kaira's blog http://www.blogher.com/blog/23663/atom/feed 2009-05-26T10:43:35-05:00 Engage Customers Online with Twitter http://www.blogher.com/engage-customers-online-twitter 2009-07-07T15:45:15-05:00 2009-07-07T15:45:15-05:00 kaira If you haven’t jumped on the social media bandwagon, hop on!

]]> If you haven’t jumped on the social media bandwagon, hop on! More and more companies are coming up with creative ways to engage their customers online. According to Marketing VOX, a recent study indicates that more than eight in 10 Twitter users, most of which represent small businesses, expect their company's use of Twitter to increase in the next six months.

And if you know me, you know how much I love Twitter and believe in its power. Nestle is taking an interesting approach to get moms talking about their product. The

company is running a Juicy Juice ad that asks questions like: “How do you help your child shine a little more every day?" and "How do you stimulate your child's mind?" If you go to CafeMom and BabyCenter , you can tweet your answer, and it will be live on the ad, wherever it’s running in cyberspace. Talking about the love(s) of our lives and being an online celeb for a day. Who doesn’t love that?

How are you using Twitter to grow your business and increase awareness?


 

Looking for a weekly dose of business inspiration? Sign up for my tip of the week! I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! Visit me at http://www.kairarouda.com/.

 ]]> Find a women’s community that’s just what you’re looking for. http://www.blogher.com/find-women-s-community-s-just-what-you-re-looking 2009-07-02T09:02:53-05:00 2009-07-02T09:07:55-05:00 kaira There are tons of online women’s communities out there, and it can often be overwhelming and time consuming finding the one that’s just right for you. So to help you out, I’ve listed a few different online women’s communities that I think are fantastic.

]]> There are tons of online women’s communities out there, and it can often be overwhelming and time consuming finding the one that’s just right for you. So to help you out, I’ve listed a few different online women’s communities that I think are fantastic.

Startup Princess—Startup Princess is a community where women can grow together while learning from one another. If you are looking for a
fairy godmother (mentor), this is the place. The site is full of stories from women just like you. Features on the site include a blog, directory of women-owned businesses, videos and more. They recently featured me in a blog post. (Thanks, Kelly!)

Savor the Success—Here women come together and share trials and tribulations about business and life. You can connect with other members through blogs, message boards and events. For those living in the New York or California area, there are chapter events you can attend. Find a chapter near you! In addition to being a networking site, Savor the Success also features a PR Co-Op. Providing tools and references for you to use in expanding your business, this is a great resource.

Metromom—Their slogan is: Connecting Women. Creating Change. The site has a blog and hosts events for members. Events range from free calls to virtual and live events. They also have a marketplace where members can sell goods and post opportunities for other members. In addition to their free community, Metromom also has a paid membership club.

EMwomen—Based in Hot Springs, AR,
this community focus is Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. You can upload your blog and join forums and special interest groups. The site also features recipes and cooking demonstrations. They also offer two levels for paying
members.

Real You—(Of
course I had to include our community.) The Real You community features success stories of women entrepreneurs, member brand boards, podcast interviews and updates, the Real You Chart Creator and more. Each Friday, I publish my tip of the week. Click
here to get your weekly dose of inspiration!

Now go out and explore the wonderful world of women’s entrepreneurial communities.

]]> How to Help Save Ohio Libraries http://www.blogher.com/how-help-save-ohio-libraries 2009-07-01T09:23:03-05:00 2009-07-01T09:29:37-05:00 kaira If any of you are book lovers or authors, this news of library funding cuts will break your heart, just as it did mine, but we can all do our part to save Ohio libraries!

]]> If any of you are book lovers or authors, this news of library funding cuts will break your heart, just as it did mine, but we can all do our part to save Ohio libraries!

What’s happening: On June 19, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland proposed a budget cut that would reduce state funding for public libraries by
$227.3 million in the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. This reduction would cut funding to Ohio’s public libraries by 30 percent in addition to the 20 percent cut due to the decline of the state’s General Revenue Fund. A total 50 percent cut in funding.

