Quickie Personal Brand Workshop – 5 Essential Personal Branding Steps…

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Creating Your Personal Brand – Part I: Defining Your Brand

The most important first step in creating an effective, compelling, personal brand that drives referrals, buzz and word-of-mouth business is to DEFINE your personal brand as narrowly as you can.

Consider these essential elements:

1. What value do you provide (rather than what services you offer)? Here’s an example, if you are a personal trainer, try positioning yourself in terms of the result: “lose weight,” “get in shape,” or “get hot.” Keep in mind that to cut through the clutter, you’ll want to choose something memorable, something “sticky.” David Barton Gym uses “Look Better Naked.” Now that’s memorable.
2. Who is your target customer? Get specific. If you say “everyone” or “anyone,” that’s simply not defined enough – especially online.
3. In what geographic area do you focus?
4. What makes you different from your competition (your USP – unique selling proposition)? This is a tough one because a UNIQUE selling proposition by definition means that other people can’t say the same thing. So if you say “unparalleled service” or “top-notch quality” that’s simply not unique enough (because everyone says that). How are you truly different from everyone else? That’s your USP.
5. What are some basic key words (like “luxury real estate” or “small business coach”) that you’d like associated with your name?
6. What do you want to be top of mind for? From the above, create a one-liner that describes who you are and what you do, that you can start using in multiple places (more on where to deploy this later). For example, mine is “Michelle Villalobos delivers never-boring workshops, seminars and keynotes to help professionals – especially women – market, sell and promote themselves. Our programs are 100% performance guaranteed, or you don’t pay.”

Keep in mind that your goal is ultimately to be “top of mind” for something, and it’s impossible to be top of mind for multiple things – at least at first. So if you have a side business or have two jobs, you need to choose one brand that encompasses both, or just focus on one. Later, once your brand is established, you can start to expand your brand and leverage it into new areas.

Think of Martha Stewart, who got her start focusing on food and catering. Once established in that niche, she started expanding her focus to encompass “homemaking” in general. Plan now for where your going 1 – 3 years out.

Stay tuned for parts 2 – 10 of this Personal Branding Series. Want more? Check out our Personal Branding video training program at www.MakeThemBEG.com.

Michelle Villalobos is based in Miami, FL and travels nationally & internationally to consult on brand strategy and deliver workshops, seminars & keynotes, especially for women’s groups and companies marketing to women. 


What Is A “Personal Brand”… And Why EVERYONE Needs One To Get Ahead

Personal Branding is the process of developing a brand around your name and what you do. This brand communicates your skills, shares your personality and conveys your values.

Personal branding is a “must” everyone these days. Whether you are self-employed or working your way up the corporate ladder, Personal Branding raises your profile, establishes you as an expert in something, and increases your market value so you can earn more. Think of it this way: you are the CEO of the business called YOU. In this day and age ANYONE can and should develop a personal brand and deploy it online.

Personal Branding 101

The 3 key steps of personal branding are:

• Define – in a compelling way – who you are, the value you provide and to whom. What are you the expert of? Who’s going to pay you for that?
• Develop – create and gather your personal brand elements: everything from your name and the images that are “out there” of you (like a professional headshot), to the professional headlines and descriptions of yourself that you use on social media such as LinkedIn or Google Profiles, and everything in between.
• Deploy – get your brand out into the world through a variety of tactical means, like social media, networking & referral marketing

Ready to learn more about personal branding? Visit www.MakeThemBEG.com for a free 4-video mini course on the subject.

Who loves you?

Michelle Villalobos (vee – ya – low – bos)

Just Say “No”

Me working on a project for my FAVORITE new client: GKIC (Glazer-Kennedy Insider Circle). More on that project soon (it's WAY COOL).

For the first few years of my business, my default answer to most ANY request – requests for favors, free advice, “picking my brain,” meeting for coffee, unpaid seminars, writing proposals, “exploring potential synergies” or partnering on new projects – was “YES.” I was a “yes” MACHINE.

All those yeses got me into trouble. First off, I ran myself ragged – oftentimes for people and projects that wasted my time and didn’t pay. At one point I was working 90 and 100-hour weeks – without much to show for it. Second, I had far less time and energy to spend on the clients that DID value my time and WERE paying for the privilege of working with me.

Something had to give. I was forced (thank goodness!) to put systems in place to protect my time.

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this challenge, so I’ve put together a few of the processes my team and I have implemented, perhaps they’ll inspire you:

• First and foremost, I switched my default answer from “yes” to “no.” This doesn’t mean that I don’t take on new opportunities, meet new people or embark on new projects, but it does mean that I’m muuuuuch more discerning about how and who with.
• If a substantial request is and I’m leaning towards “yes,” I instead say “let me think about it and get back to you tomorrow.” This technique buys me the time I need to evaluate the opportunity (because some requests DO merit a big, fat “yes”) and, when appropriate, to formulate a thoughtful, and respectful (yet FIRM) “no”.
• Rather than meeting with and sending proposals to all whoexpress interest in working with me (the “old” way), we now use a media kit  so potential clients can see what we offer and decide if they want to move forward. Showing price up front filters out those who aren’t serious or whose budgets are unrealistic.
  

  The Media Kit that saves us from spinning our wheels...

• Have you met Toma yet? I’ve hired her to manage my calendar and ensure that important meetings and client work get scheduled. Delegating this simple task has released HOURS every week to allow me to focus on what’s really important.
• I set aside one whole day a week to do exploratory phone calls with people and prospects. This limits the amount of time Ispend on potential time-wasters.
• I no longer work for free. Period. And I’m much more willing to let business “walk away” because I know that the space that remains will be filled with activities that bring real value to our bottom line.
• I get so many requests for one-on-one meetings with people I really want to connect with – but I just don’t have enough time. So now I invite them to a small group lunch (max 8 people) that I host every month. If they come, GREAT, we chat and get to know each other, and if they don’t, well then I figure they weren’t that interested in the first place.

The upside since implementing the above?

Way better clients, way cooler projects and waaaay more free time for FUN. I actually have a LIFE!!

Plus now I have quality time to spend on the clients that really deserve it. Just one example is GKIC who I just came back from visiting in Chicago (with Badass Business Woman Jessica Kizorek). You’ll be hearing more about that project for SURE.

Speaking of Jessica Kizorek, here’s a pic of us after a hike with our favorite accessory – the Make Them BEG sweatshirt. Want one? Sorry, that was a limited edition – a limit of two, one for her, one for me BUT you CAN still join us for our all-day workshop on July 22nd. If you sign up now you get the workshop AND the Make Them BEG training program – a sweet package deal. Click here to register.

Remember: Just say NO!!

Who loves you?

Michelle Villalobos
(vee – ya – low – bos)
www.EmpoweredWoman.info
www.MichelleVillalobos.com
www.Twitter.com/mivi

 

 

PS – we are fleshing out our Google Places Profile, if you’ve worked with me, attended an event or hired me to speak please consider filling out a review here (click on the link, scroll down to reviews and click “sign in to rate”).

Biggest Tip For Effective Networking?

