PRo Seeds

6 Ways to Get Out of a Personal or Professional Rut

2010-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like your life is in a holding pattern? I found myself stuck in such a mode just recently, and was searching for ways to get out of it. It's so easy for me to see when others are doing this, and I often find myself coaching clients, friends and family members on how to take action. So I decided to take a step back and think about the advice I am so good at giving to others, and figure out how to apply it to my own life.

Why is it so difficult for us to do more, to grow, to change, to kick things up a notch? Simply stated, our comfort zone is, well, comfortable. But as the saying goes, if you keep doing what you've been doing...well, you know the rest. So how does one leave that proverbial comfort zone and leap into the scary world of the unknown? Here are a few tips I like to share with others (and myself) to create change, hopefully for the better.

1) Mix up your routine to help give you a fresh perspective. This might mean waking up earlier, watching a different news station, listening to different music, reading new blogs, or changing up your diet or exercise routine.

2) Make an effort to meet new, interesting people. Spend time with people who might have an opposing point of view, a different skill set, or a background in an area you don't know much about. They will enrich your life more than you can imagine.

3) Decide to learn something new to add to your skill set. It might be career-related such as learning about a new technology, or personal, such as photography, scrapbooking or tennis.

4) Establish career and personal goals for yourself, and have an accountability partner who can help keep you on track.

5) Look at your to-do list and see which items have been there the longest. Make it a priority today to take care of those dreaded tasks you've been avoiding. Sometimes they can become a black cloud in your life and limit your ability to move on to greater things. As the famous althetic shoe slogan goes, JUST DO IT.

6) Get organized. A cluttered office or home can lead to a cluttered life. And when your life is cluttered, it can be very challenging to get out of that holding pattern.

So repeat after me:

"Today I pledge to renew myself, to get out of this holding pattern. I pledge to either take off or find a place to land. I pledge to reach outside of my comfort zone and meet someone new, do at least one thing differently, and learn something that will make me a better professional and a better person. I pledge to clear off my unpleasant to-do list and to get on to the fun, exciting things I've been dreaming of doing.I pledge to declutter my desk, my home, my thoughts, or whatever might be holding me back."

Best of luck to all of us...great things are to come!

Mission Entrepreneurship: Branding Yourself for the 21st Century

2010-02-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

In case you aren't awake and didn't notice, things are changing in business, in public relations, and in our world. It's an evolution that will challenge the way we think, the way we work and the way we live. Our economic situation is among many factors that have driven the eight-to-five professional into the courageous world of entrepreneurship. Like many pros I know, I took the leap of faith a year ago, and although it's been scary and challenging, it's so exciting to be a part of this trend that I believe is quickly becoming the new reality of corporate America.

Earlier this week I read an interesting Wall Street Journal post titled "How to Succeed in the Age of Going Solo." Dr. Richard Greenwald, a professor and dean of the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew University, gave these tips:

1. Think Long Term
2. Join a Network
3. Have Your Own Space
4. Think Like an Entrepreneur

It was affirming to read these tips because they closely mirror the path I have taken on this journey as a solo PR practitioner and business owner, but these steps were only the beginning. Earlier this year, I had a very important and life-changing conversation with a professional business coach. In less than an hour, I was able to gain tremendous clarity about where I am in life, and where I am going with my business. I quickly began my homework assignment of developing a mission statement, code of values and business philosophy. And guess what, about a week later, the calls began rolling in from prospective clients.

Greenwald said in his article that consultants are known for the work that they do, and this often means the work they don't do. He touched on the importance of having a business plan and a mission statement. And he's right.

Last week branding guru Martin Lindstrom was featured on The Today Show talking about developing your personal brand. As professionals search for jobs or begin to market themselves as consultants, he says they should follow this advice:

1. Define who you are.
2. Become known for one thing.
3. Create an air of mystery.
4. Create a signature look.
5. Leave a personal mark behind.