What it means: As a result, branches may close, hours of operation will be reduced, new book and material orders will be halted and other vital summer reading programs and services would end. With the economic hardships that thousands of Ohioans are facing, trips to the library have provided some relief for families, and I can’t imagine what some families would do without those opportunities.

How you can help:

  • Call or email Ohio legislators. For phone numbers and emails, . To email all legislators and senators at once, click here.
  • Join the Facebook group, and update your Facebook and Twitter status with:

“I contacted my elected officials to help save Ohio libraries, and you should, too. Find out more: http://www.saveohiolibraries.com/".”

The Ohio Library Council site has provided an image for you to save and upload as your profile picture on social media sites. For the image, click here.

  • Spread the word! Let friends know what is going on, how you have helped and how they can, too.

For more information, visit www.olc.org/SaveOhioLibraries.asp. The General Assembly Conference Committee is likely to make a decision this week, so act fast!

]]> Ready, Set, Launch—Gulp! http://www.blogher.com/ready-set-launch-gulp 2009-06-26T11:46:12-05:00 2009-06-26T11:46:12-05:00 kaira As an entrepreneur, you know the feeling! Whether you're a solopreneur, mompreneur, intrapreneur (an entrepreneur within a company), a multi-million dollar entrepreneur—whatever level—that moment when the project is finished and you launch it to the world is daunting. You *think* you've thought of everything, dotted all your I's and crossed all your T’s, but invariably, something isn't quite perfect.

]]> As an entrepreneur, you know the feeling! Whether you're a solopreneur, mompreneur, intrapreneur (an entrepreneur within a company), a multi-million dollar entrepreneur—whatever level—that moment when the project is finished and you launch it to the world is daunting. You *think* you've thought of everything, dotted all your I's and crossed all your T’s, but invariably, something isn't quite perfect.


But it's still great. That gulp feeling, that nervousness, is all because we put too much expectation on ourselves, and our team, to be perfect. Perfect isn't sustainable or real. Perfect is a place where there is no room for improvement, and there always is. Always. So if you're like me, and you've for too long held on to that perfectionist feeling, try to work it through. Realize, as I had to, that each mistake is a chance to learn and that when you're being realistic, you realize nobody—and no product or service launch—will ever be perfect.

Guess who reminded me of the whole problem with perfection? My middle school son. He is one of those guys—straight As, great at sports, a mentor, teachers love him, tons of friends. That guy. One night, tucking him in, I said something to the effect of you're just such a perfect kid. He looked at me, incredulously, and said: “Mom, nobody's perfect. I'm not. That's too much to expect from yourself.” Yes, he said it. Now I call him my “almost-perfect” son, with a smile.

That said, there's nothing wrong with doing your best. I just launched a new web site for my Real

You business—GULP. It's a work in progress, but it's a great start. I say that even while I acknowledge to you right now that I wasn't going to tell you about it today because it's not perfect. It isn't. But, then again, it never will be.



So, with pride, and a nod to imperfection and the entrepreneurial spirit, I hope you'll check out my new site: KairaRouda.com and watch with me as it evolves. Because a Web site, much like the business it represents, always evolves. And once you realize that fact, and the fact that your best is good enough—even if it isn't perfect—you'll be able to share more of the Real You with the world.

The best of you. The real you. And believe me, that is as close to perfect as you need to be.

]]> Small Business Self-Bailout Contest http://www.blogher.com/small-business-self-bailout-contest 2009-06-25T10:18:30-05:00 2009-06-25T10:20:06-05:00 kaira Survival of the smartest! Office Depot is awarding more than $1,000,000 in prizes in the Office Depot—Adopt a Small Business Contest. 500 small businesses will win more than $2,000 in prizes!

Want to enter? Upload a two-minute video about what your business is doing to survive during these hard times and how Office Depot can help you get through the challenges. The entry deadline is 11:59 PM EDT on July 31, 2009. Click hereto enter.

]]> Survival of the smartest! Office Depot is awarding more than $1,000,000 in prizes in the Office Depot—Adopt a Small Business Contest. 500 small businesses will win more than $2,000 in prizes!

Want to enter? Upload a two-minute video about what your business is doing to survive during these hard times and how Office Depot can help you get through the challenges. The entry deadline is 11:59 PM EDT on July 31, 2009. Click hereto enter.