	1. The World Is NOT Your Sales Team The most important thing to remember in networking is the whole world does not exist to be YOUR sales team. If you want to create a network that refers a ton of business you must remember that networking is about creating long-term and mutually beneficial relationships…. not just leads for yourself. Serve others in your network long before you ever expect to get anything in return. Givers get. Yes, you are busy. But those who are the best networkers are always watching. They can smell a selfish networker from miles away. Connect others just because you can and you will be rewarded over the long run of your career. Thanks to Thom Singer of NYP Speakers
	2. Get Them Complaining, Then Offer Something Free! When I’m networking, I love to ask people if they are busy. They invariably say yes, and I ask what they are busy with. Often they have conflicting priorities, no clear plan, no delegation strategy, no time management or all of the above. What I’ve done is gotten them to talk about the “pain” that I can solve for them Once they’re done venting, I let them know that if they like, I’d be happy to give them 15 minutes of my time (I call it a Focus Session) to see if I can come up with a few tips to bring them relief. I mention that I have a 100% success rate. At the end of the 15 minutes, I introduce coaching programs and how we can work together further if they choose. Thanks to Mary Cravets of FindYourVAHere.com
	3. Effective & Creative Networking TAKE A PARTNER/COLLEAGUE – PROMOTE EACH OTHER I live/work in Washington DC and there are 100 networking events morning, noon & night. I try to get out in the mix. If I can I take a colleague from another company that I have worked with or vice versa. Having someone with you to tell of your success comes across 100x more effectively (and less arrogant) than boasting about your own success. This works both ways, and so in turn, we promote each other. We have real-life examples on how we have worked with each other successfully and these stories are convincing to potential new clients. What better way to have a real-life reference! HOST YOUR OWN EVENT Additionally, I was able (for ~ 2 years and counting) to host a no-cost networking event at the prestigious Kennedy Center (performing arts center in Washington, DC). The Center has a free (every day) live music performance in an open area with a light snack/beverage service. It is a high-class, beautiful setting, very well lit and great music playing in the background. By hosting your own event (at your office or elsewhere) you become a credible source and again, real-life references (my clients) are there to speak to my prospects. Additionally, the crowd is able to mingle and make business deals. It has been quite successful – costing me nothing but my time – and cost my attendees nothing but their time. Thanks to Jennifer Schaus of Jennifer Schaus & Associates
	4. Make Every Minute Count! Three tips to maximize your ROI: Professional name badges that include your logo. These will enhance your brand awareness while it helps you present a professional image. Never sit with your business partner. If you are there with partners, don’t network together. Separately, you’ll give your business twice the exposure. Practice an elevator speech that focuses on the most common problems you can solve. It’s not about what you can do. It’s about what you can do to alleviate my pain. Thanks to Marianne Carlson of Emcie Media
	5. Business “dating” Networking is “business dating” Remember that you did not tell your first > date everything to know about you, but were afraid to ask! So too, with > networking. It is about building relationships within the process of > networking. Thanks to Denise Beeson of BaySierra Financial, Inc/ Or Santa Rosa Jr. College
	6. Networking Tip – Paying It Forward Pays Off! Think of your connections as longterm relationships and focus on helping them – believe me, they will remember! Pass along useful information as quickly as possible. Constantly put relevant people in touch with each other . . . even though you might not directly benefit from that particular connection, it is still an extremely effective form of networking. People will remember that you kept their needs top of mind, not just your own, and most of the time they will later do the same for you! Thanks to Selena Cuffe of Heritage Link Brands, LLC
	7. The Best Way To Get Referrals And New Clients From Networking The single most important part of networking is to ALWAYS help others. Let them know you care. Of course, in order to help them, you need to know them well enough to be able to effectively help. I have been an assistant organizer of www.NYEBN.com for almost 2 years, and have gained many clients for my IT firm as a result. The unique opportunities to help members were directly due to being a part of the organizing team; the result is that those I helped, referred clients or became a client. Thanks to Susan Risdal of Enterprise Technology Services, LLC
	8. It’s Not About You. It’s About Pulling Others In. I like to meet people, learn about what they do and what they are interested in. This also gives me an idea of who they know. With their business card, I can follow up with a note or email, pass along an article or tip and begin building a relationship. After a few contacts they feel that they know me. Only then have I earned the right to ask for information, advice or a referral. Once you build a bank account of positive interactions then people are happy to help you in return. Thanks to Myra McElhaney of McElhaney & Associates
	9. Givers Who Listen Get High Marks For Networking Give before you get! When you give with no expectations just to be genuinely helpful it is amazing how generous others will be towards you. Karma really works. Be a good listener, people will tell you a lot if you give them the opportunity so listen for ways you can follow up & help them. They will love it! Thanks to Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls
	10. Get To Events Early When attending a networking event for the first time go a few minutes early. Often this gives you a chance to meet people as they walk through the door one on one. You almost serve as a greeter for the event. It’s much easier to walk into a networking event when you are first or only a few people are there than when there is a room full of conversations already happening. Thanks to Shannon Myers of Walton Search
	11. Networking WTF Networking is often categorized as “working the room” or “working a crowd.” I am convinced that networking is about earning someone’s trust, being the first to give, and only then asking for the business. It’s what I call the “Wow Them First” (WTF) approach. The next time, rather than ask for business or a referral, give it instead. That gets people’s attention, they’ll know you mean business and they’ll want to do the same for you. Thanks to Edgar Mejia of Conexion
	12. Authentic Networking Sincerity not Numbers Instead of thinking about networking success in terms of the number of people you meet at networking events, or getting big numbers on LinkedIn or twitter, think about Authentic Networking as making real connections with people that you would actually like to meet. Then stay in touch with them because you share a real reason to be connected. This is the way to both grow and build genuine value into your network. Thanks to Patty Azzarello of Azzarello Group, Inc.
	13. Get Best Networking Results By Being More Helpful 1. Listen (for example) to the Q&A at a presentation, then go up to someone who asked a good question and say, I like what you said because…. 2. Introduce someone to someone else they wanted to meet. 3. Walk by two people who are talking but not totally absorbed with each other, and look for a way to slip into the conversation–ideally with something that can help one or both. I discuss a number of forms of networking–both online and in person–in my 8th book, Guerrilla Marketing Goes Gree Thanks to Shel Horowitz of Green And Profitable
	14. Ask The “Million Dollar” Question Successful networkers are genuinely interested in others. Show you are by asking questions and listening carefully to the answers from the people you meet. Then you can ask the “Million Dollar” question. “As I go through my day I meet a lot of people. Please tell me, how will I recognize a perfect referral for you?” Doing this helps the other person understand that you aren’t only in it for yourself and that you are a great connector. It will also prompt others to ask the same of you. Thanks to Glen Gould of GlenGould.net
	15. Niche To Meet You! Before you plan the “how” you need to think about the “whom”. As a business owner it is important to ask yourself, “Whom, specifically, do I want to be known and trusted by?” Starting off with a smaller demographic of people versus trying to become known by a whole city will speed up the process of trust building and can help you consolidate your marketing budget. It is amazing the amount of information you can find on-line so search engines are the perfect place to start your research. The goal is to find out where your niche market networks and communicates with other people like themselves. Most groups and association have websites with networking calendars available to the public. Start with where your niche market physically gets together then expand upon that. Find out what websites they visit along with which magazines and newsletters they read. This will help you decide where to direct your advertising efforts. Where your niche is, on and off-line, you should position yourself as a resource. Do this and the trust will follow. Thanks to Sarah Cochran-Loy of American National / Loy Marketing, LLC
	16. Best Networking Tips My approach to networking is confidence (Yes, I say it like it is a tool). Confidence paired with a smile, eye contact and good posture. Confidence makes people think you know what you are talking about, i.e. your business strategy, competition, trends, how to solve problems and so on. Practice it, believe it – Success will follow. Not so easy? Start by simply listening. All good business people start by listening more than they do talking…maybe it should be called ‘reverse networking’. Thanks to Jenny Kincaid of SocialWRX
	17. Listen By Data Mining Then Share Valuable Offerings On-Line & Off-Line Proactive listening and connecting on-line and off-line. Research to identify targeted potential Clients and Partners then sign-up to stay informed of their needs and interests via Website, Blogs and Social Media platforms. Express gratitude for information shared on-line then reciprocate by sharing value added insights. Helps for you to stay on top of mind. When meeting off-line at professional events, continue to listen to identify more needs and interests so you can create valuable offerings. Thanks to Brenda Leguisamo of Social Biz Members
	18. Eclectic Colaborative Business Services My colleagues and I have created more than a network referral group. It is a group of professionals from various disciplines providing educational opportunities for each others clients as well as the community at large. We are doing a public presentation once a month on a members topic of interest. More information is available at http://www.cincybrg.com The Cincinnati Business Resource Group. Contact my self or Erika deStefano at edestefano@claimlinx.com Mike McCormick Thanks to Michael McCormick of MJ McCormick, LLC – Cincy Tax Coach
	19. Network With A Purpose Here are my top five networking tips: 1. Never give somebody your card unless they ask for it. 2. Wear your name tag on the right-front side, it’s where people naturally look when shaking hands. 3. Have a goal for your networking event. (e.g. collect business cards, make an introduction, get an appointment) 4. Never, ever “sell” when you’re networking. It turns everyone off. 5. In as little as 3 minutes, you can meet somebody and get permission to follow-up with them. Thanks to Michelle (Shellie) Seyfarth, PhD of Seyfarth Diversified Strategies
	20. Networking Shouldn’t Be Predatory The number 1 tip for networking I give anyone is: Its not about you. Networking sounds predatory to many because an easy way to think about it is”I need a job or I need a business referral”. However, if a person enters into networking positioned to understand and then share with the other person, then its truly learning about the other person and how you can help or support them. The pay off comes to you once you are seen as a person worthy of giving back to. Thanks to Dorothy Tannahill-Moran of Next Chapter New Life Career Coaching
	21. Pay It Forward! The best practice that is working for us is the “pay it forward” approach. We help business acquaintances, clients, and prospects without asking for anything in return. The help could be an introduction to someone else, a recommendation, a resource, or valuable advice. Without asking for anything in return, people naturally feel indebted to you for the good deed you did for them. They will “pay back” by eventually hiring us, recommending us, or putting us in touch with someone we need. Thanks to Aliona Groh of Hoyman Dobson CPAs
	22. Networking Without Sounding Like A Pig! No offense to the pig! The most effective networking tip is to ask a lot of questions about their business. I then ask an insightful & industry specific question about trends/challenges. If true for them, I might follow up with a recommendation on a book/article. If possible, I’ll email a link to them the next day. The point is to plant the seed of your knowledge. That’s when they start to ask what I do. Now I can be a little more brash-after all they asked! Thanks to Rob Jager of Hedgehog Consulting, Inc.
	23. How Can I Help You? My best networking tip that I have learned and implemented is that when you are networking and you meet someone for the first time, do not talk about yourself and your business, talk about them. Ask them how you can help them? Who they are looking to meet? Effective networking takes time and you have to start with getting to know someone so that you can build a relationship. Always follow up with a nice to meet you note, email, phone call, or card so they will remember you! Thanks to Michelle Morton of Michelle Morton.com
	24. Four Top Tips For Entrepreneurs 1. Be a savvy networker. That means, networking, talking, connecting with people everywhere you go. 2. Share your contacts freely. If you go into networking just looking out for yourself, it is not going to work as well as if you share and help other people. 3. Have an online presence. Get on LinkedIn (a professional social networking site) and optimize your LinkedIn profile. “It is the best thing you can do for your business.” 4. Just do it. Thanks to Dana Humphrey of Whitegate PR
	25. It’s About True Connection! Be you. Be authentic. Have a personality. Don’t be what you think the “appropriate consummate networker” ought to be. Have an interesting story that’s super short. For example, after introducing myself, I often start with “I started my career when I was seven years old when I taught school in my garage to five neighborhood kids I bribed with candy to be my students. Now, I’m a professional speaker and workshop leader. I also help women entrepreneurs use speaking to get more clients, make more money, and have a bigger impact. I’ve been doing this since I was seven. Be more interested than interesting. Be genuinely interested in the other person, and look for ways to support them. The key here is “genuinely,” not as a technique! Thanks to Ava Diamond of Feisty Women Rock!
	26. Be Prepared To Tell Your Story Bring a business card with you, but leave everything else at home. Instead, prepare your personal 60-second story — who are you and what are you seeking? If you can’t grab someone’s attention within a matter of seconds at a networking event, their mind has already wandered to the next person in the room. Thanks to Heather Huhman of Come Recommended
	27. Increase Traffic To Your Website One of the most effective tips is to distribute content related to the website’s theme. Properly distributed content easily creates more traffic that even continues to grow over time. Publishers are seeking content which is informative and educational. After you have attracted readers with an informative article, then direct them to your website through your “About the Author” box. Then Publishers are happy because they have high-quality content and you are happy because you have more traffic! Thanks to LACIE BURKE of Crooner Labs
	28. Don’t Be A “Biz Card Ninja” & Other Tips 1. Don’t be what top marketing strategist Olalah Njenga calls a “Business Card Ninja” 2. Don’t show up looking like you just rolled out of bed or worked out 3. Don’t wear beat up shoes. Shoes are a dead giveaway to your attention to detail and your level of confidence and success 4. Keep in mind the “generations” going. Matures, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials – know how to “speak” to them 5. Decide who you want to connect with and learn about them online & in publications 6. Don’t hang by the food Thanks to Eileen Batson of Batson Group Marketing And PR
	29. Stalking On Social Media Is Not A Federal Offense… In Person It Definitely Is! Make the connection, get the card and follow up via Social Media. Use Twitter or LinkedIn, not Facebook to avoid the eternal ‘non-confirm.’ Send a simple great to meet you last night, checked out the website, or even better use a cool app like Hashable that let’s you connect with others through a simple #with, #justmet, #meeting hashtag. Don’t write a long message on LinkedIn though you have more room. Complete your online profiles and let that info speak for you. Thanks to Lindsey Holmes of LCH Business SM & Tech, LLC
	30. To The Hilt, With ILT I’ve found networking (electronic, written, or personal) works best if one begins with a focus on the other person. ILT: Inquiry skills, listening skills, and transition skills. They create the impression you’d like to help, rather than self-aggrandize. So, when meeting someone new, I use some variation of this line: “Tell me about your job.” I listen very carefully and when I hear something that allows me to segue to my products/services, I then ask, “Would it help if you had ___________?” Thanks to Marlene Caroselli
	31. To Get, Give! Volunteer but pick an organization that either is related to your profession or is simply something you care about (animals, feeding the hungry, etc.) As you give of your time, tell other volunteers but most especially the people who work at the organziation that you’re looking for a new opportunity. They will be motivated to help you as you’re helping them. Here’s an example: a client of mine who was in healthcare marketing didn’t have a local network so volunteered at the American Cancer Society to help out with marketing one afternoon a week. There she met someone with a robust network in healthcare who was very happy to help her out. Through one of those contacts she landed her next job. Thanks to Jean Baur of Lee Hecht Harrison
	32. Be Sure To Get Out And Network In Person At Events Be sure to get out and network in person, in addition to networking online. It is advisable to join a professional association in your industry and attend networking events. While it may sound “old fashioned” these days, face-to-face networking continues to be a great way to network and establish and maintain connections. Thanks to Sharon Reed Abboud of allmomswork.com
	33. Networking Has Nothing To Do With You” Successful networking is all about making the people you meet feel comfortable. Too many people think that networking is all about them and how they feel. It’s really about making the people you meet want to talk with you. It’s best to simply ask them questions about themselves but not what they do. People love to talk about their families, their pets, their favorite foods. If you allow the conversation to flow you will be surprised how much you will learn about the person. They will want to find out more about you. After you have established rapport, you can tell them about yourself. Or you may just decide to leave that for when you have the cup of coffee or glass of wine. Thanks to Kathy McShane of Ladies Who Launch, Southwestern, Ct
	34. Mastermind Group Becomes Networking/Motivational Group On Steroids Start a Mastermind group of female entrepreneurs representing different occupations: attorney, accountant, financial planner, PR, realtor, banker/lender, graphic designer, etc. Mastermind should meet monthly for lunch, dinner, or cocktails and operate on the foundation of free exchange of ideas in a non-competitive environment. This becomes a motivational group on steroids, with each member pushing the other to succeed. Once bonding has taken place, a level of trust will be developed such that these will be your go-to gals for sounding out ideas, problem solving, etc., and client referrals will unreservedly be made to members as the need arises. Thanks to Cam Gittler of Coldwell Banker Previews International
	35. Set A Goal When attending large events instead of trying to convert each person you meet into a client or referral source, set a realistic goal to leave with 2 or 3 new contacts whom you would like to learn more about. This will take the pressure off of overdoing it, give you better success in the long term and you may find you actually enjoy networking! Since networking is about building relationships, find people you like and whose business is interesting to you, then let the friendship flow from there. Follow-up within 3 business days with a friendly email invitation to lunch or coffee and get to know each other. Just like you wouldn’t refer a valued client to someone after just having been handed a business card, don’t expect others to do the same for you. Take the time to get to know others and your network will grow from there. Thanks to Kelley C. Long of KCL Financial Coaching
	36. Networking Is Not Asking For A Job Networking is talking to as many people as possible to learn about companies of interest, to learn how they hire, to learn what people do and what skill sets are critical. Often when a need arises, people will call the person they networked with if they think there is a fit. Last year, according to the Department of Labor Statistics, more than 80% of all jobs filled were filled through networking. Put your energy where it will make the biggest difference. A few tips for effective networking: 1. Start with low hanging fruit: People you know – relatives, neighbors, your friends’ parents, etc. 2. With each networking meeting ask that person for at least three other people with whom you should contact. 3. Leverage your alumni database to make additional contacts. Your network should expand exponentially. 4. Keep careful records so you know who you talked to and when. 5. Keep your network posted on your progress. 6. When you see an opportunity of interest, let the person in your network who works there know of your interest and ask them to pass on your resume. Thanks to Lynne Sarikas of Northeastern University College Of Business Administration
	37. Biggest Tip For Effective Networking I think the biggest tip is to become effective at asking the right questions and listening intently. Fight the urge to talk too much about what we have to offer at the first introduction. We have all done it at one time or another, beware not to go for the sale too soon in the process. It is far better to focus on the other person, talk sparingly about our business and setup a one-on-one for later which will give us an opportunity to talk more about what we do in our business. Thanks to Rollis Fontenot III of Sales Coach Site.com
