Are you a Good Kisser?

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Are you a Good Kisser?Have you ever felt like you are running yourself ragged?  I learned a very important lesson this year.  I was spread too thin! I had taken on so many projects and commitments that I never felt relaxed or truly productive.  I was jumping from one thing to the next and  when I wasn't actually working on something, my mind was taking constant inventory of all the upcoming tasks I needed to do.  What I came to realize was all this busyness was interfering with my most important priorities.  The question became, what to do about it?

I was reminded of the KISS principle I learned from my father-in-law.  For those of you who don't already know, KISS in this case stands for Keep It Simple Stupid.  Life can getting pretty complex when you are running a business and have any kind of life, especially if that life includes those gorgeous, demanding little creatures we call children.  We have about a million tasks and roles to manage from keeping up with business emails to coaching soccer to buying the one hundred or so end-of-year teacher gifts.  Then, of course, there is working out, planning meals, your book club, your kid's book club, designing a new logo, reading that new Facebook marketing book…  The list could be endless.  However, if you do not get control you will probably continue to feel tired, distracted and discontent.  Here are a few tips to help you be a better kisser:

1.  Get very clear about your priorities and I don't mean your top 10 priorities, I mean like your top 3-5.  Anything that is not directly associated with your top five should be cut out or severly diminished.

2.  End the love affair with multitasking.  There have been several studies out recently that prove multitasking is actually less efficient than single focused effort.  This is especially hard for women.

3.  Get comfortable saying "no."  Again, sorry fellas, women are very inclined to want to be helpful or at least be seen as being helpful.  It can be very difficult at first to turn down a request for help, but the more you do, the easier it gets. 

4.  Take the word "should" out of your decision making process when choosing what stays and what goes in your life.  You think you "should" go to ladies night out so you won't seem unfriendly.  If your main priority is your health and you need to get up at 5am to go to the gym in the morning, going to ladies night is not the best choice.

5. Learn to delegate what you do not need to do.  There are lots of things we do that do not actually need our hands on attention.  Make a list of what you can give to someone else to do.  For example, do you really need to be the one who attends every meeting or can someone else go and fill you in later.  Do you always have to be the one to pack the school lunches, or can you take turns with your spouse?

One last thing, pay attention to the way you feel.  How does it make you feel to be involved with what you are doing?  Do you feel happy about your job, your volunteer work, you family responsibilities, or do you have a feeling of reluctance, dread, or low energy?  Personally, I have followed all of these tips in the past several months and things have changed a lot for me.  I can honestly say I am now a better kisser!

Filed Under: Simplicity, Clarity & Focus Tagged With: , ,

Healthy Body, Healthy Brand

June 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Healthy Body, Healthy BrandThe other day I sat down to do some work.  I had actually scheduled this time a week earlier and reserved a private room at the library so I wouldn't be disturbed.  I had assessed my priorities days before and already knew exactly on what I was going to work.  I was really excited and proud to have planned, prepared and followed through with my goal.  However, about twenty minutes after I started to work, I completely lost steam.  I lost my energy and concentration and the ideas and words just stopped flowing.  I was so frustrated I finally packed it in and left.

The problem was I was TIRED and HUNGRY. Time is such a precious resource when you are an entrepreneur with a family  and to have wasted this opportunity was infuriating.   We had had a very busy weekend with lots of commitments and in the mix of things, I had failed to take care of my number one business asset, my body.  Without the proper sleep and nutrition I could not do my job.  

Fortunately for me, this was an isolated incident.  I know how important a healthy body is so I make it a priority to take care of myself.  As an entrepreneur YOU are the business, YOU are your brand.  If you are not in tip top condition your business suffers.  You do not have the energy to go that extra mile, your creativity suffers, your looks suffer and your mood plummets.  Not exactly a formula for success. 

Between the myriad tasks of running a business and the unending demands of family life it can be easy to put your needs last.  This is a huge mistake.  If your well is empty you have nothing to give.  You must make your health your number one priority.  However, it is not enough to just say your health is your priority, you must also take ACTION.  Here a few tips:

1.  PLAN and SCHEDULE your workouts for the weekon the weekend.  Be as specific as possible.  What time will you workout?  How long will  you workout?  What exercises will you do?  Cardio, how long?  Weights, how many reps?  The more specific you can be in planning, the easier it will be to follow-through.