By entering the contest, you have a chance to win $1,300 Office Depot gift card, one year of Tech DepotTM services tech support ($599.99 value) and $110 gift card toward copying, printing and shipping services. Gotta love free tech support and gift cards. For official contest rules, click here.

Good luck!

]]> Navigating new jobs and new personalities http://www.blogher.com/navigating-new-jobs-and-new-personalities 2009-06-24T08:41:47-05:00 2009-06-24T08:41:47-05:00 kaira Starting a new job is often a thrilling and nerve racking experience. You are excited for your new adventure but nervous about learning the ropes. Each business and office environment is different. They all come with their own set of quirks and personalities.

]]> Starting a new job is often a thrilling and nerve racking experience. You are excited for your new adventure but nervous about learning the ropes. Each business and office environment is different. They all come with their own set of quirks and personalities.

So when starting a new job, it’s often important to understand everyone’s personality and how they interact. This also allows you to figure out who to watch out for…those pesky snarks.

While it may seem difficult to escape their negativity, dealing with snarks is a part of life. Here are a few things that will help you navigate those snark-infested waters.

Protect your ideas. Whenever possible, avoid the middle man and take your original ideas directly to the boss.

Don’t share your contacts with people who you suspect might use your relationship for their benefit only.

Don’t rely on people-pleasers. Their inability to make decisions—especially unpopular decisions—means that you can’t depend on them when times get tough.

Don’t share confidential information with complainers and whiners.

Don’t share your dreams with bubble-busters. They’ll only bring you down.

Find the real people in your new environment, and stick with them. Looking for more business advice or snark-busting tips? Sign up for my tip of the week!

]]> Summer (Business) Reading Selections http://www.blogher.com/summer-business-reading-selections 2009-06-23T08:51:19-05:00 2009-06-23T08:51:19-05:00 kaira As I began packing my suitcase for summer vacation, I realized it was time to pick out my summer reading. This is usually a big decision for me, as I am sure it is for many of you. too. So I thought I would share a few great books (or magazines) to take along on vacations- to help your business.

Here are a few recommendations:

]]> As I began packing my suitcase for summer vacation, I realized it was time to pick out my summer reading. This is usually a big decision for me, as I am sure it is for many of you. too. So I thought I would share a few great books (or magazines) to take along on vacations- to help your business.

Here are a few recommendations:

by Cogswell Baskin

by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron
McMillan and Al Switzler. One woman entrepreneur swears the book saved her
partnership.

by Margaret A. Hefernan

  • Real
    You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs     by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda (that’s me)

    • If reading magazines is more your style,
    try:

  • Inc.

  • Ad Age

  • Fast
    Company

  • Enterprising
    Women

    • And of course, my summer favorite, Gift
    from the Sea

    , by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. It
    always gives me inspiration.

    What are some of your favorite summer biz
    reads?

    ]]>         Reinvention in the World on Entrepreneurialism http://www.blogher.com/reinvention-world-entrepreneurialism 2009-06-18T16:01:08-05:00 2009-06-18T16:01:08-05:00 kaira General Motors -fresh from their Chapter 11 bankruptcy announcement - unveiled a new 60 second television spot titled Reinvention. The spot is full of Americana images -baseball, big cities, folks hugging, sports fans, a tattered American flag,some familiar product shots, and the now, also clichéd, nod to going green:plants growing, solar panels, windmills. You get the picture. And in case you don't, you'll see the spot, along with newspaper ads, radio spots and the like soon in your market.

    Nothing about a 60-second television campaign says reinvention, except for saying the word "reinvention." You know and I know nobody watches television commercials anymore, and for a company in bankruptcy to spend our money (yes, we own GM now) on image advertising seems, well, business as usual. We all have a stake in seeing GM succeed now. How about a little reinvention here? (For more on the traditional campaign tactics being employed, read this Ad Age article.

    Which got me to thinking about entrepreneurs and how we must constantly reinvent ourselves and our products and services. Especially now, in these tough times. We know a federal bailout isn't coming our way. Instead, we need to rely on good 'ole American ingenuity. Creativity. Teaching ourselves new things - like twittering, and blogging. Pushing ourselves out of our own comfort zones to network, to pitch our business, to learn new skills everyday.