	38. There Is A Human Behind The Brand Businesses, services and information is viral and can make a huge impact on your promotion, brand and company. Small businesses utilizing Social Media Outlets help establish their brand in traditional and nontraditional online outlets, which in turn will increase your potential viral impact. Your readers can easily know what’s going on with you and pass your message on to friends with a simple click,RT and ‘status post’. Twitter and facebook are amazing toosl and powerful. People do want to know who is behind the brand, so tweet/post your biz but also make it personal. Let your followers see that you are human and have the same day-to-day that they(your colleague or customer) have. Social media is an opportunity to reach new customers quickly and you may reach an entirely different group in the online world than you would through other channels and potentially increasing your overall sales the least expensive way (which is important for us small businesses). Thanks to Katie O’neill of Kt Steppers Llc
	39. Stop Kicking Up The Sand! Some people don’t network enough, but may people network too much and without focus or purpose. This just kicks up more sand, adds to an already busy schedule, and drains your energy and resources. I suggest this alternative: before you put anymore networking events on your calendar or set foot out the door, hit the pause button. Take a moment to create some intentions on what you want to accomplish and attract (in addition to meeting more potential customers). Create a vision statment of what your ideal networking event looks like for you and your business. Who is your market and audience? What events do they attend? What time of day works best for you and your schedule? When are you at your best? What kind of setting do you prefer? Do you like large groups or smaller ones? Do you prefer facilitated networking or more free-form mingling? Do you enjoy hearing a good speaker? If so, what topics could help you grow your business and knowledge base? What topics are attractive to your market and audience? How many events can you attend a week or month — realistically? Creating a plan and having an idea of what networking scenarios are best for you helps you focus on quality, not quantity.` For example, I don’t find free happy hours particularly productive. I’d much prefer to arrange an invitation-only happy hour with my best colleagues and prospects than stand in a crowded, noisy bar with people who are there just because it’s free and there’s alcohol available. I also don’t like early morning breakfast meetings, although I know plenty of people who do. Lunch time is my best time of day, so I attend meetings where there are plenty of entrepreneurial women, which is my primary market and audience. I also prefer to attend events where there is a good speaker or program that interests me. And I find that one good networking event a week is just right for my schedule. What about you? For more tips on how to be more focused and selective in your networking, watch for my new book The Intentional Netowrker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business. Available this July. Until then, contact me at DeNucciandCo@aol.com for details on how to get 20 additional Networking Success Tips Thanks to Patti DeNucci of DeNucci & Co., LLC
	40. The Pool Rules To Networking Ever go to a public swimming pool? Pool Rules are always posted to protect everyone and insure a safe swimming experience. Imagine if there were rules posted at every networking event you attended, including association meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, chamber mixers, golf outings, and community venues. Have no fear! The Pool Rules of Networking are here! Follow these rules to insure you maximize your networking efforts. So Network safe! Know what networking is! Most people don’t. Networking is all about learning from and helping people. If you’re effective and genuine, the people you meet will help you right back! No selling- ever! Networking is about a relationship not pitching your products and services. When relationships happen so do sales. Everyone is NOT a prospect. The people you meet at events could become prospects and don’t assume they are. It is never about you. Always try to learn about the person (or people) you meet first. It’s only about you when they make it about you. Decide on a target market. Who do you serve best and therefore wish to meet? Having a target market will help you determine where to go, what to say, and with whom. Create (and use!) your elevator pitch. Good to be prepared with a punchy, memorable, different, statement about yourself and the specific connections you ultimately wish to make. Thanks to Michael Goldberg of Building Blocks Consulting
	41. Memorable Networking Tips — At Trade Shows, Conferences Or Conventions I never purchase a trade show booth or recommend others do either. Why? Too costly, cumbersome, exhausting, and almost always yields zero return on your investment. Attending trade shows however, is very worthwhile if you do as I do. Several years ago I decided to attend an industry trade show event and instead of purchasing a booth and hiring staff to staff it — I took a ride to the dollar store and purchased: breath mints chocolates toothbrushes and toothpastes highlighters post-it notes paper clips band-aids . . . you know, anything you might want, but forgot to bring to a trade show! I had labels printed with the conference name on it and Survival Kit written across it — in Military font with camouflage background. This was hard core. I meant business. I paid a concierge $3 to deliver the “survival kit” to each person on my list of prospects and clients room with a copy of a book I had written. No sweat. The ones that were returned came back to my room and I made a personal deliver to each and every trade show booth I wanted to visit. By the end of the conference, I was the talk of the town! Thanks to Nancy Michaels of GrowYourBusinessNetwork.com
	42. From The Bottom Up Sometimes it seems impossible to contact an executive or expert in a corporation you’d like to become involved with because they are so busy. Should you give up? Not at all. Rather, start lower on the totem pole. When I began concentrating on speaking full-time, one of my first priorities was to meet Harvey Mackay, author of Swim With the Sharks Before You Get Eaten Alive and Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty. He was successful, well-connected, knowledgeable, and local. But would he take my call? No. I asked my friends who knew Harvey to call or write on my behalf. Through those contacts, I made an appointment to meet Harve’s assistant. The assistant and I hit it off and learned we shared several things in common. Before my friends were finished making phone calls, I also had an appointment for breakfast with the President of Harvey’s firm. Networking through Harvey’s web of professional and personal relationships landed me my appointment with Harvey and several other meetings since. It never hurts to know the receptionist, secretaries, and administrative personnel who, once they know you by name, can hand you the key to the head office. The disadvantages? It takes longer and may require several appointments until you reach your targeted goal. Thanks to Christine Clifford, CSP of Christine Clifford Enterprises
	43. It Does Not Have To Be Just Another ‘Same Old, Same Old’ Networking Event Do you feel you are attending too many networking events, and not making enough sales? Turn every network event into an effective and productive referral process by inviting a network attendee you are interested to do business with, or who you feel can provide referrals to you, to a 1:1 meeting as a follow-up to the network event. It’s difficult to discuss business in detail at network meetings, but spending quality time over coffee, breakfast, or lunch, allows you to build a relationship, share ideas, exchange referrals (you have to give in order to receive), and sometimes, make a sale! When you do this often enough, your business and professional network will grow organically. All you have to do is leverage that growing network into sales! Thanks to Lin Engie of Transworld Systems
	44. Don’t Talk About Yourself! Many women get this absurd idea that they have to hard-sell in an aggressive testosterone style when they go to networking events, when really that just turns everyone off (including men!). In reality, we’re selling ourselves – our products are just a nice side benefit. Instead of walking up to a new face, business card thrust out and cheesy grin plastered on your face, ready to gush about your business — walk up, ask their name and what they do, and then ask how you can help THEM. Ask what kind of customers they are looking for, what problems they’re trying to solve, everything. And really listen. They’ll remember you as being different from all the sleazy sales pitches, and that will serve your business much better in the long run. The real purpose of networking is just that — to form a network of supportive peers, who can refer the right customers back to you (and vice versa). It’s not to wrench every last penny out of every group. That won’t work, anyway. Take the time to really get to know the other women entrepreneurs in your area, and you can flourish much more than if you spout off a sales reel every time someone talks to you. Thanks to Andi Enns of AndiEnns.com Public Relations & Marketing Consulting
	45. Change Your Energy, Change Your Life Networking, both successful and unsuccessful, is a function of your energy. Have you ever walked into a room, say a party, and been drawn to a certain person? That’s energy. We only connect with people on the same wavelength regardless of our behavior. To network successfully pay attention to the types of people who are in your life and the ones you want in your life. If you aren’t attracting the kinds of people you want to associate with take time each morning to be quiet with yourself and get to know yourself. Live consciously and forgo trying to force situations. Shift your energy and allow the people you need to know come into your life. If this fails to work, take a hard look at your life to determine what’s blocking you. Thanks to Laura George of LHG Consulting, Inc.
	46. Alycia Kaback’s #1 Tip For Gracious And Effective Networking One way to avoid being brash is to simply approach experts in the industry asking for help. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Most people are flattered to be asked for advice and to provide assistance for others. It makes them feel important and successful. However, make sure the people you talk to are qualified. You would not want to ask a homeless man for directions home would you? Advice should come from people already successful in the business. Consider conducting informational interviews, asking industry professionals how they got where they are in the entertainment industry. Talking to people who have already been where you are and surpassed that level is the ultimate networking technique. Don’t forget to thank everyone in your network who has been helpful to you, preferably with a nice thank-you note. It’s just common courtesy to show your appreciation for peoples’ time and assistance, and your contacts will remember your good manners and could remember you when more opportunities turn up. Read the full article here: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/alycia-kabacks-tips-for-networking-in-the-entertainment-industry-4127594.html Thanks to Alycia Kaback of VIP Talent Connect/ Kaback Models
	47. Help Others The greatest networking tip I learned was to be calm, see how you can help others and follow up. When you help others without seeking to receive opportunities will fall at your feet. Here are photos of me Networking with Celebrities https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.132966178487.135416.669338487 Thanks to Derrick Hayes of WOE Enterprises
	48. Advanced Networking 101: The Ultimate Secret Weapon For Building Your Brand While Building Your Netw I have been helping executives build their professional brand (while building their network!!)for over fifteen years. Now that’s a great way to network!That aside, productive networking happens when we take responsibility for the experience we want to have. Here’s one tip that I share with clients: Be memorable but not by informing and educating. Instead, try asking the best question of the evening! Rather than tell people about yourself which is probably going to be forgotten by the time they drop off their empty glass at the beverage station, make them feel relevant and noticed. And don’t fall into the networking ditch of saying, “What do you do for a living? Instead, ask “Without telling me what you do, tell me what you love about your profession? Truth be told, no body cares who you are or what you know until they know you care! And, when they know that, then you’ve got a chance of making a unique impression and building a relationship. Thanks to Julie Overholt of Julie Overholt Coaching
	49. Harness The Power Of Passion! When I introduce myself as a divorce coach, the most common reaction is a nervous giggle. I laugh appropriately and then quickly explain that my role in the divorce journey is client alignment. As part of the “divorce team”, I ensure the client gets the best education and information regarding the journey. When someone has experienced a divorce, personally or with a family member or friend, the immediate response after my compelling story is always, “I wish I met you before my divorce.” The greatest advantage I have in networking is the brevity, authenticity and true passion of my story! I completely believe in my work and the value I add to the divorce experience. I know my clients are better able to cope with all aspects of divorce with my support and guidance. Thanks to Sheila Brennan of Divorce Coach
	50. Network Mapping For More Strategic Networking One of the common beliefs of our time is: The more you network, the better. But while you can often get unexpected benefits from networking with everyone, all the time, it also requires a lot of time and effort that you can’t spend otherwise, for example actually doing content work, developing your product etc. What I found most helpful in being strategic in my networking is to sit down alone every once in a while, draw my existing network and ask myself: “Who influences how strongly that I achieve my goals?” That led me to undestand for example, that excellent advisors are more important for my business success than any individual client. So I make sure to maintain regular good relationships with those people who have given me good advice in the past. And that, to enter a new market with my consulting business I first had to phase out some of my old clients who were taking up most of my time and resources, so that I could make space in my busy schedule to actively network in the new market. I have developed a simple network mapping method (Net-Map) that is open access, so have a look here: http://netmap.wordpress.com for more information and start being more strategic about their influence networking. Using Net-Map, you can answer the following questions in 5 simple steps: Who are all the important actors? How are they linked? What are their goals? How influential are they? What shall I do about it? Thanks to Eva Schiffer of Net-Map
	51. Work The Networking Room Like It Was A Cocktail Party Of Your Friends. It seems counter-intuitive, but donˆt make the mistake of promoting or selling yourself to the people you meet (Boring.) The best way to ¯work the room˜ is to find someone and ask them about themselves and their interests. This usually puts the other person at ease. Ask yourself “How can I help this person in any possible way?’ Then suggest a tip, tool, reference, book, website or referral to help that person out (about any topic, not necessarily related to business). Basically, act like an “information broker”. Naturally, the other person will like you and your helpfulness, and ask questions about you and your business, and request your business card. Then move onto the next person. Thanks to Maureen Nuccitelli of Harmonious Life Designs Professional Organizing Services
	52. Join The Blogosphere! “My biggest tip for effective networking is blogging. It’s an extraordinary tool for connecting people to you and your brand. You write about what you know and your audience reads it to learn more about you and your services. Blogging is a very free community, it’s optional to read a post if you so choose, or pass it up in favor of something that better fits your needs.” –Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation. Thanks to Deborah Sweeney of MyCorporation
	53. Know Before You Go: 3 Networking Tips To Master The key strategies for optimal networking are the 3 Rs: Research, Rehearse, and Remember: Research Before you attend the next office party, speed-networking event, or participate in the company retreat, do your research. It could mean the beginning of a new business relationship, or an exercise in futility. Following is a tip to aid you in your research: Find out who is on the guest list of your professional networking event. With more people using social media and online event registration sites, such as Eventbrite, it is relatively easy to know who is scheduled to attend the gathering, including, perhaps the human resources director from a company you at which you are interested in working. Rehearse Rehearse and practice your “game face” before you approach someone during a networking event: The 5-7 second pitch: Create and practice your elevator pitch, an engaging way to present yourself, without the hard sale, or overbearing attitude, in less than 10 seconds. The pitch should always cover: The Who (your name) The What (your work function, volunteer leadership role) The How (how, if at all, you and the person with whom you are speaking are connected) The Why (why you wanted to meet the person in the first place) The Ending (conclude your pitch and toss the conversation back to the other person) During The Why: During this segment of the pitch, even if you are in desperate need of a job, do not ask for one! It is gauche and unprofessional to beg for a job from someone you have just met. The caveat, however, is that is perfectly okay to express interest in a position if the person with whom you network asks for your resume or says that you might be a good fit for the organization. The Ending: At the conclusion of your pitch, you should always have in mind 1-3 questions you will ask the people with whom you network. Remember, you do not want to drone on about yourself. Show interest in the other person. Remember Whether interacting appropriately while networking, donning the proper attire or timely follow-up with the people you meet, there are a few things to remember to make you stand out from the crowd: Be fashion forward: You do not have to wear the most expensive clothing and shoes; however, you want to ensure your appearance is neat, tidy, and appropriate for the venue. For example, if you were invited to a golf outing, you would not wear a business suit and take along your brief case. Always follow up directly with those you meet during networking events of any kind. My rule is to initiate follow-up within 48 hours. If you have made a favorable impression, the people you have met and talked with during the event will probably remember you. Finally, people love to communicate by email, and sending a quick note is appropriate. Remember to spell check, proof read, and eliminate the ungrammatical verbiage before sending the communication to the recipient. Always have an electronic signature at the conclusion of the email that lists ways to get back in touch with you, including links to your social media sites. Personally, I like sending hand written notes, a notion that is a rarity these days. If I meet someone who is especially engaging and thought provoking, I typically send a note to reinforce my pleasure of having met the person. Thanks to Kesi Stribling of KSG Strategic Consulting
	54. Say “Hello”! Although the simple concept of saying “Hi” can seem obvious and vague, saying hello is more than just the simple greeting. When you take the time out to say “hello” it means, introducing yourself and who you are, as well as getting to know the person you are talking. Making small talk and taking a genuine interest in their position/company will allow you to retrieve their information and brainstorm a need or idea later. Now that you were able to carefully research the person’s position and their company, you can follow up by reaching out to them with the idea. You’re no longer a stranger or a random email sent to spam, you are someone they can put a face to. You have also already established your credibility in your first meeting so they won’t have to waste their time researching if you are the real deal or just a scam. Remember you never know who you are talking to, or who they may know. The simple act of saying “Hello” requires introducing yourself, what you do and then leave it at that. “Hello” is not a sales pitch, it is simply building a foundation that you can successfully network off of! Thanks to Vanessa Fusco of SoCal Entertainment
	55. Know Your Stuff! Learn how to confidently tell others who you are and what you do. And keep it simple….I am a [blank - your business] that works with/helps/teaches [blank - target market] how to [blank - identify challenges] so that they can [blank - results]. Once you write this out, practice saying it aloud and practice often. You might also want to tweak it a bit for those times when you’re focusing on a slightly different service or challenge. When you can confidently and effortlessly tell others who you are and what it is that you do, networking will be a breeze! Thanks to Katy Tafoya of Success For Solopreneurs
	56. Set Your Radar Know who you need to network with, and have your antennae up for those talents wherever you meet and connect with people. Use Your Company’s Super Simple Staffing Support Plan © (available in the book, The Pregnant Entrepreneur) to help you identify who is part of your small business team, even if you don’t employ them directly. The tool includes professionals we all need access to, like a CPA, as well as business-specific resources, like a great photographer. By writing down the members of your current team, you can identify who you are missing on your team. Then you can confidently put the word out that you are looking for a person with a particular skill to round out your small business team. You might meet these resources at formal networking meetings, or you might connect with just the right person through more informal connections with friends and colleagues. Thanks to Darla DeMorrow of The Pregnant Entrepreneur
	57. Best Networking Tips Before you decide to sign up for the event ask yourself and do research: Why are you going? Clear objective written before going What are you looking for? Alliances Prospects Customers Who attends? Will you find the people that you are looking for? Presenting Yourself… Name Tag on the right side of our jacket Bring your sense of humor Cell Phone – leave it in the car, on vibrate, off or for emergency use only – remember – 1st impressions….the prospect gets to decide and the room full of people are watching you Business Cards – take theirs and spend time with it for a moment – be purposeful in handing yours to them. Make it a gift!!! Smile Exercise your ears give someone your true attention by engaging in conversation will leave a lasting impression; you will develop a reputation within the group. You will learn something! Ask questions strategically Follow up; always with at the bare minimum an email within 3-5 days…refer back to when and how you met refer back to your conversation. Look for an apparent reason to meet and talk over coffee. If you leave a voice message – let the person know when you will be available so that you can avoid phone tag at all cost Don’t list dozens of names in the To: and CC: box give purpose to the Subject box Voicemails are less than a minute long; spell check with your eyes and electronically part of your daily/weekly routine Thanks to Mary Erlain of LMI-Riverside