Have you thought about going solo or starting a business? Perhaps you don't think this is in your future. But you never know where life will take you (whether you plan on it or not). So I would like to offer these words of wisdom for all of those future entrepreneurs out there.

1. Figure out what your passion is and what gifts and talents you were blessed with. Then, take every opportunity you can to learn about it and become an expert. Take classes, get certifications, or even an advanced degree. These things can be accomplished, even while you're working in a "regular" job. Your company might not pay for it, but think of it as investment in yourself.

2. Every time you interact with anyone, you are marketing yourself. Every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate your personal brand. So be very conscientious about what you say, how you dress and present yourself, and what your "brand" says about you. These interactions could turn into future clients down the road.

3. Develop a network of professionals in your "passion" field and begin interacting with them. Ask questions, get advice and learn from them. Building these relationships is crucial to your success, not just for gaining clients, but for the knowledge and insight you will gain.

4. Follow your dreams. Life is too short to be stuck in a career that's not suited for you. Everyone has God-given gifts and talents, so I encourage you to stop making excuses and go for it! But have a written plan and build a support network of friends, colleagues, mentors and loved ones.

What are you waiting for? The world will change with or without you.

Recover from Dysfunctional Internal Communication in 8 Steps

2010-02-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

Mr. Left Hand, let me introduce you to someone. I'd like you to meet Ms. Right Hand. You'll be working together quite a bit on this job, so it's important that you communicate with one another and keep each other in the loop. Otherwise, this project could end in disaster.

Does this sound familiar? I find that many organizations function with a severe handicap--a lack of communication among their people, and it can create an atmostphere of confusion, resentment and frustration, and it can result in a complete lack of productivity.

My experience with organizations both large and small is that people are so busy and so wrapped up in their own to-do lists, that communication is often an afterthought, if that. Managers think they don't have time to communicate, but you certainly can't get back the time wasted by lack of communication. So let me share a few tips on how to improve internal communication so that you can build an atmosphere of trust, enthusiasm and productivity.

1. Send your staff a weekly e-mail that summarizes all of the important things they need to know for that week. Consolidating this into one written communication reduces inbox clutter and helps keep your people organized.

2. Keep a notebook (or electronic device) handy, and write down ideas you want to include in the memo. It's easy to forget by the end of the week.

3. Keep a communication to-do list, and mark the items as "complete" when you've done them. This may sound simple, but I find one of the biggest communication blunders of busy executives is that they THINK they communicated something, but really did not.

4. Make sure the right people are in the loop from the very beginning. Nothing brings on confusion and resentment like starting a project, but not communicating with the entire team up front.

5. If you change course or direction, make sure you TELL everyone who needs to know.

6. If you can, utilize technology such as Outlook's calendar to schedule meetings. That way, if you need to change the date or time, everyone will be in the loop. It also helps when scheduling meetings, so you can see the availability of your participants.

7. Consider developing a simple intranet for your staff, volunteers or members to access common data, event calendars and important announcements. This can be a simple, organized way to make sure everything you need to communicate is in one place.

8. Don't forget to give your folks a little face time. While technology is time saving and can be very useful, it's also important to weave-in some face-to-face communication.

Follow these simple tips, and hopefully your Left Hand and Right Hand will be working together seamlessly, and you'll have a more content and more productive workplace.

PR for the New Corporate America

2010-01-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have always believed that work should be fun, and you should love what you do, and do what you love. And as a mother of two, it's important for me to be able to put my family first and to have a work-life balance that honors both career and family. While I have truly enjoyed my 15-year career on the "inside" of corporations, associations and non-profits, it has always been my dream to start my own business so that I can use my gifts and talents while also achieving that ever-critical balance.

The more I visit with friends and colleagues, the more I am beginning to realize just how many parents like me are taking the leap of faith and going after their own dream to become entrepreneurs. I understand the challenges these folks are facing as they attempt to balance careers, children, aging parents, a home and their family's financial health and personal well-being. So it is refreshing for me to see the rapidly growing "mompreneur" and small business start-up movements that I believe are making up the "new corporate America."

