Living My Dream ... 2011 Here I Come.

God is good.

Many things are happening and most things I can't talk about (yet).

I can share with you that I am hosting a new web-series on Black Enterprise.com called, "Brand You."

Check it out and spread the word and if you want (please) post a comment.

http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/2010/12/21/watch-brand-new-you-with-jill-scott-and-karen-taylor-bas/

Thanks for all the love.

K

Get Your Hands Off My M&Ms (Mind and Muscle)

I am an entrepreneur who is proud to finally say no more freebies to the vampires; unless they are providing enrichment to my sphere and brand –- be gone.

This was the year I decided to no longer giveaway my M&Ms (PR/Branding/Coaching expertise) for free because that would devalue my brand’s worth and drain me.

Folks are crafty — be mindful of one-way bartering, partnership, multi-level opportunities and so forth … you do your part but the other side comes up short.

Let me say it now – stop giving away your M&Ms.

Read the rest of the post here:

Celebs Who Came Out To Celebrate The Brand New Mommy Launch

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

i

Ebony Turns 65!

All we can say is congrats to our Ebony on a real milestone --- turning 65!

Not certain where many of us would be without Ebony as it relates to documenting Black history and telling our story with love and passion. Let's hope they continue to live the dream of Mr. John H. Johnson.

Ebony happy birthday and many more pages of love, peace and success.

I am so elated that my Brand New Mommy is included in the November issue (Collector's edition).

Your Fall Season Must -Haves

As we enjoy my favorite season, fall, my plan is to ratchet up the to-do list with passion, persistence, favor, and balance. You?

A mere two months left before another year, and the great news is there is still time to make this your best year yet. Continue to plan strategically; make that money call to a potential client or employer; talk up your brand like a rock star; be your authentic self and know that you are talented; and, most importantly, find the time to do you.

Here are my favorite people and products/brands to help capture the best in mind, body, heart, soul and hair for fall 2010.

Mind/Inspiration
Live your passion like today was your last day and create what is essential and missing in the market place:

Dr. Willie Mae Hawkins, needed support as a single mom so she created a movement, SPRING, Inc. SPRING, Inc. provides spiritual encouragement for those who are currently single parents or who will soon become single parents through separation or divorce; those who have been widowed; those who are adopting, are foster parents, or are involved in some other custodial arrangement.

Max L. Siegel, one of the most influential executives in the entertainment and sports industry, was once the highest ranking African American executive in NASCAR. Now he can add producer to his impressive credentials with a 10-part docu-series titled Changing Lanes, which will premiere on the BET network.

As you know, books can transform your mind and set your ideas on the fast track. My favorites to capture the entrepreneurial spirit, provide spiritual balance and transform one’s mindset as it relates to debt, disaster, divorce, deceit, disease, and depression is Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado. And if your mission is to over-stand, leverage social media, and learn how to monetize your blog, then purchase Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk.

Get ready for Getting to Happy, Terry McMillan’s sequel to Waiting To Exhale, which is in stores now.

Body
Don’t believe the hype! There are no potions and magic pills to reverse the aging process. However, you can get the blood pressure, cholesterol, joints, muscles, mind and stress all in check with a four letter word – yoga. Bikram yoga is the most intense and worth a try to achieve serenity.
Spadium, New York: No need to find your passport–you can eat, love, pray and spa in your own backyard. If you live nearby a major city, there is a Korean district close by. For a mere $110 you can have a traditional Korean body scrub, massage, facial, get your hair washed and conditioned, and enjoy a sauna, steam room, and green tea.

Soul
Music can heal thy soul and transform thy inner being. Our favorite brand new mommy, Jill Scott, is in the studio putting the finishing touches on her fifth studio album, Light of the Sun. It’s scheduled to be released late this year.


Newcomer and unsigned talent Abby Dobson is a gifted jazz and R&B singer with a debut album, Sleeping Beauty: You Are the One You Have Been Waiting On: Volume One.

