For the past year or so, I have been known as @2911Kyle (for those in the Twitter community) or Kyle from TWENTY-NINE 11 STUDIOS. Personally and professionally, I have been associated first with the company for which I've worked when I meet someone in the community. That is all about to change for me.

As of yesterday, TWENTY-NINE 11 STUDIOS has decided to close up shop. No more @2911Kyle, no more kyle@29-11.com and no more thousands of pretty 29-11 business cards with a now disconnected toll-free number and a position that I no longer hold. All of these components to my personal brand are now being removed.

What do I do next? I tackle my personal brand from a digital standpoint.

Rebuilding my digital brand (Small Steps)

1. Update my LinkedIn Profile Some social media sites and internet communities end up being great for building your professional network, even though they weren't designed for that role. LinkedIn however, was built for the sole purpose of posting your resume, making connections with those around you and having a way to digitally show your business clout to those who would be interested (new jobs, possible clients, those looking to partner, etc.) Professionally, this is always my first stop in my digital brand. Making sure that things are up to date, my write-ups still sound right, and I am connected to the people that I need to be.

2. Update my Twitter Profile Twitter has been huge for me building my professional network. It is how I learn about TweetUps, new job opportunities, and even how I got this job here at AnnArbor.com. I have spent months building my personal brand on Twitter as @2911Kyle. When people sometimes meet me for the first time, they have no idea who Kyle Stuef is, but they do know @2911Kyle. As of yesterday evening, @2911Kyle has been switched over to @KyleStuef [follow me :)]. I no longer have to post only about those things that pertain directly to the company as I am not representing myself as well as 29-11 anymore. @KyleStuef can be about whatever is truly on MY mind, and that is a little gratifying.

3. Update my Facebook Profile It feels a little silly to have this step on here, but Facebook is becoming a place where more and more business is getting done. The mayor of Saline added me as a friend the other day, so I feel as if I need to keep all things in order in the eyes of "the man." I updated all of my work history and chatted with a few professional contacts who I knew would be semi-affected by this change.

I know that there will be more steps in the coming days, but I wanted to share with everyone what is going on with me, as I'm sure I'm not the only one. I know that my digital brand is an important component in my skill set, and I wanted to make sure that the most popular components have been taken care of. If you have any ideas for me, or any questions about your digital brand or branding in general, I'd love to hear from you.

Don't contact me at: www.29-11.com kyle@29-11.com @2911Kyle 877-740-2911

Please contact me at: www.tinyurl.com/KStuef kstuef@gmail.com @KyleStuef