When I started formulating the business plan for my new venture, it became evident to me that I need to focus my outreach on this very unique niche in the business community. These small businesses, as well as small non-profits, associations, schools and churches, can be tremendously successful when they integrate communications, marketing and public relations into their own business plans.

I believe that good PR shouldn't have to be only for big companies with inflated budgets, so part of my company's mission is to provide affordable services that provide exceptional value through my "virtual agency" business model. Without all the overhead of an office and staff, I am able to deliver "big agency" value without my clients having to pay "big agency" prices.

I am excited to chase my own dream and look forward to providing exceptional communications, marketing and public relations programs for the "new corporate America" so that I can help you chase your dreams, too!

Flying Solo and Loving It

2010-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?" ~ Jim Rohn

Flying solo as a PR consultant has given me the freedom and independence I've always craved, but it's comforting to know that I'm surrounded by some awesome co-pilots and mentors who have helped me to get where I am and keep me moving in the right direction.

I know many small business owners for whom this was a lifelong dream, and others who were forced into self-employment because of layoffs or other circumstances. So whether you're actively planning to take the leap, or it's something you dream of doing one day, here are some tips for developing the right kinds of relationships to get there.

1. Surround yourself with positive people who are encouraging, uplifting and will cheer you on as you work toward your dream.

2. Build a network of successful professionals in your industry and study what they have done to become successful.

3. Use social media to connect with others who are doing what you want to do, and learn from them. Participate in facilitated discussions that take place on networks such as LinkedIn and Twitter. One of my favorites is the #solopr chat on Twitter at noon (central time) on Wednesdays.

4. Hang out with people who have high expectations of you and will help to make you accountable.

5. Resist the temptation to become engaged with "toxic" people who are pessimistic, cynical or bitter.

6. Have an arsenal of prepared responses that you will use with others and yourself when doubters come your way.

7. Establish a relationship with at least one mentor whom you can call for advice, and make a commitment to pay it forward to a budding professional when the time is right.

8. Read, read, read. Find relevant books, articles, blogs or ezines to keep your mind engaged and always thinking of what is possible.

9. Pray, knowing that your most important co-pilot who wants the best for you is God.

Thanks to the many co-pilots who have supported me along the way, I am now flying solo and loving it!

Do Your Dreams Have Deadlines?

2010-01-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

I came across a wonderful quote today by business success authority Brian Tracy. He said, "Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines."

It really got me thinking about my own business plan and some advice from fellow PR practitioners reminding me of the importance of planning, setting goals and doing more than just hoping and dreaming. Although I do have a written business plan and have expertise in creating plans for clients, I decided my plan could use some fine-tuning as I kick things off in 2010.

A dream can more successfully become a reality when you put it in writing, and even more so when you give it some accountability. My refined plan will include some new elements, and I would encourage any small business owner or those dreaming of entrepreneurship to consider the following questions.

What's your vision? You know, that BIG dream that you strive to become?
What is your mission and what personal values do you want to incorporate into your company and your work?
What are your greatest strengths and passions and how can you develop them into expertise in a particular niche area?
What are your goals, and how will you measure them to determine success?
What are five things you plan to do to market yourself to your audience?
Where do you see yourself in six months? What about in a year? Five years?
What is your timeline for meeting your goals? Make yourself accountable to these deadlines.

I'll be working to refine my own plan in the coming days and encourage all my fellow dreamers and business owners to do the same. I firmly believe it will make all the difference!

Seven Tips for Downsizing Your Message Without Missing the Point

2010-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words can be a real turnoff when it comes to communicating with your audience. Whether you're writing an email, company memo, Intranet article, proposal or blog post, these are some tips for keeping your messages simple so that you engage your readers and don't send them running.

