Real Talk with Janet & Karen - New Episode!!! - Watch this Sunday, August 28 @ 8PM!

Karen Taylor Bass: The Brand New Mommy Talks Lifestyle Pre/Post Pregnancy on NBC

Patty TV Karen Taylor Bass

Jewel's Fab Life2 - Create The Life You Crave

Up Close & Personal with James Andrews, Founder of Social People

PamPerry Social Media Superstar Talks Web Branding

What is Sisterhood, Do you know?

 

Cookie Johnson & Coach Beverly Kearney

Does everyone need a mentor? Yes.

While the job landscape has changed with the advent of social media, what a mentor does has not. A mentor is still someone who has specific skills, knowledge and abilities to help groom you for success, provides strategic business advice and assists you with the tools to negotiate and conquer the corporate terrain. A mentor can be especially helpful for women who have the two-fold challenge of navigating the sexism of the business world while still maintaining a home and children. Choosing the right mentor will help maintain sanity as you climb the ladder. … continue reading.

Speed Networking: Promote Your Brand in 2 Minutes

PHOTO: (L-R: MC Lyte, Coach Beverly Kearney, Cookie Johnson, LeToya Luckett)

University of Texas Austin (Minority Mentorship Symposium) this past weekend the brainchild of Coach Beverly Kearney. 

Photo Credit: Kawai Matthews

I am excited to be participating and facilitating the Speed Networking event at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurial Conference.

Speed Networking is a creative way for entrepreneurs to meet substantial business contacts, secure referrals, and network in a friendly uplifting environment in a mere matter of hours. Facilitated by public relations expert Karen Taylor Bass, the entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to have face time with all attendees as they make their pitches/brief introductions (no longer that 2 minutes) to each other during Speed Networking. … continue reading.

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?

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

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/

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/

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?

Let's Talk About Tiger Woods And The Elephant In The Room

Honestly, I really don't care about Tiger Woods transgression(s) ... its not my business.

What I do find interesting is the modern day witch hunt of Brand Tiger Woods by the media. Isn't this a private matter? Is it unheard of for a man of Mr. Woods stature to cheat? Absolutely not.

Why has this become such a front page story, what makes this so interesting? How can this be b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g n-e-w-s? Men cheat all the time, regardless, of their social stature. Mel Gibson had an affair, left his wife, expecting or had a baby with his new babe, and, no real witch hunt for Mr. Gibson.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room, Tiger Woods and Race.

America looks different. The image of the Black man representing the new millennium is powerful, smart, good- looking, rich and a family man. Meet Tiger Woods, Dwayne "Rock"Johnson, Derek Jeter and President Barack Obama -- to name a few. These men are their own respective powerful brands, and lifestyle influencers.

America still has trouble accepting and talking about RACE -- the ultimate elephant-- race.

Race has become more of an overt issue (since the inauguration of our president) as how white folks deal with the new "Black" man. Think about it.

Let's just deal with Tiger Woods at this moment. Tiger Woods as I can recall, never publicly talked about his "blackness," although he is Black. Yes, you are mixed, however, America only sees a Black man -- rightfully so.

The media witch hunt for Tiger Woods has been brutal with hoochies and sources coming from everywhere.

What made this affair different from other hi-profile trysts? Why did CNN consider this breaking news? Is it because he is a Black man married to the "ideal" societal image of beauty? Is it because Tiger cheated with women of less ilk? Or, is it because he simply cheated and became human to many?

Regardless of the reason, I still don't care about Tiger's private life; his sponsors don't seem to care much about his private life either.

I am concerned about (more) troops being deployed to Afghanistan, health care and employment opportunities.

Let's move beyond this and allow the Woods' to deal with their private matter.

At least Brand Tiger has helped magazine sales, TV viewership and all other mediums during this economic tsunami.

My suggestions for Tiger are real simple:
1) Create A New Image. Come out of hiding and take your kids for ice cream. Be seen as the quintessential father.
2) Give Back . Make a generous donation to a worthy foundation publicly or simply manage the information the media is reporting.
3)Do what you do best. You are a golfer, go out there and make it happen.
4) Stop sending text messages to hoochies. No need to explain this one.

Are You Getting Ready For 2010? Things That I am Loving As I Transform

I don't know about you, but, 2009 was truly my year of growth. Challenges, more growth and definitely more and more challenges. There were times when I kept hoping did I master the lesson as of yet? Well, as of writing this post ... still learning much needed lessons before ushering a 'brand new me. ' That's okay.

What I am re-learning which I had forgotten, is just how resilient, patient, talented and super sexy I am. Don't take that the wrong way, however, being a mom of 2, ages under 11, it is easy to get enveloped into their world. I forgot I was Karen Taylor aka Karen Taylor Bass (wife/mother).

Simply put, I had forgotten all the tools I used in the past when I felt on top of my game.

Is my lesson this year-- to become the person I have yet to become? I think so.

With growth comes great loss and tons of clarity.

Somehow, the past 11 months have really made me appreciate the little joys of life and not put so much pressure on career/business.

Here are some random thoughts of mine this week.