    We know reinvention isn't a word you try on - it's a way of life. It's not taught - it's felt, it's born through struggle, worry and the fear of failure. Can a huge company like GM ever really get it - get the true meaning of reinvention - if there is never a true fear of failure? I'm not sure.

    But I am sure about this: women entrepreneurs are helping to reinvent the way business is being grown across the U.S. and beyond. They are helping change companies from within (although not enough are there yet) and they are launching companies that are defining success in a whole new way. I hope the "New GM" has some women inside helping it reinvent itself. The chair of the board of directors is a man, the CEO is a man, and well, you get the picture.

    And speaking of the picture, the images I see on the new TV spots are all of men (I think I saw a female hand, but I'm not sure), and the voice over artist is male. But GM's customers are female.
    Women make or influence 85 percent of all car buying decisions. A reinvention without taking women into account - internally or as customers - is really no invention at all.

    ]]>         Why car dealerships won’t be good ol’ boys clubs much longer. http://www.blogher.com/why-car-dealerships-won-t-be-good-ol-boys-clubs-much-longer 2009-06-08T14:11:22-05:00 2009-06-08T14:11:22-05:00 kaira Ladies: Do you hate buying a car or even walking into a dealership because it’s like walking into the good ol’ boy club?

    ]]>     Ladies: Do you hate buying a car or even walking into a dealership because it’s like walking into the good ol’ boy club?

    Well those days a vanishing with the help of one inspiring woman, Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com. DeVere created AskPatty.com to offer automotive advice for women. It’s a site where women can shop for cars, tires and repair shops through the network of Certified Female Friendly retailers across the U.S.

    A Certified Female Friendly retailer is one that has created a safe and comfortable atmosphere where women are welcome and experience is enjoyable.

    In the podcast below, DeVere talks with me about how she is informing women about the industry and educating dealers and sales people on how to give women a better car buying experience and appropriately market to them. Did you know there’s a dealership offering spa services for patrons while they wait for their vehicle?

    DeVere gives us the inside scoop on how the auto industry is changing…for the better. Finally!

    Click here to check out my podcast interview with Jody.

    ]]>         How to “green” your biz http://www.blogher.com/how-green-your-biz 2009-06-05T11:46:05-05:00 2009-06-05T11:47:41-05:00 kaira Going green to help to your part and save the environment is very beneficial to all. But before you label you business “green”, make sure you know what it means.

    Check out this article from Startup Nation for the scoop.

    Here are some tips for greening your business:

    ]]>     Going green to help to your part and save the environment is very beneficial to all. But before you label you business “green”, make sure you know what it means.

    Check out this article from Startup Nation for the scoop.

    Here are some tips for greening your business:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOJr5qC2qWg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Frealyouinco...

    ]]>         Entrepreneurial Challenge for College Students http://www.blogher.com/entrepreneurial-challenge-college-students 2009-06-04T10:13:52-05:00 2009-06-04T10:13:52-05:00 kaira Calling all collegiate entrepreneurs! Show
    off your business by entering StartupNation Dorm-Based 20, which ranks the top 20 leading collegiate entrepreneurs in the country.

    ]]>     Calling all collegiate entrepreneurs! Show
    off your business by entering StartupNation Dorm-Based 20, which ranks the top 20 leading collegiate entrepreneurs in the country.

    To enter the contest, you must attend a
    college in the U.S.(not necessarily living in a dorm), your business must have a Web site, and you have to fill out the online form.

    The judges will be looking for:

    • Innovativeness of business concept
    • Potential for growth
    • Cutting-edge business practices
    • Demonstration of business fundamentals
    • Potential for overall impact
    • Financial performance

    Check out the 2008 Dorm-Based 20 winners:

    A Slice of Paradise

    Ablaze Custom Cleaning

    Affordabook

    Bizooki

    Brett Adams Design LLC

    CaptainU

    Collegeffect.com

    Digital Wingman, Inc

    E SCRAP Ohio

    EnMobile

    Hurricane K-9 Waste
    Removal, LLC

    IsThatOneGood LLC

    Note2Home

    ROCS College Student
    Staffing

    Sand Shack

    Shelby Burford Design

    The Magic of Jared
    Sherlock

    Vortex Web Solutions

    World Gaming Center
    LLC

    Zach’s Computers LLC

    ]]>         Stand strong and stay powerful http://www.blogher.com/stand-strong-and-stay-powerful 2009-06-02T11:52:01-05:00 2009-06-02T11:52:01-05:00 kaira Women apologize more frequently than men, it’s a fact. Most of the time we say “sorry” to be polite but it’s diminishing our credibility. Our power.

