company culture | Kaira Rouda

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 [...]

9 04, 2009

Empowering Cultures Attract Positive People

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:51:35+00:00April 9, 2009|brand essence, business, company culture, employees, growing business, hiring|Comments Off on Empowering Cultures Attract Positive People

Businesses often go through growing pains. Sometimes good; sometimes bad. And right now, many companies are facing the pressures of having to downsize. However, there are some companies that are prospering and need to hire more employees. To ensure that you hire the best and most well-fitting employees, my advice is to create a great culture; one that is inviting and represents your company’s outlook. Potential employees will use your culture as a guide for gaining insight on your company. And, if you misrepresent your company’s culture, you may end up wasting time interviewing candidates that are not a good fit for your company. To ensure your culture is truly representative of your company’s brand, first take a quick inventory of your surroundings. How would you define the culture you’ve created up to this point? Is it stiff or fun? Casual or crazy? Formal or [...]

26 01, 2009

Planning Your Future Business Now

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:09:56+00:00January 26, 2009|business plan, company culture, entrepreneurs, find mentor, future business, Kaira Rouda, Real You, target audience|Comments Off on Planning Your Future Business Now

Is entrepreneurship in your future? Start preparing yourself and your business while working for another company. While at your current job, you can hone your entrepreneurial skills. Start by observing your surroundings, what works and what doesn’t. What aspects of your current job would you like to incorporate into your future company? And while you’re sitting through all those corporate meetings, think about what you like and dislike about them. Make some mental notes about what’s good and bad so you can take that knowledge with you. Start thinking about how you will define your personal brand and your company’s brand. What does the Real You look like? Developing a business plan, researching your target audience and creating a vision for your business are easy ways to start preparing for what’s ahead—your business and life as an entrepreneur! Also, while you’re still in the corporate [...]

16 01, 2009

Add excitement and laughter to your business

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:10:47+00:00January 16, 2009|business model, company culture, laughter, small business, women business owners, work enviroment|Comments Off on Add excitement and laughter to your business

The thought that all businesses must be strict, ridged, dull and lifeless is not outdated. Business owners should not be afraid to fill their business with laughter and fun. Consumers and employees are looking for an enjoyable experience. Adding life and personality to your business welcomes consumers and keeps them coming back for more. I always say go for the laughter. As adults, we often let the laughter escape from our lives—and that’s a huge mistake. Much has been written about the health benefits of laughter. From relieving stress to boosting the immune system, it’s a one-way ticket to promoting good health. In a work environment, having a little fun promotes camaraderie, and that’s critical for building an effective team. This is one time when it’s a good idea to take a cue from the kids in your life. They haven’t forgotten what it’s like [...]

3 10, 2008

Your Business, Your Brand, Your Culture

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:15:52+00:00October 3, 2008|Brands, company culture, Competitive advantage, Kaira Rouda, Real You Incorporated, women business owners, women entrepreneurs|Comments Off on Your Business, Your Brand, Your Culture

If you happen to be in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 9, I'll be presenting "Putting the Real You in Your Business" at the National Association of Women Business Owners luncheon. I'll be sharing insights on:• Establishing a successful brand for yourself• Putting yourself at the center of your business• Giving your company a competitive advantage• Building a great company culture• Creating lifetime relationships with your clients The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Smith and Wollensky at Easton Town Center. For more information and to RSVP, visit NAWBO Columbus. I hope to see you there!

29 08, 2008

Tips for hiring a great team

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:17:52+00:00August 29, 2008|company culture, hiring, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker|Comments Off on Tips for hiring a great team

Begin by articulating your personal and business brand to potential employees. That’s as easy as writing a job description that provides a glimpse of what your company is all about. That will get the ball rolling when it comes to attracting the right individuals to your door. You know the kind of people I’m talking about. They’re the workers who understand that it’s your company, but treat it as if it’s their own. You’ve created a real brand. Now it’s time to hire some real people who think like you about the culture you’ve created. For more tips on hiring a knock-out team and building a creative culture, check out Real Fact Five in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials For Women Entrepreneurs. What makes your culture great?