Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

2 12, 2008

A Marketing Plan is a Must

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:12:40+00:00December 2, 2008|communications startegy, environmental branding, identity, Kathleen Murphy, marketing plan, murphyepson|Comments Off on A Marketing Plan is a Must

A well-created marketing plan can provide you with a road map to build and sustain your brand’s identity. At its most basic level, a marketing plan consists of defining your positioning statement, outlining your advertising and communications strategy, specifying an environmental branding strategy—and creating a budget. If this sounds a bit daunting, you probably need to solicit some help from a marketing expert. But before you make that decision, it can’t hurt to do a little research on your own. Begin by thinking about the companies and brands that naturally attract your attention. Try to identify the common elements in these advertising and communications strategies. In other words, what are the common themes that engage you? You can learn from your competition. Study the messages they’re communicating—and then do it better. Kathleen Murphy is founder and president of MurphyEpson, Inc., a marketing consulting firm in [...]

25 11, 2008

Give thanks by getting involved in a charitable pursuit.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:12:50+00:00November 25, 2008|Barbara Fergus, charity, passions, philanthropy, Real You Incorporated, Thanksgiving|Comments Off on Give thanks by getting involved in a charitable pursuit.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are once again reminded of the many reasons to be thankful. Even in trying economic times such as these, it’s almost always the case that we can look around and see others who are indeed less fortunate. As always, there are a myriad of ways to give back to your community, but the best way to channel your time, energy and resources is to follow your heart. In other words, identify problems in your community or the world that are important to you. So, my challenge to you is to pick three areas where your gifts could shine. Then, seek out organizations in your community that serve at least one of your chosen areas. Go to the Web site, contact the organization and start giving your time and resources in a way that demonstrates how truly thankful you are. Barbara Fergus, [...]

24 11, 2008

Hard Work Does Pay Off

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:12:59+00:00November 24, 2008|dreams, entrepreneur, Real Living, Stevie Awards for Women in Business|Comments Off on Hard Work Does Pay Off

I have some great news to share. I was recently awarded the 2008 Stevie Award for Women in Business in the category for Best Entrepreneur. Thanks to my amazing team at Real Living and all of our phenomenal agents and franchisees who continue to grow our brand throughout the country. Without your dedication and passion, this would not have been possible. Remember that you can make your dreams a reality. With vision, steadfast determination and a great support system, you can achieve anything!

20 11, 2008

Finding Your Target Audience

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:02+00:00November 20, 2008|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Finding Your Target Audience

Finding and targeting a well defined audience will help your business be successful. And focusing on women is a great idea. You may be surprised to learn that women make up 51 percent of the U.S. population, but make 85 percent of all purchasing decisions. So even if your business doesn’t cater specifically to women, more than likely they’re still the ones making the decisions. But remember, women are savvy consumers. That means you always want to be one step ahead. In order to reach them, you’ll need to make your business incredibly accessible. Create both an online and offline presence. By 2010, women will outnumber men online by more than 8 million. Further define your customers by narrowing it down even more. Where do your consumers live, work, shop, eat? How old are they? You need to be specific in your targeting. After all, [...]

19 11, 2008

Identify what you love to do.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:05+00:00November 19, 2008|business, entrepreneurship, Linda Kick, Our CupCakery, passions|Comments Off on Identify what you love to do.

Turn your avocation into a vocation, and you’ll never “work” another day. While this is advice you’ve no doubt heard before, the real test is identifying what it is you love to do. Sometimes it can be too obvious, making it even harder to recognize. I suggest spending some time alone—time to soul search without the distractions of daily life. Then, think about how you like to spend your time when nothing else interferes. Write down some ideas. Brainstorm with people who are close to you and know you well. And be creative. Transforming what you love to do into an idea for a business isn’t always easy. Linda Kick, founder of Our CupCakery in Dublin, Ohio, is a former teacher and manager who left education to pursue her passion for baking. According to Linda, it all started with the Easy-Bake Oven she received as [...]