Mommy Power
As we get ready to send our children off to school, the mommy brand takes center stage. Regardless of how you came to be a mom, you know that this job has the best benefits and the greatest stress:
The Juiceboxx is a blog for modern parents, giving moms and dads what’s hip, happening, and helpful in the world of parenting.

The Brand New Mommy is the digital destination for black women renewing and redefining their personal brand post-childbirth.

Hair
Whether your mane is textured, weaved, locked, or natural, a service/product is always needed to get one’s hair healthy. After a few mishaps, I have stumbled upon the potion and pros that will save and enhance your hair:

Brownstone’s Feng Shui revitalizes hair and scalp, stimulates hair growth, relieves dandruff, and leaves your hair smelling delicious.
Indigofera.com offers premium plant-based products and solutions for your hair and skin while offering an interactive hair blog for your burning questions.
Duafe Natural Holistic Salon is a celebrity haven in Philadelphia that provides premium haircare services and Shea butter-enriched homemade products.
Loving Your Natural Hair workshop, conducted by Felicia Leatherwood, is a must to understand how loving your hair and not cursing it will make it thrive.

What will you do this fall to produce different results for your mind, body, soul and hair?

The Brand New Mommy on NBC-Today New York

Hi Mommas,
I am so excited to share this footage with you as we spread the message about The Brand New Mommy. Yes, Black moms have a voice — let’s use it together and effectively.
Let me know your thoughts, post a comment and share. One Love.
See the entire interview
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/as-seen-on/Positively_Black__The_Brand_New_Mommy_New_York.html

Karen Taylor Bass, The Brand New Mommy on NBC New York

sound of blackness - optimistic

Are You A Brand New Mommy? Tell Me If You Are...

 

Thank you so much for all the support and spreading the word on The Brand New Mommy.  

Do you like it? 

What would you like to see on the blog?

Please please post a comment on TBNM blog and share like nobody's business.

I appreciate you.

Here is a story featuring  TBNM from MadameNoire.com.

Are You Ready to Be a Brand New Mommy?

August 3rd, 2010 - By Kweli Wright

• Tweet This
• Email This
• Share on Facebook

Madames, there is life after baby. When we become mothers, our bodies and schedules change, but our perspectives on life, love, and work have to change too. It’s so important to renew and redefine yourself after motherhood, but where do you start? Karen Taylor Bass is a PR expert who helped launch the careers of artists including D’Angelo and Jill Scott, but after she became a mom to her bonus son, she decided to leave her high-profile job and focus on family.

Click here to read full article:  Madamenoire.com

Seven Ways to Effectively Self-Promote Your Business

Seven Ways to Effectively Self-Promote Your Business

By: CHARISSA ARSAOUI
Friday, July 9, 2010


* Business Advice

CharToday’s business owners need an affordable way to set themselves apart from their competition. For start-ups, every penny spent on advertising has to count. Without hiring a pricy PR firm, is it possible to get the word out about the new products and services you have to offer without breaking the bank? Of course it is!

With the help of the Internet, you can employ strategies that will improve your bottom line by allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Here are a few no-cost ways to promote your business effectively:

1. Get a blog and direct your customers to it. WordPress and Blogger offer user-friendly options for first time visitors to the blogosphere. Free account options are available for you to engage and inform your readers about all the things that set you apart from other companies professionally.




2. Post articles relating to your trade or industry in newsletters and Web sites that accept Guest Posts. Lend your expertise to publications in your industry for free. Just make sure that each post includes a byline with links to your blog or Web site. Driving business to your Web site is a quick way to increase your customer base.



3. Design a business card that grabs people’s attention. A well-designed business card is classy, straightforward, and useful. It provides important information about the type of establishment that you run, your business’s name, physical and Web address and a logo or motto to help with branding.

4. Familiarize yourself with social media networking. Create Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts for your business. Update them frequently with announcements about upcoming events, new product launches and special promotions being offered.

