Real You Incorporated

Articles and Images Provide Inspiration

2008-11-18T13:09:44Z

Subscribing to magazines is a great way to inspire new ideas. Begin by visiting your local newsstand or bookstore and start browsing. If you find some you really enjoy then purchase them. At home you will be able to sit down and really see what is out there. You can also get online and find out what’s happening in business, fashion, home living, parenting and more. Try sites like Glam.com and iVillage.com. With a computer at your fingertips, nothing can stop you from accessing great articles, image and features that will inspire you and help you grow. The possibilities are endless!

There are several magazines—both print and online—that appeal to me. I make every effort to subscribe to those publications that speak to my heart. Some are business related, while others address family and the personal side of my life. Often, a good read is all I need to get inspired. Pink magazine is a personal favorite of mine, with its tagline--a beautiful career; a beautiful life. It emphasizes the fact that my personal life and my business life are not separate; in fact, they are intertwined. And that’s how I keep it real—by refusing to differentiate the two. Instead, I focus on my passions and my goals.

In addition to the many great magazines and Web sites you’ll find online and at the newsstand, you can also be inspired by our stories of women entrepreneurs who are putting the real you in their lives!

What magazines do you enjoy? Where do you draw inspiration from?

It's Never Too Late for a Fresh Start

2008-11-14T15:13:25Z

Maybe your business needs to be re-energized, or you need to refocus your vision for the company of your dreams. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that can guide you through the process. But first, you have to know what you want and where you're going. Create a vision statement!

A vision statement, or road map for your brand, is basically a game plan. In one or two sentences, you can define your goals in a way that everybody understands and embraces. Determine a few words that embody what your business is about. I call them essence words, and they can help you craft a clear, well-defined vision statement. After that's accomplished, get started on a business plan!

Check out Life Lesson Nine in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs for a strategy map and RealYouIncorporated.com for vision boards.

Communicate with Style

2008-11-07T15:28:27Z

If you're tired of sending traditional e-mail messages, consider a more interesting way of conveying your communications. From branded cows to Big Boy restaurant signs, the Web site RedKid.net provides an array of fun images that can be customized with your own words. Here are some examples of how you can get your point across...

Try it for yourself at RedKid.net.

How Colors Can Help Determine Your Personality

2008-10-27T11:58:38Z

I recently stumbled across a great personality test from the company, Neenah Paper. This isn't your typical personality test. In fact, there are no multiple choice questions involved. This test helps you gauge your personality through the use of colors. Try it for yourself and post which color corresponds with your personality!

Which of these three colors do you prefer? Yellow, Blue or Red?

If you prefer yellow, this is a more accurate description of your personality:

"Finding common ground is the game you play best. You calm troubled situations and bridge differences. Your awareness of others' perspectives and points of view is a very powerful tool. It enables you to express contrary, unpopular feelings without offending anyone. People feel they know where they stand with you, and are willing to let you help them. And consequently, you are happy when you're able to give of yourself. By keeping people listening, you establish a forum for solutions and possibilities to unfold.

If you prefer blue, this is a more accurate description of your personality:

"You are a dreamer and a visionary-wistful, imaginative and eccentric. You're preoccupied with the future. Your dreams give you the mental discipline to concentrate and stay on track. You need to justify your life by having a positive influence on the world, even on those you don't know. Your ability to prioritize helps you to be proactive. Blues can fix things before they are broken! Thinking about the future energizes you-putting forth your ideas and reshaping the world are keys to your happiness."

If you prefer the color red, this is a more accurate description of your personality:

"You know exactly what you want. Money, power and status give you a sense of security, but ultimately you see them as a means of expression. This is your primary goal. You're not one to hoard your wealth. On the contrary, you would give up almost anything for those you're concerned about. You are ambitious, driven, confident and outgoing. You don't want to remake the world in your image, you just want to be in charge of fixing things. Conversely, you have little tolerance for inefficiencies. Your practical approach allows you to evaluate things and the people around you-helping others to recognize the reality of a situation."

This is just the beginning of the test. Once you pick a primary color, you choose secondary colors to complement it, then even more colors to help hone in on your true personality. It's a fairly extensive test with surprisingly accurate results. If you have the chance, try it for yourself. The more you understand yourself, the better you'll understand how you communicate with others. In real estate, it's imperative to know how you communicate, so you can better meet the needs of the consumer, develop your personal brand and determine your competitive advantage!