Have you ever been miserable at work? If so, why, and what did you do about it?

	1. The Walking Dead While working in a small division of P&G,I began to notice that people never raised their heads from the floor to say hi to you as we passed each other in the hallway. They were obviously miserable and it poured over onto me.I simply can’t work in a negative environment, so I quickly began lobbying for a transfer. Looking back,I believe it trickled down from the senior management team. I believe that life is too short to be miserable, especially with all the hours we spend at work. Thanks to Sandie Glass of Sandstorm Inc.
	2. Miserable Because You Don’t Fit? Find Out How To Be A Successful Outsider! Treat your differences like a product and find the right customer! As soon as Friday came around I was dreading Monday. I couldn’t enjoy the weekend because I didn’t fit in. I was the square peg in the round hole. After being let go because of my career-limiting; tie, three years later, I got hired by the same company but in a different location. I was really happy, making more money and doing a good job. What was the difference? This new “customer” valued what I did. Thanks to David Couper of Transitions Coaching
	3. Miserable Graphic Artist Becomes CEO, Film Director, Spy Trainer, And Professional Speaker Miserable outside my strengths. I quit to launch a media company, putting the 1st computer game in a cereal box, and 1st CD in Rolling Stone mag. I sold the company and directed a feature film that Warner Bros. distributed, and got hired by the US government to train spies with acting skills. Then started my current company SagePresence, teaching stage presence to business professionals. Look what wouldn’t have been, had I not strayed from my misery! You must follow your passion and strengths. Thanks to Dean Hyers of SagePresence
	4. Were You Ever Miserable At Your Job I worked in Human Resources Management for almost 20 years, advancing and progressing, but losing enthusiasm. Suddenly it was 1990, country was going into a recession (Bush 41 recession). There was a good chance that I’d have to downsize staff and then myself. I knew about outplacement consulting because I bought those services when I laid off senior staff. Had contacts at Right Associates — got an interview, got freelance work, improved my skills, started my own career coaching business. Thanks to Bettina Seidman of SEIDBET Associates
	5. Miserable? Being Miserable is the best reason to find your passion. My dad wanted me to be an accountant. While I was good with numbers, I disliked accounting. I wanted to do something CREATIVE! On the train into NYC I met a man who told me to follow my passion! It was my (then)new husband who encouraged me to take the plunge, get a “NEW” education; soon after I opened up my own design firm! It was the best misery I endured; 18 years later, I still love my work and the clients I serve! Thanks to Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID of RyanAlexander Interiors

It Was A Hot Summer Day In Boston…

I recently had an epiphany that I want to share with you. Bear with me as I begin my story almost 15 years ago…

When I graduated from college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I spent years switching jobs, moving from city to city (NYC, Boston, Concord, NH, just to name a few) and generally being aimless.

At one point I decided “wouldn’t it be fun to work in an art gallery?” So I walked into the nicest one, on Newbury Street (Boston) and asked if they were hiring.

When the gallery curator interviewed me, the conversation went (something) like this:

“Do you have any sales experience?” – “Uh, no.”
“Do you have any art background?” –“Hmmm. Nope.”
“Have you ever done anything like this at all?” –“Well, last summer I visited 45 cities in 60 days to hand out Dentyne Ice chewing gum samples on street corners. Does that help?” [See pic at right]

Maybe they were hurting, because despite my un-qualifications I got the job. So I packed up, left bustling Concord, NH, and moved to Boston to sell art.

By the 3rd month, I hit #1 in the Boston gallery. In month 9, I ranked #2 among ALL of the art consultants across the entire national franchise. What happened?

I didn’t get this back then, but in retrospect, it’s clear. I’d studied psychology in college, and in the absence of ANY art knowledge OR sales skills, I relied on a basic “Psych 101″ technique: personality profiling.

When people walked into the gallery and it was my “up,” instead of accosting and trying to “sell” them, I focused on reading their body language, adapting to the cues, and developing rapport, mostly by educating them and focusing on the stuff that they wanted to talk about. The sales followed. Lots and lots (and lots!) of sales.

The lesson that I see now, in retrospect, is that I was successful selling because I wasn’t focused on the sale. Instead, I was focused on building relationships, and ultimately TRUST. People want to do business with regular people – not with salespeople, not with logos, not with marketers. Moreover, they want to do business with people they LIKE.

To that end, one of the most powerful ways to connect with other human beings is to adapt to their unique personality type. Do you know the 4 basic types? If not, here’s my “secret weapon” so you can use it too.

***

First and foremost, it is important to understand that we ALL have elements of all types, but like a preference for right-handedness or left-handedness, most of the population exhibits a natural preference for certain ways of being over others. When we understand our natural preferences, and those of others, communication and interaction is just easier.

In addition, there are MANY different ways of categorizing personality type – The Myers Briggs Type Instrument (a 16-type distinction that, incidentally, my company is certified to administer and interpret), DISC, Keirsey Temperament Sorter, and many, many more.

Below is a SIMPLIFIED 4-type distinction* that can quickly get you to a place where you are recognizing and adapting to different styles. In this type paradigm, there are 4 basic personality types: Lions, Monkeys, Owls and Koalas.

The below designations are adapted from several sources, but the essence is based on my favorite: The Referral Institute’s Behavioral Styles model.

The Lions and Monkeys (top of the chart below) tend to do things FAST. They walk fast, talk fast, drive fast and decide fast.

The Owls and Koalas (bottom of the chart below), tend to take their time. They like to consider things more carefully and tend to be more circumspect in making decisions.

The Lions and Owls (left side of the chart), tend to be more TASK-oriented, whereas the Monkeys and Koalas (right side of the chart) tend to be more PEOPLE-oriented.

The below chart helps you by giving clues about how to adapt to each type.

So, can you tell which type you are? Let me know here. And if you have any questions, post those too!

Michelle Villalobos (vee – ya – low – bos)
(888) 531-3830
www.Twitter.com/mivi
www.MichelleVillalobos.com

Been Backstabbed? Have you ever been backstabbed at work? Tell us your story, and what you learned from the experience

	1. Shut Up About Maybes Got booked to teach a celebrity on national TV to paint-a-picture-in-5 minutes using my patented 4 step “Instant-Art” Method. Bragged about it – unfortunately another artist heard – called – used my name, got booked instead of me – and OF COURSE couldn’t guide the celebrity to look good and get instant results. AS excited as you may be, don’t let news out until firm – better yet – accomplished. I learned-made a contract to teach DAVID LETTERMAN 6 times on NBC-TV. REMEMBER it pays to keep quiet! Thanks to CONNI Gordon of CONNI GORDON ARTS FOUNDATION, INC.
	2. Think You Should Kill With Kindness? The Answer Will Surprise You! Experience should have taught me that I would be in for trouble when I was hired into a role temporarily filled by another competitive woman. My intuition quickly picked up her subversive negative energy, so I went right to work to dilute it with my more powerful strong positive. What began as smoldering ash, turned into an explosion! I learned that negative energy would have been diffused by simply letting it go. Adding highly charged energy- even positive- created combustion. FIRED! Thanks to Nanette Saylor of Wise Well Women Inc.
	3. Trust Yourself Still pretty new in the company, I was once intimidated into doing something incorrectly by a know-it-all arrogant ex-bookkeeper who years earlier had held my job for over a decade and who returned as summer help. When the mistake was discovered, she rolled her eyes to her familiar clique and laughed loudly with such superiority about having this girl here messing up. Lesson learned: Believe in yourself, have confidence, and always do what you think is right! Thanks to Heidi Diana of School Jungle: All Things Educational
	4. Boys On The Prowl After diligently working my way up the restaurant chain ladder to upper management, the new all male team that bought our company out decided women needed to be driven out of the company. I filed a complaint with HR & ended up being threatened by the Area Director. I quit & opened my own restaurant. It motivated me to stand on my own & now I am on the newest successful venture, growing real estate in Metro Boston. Some times back stabbing is the boost you need to become successful! Thanks to Lisa Flashenburg of Legal Edge Real Estate, Inc.
	5. Do Nurses Care For Nurses? “Do nurses eat their young?” Every year nursing magazines ask that & every year the answer is “yes”. I’m a firm believer in worker’s unions, and that striking is an absolute last resort- better to use Conflict Resolution strategies and take 6 months than to strike after 3 months. My first job I crossed a picket line for just that-thought it’d been hastily chosen. After I was the subject of pranks, gossip, and things purposefully undone by other nurses blamed on me. Lives at risk for revenge. Thanks to Jan Patterson of An Ounce Of Prevention

Freaking Out Onstage…

I’m a ham. I love getting on a stage and presenting. The bigger the audience, the more exciting, the more exciting, the more adrenaline, the more adrenaline, the better my performance.

But it wasn’t always that way. That same adrenaline that today fuels my performance used to have the opposite effect (forget “fight” or “flight,” it was more like “freak out” and “freeze”).

First, I used to try to memorize presentations. The problem with memorization is that the moment I’d get stuck, it would completely derail me. Another thing I did was create slide shows full of bullet points so that I wouldn’t forget anything… problem is then I’d end up reading slides. That would have been fine – if my goal had been to BORE my audience to death.

I knew that getting up in front of an audience and being a COMPELLING speaker would have a huge impact on my business. So I made a real effort to learn how. I took improv acting classes for over a year, I attended Toastmasters, I read books. I practiced. These days speaking is a huge driver of both revenues and leads to my business.

I tell you this so you understand what went into creating what I’m sending you right now. It’s a slideshow of the Top 20 Tips To Being A Compelling Speaker:

By the way, I’m also doing a Public Speaking Workshop for people who need a little more help (and honest, hands-on coaching).

Basic info here: http://www.TheSpeakEasyProgram.com.

Ciao for now…

Michelle

Criticism For You

Have you ever struggled taking constructive criticism like I do? I just found a clever way to learn from it and wanted to share it with you.

A few weeks ago, I gave a presentation and felt I had done a really good job. But when it was over, a colleague asked if I could handle his honest feedback. You probably know what was next. He proceeded to tear me apart (okay, maybe it just FELT that way). Normally, I would try to defend myself and give all the reasons why he was WRONG.

But this time, I instead tried to find additional reasons on why he was RIGHT! And with that little trick, I was taking the feedback in stride and finding ways to improve. In my case, one of the most valuable takeaways is that my closing was weak, and I could end my presentations much stronger. That’s going to really help me as I move forward.

The next time you are being criticized, try the same strategy. Think of ways to support the criticism – just enough to shift the context from “They are wrong” to “They are right” – it may highlight some blind spots that you didn’t realize you had and open yourself up for big time improvement.

Wishing you a wonderful 2011.

Michelle

Michelle Villalobos (vee – ya – low – bos)
Business Communications Skills
Speaker, Trainer & Facilitator
www.MichelleVillalobos.com

My Vacation

Some of you may know that I just returned from a 25 day vacation. It was the first time in the 4 years since starting my business that I can honestly say I WENT on vacation. Now, I don’t mean I haven’t tried, I certainly have. However, it wasn’t till this time that I actually felt like I relaxed and recharged.

I went to the Dominican Republic (where my parents live) for Christmas and New Years, then I went to Vail, Colorado to ski, and then headed to Denver, where I’ll admit I did work about 1 day.

I mention this now because if you recall my newsletter from last January (“Greetings From My Dream Life – Almost”), I struggled to disconnect and enjoy my vacation – I was waking up early every day, working, working, working… and getting stressed out.

Not this year!

What changed? First off, I learned to say “no” – to requests, commitments, favors and other demands on my time that interfere with my plan. This is probably the single most effective skill that I developed in 2010. Well, to be honest I am still in the process of developing this skill…

Second, I prepared everyone for my long absence, particularly the people on my team and those with whom I collaborate. I “enrolled” them in my vision for having a vacation, and as a result they were as protective (if not more protective) of my vacation “integrity” as I was!

Speaking of team, that’s the third magic ingredient. Not just having a team, but also empowering them to make decisions and get things done on their own, with minimal input from me. A team doesn’t have to be employees, either. I use independent contractors for everything from sales to assisting to graphic design, and lots more in between.

On the “con” side of this vacation was that work REALLY piled up while I was gone. And I know that there were at least a handful of people and clients who really resented my absence. Guess what? That’s just too bad. I needed the break and I’d do it again. Actually, I WILL do it again – about 6 months from now. I’ve decided that I need TWO vacations a year…

Let’s see how that goes

Wishing you great success in 2011,

Michelle Villalobos (vee – ya – low – bos)
(888) 531-3830
www.Twitter.com/mivi
www.MichelleVillalobos.com

What advice do you have for STICKING to your New Year’s Resolutions?