5. Host a monthly giveaway. What better way is there to get the word out about all things involving you than through a contest sponsored through your blog or Web site? From homemade beauty products to hour-long fitness training sessions, offering an online incentive from time to time is a good way to build trust and let prospective customers try out what you have to offer.




6. Trade services with other entrepreneurs. Use your ability to barter as often as you possibly can. Swapping skills with other businesses is a cost-effective way for you to get things done on a budget.




7. Set up a mailing list and offer your customers incentives for signing up for it. Keeping in constant communication with your customers gives you a distinct advantage. Offering sales and promotions from time to time to the people who are considerate enough to provide you with their contact information promotes goodwill and loyalty among your customers.


You don’t need to tap into your profits to establish a rock solid marketing plan. With some creativity and our list of suggestions, you, too, can travel down the road to success with ease.

Karen Taylor Bass, public relations consultant and author, recently told The Network Journal that she, herself, employed some of these strategies - along with a few others such as sending out podcasts to potential clients - for the launch of her own business.  

“If I had to select one, I would say that the blog is the most effective strategy on the list,” she says. “It’s a great way to establish your expert status and provide fodder for the marketplace. Also, it optimizes well on the Internet and is the equivalent of instant syndication.”

Taylor Bass advises budding business owners to consider networking as a close second to blogging. “Networking should be approached as a strategic partner rather than a chore,” she says. “Observe how the top players ‘work’ a room and make everyone feel engaged and special. Being the best listener in the room goes a long way.”

Additional reporting contributed by Sergie Willoughby

Remember That Kiss At 13? I'm feeling It...

It's here and I feel like a 13 year old experiencing her first brush kiss.

Please take a moment and learn all about The Brand New Mommy and my Random Notes for today, http://www.thebrandnewmommy.com


Post a comment and share ... share ... did I say share?

Oh yeah... Pam Perry,Social Media Strategist, PR Coach and BNM Advisory Board member, http://www.pamperrypr.com will guest host my show tomorrow and we will dish all about the brand new mommy movement at 12 noon, July 22; http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thebrandnewmommy

Who Is The Brand New Mommy^TM

She is every hue of the rainbow and represents the quintessential black woman, age ranging from 30-50, and learning each day to find balance as she ‘re-define’ mommy-hood on her terms and ‘re-new’ her career goals (or launch a new passion).

The Brand New Mommy is complex, smart, beautiful, and multi-talented, and, appreciates the simplicity of life (and a splice of the fabulous vida).

The Brand New Mommy was once on top of her game pre-babies – now the industry has changed, she has taken time off to raise her children, and learn social media — the new “it” girl.  TBNM is coming back stronger, smarter and sensible.

TBNM has to learn the new rules while creating new ones to make her life easier, sustainable and profitable.

All Dreams Are Possible Are You Ready?

Happy Thursday!

The humidity is still intense, however, the temperature is only in the 80's (Thank goodness).

Just For You!!!! Coaching For 1 DAY ONLY Under $100 Greetings! How are you? I am getting ready to launch a product line next week and the excitement is unbelievable. Look out for the link and information next week in your mailbox. Thank you for letting me know you wanted this product. I appreciate you. As a thank you -- I clearing inventory and making stuff  "mo better." If you follow me at http://twitter.com/prexpert OR http://twitter.com/thebrandnewmom send me a tweet to get the special price and reserve your strategic PR coaching. You must follow me by Friday, July 16th and pay on that day -- no exceptions. This is a tweet promo. Strategic Brand/PR Coaching with Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert $75 - for 30 minutes (regular price $150) $100 - for 60 minutes (regular price $250) Your PR Expert, Karen Taylor Bass Authors, Ready To Meet The Next Terry McMillan? 9 Tips to Becoming the Next Terry McMillan Yes, you can work full time and become a published author Author Faye Thompson used her lunch hours at her day job to write her second novel. Are you a novelist waiting to exhale? If so, it is time to make your passion a reality. Terry McMillan made it happen and so can you. Meet Faye Thompson, a government employee for more than 25 years whose recent novel is being compared to Terry McMillan's Disappearing Acts. Thompson's second novel, Cheesecake and Teardrops (Urban Trade Paper, $12.95), was written during her lunch hour, vacation, weekend, after hours -- basically any time she wasn't at her 9-to-5 job. "I wanted to write and tell a story that I could not stop reading. If it's your passion, find the time to do it," says Thompson. "Get your hands on the Literary Marketplace, a [compendium] of agents, publishers, and editors. This resource will show you how to submit materials/manuscripts the right way. Also, take a creative writing course offered at a local college. This will empower you to tap into your power," advises Thompson. Click here to read more and learn Faye's tips: http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2010/07/07/nine-tips-to-becoming-the-next-terry-mcmillan/ Tune in today - Thursday, July 15th for my Transformational Thursday Radio Show with Faye Thompson.

