Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

5 06, 2009

Ready, Set, Launch – Gulp

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:45:54+00:00June 5, 2009|Kaira Rouda, kids, launching a business, perfection, Web site|Comments Off on Ready, Set, Launch – Gulp

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 as they say, 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 [...]

3 06, 2009

Tips for Writing Effective Emails

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:03+00:00June 3, 2009|effective emails, email marketing, subject lines|Comments Off on Tips for Writing Effective Emails

While email marketing can be trying with those pesky spam filters, it’s a great tool to reach your target audience. Remember, a poorly completed email can negatively affect your brand. To put your best foot forward and connect with consumers, try these tips. Clearly state your purpose in the first couple sentences, and never mislead you reader. Use bold text, lists and bullets to make the most important parts of your message easy to find for your busy reader. Don’t write in all caps or use smiley faces and other emoticons. Avoid attachments. Don’t forget your call to action. Make it simple and clear. Include your contact info. Proofread your email. Having a friend or colleague proofread your message is best since you’re very close to the content. Use permission marketing—when people consent to allowing you to send them messages. You’ll get much better response [...]

2 06, 2009

About Reinvention and what it really means to entrepreneurs

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:09+00:00June 2, 2009|Uncategorized|Comments Off on About Reinvention and what it really means to entrepreneurs

General Motors - fresh from yesterday's 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 cliched, 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 [...]

1 06, 2009

Real You in the Workplace: Act Your Gender

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:12+00:00June 1, 2009|attitude, gender, networking, Personality, women in business|Comments Off on Real You in the Workplace: Act Your Gender

Women in the workplace often try to act like men in order to get ahead. However, this can sometimes backfire and cause more damage than it’s worth. Women just aren’t wired like men. And when women approach others with a male attitude, it can be a turn off. Instead, I strongly encourage you to be yourself. Don’t put on a male front. We need to be strong and stand up for ourselves, but in the appropriate manner. It’s really the only way that people will take us seriously. Women also need to remember we are natural networkers. So don’t isolate yourself—even if you are in a position of authority. Ask questions and get involved with mentors and other people in a similar line of work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In addition, don’t hesitate to ask questions. And definitely don’t live in a [...]

29 05, 2009

You are smart.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:20+00:00May 29, 2009|7 kinds of smart, Meyer-Briggs Personality, Thomas Armstrong|Comments Off on You are smart.

You're smart. You really are. And so are each of your kids, your spouse, your co-workers and your boss. But what kind of smart may be vastly different. I love the book 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong. His theory of multiple intelligences transformed my thinking about what it means to be smart—because in our culture, the traditional way we view smart is very limited. And limiting. Our society values logical and verbal smarts while often overlooking all the other amazing attributes that make each of us truly gifted. So, you wonder, what exactly are the types of smart? • Word Smart – expressing verbal intelligence • Picture Smart – thinking with your mind's eye • Music Smart – Making the most of your melodic mind • Body Smart – Using your kinesthetic intelligence • Logic Smart – [...]

26 05, 2009

Navigating new jobs and new personalities

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:26+00:00May 26, 2009|new job, Personality, snarks|Comments Off on Navigating new jobs and new personalities

If you’re one of those fortunate people who have found a new job, you’re probably busy learning the ropes and getting to know your new team. Each business and office environment is different. They all come with their own set of quirks and personalities. 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 [...]

22 05, 2009

Make radio interviews work for you.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:30+00:00May 22, 2009|broadcast, radio interviews, Real You Incorporated, special guest|Comments Off on Make radio interviews work for you.

I love radio interviews! They're a blast—but only if you're prepped and ready. Here are a few things I learned while on Real You Incorporated's radio tour. • Do your homework, and get to know the station and its personalities. Learn their style, tone and audience. Are they jokesters, serious, down-to-earth? Listen to a few broadcasts. Most have a listen online feature. • Know what you'll be asked ahead of time. If you're not provided with questions, send a few to the producer. Also include your background info—bio, product, Web address—to help educate the DJs and let them tell the audience about how great your product/service is. • Ask for a copy of the interview before the broadcast begins. Some stations won't record it unless you ask. Use the interview on your site for promotion or a demo reel down the road if you're trying [...]

21 05, 2009

A female friendly auto industry is our future!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:37+00:00May 21, 2009|AskPatty, auto industry, Jody DeVere, podcasts|Comments Off on A female friendly auto industry is our future!

In today’s world, walking into a car dealership is still like walking into the old boys club. But hopefully not for long! I just interviewed an 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 [...]

20 05, 2009

Of jellyfish, hurt knees, DC, sweet sixteen and the joys of end-of-school

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:44+00:00May 20, 2009|busy, end of school year, Graduation, kids, multi-tasking|Comments Off on Of jellyfish, hurt knees, DC, sweet sixteen and the joys of end-of-school

This post will fall into the category of: Oh, my goodness. Is school almost over or what? These last few weeks of the school year feel like a perpetual full-moon, day and night. The kids are: #1 excited for summer, spending more time outside and getting hurt (trampoline + my oldest = bruised knee and two weeks physical therapy at least) Oh, and also planning high school graduation, college, yikes;#2 Anticipating the weekend spent at the lake with good friends, and next week's driver's license test (car + my 16-year-old daughter = lifetime of worry)#3 Enjoying an 8th grade trip to DC (packing + middle son with no dress clothes that fit = late-night sojourn to Target, much consternation, but eventual on-time departure) and will return just in time for his 8th grade Graduation;#4 Hibernating. With sinus infection, missing choir concert tonight and opportunity to [...]

18 05, 2009

Collegiate Entrepreneurs Start Your Engines

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:54+00:00May 18, 2009|college students, contests, dorms, innovation, StartupNation, startups, Web site|Comments Off on Collegiate Entrepreneurs Start Your Engines

Are you or do you know a college student with entrepreneurial aspirations? 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 [...]

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