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real you incorporated: Real You: Passion Poppers - 06/17/10 07:35 PM
You recognize passion when you see it, don't you? It's that sparkle in a person's eye, the spring in her step. Passionate people exude pure, real energy. Confidence and a sense of empowerment. Everything they say is infused with enthusiasm.
We all recognize it - and hopefully - we all want passion in our lives. Unfortunately, the road to finding and remaining true to your passions is littered with the realities of life. Disappointments and setbacks abound, no matter your age, no matter whether there is a recession or not. (Although, it's especially true today.) Disappointment is a fact … (8 comments)
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real you incorporated: It's never too late to tell you about trends, is it? - 04/09/09 07:34 AM
Ok, here's a funny story. My friend Stefan Swanepoel is THE real estate trends guy. He publishes a well-researched, well-read Trends Report each year and the industry folks who are smart, read it. I realize it's April, and first quarter is over, BUT I am finally reading the report! In my defense, for some unknown reason, it took two months to arrive from California to my mailbox in Ohio. (Yes, even reports don't want to visit Ohio if they're from Laguna Nigel.) But enough excuses. I learned a lot, and here are the trends that resonated with me:1. Real estate is … (4 comments)
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real you incorporated: Tweeps & Business Pages vs. Networking Parties & Business Cards - 01/12/09 10:25 AM
Are you feeling the pressures of networking through social media but don't really know what that means, let alone how to do it? If so, you are not alone. Just be honest about it. I love it when people are honest. It’s great to be able to admit both your strengths—and your weaknesses! And learning to incorporate social media into your business’ marketing plan in the New Year is a great step. If you entered the business world before the Internet, you know and feel the dramatic changes that are occurring almost daily. Every industry is facing these changes and the … (4 comments)
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real you incorporated: Kiva.org- Helping entrepreneurs in the developing world “go for it” $25 at a time - 12/18/08 12:17 PM
Recently I learned about Kiva.org, an amazing micro-lending Web site for the working poor. Kiva’s mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. It’s an opportunity for people like you and me to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. These are real individuals in need of funding. Despite their current circumstances, they’ve decided to “go for it,” because they know they can—and they will. Get involved, and you will be helping a real person make strides towards economic independence. Amaka Okpara, 23, married with one child, lives in Lagos State, Nigeria, where she … (2 comments)
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real you incorporated: It's Never Too Late for a Fresh Start - 11/14/08 03:13 PM
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 … (0 comments)
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real you incorporated: Spouse and Business Partner: The Keys to Success - 10/23/08 12:49 PM
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 … (2 comments)
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real you incorporated: Your Business, Your Brand, Your Culture - 10/06/08 08:08 AM
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!
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real you incorporated: Is Your Workspace a Reflection of You? - 09/23/08 03:58 PM
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 … (3 comments)
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real you incorporated: Customers Know You're Faking It - 09/22/08 09:56 AM
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 … (0 comments)
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real you incorporated: Do You Wordle? - 09/10/08 01:39 PM
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.
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real you incorporated: What is 2” by 3 ½”, contains a logo and is vital to you and your business’s success? - 09/09/08 10:24 AM
... 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.
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real you incorporated: The Power of the Purse in Real Estate - 09/03/08 10:29 AM
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 … (0 comments)
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real you incorporated: Is a Culture Vulture Bringing Down Your Team? - 08/26/08 11:17 AM
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 … (7 comments)
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real you incorporated: The Almighty Power of Networking - 08/22/08 02:26 PM
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, … (0 comments)
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real you incorporated: Greetings from Austin! - 08/08/08 02:00 PM
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!
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real you incorporated: Building Your Team - 08/07/08 11:01 AM
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, … (5 comments)
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real you incorporated: What is a Snark? - 07/31/08 10:02 AM
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 … (8 comments)
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real you incorporated: Keeping it Real – Balancing Your Schedule - 07/28/08 08:56 AM
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 … (0 comments)
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real you incorporated: What Does Your Office Say About Your Brand? - 06/11/08 08:22 AM
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 … (1 comments)
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real you incorporated: You Want Me to Create a What? - 06/04/08 03:05 PM
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 1st 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 … (1 comments)
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Kaira Sturdivant Rouda
Malibu,
CA
More about me…
Real Living
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I'm blogging about the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in real estate and about how important it is to put the real you in your business, for a genuine, sustained competitive advantage. Visit www.RealYouIncorporated.com for more!
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