Spouse and Business Partner: The Keys to Success

2008-10-23T12:49:51Z

Allow your strengths to shine, set boundaries and find a balance that works for you and your family. This is my best advice for those brave souls that choose to share the same work setting with their spouse.

I have been working with my husband, Harley Rouda Jr., at Real Living for the past 12 years and it has been an increasingly rewarding experience. Harley and I complement each other with our strengths, but we don't always agree. We make it work by defining our roles. Determine from the get-go who has the final say on decisions and who's responsible for various functions in the company. That's a must. Then there's the issue of financial and emotional risk. When you're both involved, that obviously increases. But there's an awesome tradeoff that you simply can't ignore: When everything is running smoothly, it's doubly rewarding-and you'll be able to enjoy that together.

Check out my recent podcast episode with Harley, "Working with Your Spouse," by subscribing to the Real You Incorporated podcast on iTunes.

Is Small the New Big?

2008-10-16T14:12:55Z

If you’re looking for new marketing inspiration, I highly recommend the book, Small is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas by Seth Godin. Godin’s ideas can stimulate creativity and open your eyes to change, but, this really isn’t your typical business book. There’s even a disclaimer found on the book’s sleeve that states:

“WARNING: If you want a narrative and lots of research, you’re in the wrong place. But I’m betting you don’t need another dense business book. What you need is a small prod or perhaps a friendly whack. And maybe a few ideas you can really run with. Have fun.”

If “Jobs for Purple Cows” and a “McDonald’s Cocktail Party” seem like intriguing or puzzling topics to you, then go pick up Godin’s book and have fun in a world of ideas and inspiration that will cause your brain to approach marketing in a new way.

Beat My Score!

2008-10-14T09:23:54Z

Take the following quiz that tests your knowledge on eco-preservation. Post a comment with your score.

1. Which of the following light bulbs is the most energy efficient?

    A. Compact Flourescent
    B. Incandescent
    C. Halogen

2. How long does it take carbon dioxide to disperse in the atmosphere?

50 years
75 years
100 years
150 years

3. Which of the following items lasts in the environment the longest?

Glass
Plastic
Leather
Disposable Diapers

4. What percent of global energy comes from non-renewable resources?

5. How many miles will the average American drive in their lifetime?

45,078 miles
298,207 miles
452,662 miles
627,000 miles

*Answers found at the bottom of the blog post

What was your score? Three out of five? Four out of five? Well if you scored higher than one out of five, you beat my score. I don't claim to be up on all the latest numbers, but I do work hard to recycle and keep my car emissions to a minimum.

Basically, everybody can stand to learn a little about the environment and the ways in which we can reduce carbon footprints. If you are passionate about incorporating and promoting environmental practices in real estate, consider becoming EcoBroker certified. In a competitive market, this is one certification that sets you apart from the rest. Real Living understands the growing market for eco-friendly real estate, so we offer our agents the opportunity to earn an EcoBroker designation through Real Living's Real University. By becoming an EcoBroker, you'll learn how to better address environmental issues such as:

              • Radon, asbestos, lead and mold
               • Finding sustainable energy options such as Energy Star®
               • How to increase resale value through eco-friendly adaptations

It's worth checking out!

*Answers: 1. A, 2. C, 3. A, 4. D, 5. D.

Online Video as a Marketing Tool

2008-10-07T08:50:05Z

Do you watch YouTube? What about streaming video from television Web sites like NBC or MTV? If you're like many Americans, online video has become a convenient way to watch breaking news, access sports events or catch up on your favorite prime-time television shows. In fact, "Business Week" recently ran an article that states, "In the first 12 days of the Beijing Olympics, users of NBC's Web site had watched more than 56 million video streams-- more than the combined total for the previous two Olympiads-Torino, Italy, in 2006; and Athens, Greece, in 2004."

Have you implemented online video into your marketing plan? If you haven't, consider using video to bring your brand to life. Don't do it in the traditional sense: all about you. Instead, shoot a video about your brand and what it makes your customers feel like. Today's consumers want to get to know you and your brand. They want a real, personal connection. Video is a great way to translate your philosophy and brand online. Post it on your site, and then post it on YouTube. Send it by e-mail to new prospects. Think of video as a chance to invite them into your office, virtually.

