New Audio Book Release: 7 Steps to Create a Powerful Image
Let's face it, your brand is out there 24/7 for all to see. It's in the way YOU walk, talk and act. Most importantly, its how OTHER people talk about you, refer you and think about you. Image is a passion of mine because it is so instrumental to our success. It's why we as consumers flip the channel when a cheesy commercial comes on, or run away from a salesperson in the mall who says "Do you have a second, can I ask you a question?" Most importantly, in business it can be the difference between getting an appointment or ...
Past, Present, Future-Our Mindset
[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The Past is past, the future is now"][/caption] Denis Waitley said; "Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future." I see this quote in my homemade "Success Motivation" book everyday and it prompted me to share a few thoughts. I like this quote a lot because I do love to reflect on things that worked, didn't work, things that I enjoyed and didn't enjoy. But I don't linger on it too long. For everything that was enjoyable or "good" I try to figure out ways to do ...
Networking Event Nightmare
So the other day I went to a networking event, and I actually hate networking events, now don’t get me wrong I LOVE meeting people and talking with them and exchanging information but what I don’t love are the people who have absolutely no idea HOW to function at a networking event. They think networking is hitting me over the head with all they do and how great their services are. I’m telling you I was so frustrated after this event and I just want to scream stop trying to sell me. I have no idea where these people think that ...
NO EXCUSES!
George Washington Carver said, “Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” Let’s be honest, we all make excuses. Sometimes we know we are really stretching things and other times we fully convince ourselves that our excuses or reasons are true. Every time we make an excuse for ourselves we chip away at that huge rock I call potential. We have the ability to talk ourselves into or our of ANYTHING! And it hurts us. Not only are we not accomplishing goals today, but we rob our future of what that opportunity may sprout later ...
Running with the Brakes On
Running with the brakes on is one of my favorite descriptions of how we sometimes live our lives or conduct business. I didn’t come up with the term but I love it because it is very visual to me (which is how I learn best.) To me it signifies doing something half-hearted or not fully committing to a project, a relationship or an opportunity. We may do this for any number of reasons; fear of rejection, lack of confidence in our abilities, past experiences that stick with us, or worry of bringing financial hardship to our family. It is necessary, imperative, ...
Feel Isolated Working from Home?
[caption id="attachment_89" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Working from home can be challenging"][/caption] Here are some tips to stay connected. If you have worked from home for longer than 2 days, you know it gets very lonely, fast. There is no one to brainstorm with or answer questions. Unfortunately, there isn’t a team of experienced pros in the next room who have been in your shoes and thrived. When I quit my corporate job with a steady paycheck I experienced this very quickly. I missed getting ideas from other people with different perspectives. There was no longer a “boss” to ask questions or provide guidance. ...
What is Success?
What exactly is the meaning of success? I think that success is relative. What some deem as success other’s wouldn’t touch with a 20 foot pole or want if you literally paid them a million dollars. On the same token, what some see as “no big deal” or “nothing to write home about” may be the culimination of someone’s life long ambition.
Everyone Else is Succeeding…Why Not You?
Why not me? That has been a mantra of mine for years now. It’s a perspective and a way of life I’ve adapted. For years I’ve watched others become “successful” (whatever that means) and make a very comfortable living. I’ve seen individuals struggle for twenty years and others capture it in two days. Let’s be honest, when you struggle everyday to achieve your dreams it can be frustrating. So what do you do with that emotion? Many people become negative, resentful and try to poke holes in someone else’s success. Most ...
Let’s face it, your brand is out there 24/7 for all to see. It’s in the way YOU walk, talk and act. Most importantly, its how OTHER people talk about you, refer you and think about you.
Image is a passion of mine because it is so instrumental to our success. It’s why we as consumers flip the channel when a cheesy commercial comes on, or run away from a salesperson in the mall who says “Do you have a second, can I ask you a question?” Most importantly, in business it can be the difference between getting an appointment or closing the deal.
So, how do we build our self-image and public image at the same time? I’m proud to say that my new audio book 7 Steps to Create a Powerful Image answers those questions and more! Questions like:
• How can I make a great first impression?• How do I re-invent myself and my business?
• What’s the best way to package my skills and abilities?
• How can a tell my story so it connects with people?
• How do I attract my ideal customers?
• How can I stay relevant in my customer’s mind?
