This is a continuation of my last post on rebranding where I asked if your brand needs to go to rehab.  Here’s part 2:

Remember, rebranding isn’t always fun. At times you may feel like a scrawny 12 year old caught in the mosh pit at a Metallica concert. Bruises, owies, and elbow jabs galore, but the next day at school you scream “They rocked!”

If you can accept the fact that it will be amazing at the end, then let that give you power for the journey.

If you’re an entrepreneur in the process of rebranding, or thinking of rebranding, then here are some tips to remember to guide you through the process.

1. Brainstorm first… decide last
Brainstorming is a lengthy process. In fact it took me several months to nail the name for Viva Visibility. I brainstormed on private bulletin boards with colleagues, I talked to friends, I had my webmaster send me ideas, I consulted books and resources galore.

The important thing to remember is NOT to decide too soon. Collect lots of ideas, study them, then PUT THEM DOWN FOR A FEW DAYS. You need to freshen your mind, like you’d clean out the cache of your computer browser.

2. Congratulate yourself on your willingness to change.
Just the fact that you’re looking at your business and your brand shows you’re willing to move forward. Celebrate that you’ve achieved the mindset. You’ll need a strong mindset to continue in the process.

3. At some point you’re going to get really pissed off…
As the great sage said, “The truth will set you free… but first it will piss you off!” For some people they find the new brand in a phone call, for others it takes months. Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, it’s time consuming. But note this: most people who rebrand hastily find themselves doing the process all over again 6 months later. I’d rather you get it right the first time!

4. Not everyone will love your new direction

I speak from experience here. When you rebrand, your old crowd may not feel the love of your new direction. That may be uncomfortable for some of you reading this. On the other hand, it may be a great escape route from a market that wasn’t bringing you joy. Gather up your fortitude and keep moving.

Sure, maybe you thought rebranding simply involved having a new logo made. Wrong! Rebranding is a form of rebirth, complete with screaming, crying, and tears of joy. But like giving birth, you forget the pain and discomfort when you look at your amazing new public presence and KNOW that you are being more fully you and able to approach your business with complete confidence.

If you have any rebranding tips or tales from the trenches to share, click “comments” and share away!