Real Living offers agents the opportunity to create their own professional, authentic and compelling videos of themselves, their listings or their area of expertise through "Real Living Stories." Online video is becoming an increasingly popular medium through which consumers are reached, so utilize this tool and keep experimenting with different methods of communicating your message.

Your Business, Your Brand, Your Culture

2008-10-06T08:08:32Z

If you happen to be in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 9, I'll be presenting "Putting the Real You in Your Business" at the National Association of Women Business Owners luncheon.

I'll be sharing insights on:

Establishing a successful brand for yourself
Putting yourself at the center of your business
Giving your company a competitive advantage
Building a great company culture
Creating lifetime relationships with your clients

The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Smith and Wollensky at Easton Town Center. For more information and to RSVP, visit NAWBO Columbus. I hope to see you there!

Is Your Workspace a Reflection of You?

2008-09-23T15:58:01Z

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 the average American worked 42.9 hours a week. Over the course of a year, this added up to approximately 2230 hours, which is about 92 weeks straight. If you're spending this much time in your office, wouldn't it make sense to create a comfortable work atmosphere that allows you to display your creativity and express your inner passions?

Create an office that reflects the real you by addressing the needs of your five senses. Start with color. When painting or furnishing your office, choose colors that exhibit your personality. For example, those who consider themselves to be imaginative, idealistic, a visionary and somewhat eccentric at times may be drawn to the color blue. You may also want to surround yourself with visual reminders of your hobbies and passions such as pictures, mementos and other personalized décor.

Next, stimulate your sense of smell with a favorite scented candle or air freshener-lavender, sandalwood and vanilla are great stress-relieving scents. When it comes to taste, keep a container of mints, chocolates or hard candy in your office. The M&M's Web site gives consumers the option of customizing and ordering candy by color and with a personalized message on the shell. If you choose to go with candy, make sure you choose a flavor that exhibits an aspect of your personality.

Whether you like Beethoven or the Beach Boys, choose some tunes that reflect your taste in music. Play this when you're working, or program it into your office phone ring tone. There are some great desk clocks that double as iPod docks on the market right now. Turn on your favorite iPod playlist or listen to some soothing sounds of nature

Lastly, make sure you address the importance of touch. From your chair to the flooring, it's important to feel comfortable in your workspace. Pick a stylish desk chair that supports your back and adds personalized flair to the room. Your desk should be spacious and ergonomic. After all, if you're like the average American, you're spending quite a bit of time at your desk. For more information about how you can make your office a reflection of the Real You through the use of your five senses, check out Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs or access RealYouIncorporated.com.

Customers Know You're Faking It

2008-09-22T09:56:35Z

Let's face it. You know a fake when you see one - a fake designer purse, an artificial flower, a false friend. You know when a company isn't what it seems. They may get you the first time, but you won't be back. It's crucial that you never fake it because your customers will find out. Be true to yourself, and understand enough about your customers to convey your true worth to them at every transaction point.

Consumers are a lot smarter than we think. Duane E. Knapp of, The Brand Mindset: How Companies like Starbucks, Whirlpool, and Hallmark Became Genuine Brands and Other Secrets of Branding Success, understands the importance of marketing to an intelligent consumer looking for a genuine brand. In his book he states, "Genuine brands make a promise, and they deliver on that promise consistently, eagerly, and at the customer's convenience."

Do you consistently pull through on promises you make to your clients? Honesty helps build a strong personal brand. When you make promises you can't keep, you quickly diminish the credibility of your personal brand both at work and at home. Consumers are becoming more aware of insincere marketing gimmicks and advertising. They appreciate and are more likely to give referrals to genuine brands that they can trust and respect. Do you deserve customer loyalty?

Do You Wordle?

2008-09-10T13:39:20Z

I recently stumbled upon a great new visual tool to accompany a blog - Wordle. Wordle is a fun Web site that allows you to paste the text from a blog post into a box that then scrambles the key words into a fun visual blog.

The following image is an assortment of words I used in a recent eBrand Marketing blog. If you haven't tried Wordle, click here to experiment with the text.

What is 2” by 3 ½”, contains a logo and is vital to you and your business’s success?

2008-09-09T10:24:19Z

... a business card. With card in hand and a simple genuine conversation between you and a stranger, your business could become a nationally recognized brand.