1. Know your audience and avoid using jargon or company/industry-specific acronyms that have to be explained.

2. Don't use a thousand words to say what can be communicated in a hundred words. If Twitter has taught me anything, it has forced me to tighten up my writing to communicate a message in 140 or fewer characters.

3. Begin emails with a meaningful, descriptive subject line that immediately tells the reader the purpose of your communication. This makes it easy for the reader when sorting through hundreds of emails.

4. Start your piece the same way a journalist uses a lead (who, what, when, where, why, how). Then, follow up with details below, beginning with the most important information.

5. Use short, simple phrases and avoid long paragraphs.

6. Make it visually appealing and easy to read by including numbered or bulleted lists.

7. Include links to referenced sources for those who want to dig deeper and get more information.

In today's world of media overload, people can become overwhelmed with the constant flow into their in-boxes. By keeping what you say simple, you'll make others' lives easier and will establish yourself as a valuable communication resource.

Stop Listening to the "MUSTN'TS"

2010-01-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

One of my daughter's favorite books is Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, and my husband and I both get a little choked up every time we read one particular poem called "Listen to the Mustn'ts." It goes like this:

"Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me--
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be."

(Excerpt from Where the Sidewalk Ends, Copyright 1974, Evil Eye Music, Inc.)

So much of our lives is filled with negativity. It can come from our friends, family, co-workers, bosses or clients, but sometimes when it comes to negativity, we are our own worst enemy. The dialogue of negative self-talk that is recorded in our brains can be stifling. And as a result, we find ourselves making excuses, blaming others, doing only what is required, settling for less, and giving up on our dreams. I, for one, find this unacceptable, and I would like to encourage my friends and readers to join me in reversing the cycle of negativity.

Here are a few ways you can begin doing this today.

1. Make a pledge to stop complaining. There's a wonderful Web site that is helpful in getting started (Complaint Free World).

2. Replace your own negative self-dialogue with positive, affirming words and phrases. Remove the words "I can't" from your vocabulary.

3. Quit criticizing others. It only brings you down and makes you look like a negative person. This is particularly important in your professional life. People like to do business with positive people.

4. Write down a list of your hopes and dreams. And develop a written plan to make this become a reality.

5. Surround yourself with positive, successful people who will support your plan to follow your dream.

6. So much of today's media is filled with negative thoughts, images and ideas. While you cannot avoid the news altogether, find ways to fill your mind and spirit with more uplifting messages.

7. Be an example for others and follow the "golden rule."

Six months ago I took my own leap of faith and decided to chase my dream of becoming a PR consultant and business owner, and I've never looked back. One of the ways I've been able to accomplish this is by telling the "MUSTN'TS" that I'm not going to listen to them anymore. Won't you join me?

Don't Let Your PR Ethics Become a Slow Fade

2010-01-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

"If people like you, they'll listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you." ~ Zig Ziglar

Building trust is an important part of the PR business, for our reputation and ideas are the "product" we sell. When public relations practitioners earn the APR designation, they commit to follow a professional code of ethics that guides their work and dictates how to act when questionable situations arise.

According to the Public Relations Society of America, our code of ethics calls us to:

Protect and advance the free flow of accurate and truthful information.
Foster informed decision making through open communication.
Protect confidential and private information.
Promote healthy and fair competition among professionals.
Avoid conflicts of interest.
Work to strengthen the public’s trust in the profession.

While these core values may seem obvious to most practitioners, here are a few ways we can put them into practice to build integrity and trust from our employers and clients.

1. Avoid talking negatively about your coworkers, current or past employers, and current or past clients.

2. Respect people's different religious, political or philosophical views, and resist the temptation to knock others' views in public.

3. Don't promise more than you are able to commit to, and don't guarantee results that are beyond your control.

4. Be honest and genuine, don't be fake, and don't exaggerate about your experience or capabilities.

5. When someone tells you something confidential, keep it to yourself. Most cities are smaller towns than you think, and when rumors spread, it can come back to haunt you.