1) Are they trying to kill us? Could not believe the heated and controversial mammogram report this week, glad it was shut down by the government. Ridiculous. As a woman over 40, I want to know that I am doing everything in my power to save my life. And yes, I need to have my breast checked once a year via screening and do self exams. I guess next is a study saying that broccoli is not good for us?? Don't you think this is crazy?
Read the report on CNN.com here: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/empowered.patient/

2) The Game (BET)
I did not watch this show when it was on the CW network, however, I am loving each episode for its sauce, wittiness, intelligent writing and eye candy (Pooch, Hosea, Colby). BET please renew the show and bring the noise. Let me know if you are also a Game-head?

3) I learned how to put makeup on this fall.
Oh my gosh, how much fun is it to play with colors and bring out my inner sexiness. Attended a makeover for moms with "Mocha Moms" and made the investment to purchase makeup. Yum.

4) Precious- The Movie.
I am so happy that Black folks are telling a universal story. When I read the book, Push by Sapphire, I cried like a baby -- that was 15 years ago. Can't wait to see the movie this weekend and chat with executive producer Lisa Cortes. Check out my radio show on December 2nd, see details here. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prexpert

Go see the movie this week, let me know your thoughts. Is it worth the buzz?

5) Working out, changing my life.
I have a confession, need to update my photos when I get some balls. I weighed on April 10, and was 167 pounds, 45 pounds overweight. Can't tell you when -- but it was real. My knees, joints and everything was aching. Went to the doctor, was told my blood pressure was high, and all that other good stuff that comes with extra weight. A sister had to really take stock of life and eating habits. I am pleased to let you know that I have lost 22 pounds thus far -- will post "new" picture when I reach goal. Here is a photo of me at 167. Doing this the right way, one day at a time.


Did you see my son's brilliant commercial? Here it is again.
http://www.taylormademediapr.com/home.html

Let me know your thoughts, would love to hear from you.

Is it Time to Re-Fresh Your Brand From Frump To Fab?

It's a word which is mis-used and over-used each day. The word is Branding. Branding is best defined as a consistent reliable experience derived from a product which the consumer believes is the best of its kind.

For example, the golden arches and McDonald's french fries. conjures up a unique experience each time. Would you agree the taste of the french fries is the same anywhere and any day? Probably yes.

As consumers we love consistency, not boredom. Is your brand consistent and sexy?

As the CEO of the company -- you are your brand. The minute a person meets you, regardless of how dynamic you are, you are being challenged on 1) Authenticity of Information 2) Perception.

How you present your information-- everything from colors to paperstock, and, how google-able you are, especially in a world of digital and social media is key. Also, the perception of your brand in the marketplace now more than ever will seal your success or failure in attracting opportunities.

Smart and strategic branding is essential for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and part-time CEO's. Is it possible that your brand might need a fresh coat of paint... some re-freshing? Here are some tips to Re-fresh your brand from frump to fab on a shoestring budget:

1) Give your brand a makeover. Just as you paint your office each year, your business might need the same. Re-fresh your logo, update the content on your website, launch a new service or product, every six months. Collect data from the visitors to your site and give them a reason to come back. Don't allow lack of creativity and dollars to cripple you.

2) Be Savvy with Social Media. It's free and the Internet is a force, are you participating? Start a free blog (go to http://www.blogspot.com); answer questions on LINKEDIN.com; be a key influencer on Twitter and Facebook, offer exciting business tips; start writing a monthly newsletter to your clients; and, create a commercial showcasing your brand, it's easy as 1-2-3.
Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGcc3sm6VG8

3) Become An Expert and Promote Yourself.
Remember, you are an authority in your field, begin to visualize and execute your plan as if you were a rock star. Pluck a story from the headlines and write from your perspective as a business owner. How has the recession impacted your business, have you lost government contracts; laid of employees; and, hired more freelances? Write for your favorite business journal, newspaper, magazine and get a byline. Impressions are key and you will become a go-to source for the media.

4) Create a 30 second elevator pitch. Make a promise to go out twice a week with your new pitch and secure new business. Networking is key to grow your brand.

5) Build a Media Empire. Write a 50-page E-Book on your industry, business success/pitfall; become a radio host (Blogtalkradio.com). Remember, it’s all about exposure. Once it becomes a bestseller, make it a soft cover book and get an agent.

6) Tap Into Your Network to Increase Your Net worth. Most people don’t tap into their contacts; your contacts can lead you to opportunities, meetings, and business leads, which can increase your bottom-line.

7) Be Wacky to stand out. Make your own rules. Send Christmas/Holiday cards in June; Valentine Cards in December. Set your own tone and be noticed.

8) Polish your image (outward and inward).
Are you sending out the message that you want? If so, what is that perception? Ask your friends and family members what impression they have of you.

9) Empower Your Life.
Give back. A great deal of business is done while volunteering, which can provide you a legitimate aura of leadership, dedication and commitment. Expand your base of key contacts. Become a board member and create a positive perception of who you are.

Karen Taylor Bass, www.karentaylorbass.com, The PR Expert is known for helping clients clear the clutter, while working towards the finish line.