	1. New Years Resolutions When I am focusing on a huge goal, I change all of my computer passwords to be that goal.The reason why this works is because of something called, “priming,” which means that we are nudged all day to behave in goal-directed ways or not.Most of us don’t know that we are being impacted by words, music and people at every moment of each day and that those primes can make us happy, sad or zestful. Take charge! Choose the primes you want in your life, like goal-focused pictures, music and passwords! Thanks to Caroline Miller of Professional Coach, Author & Speaker
	2. New Years Resolutions I’ve stopped making resolutions and started making affirmations instead. I read them daily and are a constant reminder of what I am working towards rather than setting unrealistic goals and getting frustrated when I don’t meet them ~ this year a vision board accompanies my affirmations. Thanks to Michelle Morton of SendOutCards
	3. The Pros And Cons Of Your Resolution Write down a current resolution. Then, on one side of the paper, list out the ways keeping that resolution will benefit you and, on the other side, write down reasons that not keeping the resolution will hurt you. Review your list daily. This exercise will help you to look at the pros and cons of your resolution and to remember why you set it in the first place. It also allows you to keep it at top of mind awareness on a daily basis allowing you to continue to make the right choices. Thanks to Nicole Bandes of Golden Eagles Coaching
	4. New Years Resolutions State your resolutions in a positive way, instead of negatively. For example, for resolutions that have to do with your health, don’t say, “I’m going to quit smoking.” or “I’m going start exercising.” Instead say, “I’m going to take better care of myself.” It’s more powerful and you’re more likely to keep the resolution Thanks to Marc Tinsley of Tinsley Health
	5. Know Your IDEAL And PURPOSE Have a clear IDEAL and PURPOSE for the resolution that is not physical. For example, “I want to lose 25 pounds so that I can look good for my high school reunion” doesn’t often work because it is physical, short-term, & temporary. An ideal like, “I want to be the master of myself and my life” for the purpose of “having freedom” rather than being controlled by food cravings, can work. This is how I quit smoking after being a heavy smoker. I wanted to be the master, not the slave, of cigarettes. Thanks to Laurel Clark of School Of Metaphysics
	6. New Years Resolutions If it’s a reasonable resolution, I give myself a grace period the first month or so. For instance, one of my resolutions this year is to Reprogram my brain to think positive. But am I going to get there in a day? No! But every negative thought I replace with a healthy thought, I will be on my way! Thanks to Jacqueline Smith of Kiesque, Inc
	7. New Years Resolutions My best-of-the-best tip, trick or technique I’ve discovered or developed for STICKING to your resolutions: 1. Create a “goal” group. By sharing your resolution and meeting on a monthly basis, you are held accountable by the other members of the group. Not only are you accountable to yourself, but also to them. They also provide support in reaching your goal. A real win-win situation. Thanks to Susanne Alexander-Heaton of Motivated By Nature
	8. A New Years Resolution Really Can Equal A New You Set realistic goals and start small while thinking big. Use NLP techniques to reprogram the mind from within and automatically think the right thoughts that will help in achieving your New Years Resolution. It more important to change the thoughts that will create the new way of being in the new year. Success will come when the subconcious is acting in the manner in the manner one wants to portray in the world. Thanks to Vickens Moscova of Trendsetter Marketing Management
	9. New Years Resolutions I suggest that the trick is not how to stick to a new year’s resolution. If you have to “stick” to it, consider the possibility that you have chosen the wrong resolution. The things we humans do are the things we want to do. The trick is to find a resolution that you want to keep and to express it in terms that remind you why it’s so wonderful. Thanks to Mark Chussil of Nice Start
	10. Resolve Mixed Feelings For Success There are two related problems with sticking to resolutions. According to social psychologists, we only make resolutions (a form of commitment) when what we’re trying to achieve doesn’t come naturally to us and we’re not sure if we can do it. Moreover, we are by nature ambivalent creatures and frequently have contradictory feelings about doing what we say we want to do. So, be sure to identify and resolve your mixed feelings about whatever you’re committing to do before moving forward. Thanks to Karen R. Koenig of eatingnormal.com
	11. New Years Resolutions Or Solutions? Make New Year Solutions instead. A solution solves the issue once & for all. No need to Re-solve it every year! * GET AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY. * MAKE REALISTIC AGREEMENTS WITH YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO KEEP. * CREATE PERSONAL PRACTICES THAT WILL HELP KEEP YOU ON TRACK AND IN ALIGNMENT WITH YOUR SOLUTIONS. * ACKNOWLEDGE AND CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS! This is an area that a lot of people skip & when it’s skipped it contributes greatly to getting discouraged & giving up. Thanks to Bo Bradley of Manifest U! Inc.
	12. Just Make One Resolution. I have made resolutions every year and never achieved a full year with one kept until 2010. Last year I decided to only make one. My resolution was to watch no romantic comedies or chick flicks all year. (Long story!) And I actually kept it the entire year long! I think the fact that I only made one and didn’t get distracted with many others was a huge success – if I can keep one resolution, it inspires me for the future. Thanks to Karen Reyburn of Reyburn Photography
	13. New Years Resolutions What I have done in the past and continue to do, organize my home (donate clothes, give it a really good clean up, organize my files, fix anything that needs to be fixed, throw away anything i need to throw away)..I find that when my home is organized, it makes me feel like I have a fresh start. I then break my resolutions into categories(Health, Finances, Spirituality). I write them out and break them down into steps so that as I accomplish each step, I get to check it off my list =) Thanks to Demi Karpouzos of Strategical Coaching
	14. Advice On How To Stick To New Year Resolutions Tip Examples: Create a realistic weight loss goal and time frame in which to accomplish it. An extreme diet may help you drop lbs quickly, but it won’t last and will most likely cause weight gain in the end. Aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week for healthy, sustained weight loss. Thanks to Natalie Wolfrom of WordsInspire PR
	15. The Best New Years Resolution…. Don’t Put It Off Make sure you obtain coverage for long term care catastrophic nursing home coverage. How will you run your business? Most people are not prepared and do not realize that 40% of everyone in a nursing home now is under 65. And 1 out of 2 of us after age 65 use Long Term Care facilities, of which our insurance does not cover. The bottom line is how will we pay? The best New Years Resolution… The best New Years Resolution… Don’t Put It Off. Take time now while you are clear and competent to consider the elements of your overall plan for the management of your business and estate and your care in the event of misfortune to avoid having a court of the state step in and do it for you. No one plans to be incapacitated, but if you are, who will make health care decisions for you? Only if you complete a health care proxy can you be protected. Safeguard your assets: If you have concerns about your creditors or your children’s creditors, Trusts can be drafted with special protective provisions, providing you have not already incurred the debt. A homestead, the best deal in asset protection today is the homestead. If you own a home as your primary residence, for a modes fee, you can place protection on your home from creditors. And be sure to check your beneficiary designations, make sure the information on these forms is correct and accurate. And remember giving can reduce taxes. Thanks to
	16. A Time Management Schedule That Works After making time management resolutions for years, this year, I made–and am largely keeping–an ideal daily schedule: * Work for paying clients: 2 hours * My own writing, research, and marketing: 1 hour * Processing e-mail: 2 hours * Participating in social media: 15-30 minutes * Dealing with finances, bills, recordkeeping, etc.: 30 minutes * Office and household organizing and cleaning: 30 minutes * Professional reading: 1 hour * Physical exercise: 1 hour Thanks to Shel Horowitz of greenandprofitable.com/
	17. #1 Tip For Making Your Resolution A Reality Record your goals on your phone, MP3 player, computer (or whatever is easiest and most accessible) and listen to them morning and night. When it comes to goal achievement, remembering them is half the battle. Listening to them daily will keep them on the forefront of you mind. Change always begins in your head! Thanks to Tara McCausland of Tara McCausland Coaching
	18. Just Do It! My tip, don’t wait until January first. Do it because you want to and start today. Think about it… Jan.1 is the day that most people feel the worst. You might be hungover, tired, or guilty about the holidays. Definitely not a day primed for success. Do it when it comes to mind. Start right away. If you really want it, why wait? Thanks to Jenn Champagne of Bundles Of Energy
	19. Fat Chance Make compelling and fun goals around your passions in life. If you create them around something that you “should” do, fat chance they are going to happen. If they’re about taking something you LOVE to the next level, you’ll spring out of bed every morning. If you have a compelling enough why, the how comes easily. Create a passionate intention for the year that is the foundation of all your resolutions, then break down the big goals into bite size pieces, celebrating successes along the way. Thanks to Tamara Gerlach of Cultivating Radiance
	20. One JND And Your New Year’s Resolutions Abandoned diet regimens, neglected books on relationship improvement, dusty treadmills cluttered with laundry and stacks of mail – all damning evidence of our ambivalence about change. But change is possible! Researchers use the term “just noticeable difference” to refer to the small change in a stimulus (visual, sound, taste) required for us to register it. Forget about massive, heroic change. What could you do – right now – to move just one JND towards your most important goal? Thanks to David Nowell of Www.DrNowell.com
	21. You Asked For 1 But I Give You 6 – Sorry Couldn’t Help Myself 1. Use a digital photo frame to display photos of your goals. 2. Choose an inspiring desktop background. (Mine is currently set to this homemade image: http://jeffzelaya.com/2011/01/05/how-to-keep-new-years-resolutions-19-ways-to-do-it/ AKA: Create a Vision Board 3.Write your goals on paper and post them everywhere. 4. Tell other people about your goals. 5. Keep it simple 6. Fantasize how good life will be when they have achieved their goals. Thanks to Jeff Zelaya of jeffzelaya.com
	22. Call On Your Inner Butterfly Woman We all have cocoon situations in life that limit us from making changes. The visual image of a cocoon is something wrapped up and constricting, what if we view this stage of the butterfly as an opportunity to reflect on what is important. The holidays before New Years are like the larva stage of the butterfly one is over indulging in preparation for the cocoon stage and with it the hope of the transformational stage to come. Call on your inner Butterfly Woman, the cycle of life goes on. Thanks to Kristie Stephenson of Story And Myth
	23. Use Your Social Network To Share What Matters Engage your existing social network and try a new one! Everyone communicates by social network now. Mylifelist.org engages people in reaching their goals and sharing what matters. Studies have shown that when you write down your dreams and engage others to support you, they become achievable goals. The Mylifelist.org community is a safe space where people explore what is possible and share resources for how to stay focused and reach those major milestones you half-commit to every year. Thanks to Shelagh Braley of Mylifelist.org
	24. No Resolutions January is a time to reconsider and gather together. It’s a time to think about what is happening right here, right now. Focus on the present in an intentional way. Our present is an accumulation of all our past moments so by intentionally paying attention to this moment we can then have a more open and clearer view of ourselves and what choices we want to make about how we live our lives. Thanks to Dr Cheryl Rezek of Life Happens – Mindfulness
	25. Ditch Your Textual Habit: Use A Webcam To K.I.T. With Loved Ones People are always determined to stay in more frequent contact with family and friends but text messages and e-mail quantity can’t compare to the quality of good ol’ face-to-face conversation. Grab a webcam (such as a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 or TV Cam to call from your couch) and see how your loved ones are doing with your very eyes. Thanks to Kristine Lee of Logitech
	26. Here’s A Better Question…What Do You REALLY Want? 50% of resolutions fail by mid-January, because our goals conflict with what we REALLY want. We say we should quit smoking, but we REALLY want an excuse to take a break and relax. We say we need to exercise, but we REALLY want to avoid discomfort or inconvenience. So we ARE doing what we REALLY want, subconsciously. Struggle results from forcing ourselves to set a goal that conflicts with our true desires. The solution? Change your goals to align with your subconscious desires, or vice versa. Thanks to Todd Goodwin of The Miami Hypnosis Center
	27. Go Slow Go Slow. Sometimes when we make a resolution, we get so caught up in the big picture that we forget that real change happens on a day-to-day basis. And so to stick to your resolution focus on right now. Because if you do, then all of your right nows will eventually be the major change in your life. Ask yourself, right now, what are you going to do, today, to get you where you want to go? Thanks to Alec Borenstein of Coach Alec
	28. Use Technology Tools To Help Keep You On Track Whether it’s saving money or just spending smarter, CardStar (www.mycardstar.com) is a free smartphone app that helps improve your finances by letting you store and scan all of your loyalty cards on your smartphone, giving you discounts and coupons on the go. Instead of storing rewards cards in your wallet or on your keychain, organize yourself and store them on CardStar and keep track of things like your frequent flyer number in one easy-to-access location. Thanks to Charles Cooper of CardStar
	29. Resolve To Keep Your Resolutions! How do we Resolve to keep our Resolutions? Keep your Resolve strong by keeping your Resolutions short, focused and to the point! First, prioritize and short-list the most important Resolution(s). Next, Resolve to keep your Resolutions just for today! Then tomorrow, Resolve to keep your Resolution for one more day, and so on. One Day At A Time. Before you know it the first month, and then year, has passed! Short goals are easier to keep, and everyone can keep Resolutions for one day at a time! Thanks to Robyn Tauber of Couture Brands USA And Sling Couture
	30. Vital Vision It is vital to have Vision, Action and Motivation as a basis for creating. Take time to evaluate where you are. Create a Vision. Think inspiration, ideas and intention. Identify Action steps to take in your daily life. Stay Motivated. There is a direct connection between your intention and your ability to put it into action daily. Being intentional about your actions will influence future results. Stay inspired, motivated and accountable, and your vision will be fulfilled. Thanks to Jane Carroo of Clutter Coach Company
	31. Return Policy Motivation Every Jan I go on a shopping trip to NYC, it’s sale month anyways, buy a couple thousand $ worth of form fitting size 2 spring/summer outfits (NO SHOES/ACCESSORIES that’s cheating ) and hang them on a rolling rack in my room until my holiday 5 lbs is gone and fit nicely into them…every time I want to bake cookies or if we are going out to dinner, seeing that rack first makes me eat less and get on the treadmill more! I live in DC so returning would be a pain…. Thanks to Jill Mikols Etesse of Jackets&Jill
	32. Simple Solution For Better Sleep! HAPPY NEW YOU! This is going to sound like ‘pixie dust’ but it’s not..women everywhere are raving about Goodnighties! Great value too! No pills needed and washable! It’s my resolution this year for better health! AND THIS REALLY WORKS! It’s a new fabric that will help you rest, recover and sleep better! So if you are a tired woman suffering from a broken internal thermostat with night sweats/ hot flashes or aches and pains then this is the fabric for you! also helps with FM,CFS,Arthritis Thanks to Sarah Baldwin of Goodnighties Recovery Sleepwear
	33. Spell It Out! Thanks to Carrie Cheadle of Sport & Exercise Mental Skills Coaching
	34. Be Realistic, Not Disappointed! As the CEO of the largest network of fitness centers, I know that the only way to maintain New Years Resolutions is to BE REALISTIC. Too many decide to run a marathon or hit the gym 6 days a week. While admirable, these resolutions set people up for failure because they don’t account for real life and they ask too much, too soon. Remember,health and fitness are about being realistic, not disappointed! Take simple steps every day! – Frank Napolitano, CEO, GlobalFit/Author, Just Walk Pledge Thanks to Frank Napolitano of GlobalFit
	35. Sticking To Your New Years Resolution 1.) Connect your resolutions to your personal values – see how you can better live your values in 2011 2.) Keep yourself accountable with a partner 3.) Make the change for 21 days. One common belief about creating or breaking habits is that it takes 21 days for a behavior change to kick in. More on resolutions: http://social.successtelevision.com/pg/blog/karlinsloan/read/32300/happy-new-year-leadership-resolutions-for-2011 Thanks to Karlin Sloan of Karlin Sloan & Company
	36. Make It Public My New Year’s Resolution for this year is to give one dollar for every copy of my book Beat Your Broker sold in 2011 to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I wrote them a personal letter and I sent out a press release so that it would be easier to stick to and not think of it as a good idea at the time. I done the same thing when I quit smoking I made it public among my friends. By making things public we are held accountable to follow through. Thanks to T. Shawn Davis
	37. Visualize It Already Done! Visualize what it will feel like to actually accomplish your goal, whatever it is, and use that vision whenever you need it during the year. If it’s weight loss, see yourself at your ideal weight, wearing clothing you like, having more energy, feeling great. If it’s attracting more clients, see yourself effortlessly networking, connecting to new people and loving how it feels. Connecting regularly to an embodied, confident picture of your resolutions pulls you magnetically toward your goal. Thanks to Anna Stookey of annastookey.com
	38. Sticking To Your New Year’s Resolutions Too Many Resolutions. When you make too many resolutions, you can become easily dismayed because the list seems overwhelming. Focus on two or three big goals or resolutions and break each of them into smaller manageable milestones or tasks. By making the resolution more manageable, you make it more achievable. Thanks to Debra Kasowski of The Millionaire Woman
	39. KISS – Keep It Short & Simple Tips that work for me in keeping resolutions/promises to myself: - preferably in the presence of another person, like a spouse or a friend, write goals/resolutions/aspirations in a book/journal used only for this purpose (I have a book that I have been using for 18 years, it looks pretty raggedy) -talk about why it is an important goal/resolution/aspiration (again with a spouse or friend) -do not stick your journal high on a shelf so you can ignore it, make it your friend and revisit quarterly Thanks to Pat Chiappa of Spiritus Financial Planning
	40. The Easiest & Best Way To Stick To New Years Resolutions Start your Resolutions 1 week before the New Year to get momentum behind them! By having them underway before you start the new year, you will be more likely to stick to them, because you will be more into the 21-28 days required to form a new, positive habit or seeing the progress already! There is no rule that says you must wait until Jan 1. Hold yourself accountable: mark a calendar daily on your progress. Rate yourself on a 1-5 scale or a + or – of how you do. Don’t skip this part -crucial! Thanks to Jaxi West of Jaxi West Companies, LLC
	41. What You Resist, Persists! Be committed to a goal that inspires you rather than solely attaching yourself to the final result. When you are committed, you can enjoy taking daily steps toward your goal and stay committed even though you have some setbacks along the way. When you are attached to a certain result, (eg. a number on the scale), you are resisting “what is now” and coming from a place of un-acceptance and self loathing, which is a very unsuccessful way to start because, “what you resist, persists!” Thanks to Siv Sjöholm of Success Is Vitality (S.I.V)
	42. The Best Way To Not Break A New Year’s Resolution… Is To Not Make One! My best tip for sticking to New Year’s Resolutions is not making them. Instead, I create long and short term goals using the SMART principles (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound), and I review these goals when it makes sense for me. For example, I have recently taken up racing in triathlons. I set triathlon-related goals at the end of the season, for the next season. For business related goals, I set them when there are new developments. Thanks to Mariana Abeid-McDougall of Two Sisters Fitness