6. Whenever possible, allow yourself to get "caught" saying something good about a person or business. People like to do business with positive people.

A favorite song of mine by the Christian band Casting Crowns has these lyrics:

"It's a slow fade when you give yourself away. It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray. Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid when you give yourself away. People never crumble in a day. It's a slow fade."

Personal integrity is the key to our business, and by committing our work to a code of ethics and values, we build our own reputations as well as that of our profession.

Pursuing a Dream…On a Budget

2010-01-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

Well-known business philosopher Jim Rohn died last month, but the lessons he taught will live on. He once said, "Learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want."

My journey to becoming a business owner began about two years ago, when I realized that I had a lot of things, but not very much peace of mind. I was gainfully employed in corporate communications, had two children in full-time daycare, and felt like I spent my days running circles in an attempt to have it all.

So this past summer, after a great deal of research, number crunching, discussion with my husband and of course, praying, I decided to take a huge leap of faith and quit my job and start a PR business working from home. I've learned many lessons along the way, but the main thing I've learned is to be content with less. I've done a bit of downsizing in some areas, but I feel so blessed to be my own boss and have more time for my children, that I really don't even feel the crunch.

I thought I'd share a few tips that can help any small business owner or mom who is trying to keep the finances balanced in this tough, but hopefully improving, economy.

1. Drop those high-priced services and do it yourself: house cleaning, lawn maintenance, manicures, designer salons, etc.

2. Make trips to the library rather than the bookstore. It saves money and is good for the environment.

3. Cut out newspaper and magazine subscriptions and save by reading online.

4. Shop at children's consignment boutiques and make money for yourself by consigning outgrown clothing and toys.

5. Don't buy new when shopping for automobiles. Go for certified pre-owned with an extended warranty.

6. For business owners, there are many affordable ways to create your own Web site, business cards and other marketing materials. Use Facebook and Twitter to promote your business - it's free! If you need expert advice, an independent consulant can be an affordable alternative to hiring a full-time employee or full-service agency.

7. Cook more, eat out less, make your own coffee at home, and seek out free entertainment at local parks and museums.

8. Look at refinancing your home, and use the difference to pay off bills or car notes to improve your cash flow.

9. Seek the assistance of a professional financial advisor to help manage your investments and develop a financial plan for the short-term and long-term.

10. Use financial software such as Quicken to create a monthly budget, track expenses, and plan for the future.

11. Work with a CPA to maximize your tax savings and make sure you're getting the proper deductions if you have a home-based office.

Above all things, learn to be grateful for what you have. It has been said that a rich person is not one who has many things, but is content with what he or she has. Making these simple changes to our lifestyle has enabled me to pursue a lifetime dream to own a business while not having to be Superwoman anymore.

Five PR Lessons I've Learned From My Grandmothers

2010-01-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

Some of the greatest business lessons I've ever learned came from my grandmothers. Neither of them have ever owned a business and neither of them are public relations experts, but the wisdom they have shared with me works in so many of life's situations.

1. "Use your time wisely". This is one of my Mamaw's famous sayings. Although she knows very little about today's technological distractions, we all need to manage our time wisely, especially with social media, e-mail, Iphones, etc. Consider shutting down your media for a block of time to focus on the task at hand.

2. "Pretty is, as pretty does." Another gem from Mamaw. Be cheerful, pleasant, kind, compassionate and treat others with respect. It will go a long way in your business and personal relationships.

3. "Always say thank you." I actually received a job offer one time, and the hiring manager said one of the things that made me stand out was the thank-you letter I wrote following the interview. Never miss an opportunity to thank your co-workers, customers, business associates, clients or potential clients.

4. "Keep your home (or office) organized." My Granny is the organization queen, and I have always aspired (although it's a constant struggle) to be organized with my home, my office and my time. As a busy mom working from home, it makes a difference in productivity if I'm not spending all my time looking for things that I can't find.