2. PLAN what you will eat.  If you know what you are going to eat ahead of time it takes the stress out of making healthy choices, plus it forces you to actually buy the things you want so they are there when you are hungry.

3.  PLAN to get enough rest and go to bed around the same time each night.  Set your watch or phone alarm or set a reminder on your computer if you work at night to a time 1/2 hour before your bedtime to promt you to start winding down.

4.  PLAN and SCHEDULE some down time for your brain every day.  As entrepreneurs we are constantly thinking of the next thing that needs to get done or the trying to come up with the next great idea.  If you do not give your brain a chance to relax and recharge you will actually be less productive and creative.  Read a non-business book, meditate, people watch, even stare off into space. Just stop thinking.

I'm sure you notice a pattern here.  Good health does not happen as an after thought.  You must plan and prepare for it, commit to it and take action. If that seems hard for you, think of it as a business investment because it will truly pay off. 

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June 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Happy Father's Day to all you great dads!

https://www.clearvoicebranding.com/2011/06/happy-fathers-day-to-all-you-great-dads/

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Brand my Style

June 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you've ever struggled with what to wear, you are not alone.  Many people go into their closets, see their inventory of choices and just don't know what to put on.  They are unsure.  It's not always because they are unskilled at putting ensembles together, it often has more to do with how they are feeling.  "What do I want to wear today?"  "I don't feel like getting dressed up."  "It's not worth the effort." "I want to feel comfortable."  "I want something to make me feel happy?"  "Does this make me look pretty?"

While using your daily emotional barometer as a tool for choosing how to dress isn't necessarily as bad thing, I would suggest it is not the most effective way of creating a powerful impact with your appearance.  A better way to approach the decision of what to wear on a daily basis is to think of your brand and your projected goals.  Ask yourself "How do I want to be seen?" "What impression do I want to make on my customers?"  "What do I stand for?"  "What are my career goals?"  "What kind of people do I want to attract into my life?"  

When you start to think about these bigger questions it shifts how you make your daily decisions.  If you, for example, say your brand is sophisticated and modern and you want people to see you as a leader and a forward thinker, you will be less inclined to reach for faded jeans the next time you get dressed to meet a colleague for coffee.  Or perhaps your goal is to become known as the go-to person for financial planning in your community.  Next time you reach for something in your closet, ask yourself "Would you trust your finances to this person?"  If you are dishevelled or dressed too casually you may be repelling the very people you are trying to attract.

It may feel like what I'm suggesting is over thinking, however, it actual simplifies the process of choosing what to wear.  Instead of following the roller coaster of emotions we all go through, you can ask yourself one simple question.  "Does this reflect my brand and serve my goals?"   The trick, of course, is knowing what your brand is and where you want to go.  When you do, everything else becomes more simple, including getting dressed every morning.

Filed Under: Image Management Tagged With: , ,

You don’t get paid to sing in the shower.

June 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We all love to sing in the shower.  One reason is because the acoustics are awesome. Your voice pings off the tiles and the sound of the rushing water usually makes just enough noise to block out any tiny imperfections in an otherwise Met-worthy tone.   More than likely though, the real reason most people love it so much is because it’s one of the few places they can let it rip with complete abandon.  There is no audience to make us feel self-conscious or judge us.  However, there is also no one there to pay us for our killer vocals or spread the word about spectacular performance.

If you are not effectively getting your message out about your business you are doing the equivalent of singing in the shower.  You may feel all the courage in the world writing your business plan, dreaming up your big goals, or designing a your beautiful new website, but unless you get out in front of people and show them what you can do, you are an audience of one.   It can feel scary to step out and say “Here I am. This is what I do and I do it well, so well in fact, that you should pay me for my talents.”  However, the alternative to taking this risk is remaining isolated in a stagnant business.  Here are a few tips to get over your stage fright.

1.  Practice.  If you are nervous about launching your business or introducing a new product or service, find a practice audience.  Find a friend of friendly client who will be encouraging, but also give you feedback on your performance so you can improve any weaknesses.  Nothing builds confidence like experience.

2.  Remember your big WHY.  How do young marines find the courage to put their lives on the line in battle?  They can do it because they are committed to their mission and believe in the value of their contribution.  When you know why you are in business and believe in your unique value of promise you are more able to move forward despite any temporary discomfort.

