision statement. For example,  Bill Gates — Computer on Every Desk or  NASA — Putting a Man on the Moon.

We don’t need to look at our themes on a daily basis, they just penetrate into our lives. We are either living our theme or not. Rocket Science it ain’t.

Last year my theme was “Brilliantly Bold.” This year it is “Camera Ready.”

After working behind the scenes as a successful brand manager to million-dollar top executive brands, my own personal brand is coming to the forefront in 2013—a natural outcome from the 2012 brand theme. See how it works? Planning exciting business projects that will launch this year, I want to be ready to step out and promote these. For me, “Camera Ready” means being focused and prepared for interviews, presentations, having on-brand head shots, clothes, hair, etc. It also means thoughtfully choosing not to take on projects and volunteer activities that are off-theme so I can remain open for explosive growth in 2013 and beyond.

What’s your one personal brand theme for 2013?