5. "Don't forget to say your prayers." Spending time each day praying, reflecting and getting spiritually renewed will help you to deal with life's greatest challenges. Find a blog or e-newsletter to read each day and get filled with positive messages so you can be a positive influence on others.

I'm so thankful to have learned these life lessons from my dear grandmothers. Hats off to both of them!

PR Rescue Pack, Coming to the Rescue

2010-01-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you have small children, then you've probably seen your share of the popular Nick Jr. show "Diego." The young boy sets out on adventures to help animals in danger with his "rescue pack," which is a versatile apparatus that converts from a backpack to everything from a boat, to a rope, to a ladder to a hot air balloon.

As public relations professionals, we are the "rescue pack" for our clients or employers. We wear many hats and must be versatile. We must be writers, editors, researchers, Web masters, Tweeters, spokespeople, listeners, advisers, coaches, planners, creators, trainers, organizers, and occasionally even fire fighters.

So what skills are you carrying with you in your rescue pack? Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from conference planner, to newsletter editor, to fund raiser, to Web master, to corporate trainer, to student media adviser, to press secretary and even cookbook publisher. And each step of my career has helped me to fill my PR rescue pack.

No matter what type of job you're in as a public relations professional, I challenge you to always build your knowledge base and keep filling your rescue pack with skills, knowledge and abilities. You may think you don't need them right now, but you never know where life will take you, and the more you know, the better.

One way to fill your rescue pack and gain a remarkable education is to become accredited through the APR program. I encourage all public relations professionals to seek accreditation. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself and my career.

So don't waste another minute. Start filling your PR rescue pack so you can come to the rescue.

Get Fueled for the New Year

2010-01-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

It has been said that you can't give what you don't have. So if you're planning to make 2010 a year of giving more, may I suggest that you begin by fueling yourself with the right resources.

Whether your goal is to become an expert for your clients, a cheerful volunteer, or even a better spouse, parent, sibling or child, you must fortify your mind and spirit so that you are able to give at a level that exceeds all their expectations.

Consider making each day an opportunity to learn something new about your profession, your client's business, or even about yourself. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Join a professional association and become involved with a committee, project or board of directors.

2. Participate in webinars to get up to speed on new trends in your industry.

3. Read, read, read. Find a few meaningful blogs or e-newsletters to subscribe to, but choose carefully so you manage your time and don't become overwhelmed with information overload.

4. Get involved with a Twitter chat group, such as #solopr, which meets on Wednesdays at noon (central time).

5. Attend a workshop or conference, such as the Southern Public Relations Federation conference in Baton Rouge, LA, Sept. 26-28, 2010. (I just had to plug this one! Web site coming soon.)

6. Become involved in some spiritual activity. Go on a retreat, join a faith sharing group or Bible study class. Becoming spiritually renewed can do wonders for your outlook and can fortify you to deal with life's challenges.

7. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you and lift you up. This will help you to become a positive person who encourages others and lifts them up.

8. Make it your goal to become an expert on at least one new topic this year.

9. Schedule exercise into your day by making an appointment on your calendar so that it becomes a priority.

10. Use your time wisely. If you have a lunch break, spend it taking a walk, reading a book or doing something for yourself rather than eating at your desk and working through lunch.

By fueling yourself with exercise, knowledge, and a daily dose of spiritual renewal, you will be better equipped to tackle the day, serve your clients, take care of your family and yourself.

Do Not Accept Mediocrity for 2010

2010-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

One of the first things I read this morning was a quote posted by a PR colleage I follow on Twitter. It's from pastor Joel Osteen, who said, "You will never change what you tolerate." I thought this quote was quite fitting for my New Year's Day message for 2010.

This idea got me thinking about another favorite teacher of mine, Brother Donald McGrath, who taught me algebra, geometry and advanced math in high school. Being a writer and more of a right-brain type, I was always challenged by math and science, but somehow this 70-year-old man helped me to "get it" and be successful in these challenging subjects. One of his famous quotes that I think will be etched in my brain forever was, "To try is to succeed." This was always his response when a student would say "But I'm trying" as an excuse for not getting it. Brother Donald would not accept mediocrity and he did not allow us to give up.