I'm Turning A No Into A Y-E-S!

Hello, I got a call today and the caller said ... we decided to go another direction.

I was disappointed for a split second and decided to face the giant and realize that not everything is for me.

When it's your moment -- it just is. So, back on the horse and will appreciate all that is gratitude.

Happy hazy summer!

ps: Check out my column on Black Enterprise this week ....http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2010/07/07/nine-tips-to-becoming-the-next-terry-mcmillan/

The Brand New Mommy Is Almost Ready ...

I am putting the final touches to my creation and launch of a new product line. The idea came to me with fervor and I knew it was my "aha" moment.

Getting ready to launch "The Brand New Mommy;" a digital destination for Black Moms, 30-50, learning how to renew and redefine their personal "brand" post childbirth.

Take a moment and follow my twitter feed @TheBrandNewMom.

Also, let me know your thoughts on the logo for the new product.

Mocha Moms Are More Than Just Mothers ... Feel Me?

I recently wrote about the Mocha Moms Incorporated for my blog on BlackEnterprise.com and thought you might want to read. Let me know your thoughts - do you agree/disagree?




Mocha Moms Are More Than Just Mothers

Group is dedicated to helping women to re-define their power after leaving careers in corporate America

"Live every day of your life with passion," recommends Mocha Moms President Dee Dee Jackson

Mocha moms of the world unite; we are a movement transforming the home, marketplace and most importantly -- self. A mocha mom is a woman of color who has chosen to make parenting and family a priority. She may alter her career, work schedule, or eliminate working outside the home all together to focus on providing the best care for her children -- mother care.

And while there are many lower-case mocha moms, there is also the upper-case Mocha Moms Inc., an organization for women learning to re-define their power as it relates to family, community, and self through sisterhood upon leaving their successful careers in corporate America. Click here to read more of the article - http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/2010/06/24/mocha-moms-are-more-than-just-mothers/

Written by Karen Taylor Bass on June 10, 2010 | Print Blog
10 Tips for Writing a Winning E-Book




Use these quick and easy steps to get published

When you are ready to write your e-book think about what you do best.

Would you like to solidify your expert status in your respective field, score another stream of income, and promote your business? It’s time to get published and write an e-book.

With the advent of technology—we crave information immediately, passionately and succinctly. An electronic or e-book allows you to become a self-published author and add your innovative approach to a topic within 7 to 10 days.

Please continue to read by clicking here: http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/2010/06/10/ten-tips-for-writing-a-winning-e-book/

Jill Scott Talks Baby, Balance, and Branding

‘Operation Village’ helps singer handle motherhood with success

Jill Scott share tips on balancing motherhood and career.

As you move and groove in life and embark on motherhood in your 30s, the balancing act of family, career and maintaining your personal brand can become a daunting task.

How does one renew and re-define oneself post mommyhood-- at age 37-- and still maintain top status in the entertainment industry? By being authentic and forgiving for not being perfect.

Jill Scott, our favorite homegirl, multiplatinum, Grammy award-winning singer, poet, author, actress-- and now mommy--shares how she balances and enjoys life’s golden moments. “Being a mom is better than I thought because of the way I love it and experience how much my son loves me. I wouldn’t trade it, however, its work and exhausting.” Click here to read the rest of this candid article on Black Enterprise.