In the profession of sales, you need to be comfortable asking for business. If approaching people is difficult, try practicing. Write it out, talk to a mirror, video tape yourself, whatever works for you. Remember, people respond best to authentic conversation. Walking up to someone on the street and just handing them your card doesn't work. Ending a casual conversation with "lets keep in touch" or "if you need anything, here's my card" works well.

At a networking event, chances are you'll talk about your business and you need to have your elevator pitch ready. The key to the pitch is being able to articulate, in a short sentence or two, your name, company name, product and how and where you can be contacted. Followed by your business card, this quick pitch is your one chance to make a great first impression. Make it memorable!

With thousands of ways to design a business card, do you visually express your personal brand?

To learn more about building a business network, check out Life Lesson 19 in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs

For more information on business cards, check out The New York Times Business Card Basics

The Power of the Purse in Real Estate

2008-09-03T10:29:59Z

Real Living has been marketing to women for 7 years now! In fact, Real Living was the first women-focused brand in real estate. Why market to women?

Women make or influence 91% of all home buying decisions.
Women guide 94% of all home-furnishing purchases.
Two-thirds of real estate agents are women.
78% of engaged women say that while they already have furniture, they'll replace most or all of it when they marry.

This being said, I presented at the national Marketing to Women (M2W) conference in May about the tremendous purchasing power women hold in this country, but more specifically in real estate. It was a great learning experience! The M2W conference attracts brands from across the country that understand the influence women have as consumers.

M2W asked Real Living to put together a video highlighting more great statistics on the purchasing power of women. It's now featured on the M2W site. Click here to view the video!

Is a Culture Vulture Bringing Down Your Team?

2008-08-26T11:17:42Z

You've probably met this person at one time or another. They're the employee that isn't on board. The one causing friction among your staff and bringing down team morale. I have a name for people who sabotage businesses -- culture vultures! And my best advice is to get rid of this person as soon as you can. If that's not possible, then pay close attention to what's going on, and trust your instincts. In other words, your perceptions of this person are probably right. In the meantime, take comfort in the fact that culture vultures usually destroy themselves. Truth prevails, but it doesn't typically happen as fast you'd like. Get help in the form of a business consultant, a person who will work with you to plan a strategy that ensures that every member of your team is on the same page. Is your team being brought down by a culture vulture? Share your experiences! You can learn more about how to avoid culture vultures in Life Lesson Fifteen of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.

Technorati Profile

The Almighty Power of Networking

2008-08-22T14:26:52Z

Networking is not just important, it's absolutely necessary. In whatever stage of the game you're at - whether you own a company or you're working for someone else - networking with other individuals is essential because you never know who can help you move up or help you move on.

Here are my suggestions:

•· Get over being intimidated. Leaving your comfort zone is never easy, but you can practice at home by role-playing what you'll say when you meet people. Get your elevator pitch down.

•· Go with a friend. If you know someone who's really involved in a group or organization, tag along. She'll be sure to introduce you to her circle.

•· Always be on the lookout for networking opportunities. It might happen the next time you're in the cafeteria. Introduce yourself to that person from another department-the one you see occasionally-but neither of you ever speak.

•· And don't fret; it gets easier!

If you're interested in networking with other women online, check out the share forum on RealYouIncorporated.com. It's a great way to get started. We'd love to hear from you!

Greetings from Austin!

2008-08-08T14:00:30Z

This Saturday, August 9, I will be presenting at the Balance Expo for Women in Austin, Texas. I would love for those that live in the Austin area to come enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, informational speakers and networking. I will take stage at 2:15 p.m. with a presentation about "Putting the Real You in Your Business." For more information, check out the Balance Expo for Women Web site. I hope to see you there!

Building Your Team

2008-08-07T11:01:53Z

How can you build a successful, cohesive team? Team building isn't always cut and dry, so here are some suggestions to help you bring the right employees into your culture.

Try to achieve a balance of personalities. Know that it's important to hire individuals with varying personalities as long as your employees are true, real and reliable

When interviewing a prospective employee, communicate the culture of your business. As a result, the candidate can decide whether or not they see themselves as a fit. Make sure you also put a word about your culture in the job description. During the interview, ask the candidate to talk about themselves. What are their passions? What activities are they involved in? Be sure that other members of your company are present during the interview process. This gives the team ownership of the hire.

Once you've selected a good candidate, get a background check on them. Call their references, previous employers and others that might know them. Companies don't typically wish a bad employee on another company, so you'll usually receive fair and honest responses.

