Influence

When you hear the word “influence” you may think of influencer marketing but that is just one context.

If you are a leader of others or a business owner/entrepreneur – especially one where you are the brand – then you may want to focus on your influence. Why? Because I speak to leaders all the time who say things like:

• "I feel like my (brand) story is unclear"
• "I’ve got next-level challenges in my business now" (i.e. growth)
• "I’m not feeling confident" (in a new area)   
• "I want those ar…

Be afraid, be very afraid… when trying something new. This is how your brain thinks naturally, due to survival mechanisms. Now add on top of that, a global pandemic, job insecurity, a changing economy and small businesses failing. All of these are just a few sources of stress we face in 2021.  

It’s no wonder a common theme coming up in coaching conversations I’ve had lately is fear. Here are just a few examples:

• “Fear is holding me back.”
• “I’m scared of the overhead of a business.”
• “I’m a…

One of the biggest challenges I see new entrepreneurs make is getting bogged down with choices.

• Which version of my logo (or headshot) should I choose?
• What online tools do I need?
• How do I build a funnel?
• How do I price my products and services?
• Where should I promote myself?
• Should I do video and if so, how do I do it?

These and many more decisions keep you busy and active, which feels productive but isn’t driving results. These professional people with many years of work experience…

Words have power. They can create. They can destroy. This is as evident historically as much as it is today. They are the key tool used to influence.

When it comes to business, the mark of an influential brand is when it’s gets woven into the fabric of our lives through language. For example, do you search things online or do you Google them? Do you send overnight packages, or do you FedEx it? When you hear, save 15% in 15 minutes or less, you know it’s a Geico commercial.

These brand-associat…

I bet you want to be wealthy. I know I do.

Some might read that as greedy or selfish. That makes me curious…what is your definition of “wealthy”? And how much time do you spend evaluating other types of wealth beyond financial?  

What does Wealth Mean, Really?   

First, we tend to think of wealth as it applies to being financially wealthy. But there are other types. As far as finances go, doesn’t it make logical sense that if your needs are met, then you can more effectively help others? If y…

Most communication coaches and consultants focus on improving public speaking and leadership skills. They may help you prepare for your next big event presentation or lead your team with confidence in meetings.  

But here’s the problem... You get so consumed with what you say and how you say it that you forget who it’s for.

And let me be clear, public speaking is a very valuable skill. And giving a speech in front of an audience can be very powerful for your brand and business. BUT…   

…havin…

As Shakespeare famously wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This, from Romeo and Juliet, is about the fact that names mean what we make them mean, as they did for the Montagues and Capulets. 

So, what is a brand name anyway? Who decides the strength of a brand -- the consumer or the company founder? And how can you improve the strength of your own brand? 

Let’s break it down.

WHAT IS A BRAND?

As language evolves and perspective widens…

No one wants to be “salesy.” I know this, because my entrepreneurial clients they tell me so! It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been in business; this feeling still comes up. The word “salesperson” still seems to conjure up the image of the used-car salesman and it feels “pushy” and “invasive.”   

But newsflash – we are all in sales (in one way or another) – especially as entrepreneurs! So, whether we are:

• selling ourselves to get a contract,
• selling our ideas to key stakeholders,
• selling…

I’m no early adopter but I am interested in exploring new opportunities. So, as Clubhouse started blowing up in popularity recently, I got curious… and an unsolicited invite.

So, I joined, turned notifications on and participated in a few “rooms” to check it out. This audio-only, community-based social media platform does have its advantages:

• bringing together without the pressure of video, meeting and connecting with people worldwide, getting access to big-name leaders, to name a few.

Bu…

What is influence? Today we may think of an “online influencer” when we hear the word. That’s not the type of influence I’m talking about.

I’m talking about becoming a person of influence – someone who has 360-degrees of communication confidence, is thought of as powerful (in the best light) and has a strong personal brand. Being a person of influence is someone who:

• Motivates people to take action
• Inspires people to join a cause or movement
• Is listened to, heard, respected
• Ensures accoun…