Cubs Win! Women Win!
“C’mon Chapman – be a hero!” I found myself talking to the pitcher under my breath in my sister’s living room, watching the large screen. Then, double play, and it was over. Cubs win! Cubs win! I thought of my dad, since I’d just said his sentence. Although I’m a football girl now, my journey…
Read MoreStrive to Keep it Alive
In the first week of the season, the story of the NFL games was come-from-behind victories. Exciting games to watch, but frustrating if your team was not the one that came back. You would think, or at least I think, that once you have the lead, your momentum would carry you, and you hold onto…
Read MoreIt's Not About Your "Stuff"
I moved apartments last week. Stressful. Moving. Right up there on the Holmes-Rahe stress scale, along with death and divorce. But I found it a very cleansing experience, with a major insight about speaking to grow your business. When you move, you have things you must keep and things you can discard or donate. I’ve…
Read MoreWanna Be Funny? First, Be Confident
Love Tina Fey. . .don’t you? Reading her really funny book, Bossypants—a great line hit me, as a speech coach who finds humor for my clients: “Comedy is about confidence, and the moment an audience senses a slip in confidence, they’re nervous for you and they can’t laugh.” The truth is audiences really want you…
Read MoreWho Are Your Cheerleaders?
You know how we are so excited when we start our businesses? So much enthusiasm – we will set the world on fire! After the initial hoopla, what keeps us fired up? Who keeps you committed to your game? Who reminds you of your passion? I’m in a clean-up mode in my home office. Donating…
Read MoreWomen, All Together Now: “I GOT THIS!”
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke for 90 women at Southern California Edison about being “Pitch Perfect.” I know entrepreneurs come with business confidence already installed in their systems. But to speak in front of a group? Not so much. My mission in life is to help women find their voice and claim their…
Read More6 "M" Action Plan for Success
Do a bunch of achieving women business owner award-winners want to hear a long keynote speech at their award ceremony? I think not. So when I was asked to emcee the NAWBO Ventura Bravo Awards, they gave me some time to speak. I delivered 15 minutes. It was the action plan that I know successful…
Read MoreWhen People Trust You, They Buy You
“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.” –Ani DiFranco One of the chapters in my new book begins with that quote. It’s the chapter on preparing about your audience. I say, “The more you know, the better the flow.” The most important part of…
Read MoreIt's Your Birthday — Take Stock!
I haven’t always loved my birthday. When I was 5 years old, the cruel Chicago winter got in my way. The Mayor issued a traveler’s advisory and my party was canceled. The next February, the same thing happened. My mom suggested a half-birthday party in August – in the yard – with Japanese lanterns. It…
Read MoreYour Speech Coach Says: Always The Student
In your marketing speech, you “lead with the need” of your audience. You point out the pain, need or problem they are facing – for which your product or service is the solution. And then you tell them your solution. What words do you use in your message to describe your product or service? Some…
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