As we begin a new year and a new decade, I am encouraged with the idea of new beginnings, and would like to share some ideas that will challenge all of us to become more successful in 2010.

1. Do not accept mediocrity. You are better than that.

2. To try is to succeed. If you have not succeeded yet, then you haven't tried enough. Try one more time.

3. Stop complaining. It gets you nowhere and only brings you and those around you down.

4. Be grateful for what you have. A rich person is not one who has many things, but is grateful for what he or she has.

5. Never stop dreaming and follow your heart. God speaks to our hearts, so listen, and say yes to what He is asking you to do.

6. Surround yourself with the right people, and do not allow yourself to be brought down by the wrong people.

7. Say thank you more often and be helpful to others, even when you don't feel like it.

8. Love the people in your life, even when they don't deserve it.

9. Take time to take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep.

10. Pray often. A great relationship with God brings you to great relationships with people.

My best to all of you in 2010. May this be a year and decade of greatness and success for all of us!

Make Plans to Succeed in 2010

2009-12-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

Behind every successful business is a plan for success. Without a plan, we drift around from task to task with no clear vision or goal in mind. This isn't a problem for me because I've always been a planner. I plan everything from grocery lists to vacations to major conferences and events. My friends and colleagues have always complimented my ability to organize and plan, but for me, it's just something that comes naturally.

But in 2010, I'm going to take planning to a whole new level by creating a plan to succeed. There are many challenges that come with being an independent PR practitioner and mom of two. It's a constant juggling act, but I know that with careful, creative planning, I will succeed at both.

I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore, but these are some actions I plan to take in 2010 to become a better communicator, leader and successful business owner.

1. Write every day.

2. Read every day.

3. Share interesting and inspiring stories with others.

4. Become better at remembering names.

5. Plan my day so that I maximize productivity and leave enough time for myself and my family.

6. Write a personal and business plan for the year with goals and measurable objectives.

7. Create a system to organize my business expenses to make life easier at tax season.

8. Smile more, listen more and spread joy.

9. Become a mentor to a young professional.

10. Identify an important cause and offer pro-bono consulting services.

This is my plan for 2010. What's yours? Happy New Year and may you be blessed with success in the coming year!

Seven Signs Your Business Needs a Communications Booster Shot

2009-12-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

Your business or organization has managed for years without the expertise of a public relations or marketing professional, so why spend the money or time on PR when things are working just fine? Well, perhaps 2010 should be the year to consider how your business could benefit from a little professional advice.

Here are seven signs that your business could use a communications booster shot. Do any of these look familiar?

1. Your Web site looks like it was created by a sixth grade kid. Ten years ago. And the look hasn't changed one bit since it went live in 1999 (and now that kid is in medical school).

2. Your customers are talking or complaining about you on Facebook and you're not even aware of what they're saying. Even worse, someone outside of your organization has created a Facebook fan page and is communicating with customers, and it's not you!

3. The membership, enrollment, or client base of your organization has been stagnant or may even be declining, and you don't know why.

4. You haven't been regularly surveying your stakeholders to ask them what they think about the way you are communicating with them.

5. Your organization lacks consistency in its visual identity (logo, newsletter, Web site, slogan, business cards, brochures, etc.).

6. There's a new business in town competing with your organization, and there's a lot of buzz and excitement in the community about the new guy.

7. Your business has never had a communications or marketing plan that integrates with your business strategy.

If any of these signs look familiar, perhaps you should make communications a priority for your business in 2010.

Five Ways to Engage Employees through Better Communication

2009-12-29T06:46:00.000-08:00

Is your communication style winning over your employees and making them want to come work for you every day? Or could you be turning them off with communication blunders you're not even aware of? Effective communication is not always something that comes naturally to managers, but those who do it well make it look effortless.