How To Score A-List PR On A Shoestring Budget

By: Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert

Find success with do-it-yourself marketing

So, how do A-list celebrities and corporations secure that ultimate public relations campaign that has them on everyone’s lips?

First, let’s talk about what public relations entails: fostering public goodwill and creating a favorable opinion for a product, person, or thing. Basically, it attracts consumer attention to a product and is generally a well planned campaign. Public relations is not about creating a one-shot hype campaign, planning a special event, and hosting a party for the media. That’s called publicity.

Lisa Price of the popular and multimillion-selling natural haircare company Carol’s Daughter certainly secures A-list PR now, however, that was not always the case. So what did she do?

She created both short-term and long-term plans, hired top-notch professionals – strategic marketing and brand expert Steve Stoute, along with celebrity endorsers including Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary J. Blige -- to promote her brand and business.

Most burgeoning stars and business owners hire a publicist, which can range from $2,500 to $10,000 a month. It is possible to do it yourself, and as the PR expert, I’m going to show you how.

These strategies will not only get you started; they will empower you to win and standout from the competition:

Click here to read tips and learn more: http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2010/05/20/score-a-list-public-relations-on-a-shoestring-budget/

Let me know what strategies you have implemented to grow your brand.

Brand Sidibe: Confident and Consistent

Follow her example by using bold authenticity to stand out in the marketplace

Gabourey Sidibe is using brand consistency to make the most of her big break.

This game of life requires you to be confident and consistent. If you say you are the best—then bring it. Show your successful projects, letters of recommendations, and praises from your (former) employers and colleagues.

The competition to secure an opportunity can be challenging—entrepreneurs must deliver a consistent and confident brand each time. Branding—as mentioned in earlier posts is—a consistent feeling, image and experience desired from a product conveyed to the general public. Basically, you the entrepreneur are the brand.

Enter brand Gabourey Sidibe, the NAACP Image Award recipient and Academy Award nominee. She is the unlikely next big star, her debut role as Claireece “Precious” Jones in Precious: Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, she has been working consistently in Hollywood. Brand Sidibe has allowed her personality to take center stage and foment demand simply by being herself.

We get it that Sidibe isn’t the “standard beauty” that Hollywood seems to crave, and she isn’t being raved about as much as uber-waif and fellow Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, but Brand Sidibe is a one-woman show oozing with determination, talent, and girl next-door appeal. Her brand is unconventional, confident, consistent, powerful, authentic and well liked. What could have been easily 15-minutes of fame, is still a precious moment developing for the star.

As entrepreneurs and women we must learn from Brand Sidibe to love the skin we are in to attract the big break. How many of us miss the mark because we don’t believe in our gifts? Is it because we are busy worrying about the competition, or is because we lack confidence as it relates to our talent? All you need to succeed is within you.

When shock jock Howard Stern made his crass comment, “…Everyone’s pretending she’s a part of show business and she’s never going to be in another movie. She should have gotten the Best Actress award because she’s never going to have another shot.” Sidibe made Stern eat his words when she recently hosted Saturday Night Live, and announced that she’ll have a recurring role on Showtime’s new comedy “The Big C,” along with the upcoming film “Yelling to the Sky” and co-hosting "The View" next month. Not bad for an actress who had never acted before.

Start your campaign of brand confidence and consistency today. Trusting that you have what it takes to win; showcase your character and knowledge to standout; deliver to your client what you pitch; and display the confidence to make it happen. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Define yourself and love the skin you are in by your standards (warts and all).
2. Do your research as it relates to the marketplace. What can you bring differently to the job/contract?
3. Show up to win, it’s all an attitude and mind-set
4. Have fun and enjoy each moment of life.

What are your strategies for winning? Let me know your thoughts.

Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, provides entrepreneurs, corporations, and mompreneurs with essential branding, marketing, and public relations coaching; www.karentaylorbass.com and www.taylormademediapr.com. Follow Karen's tips and Caviar & Chitlins moments at Twitter, twitter.com/prexpert.