If any of those questions are important to you, check out my new audio book, just featured on the Fox News Channel!
Thanks,
Ryan
PS. Just in case you want to check it out, here’s the link.
I want to share an inspiring story that should give hope to anyone experiencing difficulties personally or professionally right now. Sometimes, when we experience challenges and feel down it’s easy to allow those feelings to gain momentum and build. The difficult trick is to focus on the “You” that will be in 5 months and 5 years. Instead of resigning yourself to your current situation, resign yourself to the fact that you will achieve what you want and make it through, its just a matter of time. I am inspired by my client Yvonne Conte, an author and all around wonderful person. She is an example of someone who has coped with a lot and not only made it through, but ended up where she wanted. Of course, at her worst times she had no idea it would turn out this way, but it did. How? She kept going, kept pursing and didn’t give up. Below is a press release that captures a small sample of her story, and how things have come full circle for her. My advice to you (and myself) is to focus on the future in our darkest moments and believe it will be OK.
Local Author Launches Sixth Book and Returns to Her Roots
I once again had the pleasure of appearing on the national media this past Sunday, October 10, 2010 from the DC Bureau. I appeared on FOX News Channel’s America’s News Headquarters to discuss the record political spending for the 2010 election.
The segment focused on why spending was at an all time high and what it says about this election season. In the interview, I commented on the unforeseen opportunity that candidates are taking advantage of by saying “After the election President Obama in 2008 there was a feeling that the win was so overwhelming, there wouldn’t be a republican elected for another decade. Two years later, republicans are in striking distance to reclaim power. So, republicans are throwing the kitchen sink at this opportunity and they are forcing democrats to pony up in a big way to defend themselves.”
I also remarked that spending money gives a candidate the power to define his or her opponent and tap into the frustration and emotion that exists. “Candidates either spend their trying to create voter emotions or they spend money trying to capitalize on the emotions that already exist. With the economy, jobs and real problems people are facing, there is no shortage of emotions.” The interview went on to play a collage of attack ads to be screened for their effectiveness.
I also have some behind the scenes photos and video I will be posting soon. Check out the video of the appearance below!
It was announced that blockbuster will file for Bankruptcy in September 2010. To many this may come us a shock, to others it is a surprise they have held on this long. Technology and innovation has come screaming past this once huge movie rental giant and it is finally taking its effect.
Sure, there is still something to be said for driving in your car, going in the store, browsing the selections, getting back in your car and having to repeat to return the movie at a later date. But the comfort and ease of pushing a few remote buttons on the TV for instant entertainment has stolen the MINDshare of companies like Blockbuster. People first think of On Demand type services. Then, you have NetFlix, arguably the true nail in the coffin of Blockbuster. Easy, affordable and they will send you movies as fast as you can watch them-how can you argue with that. THEN, Netflix introduced the ability to receive some selections through game consoles. Brilliant!
There is a new E! realty show called “The Spin Crowd” which follows a PR company as they traverse the glamor and intrigue of PR and publicity for some top celebrities. The series is executive produced by Kim Kardashian. It should be interesting…I can only imagine.
Check out the full story by clicking the link below:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/08/21/2010-08-21_a_pr_show_about_wages_of_spin.html
It’s official, Tiger Woods is officially a bachelor again. Now that he’s not married he can re-enter the world of playing the field and random hook-ups…so not much will change for the golf champ. But honestly, that’s old news. What is news is that his recently divorced ex-wife Elin has finally broken her silence on the entire ordeal, those allegations involving a golf club and what her future holds.
Of course this is not exactly what Tiger needs, he’s not playing the best golf of his life and just as the media frenzy starts to calm-Elin tells her side of the story. So, how will this affect Tiger?
Here’s my take, I think this will be more of a nuisance for Tiger than a scandal. It only seems a bit salacious due to the fact that Elin has been silent for so long. I don’t think there is any true “news” to be heard. It will be no surprise that she was devastated, upset, betrayed and it has been very difficult time. Sure, she recounts her story of Thanksgiving night, painting a picture of what happened (I’m having flashbacks to the campy re-enactments from the wonderful Rescue 911 TV show) but that’s about it. I think this will be an interesting piece of news that will run through its cycle and be over. Believe me, that’s what Tiger is hoping for as well!