    Do you ever find yourself saying any of these phrases?

    • “I'm sorry, but I think...”

    • “I'm sorry you have to do this, but...”

    • “I'm sorry to bother you with...”

    • “I'm sorry, this might not be exactly what you wanted...”

    ]]>     Women apologize more frequently than men, it’s a fact. Most of the time we say “sorry” to be polite but it’s diminishing our credibility. Our power.

    Do you ever find yourself saying any of these phrases?

    • “I'm sorry, but I think...”

    • “I'm sorry you have to do this, but...”

    • “I'm sorry to bother you with...”

    • “I'm sorry, this might not be exactly what you wanted...”

    A talented member of my team constantly apologizes, even for situations she has no knowledge about and no control over. Another young woman, who had a different opinion from the rest of our group, began her sentence during a meeting with, “I'm sorry, but I think we could do it this way.” Just like that, she gave her power away. She weakened her point with that little word.

    While “I'm sorry” CAN be very meaningful, and it should be set aside for the moments when you want to correct a situation—something you did that hurt someone's feelings or a mistake you made—overusing the word has a diminishing effect. What happens when you really are sorry for something? Will the person on the receiving end know you mean it?

    Limit the s-word in your vocabulary. Start using strong phrases. If you bump into someone, say, “Excuse me.” Know that it's OK to have a different opinion and express it.

    For more advice, sign up for my tip of the week and receive a weekly dose of inspiration!

    ]]>         Young Professionals: Are you building your personal brand? http://www.blogher.com/young-professionals-are-you-building-your-personal-brand 2009-05-29T11:30:56-05:00 2009-05-29T11:30:56-05:00 kaira As graduating caps and tassels begin to fly, many young professionals are entering the workforce. So to all you young professionals, congrats! You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

    Now that you are in the workforce, there are multiple ways to start rising to the top.

    ]]>     As graduating caps and tassels begin to fly, many young professionals are entering the workforce. So to all you young professionals, congrats! You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

    Now that you are in the workforce, there are multiple ways to start rising to the top.

    • Start building your personal brand. Your skill set, attitude and social aptitude make up your product—you. After all, you had to “sell” yourself to get this job. Now it’s time to think about how you’ll get to the next level.

    So, here are a few things to consider as you move forward.

    • Identify the top five things you want your superior to say about you in a reference letter. Then, strive to be those things.
    • Be personable and connect with others. Email is obviously an efficient way to communicate, but if you show up in person from time to time, you have a great opportunity to build on the relationship.
    • Volunteer. If there’s a project that’s up for grabs, take it and use it as an example of what you can do when given the opportunity.

    As you jump into the pool head first, I know times are scary but you will succeed. You have to believe and know that you will succeed. Good luck and have fun!

    ]]>         Take time to learn, grow and expand your mind. http://www.blogher.com/take-time-learn-grow-and-expand-your-mind 2009-05-28T11:04:14-05:00 2009-05-28T11:04:14-05:00 kaira You are pretty familiar with your comfort zone. Your industry, your hobbies, your kids, your neighborhood. And you should be. That's easy. But what have you done lately to expand your mind, your knowledge? How have you challenged yourself?

    ]]>     You are pretty familiar with your comfort zone. Your industry, your hobbies, your kids, your neighborhood. And you should be. That's easy. But what have you done lately to expand your mind, your knowledge? How have you challenged yourself?

    Earlier this month, I attended the Marketing to
    Women Conference     in Chicago for the second year, and I love going because I always learn new things. Because I'm outside of my typical focus, entrepreneurism and real estate, my mind gets a break and a chance to focus and expand via a different channel. Sure, marketing to women is one of my passions, but it's not often I have a chance to mingle and share information with a group of people who share that passion. It's amazingly mind-expanding. And what, you ask, did I learn? Here's just a sampling for your consideration!