I recently read an email that a new manager sent to his employees. It was one of his first opportunities to communicate with his direct reports and establish rapport with them. His intent with the email was to communicate to his staff the importance of a new project and to rally the troops to accomplish a tough task with a tight deadline. Here's what he wrote: "This will serve as your only warning about getting this project done." Hmmm. How do you think his staff reacted to that stong language? How many of them felt motivated, and how many do you think went straight to LinkedIn to update their resumes?

Here are five simple things that managers can do to effectively communicate with their employees and engage them in their work.

1. Give them some face time. Whenever possible, make an effort to speak one-on-one with each of your direct reports every day. Take the time to sit down with them, talk about any current projects, and ask how you can support them.

2. Do it in person. Resist the urge to introduce new projects via email. Whenever possible, give directions in person so that you can encourage, motivate and avoid any misunderstandings.

3. Kill them with kindness. Before hitting the SEND button, read your email from the point of view of your staff. Think about the message you're trying to get across. Every email is an opportunity to either build or kill your employees' enthusiasm.

4. Be a reputation builder. Catch your employees doing something good and compliment them, preferably in front of others. This is a great way to use email by sending out a compliment and copying others in the company - particularly the executive suite.

5. Don't waste their time. Respect your employees' time by keeping staff meetings to a maximum of 30 minutes. Have an agenda, don't let topics stray, and schedule follow-up meetings for topics that demand more time.

It may not come naturally, but these simple acts done on a regular basis can help to build a staff that will be loyal, engaged and feel valued.

The News I Will Choose to Follow in 2010

2009-12-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year where all you see in the news is those annoying recaps of all the top stories of the year, the ones that made the big headlines and that everyone was talking about on Twitter and Facebook. You know the ones I'm talking about: Tiger Woods, Kate Gosselin, Michael Jackson, David Letterman, the balloon boy, the White House crashers...the list goes on.

You'd think our whole world must revolve around celebrities (or celebrity wannabes) and their scandalous lives. But I'm convinced there is more to our world, and there are good stories to be told, and so in 2010, I am making it my mission to seek out, read and share positive stories that remind us there is more to life than sex scandals, blackmailing, and hoaxes.

Here's one example about a teacher who writes letters to his current and former students every year on their birthday. This inspiring story reminds me of my favorite teacher, Brother Alfred Kolb, a Brother of the Sacred Heart who taught English at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, Louisiana, where I grew up. He was my senior English teacher, moderator of our student newspaper, and one of my first mentors. His encouragement and insistence on perfection helped form me into the successful PR professional I am today. For many years after graduation, Brother Alfred and I wrote to each other, and every year I received a Christmas card with a handwritten letter inside. He was a very special teacher, mentor and friend, and a positive influence on hundreds of students who passed through his classroom. Brother Alfred passed away a few years ago, but he will never be forgotten for his kindness and caring.

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15)

It's all about planting seeds

2009-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

If you're a PR pro, it helps to have some experience in agriculture, or at least gardening. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to break out the shovel, but it helps to think of business in terms of planting and harvesting.

You see, as an independent PR practitioner and business owner, it turns out that my whole career has been based on the idea of planting seeds over the course of many years. At the beginning, I didn't even realize I was planting anything. But every contact I have made, every relationship I have built, is a seed that one day may harvest and become a client, business partner or professional reference. That's why it's so important to build bridges and not burn them and to present yourself professionally wherever you go.

I'm rather new at the solo PR thing. After 15 years of working for various organizations, I took a leap of faith and started my own business in 2009 so that I could focus on my real talents and strengths and have more time to raise my children. My business development strategy has consisted of a great deal of gardening. I plant many seeds and nurture those relationships, giving them time to develop and harvest. Some of those seeds were planted 10, 15 or even 30 years ago. It just goes to show you that you never know when the right opportunity might come along, so be alert.

2010 is looking good. I'm excited about my new venture in gardening!

"Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)