Lastly, consider a remote addition to the team. Outsourcing is a great opportunity for those businesses that are either tight on money or short on time. Don't neglect this possibility as you continue to grow your team and your business.

If done correctly, team building can be a positive process that benefits your corporate culture. Real Living strives to build successful teams in every area of our business. For more information on this topic, check out pp. 131-133 of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.

What is a Snark?

2008-07-31T10:02:20Z

Many of us have been snarked-and didn't know it at the time. Oblivious to the fact that negative influencers are out to snatch our power, we may be innocent victims of snarkdom at many times in our lives. How about you? Has a snark attempted to crush your dreams?

From the worst types-ego snarks, sexist snarks and user or con-artist snarks-to just plain annoying types-people-pleasing/social-climbing snarks, complainer snarks and bubble-bursting snarks-they are everywhere. In your office, at the store and even in your family.

If you have snarks in your life, you may need to focus on silencing them. How do you accomplish this? By being the real you! Being okay with yourself, retaining your power and harnessing your potential are imperative to combating all types of snarks, whether you encounter an ego snark, complainer snark, or bubble busting snark.

Snarks prey on other people because they aren't comfortable with their own abilities. They tend to form parasitic relationships to bring others down for their momentary self-promotion. Don't let yourself become susceptible to snark attacks from others. For example, when a complainer snark starts in on a rant, change the subject to something positive. Once you do this a few times, they'll get the hint that their complaining isn't welcome. Stand strong and make sure you maintain a positive disposition.

On the flip side of things, do you ever catch yourself acting snarky? Sure, it happens to everybody once in a while, but you want to make sure it doesn't become a permanent part of your character. By being real and being you, you'll be sure to steer clear of snarkiness.

For more information on snarks, check out snarkinfestedwaters.com.

Keeping it Real – Balancing Your Schedule

2008-07-28T08:56:11Z

Are you keeping it real? We often hear this phrase, but what does it actually mean? Here's how the dictionary defines real:

Real (r ‘l) adj., being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verifiable existence.

We all know those superstars at work and other organizations who seem to take on inordinate amounts of work without breaking a sweat. Is this you? If it is, remember that balance isn't about having it all; it's about having what you want. It's about integrating work and family with your personal goals. If you jam-pack your schedule with activities 24/7, be careful not to lose your identity in your tasks. Make sure you know yourself and your definition of fulfillment.

Learn to become real and realistic. There are several ways to address this process. Namely, don't push yourself to be somebody you're not. Be real. If you can handle your career, positions in professional organizations, aerobics class, volunteer activities and getting your kids to soccer practice on time, go for it! If not, know your limits and don't be afraid to say "no" to extra activities. Everybody has a different point of balance. Yours may be completely different from the person sitting next to you in the office. When it comes to how you spend your time, be realistic by knowing your limits.

Start by taking a look at your schedule, and make sure you're spending a considerable amount of time with the "real people" in your life. These people will support you and help you achieve your goals. Also try and schedule time in your week to reflect on your passions, essence and aspirations. This exercise will help you gain direction and purpose on a day-to-day basis. It will help you further develop and strengthen the "real you" so you can succeed wherever you go.

So when you think about it, there's really no such thing as balance in a universal sense. You have your own point of equilibrium and it's up to you to determine your personal threshold. By doing this, you'll be a happier, healthier, more authentic individual as you push forward toward future endeavors.

Networking in Boston, Anyone?

2008-07-11T14:11:53Z

This weekend, the Women's Council of Realtors will be gathering at the Marriott Boston Long Wharf for the Influential Women Summit. We'll be networking and discussing strategies from building your business to balancing work and life.

If you're in the area, come and check out my panel on Saturday morning, July 12. I'll be joined by Tami Bonnell and Pam O'Connor. It should be an exciting event!

Get your life priorities straight first

2008-06-27T09:21:19Z

Deciding on the balance that you want to have between business success, family success and leisure time is the difference between judging your own success and failure.

I suggest spending some time alone-- a night, a weekend or even a few hours. Then, with pen and paper in hand, establish your goals and write down your top priorities. Your number-one priority should be where you spend most of your conscious time, and so on. Remember, it's never really been about work-life balance. It's more about integrating work and family with your personal goals.