    • Today's women are living fully kinetic lives, according to a Lifetime TV study. 84 percent feel they are busier than the generation before them, and busier now than they were five years ago. They are leading multi-tasking lives.

    • Today's men are pitching in more, but it's far from equal at home. The interesting news is husbands who do pitch in have more sex. Go figure.

    • Stress is on the rise. 55 percent of all women say they are frequently stressed out, while 85 percent have trouble sleeping. Women are searching for simplification and an unscheduled day every once in awhile.

    • Oh, and while there are fewer vertical and horizontal corporate barriers, only 12 Fortune 500 CEOS are women, and women still only make 78 cents for every dollar a man makes. Leading to the rise of my passion—and many of yours—women are turning to entrepreneurship.

    You don't need to travel to expand your mind. Head to the bookstore and pick up a “how to” or business book (subliminal plug for Real You Incorporated inserted here) about a topic you've always wanted to learn more about. If you have a Kindle, you don't have to leave your home for an entire wealth of knowledge to be delivered into your hands. Of course, the Internet provides a huge, immediate resource, but it also provides innumerable distractions so if you want to focus, and if you want to learn, I'd
    suggest making time for it through. A book. A conference. Or taking an online course.

    In today's multi-minding world, make sure your mind has a chance to focus on expanding, and not just moving from task to task. Enlightenment and learning opens your mind and can change the direction of your life.

    ]]>         It’s your time to shine! http://www.blogher.com/it-s-your-time-shine 2009-05-26T10:43:35-05:00 2009-05-26T10:43:35-05:00 kaira Here's the thing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate employee, a SAHM or a college student, the time will come—and it probably has already—when you need to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight to claim your power. This could take the form of not letting somebody else take the credit for your paper, your proposal, your cost-cutting idea. Or, it may require the actual stepping into the spotlight, on stage or at least in a large group meeting.

    ]]>     Here's the thing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate employee, a SAHM or a college student, the time will come—and it probably has already—when you need to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight to claim your power. This could take the form of not letting somebody else take the credit for your paper, your proposal, your cost-cutting idea. Or, it may require the actual stepping into the spotlight, on stage or at least in a large group meeting.

    Does that thought terrify you? It did me, for too many years in fact. My fear of public speaking (and its accompanying fear of failure, fear of not being good enough) held me back in my business and in my life in general. It forced me to thrust others into the spotlight to say my words and present my ideas, instead of taking the responsibility and the challenge of doing it myself.

    Oh, and then I wrote a book. One of the first things you learn when that dream of being a published author—with an agent, New York publisher and a book on bookshelves—actually comes true is that you must let others know about the book. Without promotion, books, like all products, don't get very far. Guess what that meant: No hiding. There isn't anyone else who can speak about my words, my
    book    , for me. (I tried to figure out a way, trust me!)

    So, I hired a voice and speech coach. He was amazing. We worked together for a year and still have tune-ups now and again, but truly, it's fun to speak to groups now. Folks with our company can't believe the change. And I can't either some days. If I can do it, you can, too.

    So let me give you a few tips I've learned as I've stepped into the spotlight. To grow your business and personal brand, I hope you'll decide to take the plunge and step into your own spotlight, too.

    1. If speaking terrorizes you, get help. There are speech coaches, Toastmasters and all types of organizations to help you get the tips you need to grow into your comfort zone. You know your material. It's time to get credit for it.

    2. Start small. I'm still grateful to the first Rotary group who gave me a chance to speak about my book. They were gracious, warm and not too big in mass.

    3. Be prepared. Practice. Be prepared. Repeat. You'll feel better if you've rehearsed and can toss the notes and crutches.

    4. And, a big point once you've agreed to take the microphone: Power Point is supposed to be visual, a supporting image of what you're speaking about. Duplicating your speech on slides is a sure-fire boredom creator. Promise. My goal is to get to where the real pros are and use no slides at all!

    5. Remember, audiences, no matter how big or small, want you to succeed. They are there to hear your story, your message.

    ]]>