Social Media: The New Currency

Social Media: The New Currency



Why women must be more aggressive about using networks to create business opportunities

Perry: "If we don't master social media now, we'll be left behind."

Social media is the new economy and game changer for getting your message out in cyberspace and beyond. If you have fresh ideas and the desire to try something new—get ready to grow your brand and be discovered.

You can amplify your message and grow your brand instantly by using popular networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Ning, YouTube, and Animoto to name a few.

With social media you don’t have to wait for a client or the media to discover your talent, service or goods—you can create platforms by engaging your friends, family and acquaintances by providing exceptional and creative content and messages via website, blog, Internet radio, and promotional videos all for an opportunity cost of free or close to nothing.

African American women are using social media to influence brand loyalty and to increase popularity, however, many are not using social media to increase bottom-line as it relates to business.

According to Pam Perry, head of Ministry Marketing Solutions, “African American women think social media is a fad and for young kids, and don’t realize people are making money with social media. Social media is a marketing tool and the quickest way to network and increase exposure for a brand. For social media to work you must target people that know and trust you.”

To read more of my article on Black Enterprise.com click here: http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/2010/04/09/social-media-the-new-currency/

Karen Taylor Bass & TaylorMade Media LLC
Press Release For Immediate Release
TaylorMade Media Salutes Our Expert,
Karen Taylor Bass


Valley Stream, New York - April 6, 2010 -

Moguldom Media Group (http://www.moguldom.com/) will honor Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 in the category of Media.


CONFIRMED HONOREES:

Business

* Randal Pinkett, businessman and entrepreneur of "The Apprentice" fame

Personal Finance

* Ryan Mack, popular personal finance expert and frequent commentator on CNN's business segments

Entrepreneurship

* Miko and Titi Branch, founders/CEOs of the well-known "Miss Jessie's" hair line

Media

* Michaela Angela Davis, critic, writer, and former editor-in-chief of Honey Magazine
* Karen Taylor Bass, CEO/President of TaylorMade Media and a national leader in public relations and empowerment

Politics

* Derrick Ashong, a political voice whose YouTube fame earned him his current show on Oprah's Sirius network
* Farai Chideya, award-winning author, journalist, and commentator on politics and media for NPR programs including The Takeaway



Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert

Presents

"Meet The Media"

Special Guest: Kendra Lee, Executive Editor, Heart & Soul



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

*Tele-Seminar (You Can Call In From Any Place & Ask Any Question)


You will learn why Heart & Soul is thriving in the marketplace as other Black magazines struggle

Learn how to get featured in the magazine if your subject matter is about being healthy, wealthy & wise

The tele-seminar is 60 minutes, and you will masterfully learn the following:


How To Pitch To Heart & Soul
AND
*Get your story heard

*How to listen to your "voice"
*Be a freelance contributor

*Increase an add a stream of income
*What type of stories do well for the magazine
*How should a query be sent
*What tools (bio, media kit, summary sheet) are needed to send someone an email of interest
*How to partner with Heart & Soul and put your business on front street

*Learn their editorial calendar for 2010 and see how you can shape-shift a story

*What should your press kit (electronic) contain for pitching to a magazine
ETC...

*Ask the editor questions so you can be informed and prepared


ONLY $49.99 (Priceless Value)

Are You Ready To
"Meet The Media?"
Register Today!!!! http://meethemediaheartandsoul1.eventbrite.com
About Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert

Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, provides entrepreneurs, corporations, and mompreneurs with essential branding, marketing, and public relations coaching; www.karentaylorbass.com and www.taylormademediapr.com. Follow Karen's tips and Caviar & Chitlins moments at http://twitter.com/prexpert.

Jumpstarting Your Brand After Mommy-hood

Greetings!

How are you?

If you are beginning to feel like things are not coming together --- don't give up, you are close. How do I know? Been there done that.