Slideshow – 20 Tips, Tricks & Techniques To Be A Compelling Public Speaker

What Sales Skills Can Women Best Cultivate?

Women have some great sales skills that come naturally. The trick is, how do you best leverage them?

 

	1. No Matter What Your Age May Be, Let It Be An Asset Instead Of A Handicap. In my case, I was in my very early 20s when I started my business and instead of letting my youth be a handicap, I treated it like an asset. Typically, potential clients would approach a meeting with me not knowing my age. Upon meeting me, it was very clear to them that I was young. Throwing them of like this was very much an advantage for me because I could then take control of the situation and confidently deliver an excellent pitch. Thanks to Cole Imperi of Doth Brands
	2. Natural Sales Skills That Female Sales Professionals Can Work The female salesperson has an ability to empathize with potential customers. This makes her exceptionally well suited to the needs analysis portion of professional selling. Men tend to want to jump right into fixing things and offering solutions. By doing more needs analysis to find what pain the potential customer is feeling, female salespeople can more readily examine the customer’s concerns and bring them to an emotional point where they are willing to buy an end to those concerns. Thanks to Todd Miller of Classic Metal Roofing Systems
	3. Kid, You’re A Natural Women have some things going for them that make them natural salespeople. For one thing, women are natural listeners – THE key skill for a successful sales person. Women listen well because we are truly interested in what the other person has to say. This allows us the opportunity to really hear their needs and situation. In addition, because we are natural listeners, people like to talk with us. We are genuinely interested so the other party feels free to communicate with us. Thanks to Diane Helbig of Seize This Day Coaching
	4. Develop Your Intuitive Abilities We are all born with 10 senses, the 5 physical and 5 spiritual senses of intuition, clairvoyance, clair-sentience, clair-audience and clair-cognizance. By learning to “read” potential clients and by learning to listen to your external and internal Guidance system, you can increase your sales by huge margins. We are all born with intuitive abilities but we turn them off in childhood so it is just a matter of re-learning to tune into this amazing Guidance system for increased sales. Thanks to Terri Jay of Terri Jay, Intuitive Messenger
	5. Be A Dead Head! No, don’t take up the wacky tobaccy and buy a VW van. But, take your cues from one of the most successful bands and give away your expertise as much as possible. The Grateful Dead were known for giving away their music and videos. Do the same, but applied to your field. Make connections for your target customers, give away your expertise, show them to where they can find answers to their problems, even if its not with you. People will remember you and word will travel. Thanks to Lea Richards of Pig Of The Month BBQ
	6. Ask And You Shall Receive! When you are sitting down with a prospect; the first tool to use is asking questions. Ask what their current experience is like with their existing vendor and vendors product, ask what they would change about it, then ask; what else. The prospect will tell you what they are looking for and what they are currently dissatisfied with. Start your questions with “tell me”;”what do you”;”how do you”,etc. Make sure you’re listening, because they will tell you everything you need to know to close them. Thanks to Amy Sangster of Muzak Focus Four, West Palm Beach
	7. Stop Spinning Your Wheels. Just Go With What You Already Know How To Do. When I was ready to leave full-time mom status and re-enter the workforce, I decided to start my own business so that I could still be mom first & schedule my days accordingly. I took a look at what I’m good at. Rather than trying something completely new, I realized I’m really good at..well… yapping. I like to tell my friends about the newest widget I found and build fans. So, naturally, my career in product representation & social media marketing made sense. I tweet & FB & build more fans! Thanks to Shane Shaps of 520 East Brands
	8. Yes, Virginia, It Is Still A Man’s World! I have been in sales for 40 years!! (Always on a commission basis). I have always been successful because no matter how much we want to believe otherwise it is a “man’s world” in business and I have to acknowledge that. Women do hold important positions but the mindset has not changed as rapidly as we would like. As a tip to women sales professionals: If your clients are men, learn about sports, financial matters (bonds,how money moves,Bernacke etc) and politics. They want to qualify you as a person. I have seen it time and time again. If your clients are women, you have to be able to walk in their shoes and understand their side of the equation. Empathize not sympathize. Thanks to
	9. What Sales Skills Can Women Cultivate/Capitalize On? Be nurturing like your favorite grandmother. Ask good questions. Listen intently to your prospects, so they feel heard. Give them praise for how hard they work, how much they’ve accomplished and all that they’ve overcome. Thanks to Carrie Hensel of Inner Circle Media

The 4 Basic Personality Types

How To Say No To Clients Or Colleagues (Without Feeling Guilty)

Sometimes saying yes, just isn’t an option. Saying no is unavoidable. So, how do you do it right? Check out some of these tips.

	1. Value Your Time, Put A $$$ On It, And Stick To It What’s your time worth? Too many people don’t put a monetary number on it. You are the expert. Your time as that expert is valuable. Once you have a $$$ hourly rate for your time, you can very easily convey something like this. “I’m flattered that you asked for my help. I charge $XX per hour for my time. As the expert in “insert topic/field here”, I get lots of requests for my time. Unfortunately, because of that I’m very busy. Let me know when you’d like to schedule time at my rate.” Thanks to Jim Kukral of The Attention Formula
	2. Say “No” Because You Said “Yes” People who have a hard time saying no can hurt their teams and themselves in various ways. For those folks, one of my rules is, “One ‘yes’ at a time.” If you have already taken on one extra task or promised significant help to one teammate, here’s the answer to the next request you get: “I would love to help, but I have already promised to (name the action here). If you can wait until (the due date for said action), I’ll be happy to help you then.” You’ll still come across as a good team player. Thanks to Jim Morgan of TeamTrainers Consulting
	3. Let Me Introduce You To My Little Friend… I simply tell a client my plate is very full and that I won’t have any availability for the next several months. Then, I give them the names of other, equally-qualified writers and offer to introduce them via email. It keeps me from doing work I don’t want to do, yet not look like the bad person with clients. Thanks to Nichole Bazemore of Simply Stated Solutions
	4. How To Say NO. And Have It Stick 1.Politely explain that you can not do it and why. E.g. Sorry I can’t give you an extra discount on that item. 2.Elaborate as is necessary to make the point. Do not over explain. E.g.Our margin is already so low on that we carry it primarily as a service to our customers, not as a money-maker. 3. Explain what you can do. E.g. If you purchase the complete package however, with the carrying case and accessory package, I can give you an additional 20 percent discount on that. Thanks to Barry Maher of Barry Maher & Associates
	5. Be Kind I’m in sales. I’ve heard “no” a lot of different ways; from surly to sweet. Kind ways to say, “No”: “I’m sorry . . . * we’re going to have to pass on this opportunity for now.” * it’s not the right time for our company.” * corporate won’t go for it.” (deferring to a higher power) * it doesn’t fit in with our (budget, policy, etc.) at this time. Sometimes people forget they’re talking to a real person if it’s a phone call. Be cordial–as if they’re sitting right there. Thanks to Hali Chambers of John Morgan Seminars
	6. Just Say No + Give An Alternative My best tip for saying “No” without the associated guilt is to say no, and then offer the person a resource or next step they might find helpful. (Example: another organization/company they can partner with, another organization providing the same type of service, or another person who might be looking for a partnership opportunity). Thanks to Mary Horowitz of NC LEAP / North Carolina Bar Association
	7. Say ‘No’ With A Smile Clear boundaries of what you will do focusing on making the language neutral. Examples: I’d love to help you with that and I am available from 2-3 today to discuss’. Instead of ‘I can help you!’ ‘This position/idea/decision/ is interesting but my concern is…’ instead of ‘I disagree, this idea is …’ ‘I feel uncomfortable being asked to stay until 8 pm on this project…’ Thanks to Zele Avradopoulos of ZOrganize
	8. It Doesn’t Fit The Path Keep your vision and goals in the forefront of your mind at all times. When confronted with a request that doesn’t map with your vision and goals you can easily say ‘I’m sorry I can not do that for you. It does not fit with my current path for my business.’ And then help them find someone who can help them if that’s possible. Thanks to Diane Helbig of Seize This Day Coaching
	9. Tell Them Yes To What You Can Do One of the most effective methods of telling someone “no” without feeling guilty you’re souring the relationship is to inform the customer how you can say “yes”. Rather than saying, “No, I cannot be there for four hours tomorrow morning,” you can say, “To carve out four hours I need at least two days notice. Do you want to schedule that now?” Exceptional customer service – and this is what we are talking about – is not only about the “yes” and “no”, it is about appropriate expectations. Thanks to Brian Vinson of TRC Engineering Services, Inc.
	10. Saying ‘No’ With Grace. Begin with a simple ‘Thank you for…’ – perhaps taking interest in the product, visiting the store, offering the job etc as this will lower the other person’s defenses and they will be more likely to remain open to future relationship. Next step is to begin with an ‘I statement’ regarding how you feel about the situation. For example ‘I feel very honoured you considered me for ……but….’ and follow with any negative input. Thanks to Anne Laidlaw of Shiloh Trust
	11. How To Tell Someone You’re Too Busy For Them Right Now No one wants to feel like they’re at the bottom of your list. Try something like this: “Right now, all my attention is focused on serving (my/our) current (customers/partners). If we have the opportunity to work together in the future, I know you’ll appreciate that same level of commitment.” That doesn’t work for current customers and partners, of course, but it’s a graceful way to turn down business or partnership opportunities without offending them or closing the door for the future. Thanks to Scott Allen of OneCoach
	12. Say No With A Smile…. When working with clients…I do my best to develop clear defined policies…mostly for myself. They give me something black and white to use in …especially…difficult situations…Policies help me to keep my emotions in tact…and to be able to say NO without guilt. Thanks to Sally Gilchrest-Unrau of samsweirdafternoon.wordpress.com
	13. Saying NO- Brother Can You Spare A Reason? When I have to say the big N-0, I make sure to give a clear explanation as to why it can’t be done, offer reasonable alternatives, and if applicable explain the current list of projects I’m working with the client and offer to put one on the back burner and replace it with the current request. Thanks to Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting
	14. The act of saying no is important to separate from feeling guilty. Feeling guilty is appropriate when you do something with the intention of deceiving or hurting someone else. Saying no is a refusal not a rejection and must be communication that way to avoid hard feelings. A business refusal is not the same thing as a personal rejection and it is important to know the difference. It is understandable to feel badly that you must say no, although not to go down the road of guilt. How we presently handle a situation today determines what will happen the next time. If you feel pressured to make choices that compromise your integrity, you may want to question the request rather then the answer. Thanks to Lisa Brateman of Lisa Brateman, NYC Psychotherapist, The Relationship Specialist

Plugging Your Business Without Being Shameless

How do you promote your business without self-promotion?  Check out some of these tips that may help people become more “aware” of your business without the obvious sales- “woman”-ship.