13 11, 2008

Family Business: How to succeed!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:11+00:00November 13, 2008|business partnership, family business, family members, responsibilities, work experience|Comments Off on Family Business: How to succeed!

Going into business with your family can be daunting, but not if you do it right! First, because this is your real brand, make it clear that you are the ultimate decision-maker in the group. Then, make sure each family member is qualified for the job, and define clear roles and responsibilities. If they’re not yet qualified, they can get some valuable work experience elsewhere before they join your team. Both my husband and I worked at other companies before starting work at Real Living. This is so important because family members are always being judged based on their relationship with the business owner—you! They’ll need that built-in credibility before they become a member of your team. Once you’ve determined that they’re qualified, don’t allow them any special favors that would cause bad feelings among other team members. At the same time, don’t fall into [...]

11 11, 2008

The power of female friendship can change the world.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:22+00:00November 11, 2008|connecting, Debba Haupert, girlfriendology, girlfriends, relationships, sharing|Comments Off on The power of female friendship can change the world.

What are you doing to connect with other women? Do you network with other women business owners or with women in the same or similar line of work? Have you considered joining a woman’s organization that would add meaning to your life—and to the lives of others? Here’s the message: Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out in a real and meaningful way, and not only will you be blessed, but you will touch the hearts of others. Begin by doing your homework. This will help you find the organizations and relationships that best suit your needs. Debba Haupert, founder of Girlfriendology.com, knows firsthand that the power of female friendship can change the world. She lives it daily through her business, an online community for women based on female friendship. The site, which is designed to inspire women through semi-weekly podcast interviews with amazing women, also features [...]

7 11, 2008

It’s Never to Late for a Fresh Start

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:32+00:00November 7, 2008|Uncategorized|Comments Off on It’s Never to Late for a Fresh Start

Maybe your business needs to be re-energized, or you need to refocus your vision for the company of your dreams. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that can guide you through the process. But first, you have to know what you want and where you’re going. Create a vision statement! A vision statement, or road map for your brand, is basically a game plan. In one or two sentences, you can define your goals in a way that everybody understands and embraces. Determine a few words that embody what your business is about. I call them essence words, and they can help you craft a clear, well-defined vision statement. After that’s accomplished, get started on a business plan! Check out Life Lesson Nine in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs for a strategy map and RealYouIncorporated.com for vision boards.

5 11, 2008

Believe in yourself, as there is always another option.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:34+00:00November 5, 2008|career, entrepreneur, ImprovEdge, Karen Hough, setback|Comments Off on Believe in yourself, as there is always another option.

Perhaps you’re experiencing a setback in your career, or maybe you’re faced with a new challenge, either personally or professionally. It could be that you’re bored with your current situation and you need something new and inspiring to set things in motion once again. Don’t panic. There are options. You just need to uncover them. Begin by reflecting on a similar situation in your life. Then use the memory of that experience to help you plan for the future. At the same time, identify your most resilient attributes. Are you flexible, determined and/or confident? Once you’ve identified some key attributes, combine them with what you’ve learned from past experiences, and move forward—all the while looking for new options. Karen Hough, founder of ImprovEdge LLC, knows what it means to be flexible. She has taken her background in improvisational acting and applied it to the business [...]

31 10, 2008

My Favorite Halloween Costume: Freudian Slip

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:13:43+00:00October 31, 2008|Uncategorized|Comments Off on My Favorite Halloween Costume: Freudian Slip

Today is the day to let your imagination run wild and allow your inner child come to life. Reminiscing about the past is the best place to start! Remember the good old days of pillow cases full of candy corn, Mary Janes, Clark bars, candy buttons and Bit-O-Honeys? I miss those days. One of my most memorable Halloween moments is when I dressed up as a Freudian slip, and I have always loved Trick-or-Treating with the kids. What are some of your favorite Halloween memories? Feel free to share. I love hearing your stories! Do you know:How much candy is purchase annually in the U.S.? What is the most popular candy in America? Where the concept of the Jack-O-Lantern originated? Check out my Happy Halloween – Traditions and Memories podcast to find out!

kairarouda

About Kaira Rouda