Although you can't see it, your blessings are about to be revealed. Ask yourself this -- why is it easier to believe in others and not yourself? Do something different this week and brand your confidence by talking about your accomplishments and desires with everyone you meet. Aren't you worth it?

Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, Guest Contributor to Black Enterprise, #1 Magazine For Entrepreneurs, Investments & Careers

After two years of being persistent, I am a weekly contributor the BlackEnterprise.com.
I am pleased to cover issues as it relates to women, public relations, branding, re-invention and mommy-hood. Remember, never take no for an answer when you have something edifying to offer. Continue to push yourself and your brand. This is favor season.

To date I have written five postings and would love for you to read them all, comment, share and follow me on BlackEnterprise.com.

I look forward to covering you all once I get past the 90 day mark.




Here is last week's post on Jumpstarting Your Brand After Mommy-hood:
Jumpstarting Your Personal Brand After Mommy-hood

R&B Singer Monica shares her tips that keep her 'Standing' strong as she re-invents her career

Mommy-hood is no easy feat; regardless of age your mind, body, spirit and career will never be the same. The moment you meet your healthy and beautiful bundle of joy, your priorities will shift and you will change. But after the maternity leave has ended, how do you re-invent your personal brand to incorporate your new status when its time to go back to work?

At 43, with two kids (including a toddler), and in the midst of a re-invention, I have recently upgraded from sweatpants to fitted jeans, and the process to become the "brand" new mommy has not been easy. I had a thought: do all mommies-including celebrities-struggle to re-define their personal brand? The answer is a resounding yes.

Recently I spoke with Grammy Award winning artist Monica, about re-defining her brand after a brief hiatus from the music industry. Sure, she has "fame," a TV show, and a new album coming out, but at the end of the day, she shares the same concerns as I do about re-invention and re-entering the workforce after becoming a parent.

"The best sage wisdom someone told me about re-invention is to focus on the positive, what makes you special and different, and realize that just because you put yourself first, doesn't mean your kids are not your first concern," said the single mother of two pre-schoolers. Re-invention is not about the superficial but the qualities that make you feel centered as a person, says Monica.

After taking time off to have her children, Monica is back with a vengeance. She has a reality show on BET that chronicles her re-invention as she finds balance being a single parent, dealing with high blood pressure, recording a new album, building a business, and struggling to carve out moments to be still. Her fifth album, "Still Standing," is scheduled for release on March 23. She chose the name as a testament of strength to all of us finding our way back home to self. click here for more http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/18/jumpstarting-your-personal-brand-after-mommy-hood/

Check out a past blog:
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/2010/02/19/is-your-brand-bold-beautiful-determined/



Am I on the right track with the subject matters? Your feedback is critical because you inspire me everyday.

Expect To Win In 2010!

Let's Stay Connected
Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, provides entrepreneurs, corporations, and mom-preneurs with essential branding, marketing, and public relations coaching; www.karentaylorbass.com and www.taylormademediapr.com. Follow Karen's tips and Caviar & Chitlins moments at Twitter, twitter.com/prexpert.

I know its been a moment since I wrote to you. This has been my season of harvest with bountiful blessings.

How are you? I just celebrated my 43rd birthday and it was truly fabulous. My commitment to self is to celebrate each month as if it was by birthday. Why not? Life is about celebrating and the best gift is life.

I am now blogging for Black Enterprise-- the leading African American magazine for Investments, Careers & Small Business. Let's just say I am completely stoked.

When you get a hot minute and enjoying your coffee, take a minute to read my blogs on the site, spread the word, and post a comment. I had the honor to interview Terrie Williams, PR Guru this week.




http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/2010/03/11/pr-guru-re-invents-with-a-purpose/


I have a couple of FREE workshops In New York, RSVP and let's party.

1) Harlem Business Alliance - 4 Weeks To Take Your Business to A-List Status with Public Relations
RSVP@ 212-665-7010; visit www.hbany.org for dates and details.