As long as there is no bombshell surprises or new allegations, Tiger will stay in hiding, ride out the storm and keep practicing his chip shot in the backyard. What do you think? Do you even care about this scandal anymore or did you ever?
Check out the full story on Elin’s interview by clicking the link below.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20415315,00.html
When people work with or buy from a company, they want to know that the company is reliable, trustworthy, and can provide the desired items or services. However, what initially brings customers to your business, and keeps them coming back, is having a clear, likeable personality. However, it can be hard for your company to show its personality and connect with people. You get caught up in your products or services and forget that at the end of the day, people buy from those they like. Social networking and the Internet are cost effective and efficient ways to build contacts and stay in touch with customers and prospective customers. Building and maintaining relationships is the key in any business, and social networking provides an ideal start.
Aug 10
10
Business Credibility: A Magic Trick
Building credibility is at the heart of earning respect and trust. When a magic trick is performed, it’s hard to dispute what was just seen, regardless of your jaded beliefs. However, it can be difficult to put your trust in the magician, because seeing these brand new illusions, make us doubt the magician’s honesty, not our own eyes. The magician needs to gain the audience’s trust by building a strong, positive reputation, gradually working his way across venues, and slowly trying more and more unbelievable tricks. This same method can easily transfer from the world of magic, to the business world.
5 years ago today I woke on my wedding day to a torrential downpour, we were receiving the leftovers of Hurricane Emily and it was dark, windy and awful. This is bad enough for any wedding day, but even worst for us because we were having an outside wedding! Suddenly, everything we had imagined of a beautiful gazebo wedding on the lush green was fading away. I was upset but when I talked to Charlene that morning I acted calm, like it was no big deal. I knew that if I flipped out, she would flip out. “It will clear up, I know it will clear up,” I said. “It’s not a big deal if we have to move inside, as long as we are all together it will be perfect don’t worry.” I don’t know whether it was intuition or the most desperate wishful thinking of my life but it did clear! Amazingly, by 2:30 it was a crystal clear summer day. The lawn at the inn was mowed, the flowers were at attention and the outdoor wedding was on! It was perfect! One of the my beautiful days I’ve ever seen. (I’m not meteorologist but it felt perfect to me!)
The reality is, sometimes things work out and clear, and other times they don’t. The trick is how you deal with it, how you prepare yourself and how you choose to accept it. It’s also just as important to enjoy every moment either way. It was kind of a miracle that day, and I am still thankful for it, and my amazing wife. That day, I married my best friend and the love of my life. It was the best day of my life.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of appearing on the FOX News Channel to discuss the BP Oil Crisis. When the Fox Producer first called to book me on the segment it was to talk about the perception that President Obama could have done more both initially and with the on-going crisis. Then, there was some breaking news that the CEO of BP Tony Hayward had been at a Yacht outing in Europe. This only added to what I was going to talk about, which is the Perception and Image these gentleman were exhibiting.
I never take a political stance when it comes to these issues, there are enough political pundits carrying water for both parties. Everyone is passionate about their politics, which is particularly polarizing these days. The fun part for me is that I don’t have to choose! I can simply look at an event or both sides of an issue and find fault in each, find success in each and then offer suggestions as to what they “should do.” I like this this way! It allows me to play devil advocate to any issue…and of course recommend what they should do to create the perception necessary to be effective.
Some of my thoughts on the issue (as you will also see in the clip below of the appearance) relate to the early first impression. As it relates to Tony Hayward, of course he’s going to continue on with his life, but you don’t have to do it so publicly because it’s just looks arrogant. And when you do it knowing your under the microscope and everyone’s watching you either don’t get it, or you just don’t care and neither bods well for BP.
Ultimately, for the execs at BP and President Obama and his administration, you have to at least “ACT” like you care and that you “get it” or nothing you do behind the scenes will matter. That was the problem for the president-It’s all about the first impression, which was “President Obama doesn’t seem that interested in this and he is slow to respond.” From that point he fights that perception no matter what happens.
The truth is, you aren’t going to please everyone, I’ve talked to government contractors who say the hole should be blown up and sealed, others say its more about keeping up with the clean up as the leak happens. The problem is the perception early on, for several weeks that Obama just didn’t care. And the problem persists for BP. Are they doing enought? Do they care? In the end, the only way they can start to “fix” things is to stop the bloody leak!
