Valerie & Company Blog

Did you know that if you put numbers to each of the letters in the word “attitude” – it would add up to 100? The message is attitude is everything in how we deal with life. I truly believe (because I’ve tried it) that when we ACT cheerfully, we have more fun. When we SMILE, it’s hard to be depressed. When we LOOK for little miracles that happen every day, we’ll see them everywhere.

Let me give you an example. My secretary Susie used to tell me that every day little miracles were out there if we just noticed them. So when we went to an event and a parking place was right out front, she’d say “See, that’s a little miracle just for you.” Or if we got a referral from a client, she’d say, “See there’s another little miracle for you.”

Here’s something that has helped me see my day positively. When I awaken, the first thing I do is find 5 things to be grateful for. Not only does this give me energy before my first cup of coffee, but as I say them to myself I’m reminded that life is good and there IS much to be grateful for.

An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?”~ Michel De Saint-Pierre

Here are three questions to consider:

How can you make what you’re doing right now more fun?

What’s something that you always thought would be fun but have never tried?

When is the next opportunity for you to actually schedule some fun into your life?

Valerie

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Like many people, I love the holiday season…even during those last-minute, hurry-up errands I meant to do two weeks ago. I love to cook my traditional pumpkin bread to give to those service people who are there for me every day…the guard at our condo building, the doorman at our office, and the mail delivery person who always brings our mail wearing a smile.

In addition to the many religious traditions celebrated during this time of the year and into early January, this also is a time to refill and renew our energy and begin shaping our personal and professional strategies for a new year of opportunities.

If you’re like me, it helps to put in my calendar a few actual days to take time to reflect, re-evaluate and, perhaps, make some changes…managing “our stuff.” I often find myself using part of the time to clean out, re-arrange, throw out and bring in all the tools I need to be successful in the coming year.

Yes, it’s hard to discard some of those old habits – personally as well as professionally – but your goal is to clarify your brand and your personal direction…it’s about doing more with less, to hone your goals into laser-sharp focus…to plan what you need and how to get what you need to succeed.

The holidays are, in fact, a time to renew and revitalize old friendships, to spend time with family and friends and to take a deep breath from the daily routine…but it’s never too early to make improvements in your personal brand, to re-align your passion and to re-examine old strategies. Just like that perfect suit you bought three years ago, the style may no longer be flattering…and so your personal brand strategy may need to be re-evaluated, tweaked and improved. Let me know if I can be a resource to help you unearth your unique personal brand!

Wishing you happy, healthy and productive holidays,

Valerie

Networking is essential to advertising your personal brand – and, as you may realize, networking is sort of like power walking. If you wear light workout clothing and athletic shoes made for the terrain you walk, you almost glide down the track or path. If you strap on leg weights, step into steel-toed boots and pile on heavy coats, you’ll cover less ground and add time to your walk.

Here’s how to avoid moving in slow motion and how you can cover more ground in less time when you’re networking.

1. What’s your outcome?  When calling on a member of your network or a targeted company, your goal is to achieve a certain outcome – like developing referrals, informational interviews or formal interviews. So, first pinpoint the outcome you need and then create a strategy, including the reasons your request should be granted, to help you achieve your desired outcome.

2. Develop a script: if networking is difficult for you, it’s because you haven’t had much practice.  So, it’s time you did – practice, I mean.  Take a look at your strategy and goals for a quick review.  Then develop a script – if you have an elevator speech, start with that and tailor it to achieving the goal you’ve set.  Your script will need an introduction, a purpose for the call, email or face-to-face visit, a “What’s In It For Me” from the standpoint of the person you want to speak to, as well as anticipated questions, rebuttals and objections – and your planned responses.  At the end, ask for what you want…ask that person to help you make your goal happen.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: After putting your script together, practice it. Use your family, your roommate…anybody who will listen and others who will be honest with their feedback.  If you practice your script, you’ll be prepared to think on your feet…especially when you network with someone less than eager to work with you.  You’ll also be able – whether you’re networking, interviewing or selling a product or idea – to get to the benefits faster and then asking for your desired outcome…and this is way better than rambling on and on…and on.

4. Ready for Your Debut: With script well in mind, your networking “butterflies” have lessened considerably.  Now, start targeting your most sought-after target – the company you’d most like to work with or the client you’d most like to sign…or the job you’ve wanted forever.  Find a way to get to the decision-makers and then ask for what you want.

5. Ongoing evolution: As you go through your script, collect the responses you get and make necessary adjustments to it.  If you use certain words and get favorable responses, add those words to your script.  If certain phrases or ideas get automatic rebuttals or objections, smooth these out. 

6.  Keep on learning: Never think about networking or going for job interviews or anything that has to do with selling yourself without bringing yourself up-to-date. These may be the latest trends, the most recent activities of a company or the latest and greatest in whatever field you may be in.  Never stop learning…this is key to your success!