3.  Be a copycat.  When we want to know how to wear the latest styles most of us pick up a magazine to see how the celebrities are doing it.  We learn by watching and copying.  If you feel nervous about putting yourself out there, find a few examples of people who you think do it well and emulate them.  What mannerisms do they have, how do they dress, how do they speak?  Even as infants we learn to eat, walk and talk by watching our parents.  Choose a virtual mentor and copy them.

4. Fake it til you make it.  Have you ever heard of method acting?  The basic idea is that you do an action and the emotion follows.  For example, if you need to cry for a scene, you make a sad face and you begin to feel sad.  This may be a gross generalization, but the idea is the same for creating more chutzpah for yourself.  Act “as if” you feel confident. Stand taller, smile more, act “as if” you are the most expert in your field.  People will respond to in turn which will boost your confidence.  It is a positive cycle which you can leverage.

You may not be ready for the Met just yet, but if you keep practicing, keep your goals in front of you, and act as if you deserve to be on the stage, you will find your audience and they will applaud you for your efforts.

Filed Under: Projecting your Voice Tagged With: , ,

Find your light.

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Find your lightWhen I was in high school I auditioned for the school production of "Fiddler on the Roof".  I remember the audition process very clearly as each girl sang and danced hoping to get the part of one of the daughters.  After our initial solo, the director would put us together in different group combinations to see how our voices sounded together, how we looked and moved together.  I remember watching some of the other groups audition and I noticed there were times when one or another of the girls would sort of disappear on stage because they moved out of the range of the lighting.  When it was my turn I paid very close attention to that light and made sure I never moved out of it.

Since then, I have done many, many shows and I know the importance of finding your light.  At high level professional companies they have lighting rehearsals where all you do is walk around the stage while they sets the lights.  It's so important. I'm sure we've all seen shows where someone moves out of their spot light.  They just disappear.

You do not want to disappear in the market place.  You need to be visible.  There a many platforms these days to express your brand and let the world know about your brilliant services or your superior product.  However, no one will know about it if you don't step forward.  If you just sit back and wait for your clients and customers to find you, you will be disappointed.  You may have the best widget in the world, but unless you promote it you will fade into the background.  You need to be bold, find your light and step into it.  You want to be the one your audience notices, not someone else. 

By the way, I won the part of Hodel that year. It wasn't the biggest moment in my singing career, but it was a very big lesson to learn that has paid off many times in many ways.  It can work for you too.

Filed Under: Winning Strategies Tagged With: , ,

Are you marrying material?

May 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We often talk about the importance of first impressions. They are, of course, extremely important. Great thought and effort is put into how we present ourselves for the first time in any situation.  Think about all those "firsts", a first date, a first job interview, meeting your child's teacher for the first time.  We put a little extra effort preparing for the first time we are going to meet someone we want to impress.  However, what about the second, third or even tenth time we have an encounter?  Chances are you relax into something less formal which is natural.  However, this can be a slippery slope when it comes to your brand.

Great branding is based in consistency.  You certainly do want to make a spectacular first impression. In business a great first impression can open the door for you.  What keeps that door open, however, is what happens next.

Anyone can look great and be charming once in a while, but it's how you behave and present yourself over the long haul that really matters.  You may date someone who is cute and fun to be with, but you probably would not marry that person unless they showed over time they were also kind, committed, caring, and honest etc.  You don't want to "date" your clients.  You want to build long term relationships with them.  They need to trust you.  They need to see you value the relationship.  You do this by continuing to put your best effort forward. 

Can your clients count on you?  Do you consistently respond in a timely matter to emails and phone calls,  or do your clients have to pester you for answers?  Do you continue to dress sharply when you meet with your clients to show you respect them, or you have let your guard down with your appearance?  Do you find extra ways of showing your clients you value their business or do you figure they just "know" you appreciate them?

Remember your brand is held in the mind of your clients over time.  If you want them to see you as marrying material you must continue to show them you care.

Filed Under: Personal Branding Tagged With: , , ,

Your Brand GPS

May 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We all make mistakes.  Sometimes we don't realize we are making the mistake until after it's done, but a lot of times there are hints along the way that something isn't quite right.  Those hints come to us in the form of feelings.  Some people call those feelings their "little voice."  I like to think of the little voice as our Brand GPS.  It keeps us on course and gets us to our destination in the quickest, easiest way possible.  If you are clear about your brand, you can use your inner voice to guide you to make decisions that best serve your goals.

