Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

28 04, 2009

Learning to Say No

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:48:47+00:00April 28, 2009|balance, friends, limits, me time, Oprah, Real You, saying no, stress, support system|Comments Off on Learning to Say No

By nature, women are nurturers—the ones always helping others. While it’s admirable that we are always trying to be there for others, between work and family, our lives can get chaotic. In striving to be SuperMom, we often forget how and when to say no. Then, being overcommitted with no time for ourselves, we’re left feeling frazzled, burnt-out, despondent and not much good to anyone. Fortunately, there are a couple things we can do. First, learn to set limitations for yourself. Instead of saying yes to everything, define the specific tasks that inspire you. Commit your time and talents to the tasks and organizations that make your heart sing. By doing so, your actions will be in sync with your heart, and that translates into a happier you. Also, develop a support system of family, friends and co-workers who can help you. Surround yourself with [...]

27 04, 2009

Tips to keep female consumers happy

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:49:05+00:00April 27, 2009|consumers, female, happy, purchase decision, shopping, world-class consumers|Comments Off on Tips to keep female consumers happy

Female consumers are often demanding, but they make a majority of all purchasing decisions—meaning they’re your No. 1 consumer. It’s in your best interest to make sure she’s happy. Here are some tips for doing just that. Brainstorm how you can best touch base with your customers Discuss which methods are working and which ones have flopped Consider what you might do differently or better Style your logo, colors and font in a way that is attractive to women Design a Web site that is consumer-friendly and easy for busy women to navigate Know what she likes and, more importantly, what she dislikes Remember, your goal is to stay one step ahead of your consumer. Women are world-class consumers, making or influencing 85 percent of all purchases. That means they deserve your time and attention.

24 04, 2009

Say no to time thieves

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:49:16+00:00April 24, 2009|business, goals, kids, phone calls, time management|Comments Off on Say no to time thieves

Make sure you're focusing and not allowing time thieves to take advantage of you! Did you know interruptions consume 28 percent of an average workday? It's true. And interruptions can be even more time-stealing if you're working from home and not setting limits. Case in point: the other day I was working from home. That's typically a great place to work, especially during school hours. But, one of my kids was home sick. She slept most of the time, but still needed checking, food and comfort. Then, I answered the home phone, instead of letting the answering machine grab it. A mom looking for help with the Lacrosse car wash this weekend. And finally, my oldest signed himself out of school and arrived home with a big project. And what time does that leave for the things on my list? None, if I allow that [...]

21 04, 2009

Entering the Business World Knowing Your Passion

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:49:24+00:00April 21, 2009|career, college students, culture, family business, first job, passions, personal brand, work|Comments Off on Entering the Business World Knowing Your Passion

This past week I was approached by a graduating college senior, and she had an excellent question. “While my first choice is to find a job on my own, my family owns a business and they’d love for me to join them. Given the current state of the economy, should I consider joining the family business my best option?” And after talking with her, I started to realize that is about the time when students are planning to set foot into the “real world” and are unsure about what’s next and which direction they should go. So to answer her question and to try and calm the fears of other students in her position, I say… Don’t alter your passions. Do you really want to join the family business? Is it part of your passion? Or are you altering your passion for security? Will it [...]

20 04, 2009

Learn how Successful Women put Personality into Business

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:50:25+00:00April 20, 2009|branding, business, eBook, Kaira Rouda, personal brand, Personality Not Included, Real Living, Rohit Bhatgava, Women on Personality|Comments Off on Learn how Successful Women put Personality into Business

Does your business reflect your personality? My business, Real Living, does—it’s spunky, like me! And it is part of a new eBook that was recently released, called The Personality Project: “Women of Personality”. This free eBook, by Rohit Bhatgava, author of Personality Not Included, features 20 women who have successfully melted their personalities into their businesses. Find out how they did it by downloading it from the Personality Project Web site. Bhatgava is currently accepting submissions from women to be part of the second edition, scheduled to launch in early June. To submit yourself or someone you know, send an email to pnibook@gmail.com or post a short introduction to yourself on the wall of the Women of Personality Facebook Group.