2) March 20th - Spend An Afternoon With The Experts. http://saturdaywith2experts.eventbrite.com

IS YOUR BRAND BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & DETERMINED?
Spend a Brand-Changing Saturday with Two Experts

Karen Taylor Bass – The PR Expert, Co-Founder, "As Powerful As You Want To Be” PR Boot Camp Author, Speaker & Blogger for Black Enterprise

Anthony Quiñones – The Repackaging Expert, CEO & Chief Creative Officer,

Q Ball Media, LLC, Author, Repackaging Is Everything


Date/Time:

Saturday, March 20, 2010 / 10AM-2:30PM

Location:
Harlem State Office Building, 163 West 125th St., Suite 8A, New York City

Topics To Be Discussed:

* What branding/repackaging is and what it is NOT;

* How to use branding/public relations/repackaging to establish yourself as the leader of your world;

* Ways to make friends, influence people and get business WITHOUT hype and deception;

* How to use unexpected life experiences and "reinvent"

* How to effectively use branding/public relations/repackaging in

your job search;

* How to get a good return on your media investment;

* … AND MORE!!

Who Should Attend:

* Authors;

* Speakers;

* Coaches;

* Brand managers;

* Entrepreneurs;

* Radio hosts;

* Thought leaders;
* Students;

RSVP at http://saturdaywith2experts.eventbrite.com
Admission is FREE. Seating is limited.
For more information, call 516.285.4999 or 646.246.5846

Can You Believe Scott "Chachi" Baio? The Black Woman Still An Enigma To Many

I must say that the Baio's comment was a complete surprise and to many of his fans (he received death threats). So, you don't know what he said? Well, here it is verbatim from his tweet post (people should not tweet all thoughts).

"WOW He wakes up to this every morning," Baio tweeted, along with this photo:


Last week when I was reading the crazy rant by Scott Baio - better known as "Chachi," it really threw me for a loop. Not Chachi?

I wasn't certain if I should comment or let this go away?

Then I thought about it --- as a renaisssance Black woman, I was compelled to respond. Feel me?

I've been a fan of Scott Baio from -- Happy Days to Joanie Loves Chachi and now this ...

It's easy for people to spew hatred when its so en vogue given the climate -- politics, pop culture, FOX News and the economy.

I was offended on so many levels, however, will pass on the details at present.

My facial gesture would look the same when I am passionately talking about something, disciplining my children and reading someone the riot act. Let's be real. Baio's comment was thick with hate, race and malice. It's not okay to tweet vile comments -- tweeting is for informing others -- not putting your hatred on blast.

Yes, sistahs, we are still an enigma to many. We are bold, audacious, passionate -- and when we communicate, our facial expression is priceless.

First Lady Michelle Obama's -- photo simply conveys a woman fueled with life getting her point across. And, yes, I think every person should/want to wake up to someone with life and passion.

Don't you think?

Sending Prayers To Our Haitian Brothers & Sisters. Donations Needed.

Eunice Johnson - The Ultimate Lady of Fashion

Eunice Johnson, Icon, Entrepreneur, First Lady of Fashion, Mother and Co-Brainchild of Ebony Magazine gave so much.

Thank you, Mrs. Johnson, for all that you have done for Black folks. You encouraged us to hold our head high, walk upright and demand to be counted.

I am not certain many understand the power of Mrs. Johnson.

As a young woman in high school, my first experience at a fashion show, was attending the Ebony Fashion Show. It was yummy! I was floored to see so many beautiful Black folk on the catwalk, with sass, passion and pride.

It was at that moment, I wanted to be a fashion model for Ebony. I immediately fired off a letter to Mrs. Johnson, she promptly responded with class and ease saying, " I was too short at 5'2" to be a model; however, she encouraged me to visit the Johnson Building when in Chicago and to pursue my academics."

That was a life changing moment and I will always be indebted to Mrs. Eunice Johnson for taking the time to respond and make me feel counted as a teenager.

Did you ever have the pleasure of attending an Ebony Fashion Show? Would love to know your experience.