One of my friends, Tanya Baker, an independent contractor with HelmsBriscoe, exemplifies this. In her continuing effort to meet the needs of busy meeting planners, she keeps this tip top of mind. With a husband, two small children-and a challenging career-she constantly strives for work-life balance. But it's not easy, and frankly, she admits that many women she knows have been unsuccessful in this area of their lives. "I live near a cemetery and walk through it occasionally as a shortcut going to local businesses. I have yet to see a gravestone that declares that the person six feet down was a vice president of sales or a great manager, but you see plenty engraved with ‘Mother,' ‘Father,' or ‘Wife/Husband,'" she says. "In the end, how you lived your life for the benefit of your family will be how you are remembered."

What about you? What's important in your life? Have you established your priorities before jumping head-first into an entrepreneurial lifestyle?

Market Yourself and Your Listings with Facebook Applications

2008-06-12T12:40:04Z

Here's a scenario that happens too often: You're a member of social networking site Facebook. You've created a profile, added friends and uploaded a few pictures, but that's it. If this is you, you're not using Facebook to its utmost marketing potential.

Here are some innovative applications you can add to drive consumers to your listings and highlight your own personal brand through the use of Facebook:

Hotlists-This application allows you to search a database of images representing movies, brand names, sports teams, cities, etc. Select these images, drag them to a layout panel and then place them in sequence to create a montage of pictures representing your own personal brand. If you can't find your favorite icons on the Hotlists database, no problem-you can download your own images and add them to the layout.

MyBlogs-Link your blog to Facebook through an application called MyBlogs. By adding this, your Active Rain (or other blog) posts will automatically appear on your Facebook profile page. Facebook not only lists the titles of each blog, but displays a brief excerpt as well. Here's what mine looks like:

Video-Post videos that talk about you and your services-anything that makes you the expert-to the Video application on Facebook. You can even post virtual tours that drive consumers back to your Web site.

Marketplace-If you want to feature your listings, go through the Marketplace. Be sure read the rules that apply. You can list houses, condos, rentals and more.

Do you know of other great Facebook applications? Leave a comment!

What Does Your Office Say About Your Brand?

2008-06-11T08:22:30Z

Let's take great brand No. 1. The atmosphere can be best described as clean, simple, high-tech and contemporary. With computers, media players, gadgets, and helpful sales associates, this brand has created a tech-friendly atmosphere where consumers can ask questions, play around with devices and get on-the-spot service.

Another company with a great environmental brand is brand No 2. Walking in the store, your senses are overtaken with live piano music, trendy displays and an assortment of high-end brands. They have also done a great job creating a store that carries the most progressive fashions while maintaining traditional service. This balance helps it achieve a strong environmental brand that appeals to women and establishes it as a high-end retailer.

If you haven't figured it out yet, brand No. 1 is Apple and brand No. 2 is Nordstrom-- two successful companies with strong environmental brands.

When it comes down to it, environmental branding reinforces a company's image in the marketplace and helps consumers find them in a vast sea of competition. This being said, shouldn't every company take its brand to the next level by capitalizing on environmental branding? Let's face it, this technique is no longer limited to retail.

Here's an example of how Real Living does it.

It's no longer pictures of two men in suits shaking hands in front of a yard sign. Today, you'll find lava lamps and smiles.

You Want Me to Create a What?

2008-06-04T15:05:20Z

Whether you like baseball, ballroom dancing, pushing the envelope or flying under the radar, your innermost traits should be exhibited in your own personal brand. This being said, I challenge those of you who haven't used a glue stick since 1^st grade to create a brand board that displays your personality and passions.

What's a brand board? It's a poster board that you transform into a montage of pictures and images that accurately represent your personality. Are you calm and green; fresh and blue; or vibrant and red? My board is predominantly red and full of things that make me happy, like daisies (hence the cover of my book). I also took parts of my personal brand to my business brand. At Real Living, we're red, round and real. You can read more about that on page 84 of Real You Incorporated.

Grab some magazines and start clipping images that exemplify your personal brand. Put it on paper and display it for the world to see. At my company, Real Living, we make an effort to post our brand boards in our workspaces.

So put your apprehensions aside and give yourself permission to enjoy some arts and crafts. You may be surprised what you discover about yourself.

Need an example? Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/25342810@N08/ for brand boards that agents have sent in.

If you've completed your brand board, share it with others! Send a picture of your board to brandboard@realyouincorporated.com, and we'll post it on the RYI flickr page.