17 04, 2009

It’s time to de-stress, if ever so briefly!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:50:40+00:00April 17, 2009|attitudes, business tips, de-clutter, laughter, stress, Tina Turner|Comments Off on It’s time to de-stress, if ever so briefly!

It's tough out there. Whether you run your own business, work for somebody else or work at home taking care of the kids, things are tight. People are grumpy. Budgets are cut and, well, it's just plain stressful. That got me to thinking of tips I've heard and used to create a little peace and relaxation in the middle of the day. Always remember, if you're stressed and in a bad mood, you project it through everything you do. Personally, my jaws clench, and I become short with people. And that's no fun, for me or them. I'm not as effective as a leader, a mother or a friend. And while a little stress is good for performance, a lot of stress throws you and your nervous system out of whack, leading to nasty physical consequences as well as leaving you vulnerable to anxiety and [...]

16 04, 2009

Coworking Spaces Help Entrepreneurs Connect, Reduce Isolation

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:50:51+00:00April 16, 2009|business, coffee shops, coworking, empowered, entrepreneuership, German Village, home office, isolation, Qwirk, workspace|Comments Off on Coworking Spaces Help Entrepreneurs Connect, Reduce Isolation

If you are like many other women entrepreneurs starting your own business, you are probably working from home. But for those who are use to working in a traditional business setting with lots of co-workers this transition can be isolating. If you miss your co-workers to brainstorm with, the personal connections, and water cooler conversations, my suggestion is to try relocating your office to a coworking space. Coworking is where independent professional elect to work in a shared space. This type of work space always you to get out of the house and socialize with like minded- professionals and eliminates the need to spend hours at a local coffee shop. At most coworking locations, for a monthly fee, you are provided with all the essentials to help you launch and grow your business. To take a further look and see what coworking is all about [...]

14 04, 2009

Sharing Your Secrets. Good or Bad?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:51:06+00:00April 14, 2009|business tips, entrepreneur, friends, sharing, starting a business, tfamily, women business owners|Comments Off on Sharing Your Secrets. Good or Bad?

Whenever women business owners get together they like to talk about their families and their business. Unlike their male counterparts, women business owners, counterparts seek out the opinions and input of others. We know this from research conducted by the National Foundation for Women Business Owners (NFWBO). I believe that women benefit from this behavior. Of course, there are boundaries you’ll need to adhere to, but that shouldn’t stop you from gaining the wisdom and insight of others. Connecting with others is a natural instinct for women. So don’t be afraid to get out there and start connecting by sharing trials, tribulations and success stories. Once you open up other women will too. But like I said there are boundaries, do share all the ins and outs, but be willing to help. And always remember, watch out for the snarks! They are out there and [...]

13 04, 2009

Building a Culture that Empowers

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:51:16+00:00April 13, 2009|Brands, company culture, Competitive advantage, employees, Real You, workplace|Comments Off on Building a Culture that Empowers

When starting and building a business, one of the most important components is your competitive advantage. And with that unique competitive advantage, you are able to build a great culture. You culture should be a reflection of your combined personal and business brands. To start building your culture, envision your workplace. What spells success for your company? Is it an open floor plan or cubicles? What colors are the walls? How is the space lit? What are the attitudes of your employees as they walk in the door on a Monday morning? Also, consider the following questions and more.•How do you define culture? Words, symbols, images? Get specific.•What’s your dress code?•Will you offer flexible hours?•Will you have holiday parties?•Are employees free to work from home or the local coffee shop? These are just a few jumping off points for building a culture. You are a [...]

10 04, 2009

Every experience enriches you – cherish every moment!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:51:27+00:00April 10, 2009|celebrate, cherish, Easter, enrich, success|Comments Off on Every experience enriches you – cherish every moment!

You were born to succeed. You need to believe that. It’s true. It’s also true that if the life you’re living or the path you’re following starts to get you off track, you’ll be given guidance in order to get back on the path. The guidance may be subtle – or it could be a big and painful lesson. But either way, you’re learning. It’s so hard to realize this as you’re living your life, especially while we’re all in the middle of the global cultural and financial shift. And – as an entrepreneur - as you work to make your business dreams come true there never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish your goals, let alone the time to reflect on the lessons you’re learning along the way. The truth is, there never will be enough time. Ever. Once you [...]

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