	1. Let Your Customers Talk For You! It’s true. In sales there’s nothing that works better than having your customers talk about you. Think about it. Instead of you trying to convince a potential customer how awesome you are, why not find a way to have your customers do it for you? A great way to make this happen is on video. Send your top 5 clients a Flip camera. Ask them to record a short message about why they do business with you. Tell them to keep the camera, just send the footage. Take those videos and promote them! Thanks to Jim Kukral of The Attention Formula
	2. Self Promotion By Promoting Others One of the best ways to promote yourself is to promote others instead. It’s business karma…give without expecting to receive. Sometimes people reciprocate, sometimes they don’t. Either way, it’s a good thing because you are letting those who listen to you know about businesses and resources that you believe in and can benefit them, and that is providing value. If you provide value, you increase your customer loyalty. Loyal customers talk about you, and your business grows. Simple. Thanks to Norma Maxwell of Norma Maxwell Internet Marketing | Web Design
	3. Get Real: Developing A Real & Relatable Social Media Presence For Your Business When promoting yourself or your business it’s important to engage with the ever-growing social media community. With this format, there is a fine line between being shameless and not. When using social media as a tool for branding and marketing yourself or your business, it’s of the utmost importance that a thorough plan is created — before logging on. Start with the end-goal in mind; and let that be your guide to social media success. To avoid the cheese factor, your output needs to be consistent and focused on perpetuating your brand. Skip the minor updates, but when big things are happening, let your fans and followers join the conversation. Another key to getting your brand noticed on the social media superhighway without getting eye rolls ; acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your friends,fans and “followers.Respond thoughtfully to their questions and feedback, too, as this establishes a dimensional relationship with the very people that give your business meaning. Thanks to Lauri Flaquer of Saltar Solutions
	4. Add A Quote Ask a college professor or high school teacher, a professional in your field or a community leader to test drive what you are trying to sell, whether a product or a service. If there is no product yet, those people who know your abilities may still be sources for quotes regarding your gifts and talents. If you can secure a brief endorsement or a positive quote, add it to your resume. Avoid wordy quotes, and use only something that reflects your potential. Thanks to Randall Murphree of American Family Association
	5. Let Yourself Be Heard! Radio blogs are forever in need of new guests. Check out blogs in your field – check out blog talk radio to see sorts of guests being aired. You’ll not only be on air, you’ll also be available on line and the podcast stays a long time. Use some of it on your website or blog, promote it on facebook. Discuss a product you wish to promote, tieing in with the host’s subject. If you have written a book, you can direct listeners to it. Be upbeat and helpful, and its a win/win situation. Thanks to Francine L. Trevens of TnT Classic Books
	6. Want Attention? Become A Go-to Source. Very few people are really interested when you start talking about yourself. (Spoiler: this includes friends.) However, there are tons of opportunities every day to contribute to legitimate publications that allow you to get your story out. By contributing to HelpAReporter.com, for example, I’ve scored some really nice interview opportunities. It isn’t shameless self-promotion since I’m responding to specific requests – providing an aid and a resource as opposed to just a “pitch.” Thanks to Erin Deighan of Actress, Voice Artist, Singer
	7. You Want Attraction Power And To Be Known As An Expert I promote myself by first promoting others. I read articles, blogs and send them out to my social media contacts and clients. Thanks to Cindy ODonnell of Living Insurance Solutions
	8. It Is And Is Not About You. Speak portraying historical characters who achieved important successes in leadership, team building, motivation, ethics, etc. You can then laud them and their contributions without it being only about you. Human nature is unchanging, though technology is ever-changing, thus classic successes of the past are recycleable for contemporary audiences. In fact, why would it need to be about you anyway? Humans have flaws and virtues, strengths and weaknesses. It’s really all about ideas anyway. Thanks to Richard Cheatham of Living History Associates, Ltd.
	9. Balance The Shame With The Content And Get It Out Of The Way. If you are going for the shameless plug do it in the introduction, I got this tip from British TV presenter Michael Parkinson. It also removes the pressure of how you are going to get the plug in. Once you have plugged your business reward the listener with great content. Fail to reward makes you an oppertunistic waste of time. People will remember you as good or bad. Which one is up to you. If you are going to plug yourself again, make a joke of it. Don’t waste people’s time. Thanks to Craig Griffiths of Ask Find Buy
	10. Self-Branding Can Lead To Effective Self-Promotion Your personal brand reflects the characteristics you want the public to see, regardless of who that public is. Every adult has the opportunity to create their own brand, and can have their name legally changed with a simple hearing by a judge and some basic paperwork – as long as the reason has nothing to do with your need to evade the law or debt of any kind, have at it. Entertainers do it all the time – would you tune in to watch Larry Zeiger interview celebrities? But before retirement, Larry King pulled in the occasional viewer on a regular basis. Go figure. Some internal reflection is in order when choosing your personal brand. Give it some thought, understand that it has to be viewed by the world at large and have some meaning, then back up the moniker with the attributes you hold in highest regard, consistently. Now you’re talking branding . . . Thanks to David Poulos of Granite Partners
	11. Brand Yourself As The Industry Leader Without Making It About You You can gain vast exposure and recognition by branding yourself as an industry leader, without overtly self-promoting yourself. Serve as a speaker for industry conferences, join an industry board of directors, write industry articles, case studies and white papers for publication on blogs, websites, newspapers and magazines, Twitter information about topics that don’t promote your company, but are relevant to your followers, and support your community through volunteer efforts. Thanks to Greg Jenkins of Bravo Productions
	12. Shamelessly Promoting My Blog As an author of a food blog specializing in cooking contests, promotional food related videos, and social marketing strategy for restaurants and culinary companies, part of my work is to promote my website to everyone I see. Sometimes I feel guilty that I do events just to get a plug in for my site or contests, but it turns out that when I have speaking engagements, that’s actually what people want to hear about. I get to talk about great food and drink, then refer people to biteandbooze.com! Thanks to Jay Ducote of Bite And Booze
	13. Anything But Shameless! Volunteer your services or donate your products! You get to work with highly influential community leaders, show off your talents, make tons of fans/followers, and reap personal growth! It’s a WIN-WIN! Thanks to Madelyn Fradkin of Mobile Assistant Direct
	14. Victory Through Voicemail Almost everyone knows what the abbreviation “vm” means. Yes, voicemail. I use voicemail to pique prospects’ interest and promote my company two ways. 1) When I leave someone a voicemail, my message ends includes “oh! and next time we talk remind me…pinklabcoat.com”. This leaves them curious. 2) I do the reverse and on my phone greeting it ends with, “remember to ask me about pinklabcoat.com.” This generates interest, opens conversation, and increases hits to my website. Thanks to Lara Loucks of PinkLabCoat.com
	15. Be Friendly Not Aggresive When I promote my bussiness I’m always friendly on the phone or via emails. I don’t like to sound aggresive because when I have a sales person contacting me I hate when the person is trying so hard that sounds aggresive. Being friendly and soft in my words- even via email- has help me to get more business or referrals. Thanks to Mirianer Soto of MSP Productions
	16. Answering Questions On LinkedIn (without Promoting) Actually Promotes You If you use LinkedIn, under the More tab, select Questions/Answers. Then find questions that you can answer in your area of expertise. Give really useful info in your answer. DO NOT promote yourself, just show that you know your stuff & are helpful. People will read your answer, if it’s good – they’ll read your profile. I’ve gotten hired as a consultant this way. Also answers on LinkedIn are a part of their searches, so use keywords in your answer when applicable. Thanks to Cathy Larkin of Web Savvy PR
	17. Show Your Compassionate Side We show our customers that we are compassionate, care about their feelings and understand their needs by sharing information that is relevant and important to them. We sell a product to special needs families. Thanks to Shelley Patterson of Buddy Bike, LLC
	18. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Generous! My best tip for promoting your business WITHOUT being shameless is to offer tips! Be the person to rely on for helpful advice. If you have a Facebook page, share tips and strategies related to your business. Belong to networking groups? Answer questions! Offer to do a 15-20 minute presentation for free. Whatever you can do to present yourself as an expert will raise your profile with your target audience and promote yourself without selling anything! Thanks to Gloria Rand of Gloriarand.com
	19. Third Party Validation!! We build solid relationships with colleagues and clients by offering up helpful information when in need. Be a resource to anyone and everyone who will listen! The buzz will catch on and pretty soon, everyone will be calling you as the expert. Thanks to Hillary Smith, CMP, CSEP of Koncept Events, LLC.
	20. Give Them Your Script Tip: People love to categorize and talk about the people they know. It is up to you to ensure that what they are saying mirrors the message you are saying about yourself. Give them a clear “script” and they will spread the word. Use buzz words/phrases like, “I love doing X on Saturday mornings” or “A huge client I retained mentioned that I got the deal because of my ability to Y”. Highlight your experiences often enough and they soon become a part of your brand and thus are easy to repeat. Thanks to Jasmin French of J FRENCH
	21. Links To Your Website After you create a great website, then write articles for EzineArticles.com. If you are a good writer, this will indeed drive traffic to your website and Google will take notice. Thanks to Maria Luisa Castellanos of United Architects, Inc.
	22. I’m In Your Face But You Like It! Don’t let people forget who you are and what you do. Stay in touch: send emails, follow-up with personal hand-written notes (with a couple business cards inside of course) and then follow-up with a phone call “did you get my note?” Recent subject matter for my hand written note cards was as follows: – 3 birthdays – congratulations on reaching level 4 of your sales team – I heard your son graduated from college – thank-you for the referral EVERYONE LOVES RECEIVING A CARD IN THE MAIL. Thanks to Mooshi Chapel of Mooshi Miami
	23. MAKE A DECISION And TAKE THE RISK I help businesses make strategic decisions, motivate people, and energize projects. Most of the time, people are stuck because they are concerned about the risks of failure. Ask yourself, what is the worst that could happen? The answer is NOTHING. You could get stuck doing NOTHING! I am hired on a retainer basis by most companies because I can MOTIVATE by DECISIVENESS. What is my secret? I make a decision and move forward with it. If it was wrong; then I admit it and take the other path. Thanks to DAWNNA ST LOUIS of Dragons Eye Online
	24. If You Want To Be Important If you want to be recognized If you want to be great Find joy and happiness in serving others Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. (“The Drum Major Instinct Speech”, Dr Martin Luther King). Thanks to Jane Zucker of PKS Investments
	25. Once Upon A Story Once upon a story, business-ella was given the success-pumpkin key by her Fairy Business Coach. The success-pumpkin key taught business-ella to grow her success-pumpkin by harvesting her very own unique story-seeds. Then business-ella would spread her story-seeds far and wide, to every corner of the business field the eye could see! For through spreading and sharing business-ella story-seeds, business-ella would plant the seeds that would grow into success-pumpkin patches! Thanks to Lisa Switzer of SwitzerSolutions
	26. GIVE TO GET I give to get, by volunteering with local not-for-profit organizations. Professional mediators need to remain unbiased, so it is difficult to ask my attorney friends for business. I enjoy giving,volunteering, and donating my mediation services to a variety of legal-aid societies. Whether for business or personal reasons,volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Someone inevitably asks, what do I do for a living, then for a card and wham! I get a referral. Thanks to ELIANA POVEDA of POVEDA MEDIATIONS, LLC
	27. Friendly Sales The best way to promote the business is by being yourself. No one wants to do business with people that they don’t like, and no one will trust you if they don’t like you. So if you’re genuine and honest up-front, people will realize that like you, and later down the line, they might just need the service that you provide! Thanks to Betsy Earle of Exhibit Worldwide
	28. Tips For Promoting Yourself Never underestimate the value of in-person networking opportunities. Attending quality events where you have the opportunity to meet others in your field or outside your field is a great way to get your name out there and let people know what you do. It is just as important to follow-up quickly with the contacts you make at these events who you truly believe may need your services. Networking works best when you are authentic with your approach and also show interest in what others are doing. Thanks to Lisa Turner of LMT Media Partners
	29. Converse, Don’t Scream Use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to start conversations, not to advertise yourself. If used properly, social media is a way to let people get to know who you are as a person, not just as a business entity. Think of it as a cocktail party. You are there to mingle and talk…everyone gets to know each other on a more personal level. You don’t start shouting about your business and quoting prices. Share valuable content and get people to comment…this gets you noticed without shame! Thanks to Susan Cromer Garcia of StallionPM
	30. Your Own Website The creation of a website that you control is key to shameless plugging and a positive reputation. I include a link to my website, michaelwsilverman.com, at the bottom of every single email I send out. This allows individuals to find out more about me on their own time and on their own accord. It is incredible what percentage of individuals will end up at your website from your emails. This results in a great first impression and a more positive start to your professional relationships. Thanks to Michael Silverman of michaelwsilverman.com
	31. The Number One Way To Promote Your Business I believe the best way to promote your business is by providing excellent service and quality products. With just a few happy customers you can build an empire through word-of-mouth and referrals. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen! Thanks to Angela Beasley of Sticky Starfish, Inc.
	32. You’re So Vain, I Bet Think This Blog Is About You… Make your blog posts about your clients! Discover their interests and weave the “benefits” of your product or service–not “the” product or service–inside. Humanize your content; keep is short, interesting, engaging and make that personal connection we all miss. Thanks to Cynthia Roby of Bluestocking Ink
	33. An Easy But Informative Read… My main goal was to keep my company in the minds of clients and potentially get new clients with quarterly newsletters. I recieve a lot of newsletters and am guilty of deleting many before reading. I keep them a bit more personal than most (example: I annouced I was expecting my second child in one of them), I give some tips/tricks of the trade, but also include pictures of completed projects. My clients seem to enjoy them and each time I send one I get a few calls (usually within minutes). Thanks to Lisette Naranjo-Perez of Noon Design Group
	34. Giving Back Is Great! Giving back through an in-kind donation of services is the beat way to go! Making a tax-deductable donation to a local school auction, hospital fundraiser or charity of your choice is a great way to help an organization in need, get your brand out there to prospective clients, and help someone who has a need for your services. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you have helped an organization with their fundraising and helped someone else in the process. It’s a win-win-win for all! Thanks to Andrena Felger of Alma De Casa Design
	35. BE AUTHENTIC The BEST tip I can share for promoting my business and myself WITHOUT being shameless would be . . . BE AUTHENTIC! Be honest and BE yourself. People can tell when you are trying too hard to SELL them something. Just be the real you and share from the bottom of your heart abut yourself and your business. People LOVE honesty! Thanks to Tracey Hagen of Tracey Hagen Photography Studios
	36. Thank You Customers Our product is business videos. On Social Media sites, I thank a client for doing a specific video about their business with me and then promote their video or website on my fan page and share on my personal page. Thanks to Sue Haberkorn of SWFL-OnlineVideo
	37. To Market – To Market Marketing comes from the concept of market, which is where all merchants displayed their wares. Today it refers to getting your product in front of the customer and/or distributor and creating and maintaining customer satisfaction. The number one thing that I do to promote my company is to blog about all things related to anti-aging, and to all things related to world hunger. I post the links on Facebook as well. I give away valuable information that keeps the reader coming back. Thanks to Patrice Golinvaux of The Business Of Adventure
	38. Laugh And Laugh Often Until Its Habit Forming! Its all in the Laughter! If you have a positive attitude and a great sense of humor, you will be able to laugh at something or someone every day. It may be a joke someone shares. A simple e-mail or phone call. Maybe even talking to someone and reflecting on past experiences. Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself or at others. If you pay close attention there will be something to laugh about. Make sure you take the time to laugh and laugh often. It’s great taking to family and friends, but realize if you complain too much, it gets old fast. Stop for a minute, look at yourself and laugh. Chances are there is someone laughing at you or with you this very moment. Find the fun in life and just enjoy it! Laugh and laugh often until its habit forming! Thanks to Orlando Espinosa of Emineo Media
	39. How To Promote Your Business Without Being Shameless Referral Business can be serious business. I sent an e-mail blast to my Clientele. “If you are truly pleased with my Service and products, then all I ask is that you tell two friends or Family Members.” To show my appreciation, I have attached two vouchers which you can print out. There is a customer code on them which will grant the users a 5% discount on their order. That code is linked to your account and if redeemed, you will receive 5% discount on “your” next order. The first month my referrals went up 6% & the next , 12%. I send out a bi-weekly newsletter and I added a reminder to use the vouchers in it. The voucher itself was a replica of my business card with a code on it. Since then, my sales force “Asks” for referrals. They realized the commissions they were letting slip through their fingers. It has proved to be the gift that keeps on giving. My sales force works smarter, my clients received a discount, and I increased my client base. Thanks to Rosemary Salveggi of Retail Metal Dealers LLC
	40. Networking Mary Kay Style The greatest tip I have for promoting my Mary Kay Business is to have Events that are geared to helping others succeed. Once a month I hold a FREE Networking event for any Women who either owns her business or wants to promote a business. This way in addition to my promoting Mary Kay through FREE Make-Overs, they also get to promote themselves. It is a Win, Win for everyone. I get to introduce Woman to Mary Kay and they get to promote their Business!If you put others first the rest happens! Thanks to Lori Isaacson of Mary Kay Cosmetics
	41. Business Plug When traveling for work across America we now have a resource where the LGBTQ community can find Gay & Gay Friendly businesses…So if your looking for a restaurant or a dry cleaner GAYBORHOOD App will get you there…. Thanks to Marci Alt of Carma Productions Inc
	42. “How Do You Promote A Business Without Shameless Plugs? The best way to promote your business without shameless plugs is Word of Mouth Marketing – let others do the promoting for you. With Social Media so prevalent, people love to take and get their opinions out there. The more people experience your products and service positively and share those experiences with their network of contacts – the better it is for your business. Why? People trust their friends, colleagues, family, contacts more than they will trust you. Unpaid endorsements – great! Thanks to Marlene Gordon
	43. NO SHAME Branding, branding, branding. I have large mobile shredding trucks that spend quite a bit of time on the highways. My vehicles are completely wrapped with very bold graphics that really stand out. I utilize this method for my business cards as well. Bright and bold. Everything needs to stand out. Thanks to Andrew Bloom of Shred Trust
	44. What’s In It For You? Since people do business with people they like and trust, the larger you expand your relationship base the less need there is for shameless self-promotion because your focus is always on what is in it for your client or prospect — and you are then simply fulfilling their needs. For example, if someone complains about how they look, I would offer: If I could show you new anti-aging technology that can make you look 10 years younger in 10 minutes, would you be interested in knowing about it? Thanks to Paula Ehrlich of A Privileged Lifestyle, Inc.
	45. Community / Volunteer/ Charity Focus Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all did comumunity service/charity or volunteer work? That’s probably the best way to promote your business. A helpul tip I’ve learned: people do business with people — not with companies. If customers like you/ admire you, you are likely to get more business. THe tip: promote what you and your community are doing with your free time/ products/ profits to help the community and the world? This will indirectly lead to more business. Thanks to Carolyn Berg of Avansa Consulting
	46. Expose Your Business By Promoting Your Clients I teach online courses on how to use the power of a video camera and social media to promote your business by promoting your clients. Taking the focus off of you and placing it on your clients will give you the opportunity to gain visiblity and credibility with your clients…while at the same time gaining you tons of exposure. The program, Act & ReAct, walks you step-by-step through the process of using a video camera every day to build maximum exposure for you and your clients. Thanks to Jerry Williamson of Teamworx Productions
	47. Unlimited Potential With Right Beliefs Inspire by educating your vision, belief, ideas and passion. When you establish a strong belief in your product, you will share from your heart, and naturally draw people to you. Share with conviction, be confident and encourage your team to do the same. People are attracted to positive people who listen. Manage your expectations – don’t get discouraged, having fear and doing it anyway will equal success. If you implement positive principles, how different could your business be in 90 days Thanks to Crystal Canet of Juice Plus
	48. Authentic With Integrity Be passionate when speaking about your business, NOT over powering, be yourself, speak with confidence, be sincere and genuine and ALWAYS smile. WIFM? (What’s in it for me?) Share benefits of using your expertise. Thanks to Heidi Moss of Moss Consulting
	49. Promoting Yourself Without Shameless Plugs! I strongly believe that branding yourself as the corporate image of your business is essential for your success. Rather than using shameless plugs, use your efforts in networking yourself and “growing legs” to your business. By that I mean networking, donating your time and efforts to non-profits, creating blogs that may aid you in providing valuable information, joining organizations and associations while meeting others in your industry, etc. Simply market yourself while educating others! Thanks to Rosie Q Martinez, MBA of InFokus Marketing, Inc.
	50. Use A Best Friend Approach To Get The Right Kind Of Applause & PR Imagine you really want your best friend to benefit from what you are telling him or her. Bragging or trying to impress has no place, right? So when you are invited to speak as an expert, always share practical techniques the audience will find valuable. Show how you have helped others by including some of your clients’ successes and challenges (keeping their identity confidential!). By keeping the focus on useful practices and how others have succeeded, you’ll get the positive PR you deserve. Thanks to Anne B. Freedman of Speakout, Inc.
	51. We Fix It Right The First Time! There isn’t a problem we won’t solve, and if we don’t know how to solve it, we know who to call to tell us how to solve it ! Thanks to Michael Thomas of Mike’s Custom Electric
	52. Give Them A Taste Of Joy Social Media Marketing is essential for our company and part of our overall all marketing strategy. What really works for us (as an upscale Caterer) to supplement Social Media is combining a unique and delicious treat that is personally delivered. We give the potential client value with the free delicacy, while tantalizing them with a unique and creative presentation. Nothing opens doors faster than good food, and that few minutes of face time with the potential client is invaluable. Thanks to John McPhee of A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team
	53. Let The Actions Of Others Speak For You … Repeat what others have to say about you as it is more credible. But even we find it hard to believe that readers (men and women, from high school seniors to senior citizens) are telling us our book has made an immediate difference in their lives. Think we may be exaggerating? Well, we are being approached by schools, organizations (Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement), churches and synagogues who want to use the book for educational, philosophical, charitable and/or spiritual purposes, as well as just plain reading pleasure. Curious why. Check out our website www.redandblackbooks.com which includes a wealth of information on us, our book, and our philosophies such as why we made the expensive decision to printed in the U.S.A. and why we are not available at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon. And then decide for yourself. Thanks to Mandy Williams of Red & Black Books
	54. News You Can Use What do you do or produce that will make someone’s life easier or better? When looking to promote yourself or your business it is all about content and audience. News outlets are not interested in commercials. Don’t lead your pitch with your business name; lead it with the problem you are going to help fix. Example: Wildfire evacuations, perfect time to pitch a new, unique grab and go organizer. Watch the news and look for those opportunities where your expertise can make all the difference. Thanks to Diane Mulligan of Mulligan&Co. LLC
	55. You GET By GIVING I am constantly prepared to give FREE LESSON samples of how to create a picture-in-one-minute. Have pads and pens ready with my ID – people usually won’t throw away the picture THEY created, even at first try. Have them fold paper like a greeting card and then sketch a flower on the front….I suggest they autograph it to their spouse, loved one, family, friend, etc…. They treasure what THEY create & it opens the door of art to all ages Thanks to CONNI Gordon of CONNI GORDON ARTS FOUNDATION, INC.