However, there are times we all go "off brand" for whatever reason.  We make a decision that does not align with our brand, with the best of who we are or how we want to be percieved by others.  We get cocky and think we know better than the GPS so we make a wrong turn and go off course.  I recently did an audition where I sang as aria that was low and slow and the best part of my voice is my high notes!  As with any mistake the important thing is to get back on course as quickly as possible, apologize if necessary and learn from what happened. 

If you feel yourself going off course, check in with your inner guidance system, your Brand GPS.  What was your original destination?  Where did you go wrong?  Why did you choose to ignore the road signs?  How can you get back on track?  Where is the best place to turn around?  The clearer you get about the answers, the quicker you can get back on the road and avoid those nasty detours in the future

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MIrror, Mirror on the Wall

May 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

"Nobody thinks that they dress unattractively, yet when you look around, it is clear that some people do."–Elizabeth Gordon, author of The Chic Entrepreneur

From the clothes you wear, to the brochure you send out, to the website you create, you are projecting an image whether you are aware of it or not.  In order to "wow" your audience, your brand and image need to be stellar.  Here are a few tips to increase your chances of success.

1.  Know yourself.  What is it you are TRYING to say?  What message do you WANT people to get from you?  What is the goal of your marketing?  What kind of person do you want your clothing to reflect?  Knowing the answers to these questions is a good first step.

2.  Educate yourself.  We cannot be experts on everything, but thankfully we don't have to be.  There are thousands of books written every year on just about anything you'd like to learn.  Do you want to know how build a business wardrobe, master social media, be a better entrepreneur?  There's a book for that.  A couple of my current favorites are: Brenda's Wardrobe Companion by Brenda Kinsel and The Chic Entrepreneur by Elizabeth Gordon.

3.  Ask for feedback. Simple, right?  Yes, ask. Ask your friends, your colleagues and your advisers for their feedback.  Is your cousin a hair dresser?  Ask her opinion on your current style.  Is your neighbor a web designer?  Ask for feedback and tips on your website.  People usually love to help, just be sure you return the favor in your area of expertise.

4.  Get the help of a professional.  When you are ready to get serious about moving forward, nothing beats the help of professional guidance.  You can read a book on social media, but how much more helpful would it be to have an in-person tutorial on setting up your Facebook fan page?  You can read a book about fashion, but if you really want to shine wouldn't it be more helpful to get a custom analysis of your figure and coloring? 

Wherever you are in the process of building a strong brand, do not leave your image up to chance.  You are judged from the minute you step out the door or log on to the web.  When you are clear, consistent and conscious of your choices your fans will applaud your efforts.

Filed Under: Image Management Tagged With: , ,

A Royal Brand

May 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In the past weeks you could not turn on the television, computer or radio without hearing about the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  Some people were glued to every detail while others were turned-off by the whole deluge of information.  Whichever side you came down on, you have to admit it was an incredibly successful event.  It produced all the grandeur and spectical one would expect from a royal wedding, yet somehow it also felt real and personal.  That my friends is a great example of successful branding!

Ok, so it can be kind of crude to liken a wedding, one of the most significant days in a person's life, to personal branding.  You'll have to excuse me for the comparison (I guess it's the performer in me), but after all, when you get down to it, a wedding is a performance and performances are all about expression.  Of course, the main expression is the love and devotion the bride and groom have for each other, but many other things are expressed as well.  The dress the bride chooses, the flowers, the music, even the entree choices are all a reflection of the tastes and preferences of the happy couple and their families. 

Wedding guests take notice of these details and make comments about how beautiful the bride was or how tasty the food was.  However, when a couple manages to really personalize their ceremony with unique and thoughtful details, guests leave with a more memorable experience.  They get a deeper sense of who the couple is, what they care about and also how the couple feels about them.  Isn't that what we want our brands to do for us, to differentiate us in the mind of our audience?  We want them to leave our presence feeling a deeper connection to us, feeling like we've paid attention to the details and that we are authentic in the expression of the things that matter most in our lives.

So here's lifting a glass to Will & Kate. And here's to you creating your own spectacular, personal performance.

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