Coopetition At Work

These are pictures of me with founder of badassbusinesswomen.org, Jessica Kizorek. Jessica is a keynote speaker, a consultant and a marketing strategist, among other things. In other words, she’s my competition – or at least most people would THINK she is.

Actually, we’ve been working together a lot – she was the keynote speaker at my Empowered Woman Success Summit in June, and will be again this November (http://www.EmpoweredWoman.info). We also created two amazing workshops: Strut 1.0 and Strut 2.0, and now I’m contributing to her upcoming book “The Official Guide to Being A Badass Business Woman.” 

Today at my Mastermind session, when I was talking her up to the group, one of my members observed: “Isn’t she your competition?” Well, kinda sorta but not really.

Once you define your brand well enough, and once your voice is unique enough, competition doesn’t exist. People either want to work with YOU or they want to work with WHOMEVER.

In this case, my leads have only increased as my relationship with Jess has grown. We make such a splash together, that more people are hearing about each of us now than ever.

Not only do I love working with Jessica (I suspect she feels the same way – ’cause she tells me so), but this is a strategic alliance in which each of us brings our strengths to the table.

Jessica with her amazing SPIRIT, her work ethic, execution-oriented approach, and a varied, vetted support network of freelancers and experts. And me with my audience, corporate contacts and Summit (which we think we’ve determined is THE largest women’s business event in Miami! – confirmation on that coming soon), where Jessica gets to showcase her skills and grow the BadassBusinessWomen network.

Do you have a “rival” that has access to things you don’t? Do you have strengths that she doesn’t? Rather than lament it or feel envy, think about how you could support create opportunities for each other. In other words, find your biggest competitor whose integrity you trust (this is a big piece), and seek her out. Figure out what you can create together!

Let me know how it goes…

Why Women Play DIRTY

I am and always have been a “girl’s girl.” Not a sneak peek into my dating life (that’s a whole other special report), what I mean is I’ve never been one of those women who says: “I get along better with men.”

I love girl talk, I love “girlie” activities, and I naturally gravitate towards female company and conversation. We listen, give advice and lend a hand when needed; we dish about our lives, our work, our men and our clothes. It’s all very Sex & The City.

Work has been no exception. In many jobs, the female friendships I made lasted far beyond my last day at work. In at least one case I can tell you the relationship I developed with my boss was the absolute best part of the job.

But there’s a dark side to working with women. While at a fashion magazine in Miami, for example, I witnessed (and was the victim of) some of the most competitive, gossipy, territorial, queen-bee, backstabbing behavior I’d seen since high school. Behavior that went unacknowledged, unaddressed and, sadly, unpunished.

I realize that female rivalry isn’t something we like to talk about, because it implies that we feel competitive with other women, and none of us likes to admit that we feel insecure or that we compare ourselves to our girlfriends, colleagues or sisters.

But to deny that rivalry exists is a mistake – especially if you’re trying to get ahead in your career. Female competition is a fundamental part of who we are; it has existed and persisted through millions of years of evolution, and has been sociologically and culturally reinforced for several thousand more.

Understanding these complex and at times contradictory influences on our female relationships is essential to getting ahead in work and in life – at least if you plan on working (well) with women. If you don’t understand the female competitive urge – where it comes from, what it centers on, how it’s manifested, and what to do about it, get ready for a career filled with stress, bitterness, and insecurity.

What do you think about HOW and WHY women play dirty, and do you have any stories? Please share them here!

If you’re interested in downloading the entire Special Report I wrote on this subject, you can right here: http://www.michellevillalobos.com/report/freeoffer.html

I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Surprising Role Envy Plays In Inspiration & Success

Few of us would say that envy is a “good” emotion. Instead, we treat envy like a disease to be cured or exorcised – “the green-eyed monster.” Evolutionary psychology, however, tells us that humans have evolved “bad” emotions like envy to achieve good results in the game of natural selection. Remember 9th grade biology? Perhaps you were too busy envying Susie’s cute sweater (or even cuter boyfriend) to remember Darwin’s and Natural Selection (*yawn*)…. so here’s a quick refresher. “Survival of the fittest” is the foundation of evolution. The genes that “work” make it through to the next generation. The better genes survive and reproduce more, and the not-so-good ones die out, leaving improved, adapted, more evolved species to continue on in the next generation. Evolutionarily speaking, the purpose of life is simply and solely to pass along those genes to the next generation. Put crudely, human beings are genetic vessels designed to maximize the quantity and quality of their own successive generations. Yikes! When you consider the above, it’s no wonder that nearly every “universal” human emotion (like lust, love and jealousy) could likely be re-framed in evolutionary terms. “Lust” leads to copulation that enables humans to reproduce. “Love” results in pair bonds that help the family unit survive and thrive. “Jealously” leads men and women to guard the family unit, thereby by preventing adultery and abandonment. Back to envy. Envy, in its most basic form is simply “I want what he has” or “I want what she has.” That desire for the possessions or attributes of another actually led our human ancestors to go out and try new things and achieve more. Imagine the first time a man saw another man bring home a woolly mammoth – if he felt no envy, he might continue to meander around chewing on leaves.* The envious man is instead moved to try his hand at hunting. True, he might die in the process, but if successful, he’d be far more attractive to potential mates and his progeny (with half his genes) would eat better and develop bigger brains… Voilá… Evolution! Bringing it back to the here and now, it’s much the same. “Envy” is not bad… it’s neutral. It just is. What you do with it… well, that’s where things can get ugly. When you see someone with something you wish you had, the feeling is only a “negative” if it leads to maladaptive behaviors (i.e., stealing, gossiping, backstabbing, depression, low self-esteem, or violence). But if it inspires you to be more, do more and succeed more, then envy is actually inspiration. Stop hiding. Go forth and be envious! Ciao for now, Michelle Villalobos (vee – ya – LOW – bos) www.MichelleVillalobos.com * (I realize this is a crude example, but it gets the point across)