passions | Kaira Rouda

17 04, 2011

Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:10:30+00:00April 17, 2011|passions, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Down to the wire and out to the world

Have you ever worked on something for a decade or more? Something so important to you that your dreams, hopes and wishes are one with the project. I have. It happened as we created and built Real Living Real Estate, and it's happening again, now, as I launch my debut novel into the world. Just like Real Living, my novel isn't for everybody. But I hope most people who pick it up and give it a read will like it. But all I can do is send it out to the world, knowing I did my best.

14 03, 2011

If not now, when?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:05+00:00March 14, 2011|passions, women|Comments Off on If not now, when?

That's what I decided when I embarked on this new fiction writing career. If not now, when? Sure, I could continue to dream about becoming a published novelist. That was one of my favorite escapes, actually, wandering through a wonderful bookstore and admiring all of the titles on the New Fiction shelf. I kept thinking, well, sure, someday that could be me. But I'll tell you what. That someday would never have come about unless I decided to go for it. As in everything in life - making your dreams come true ultimately is up to you. How about you? What are you putting off? If you're waiting for the perfect moment to pursue your passions, you'll be waiting forever. There really is no time like the present. It starts with believing in yourself and your dreams. If your dream is to become an entrepreneur, get started today. [...]

30 01, 2011

Real You: The social media allure

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:22+00:00January 30, 2011|entrepreneurs, passions|Comments Off on Real You: The social media allure

I'll admit it. I'm hooked on Twitter and Facebook. And I'm there, almost too often. But in my defense, I love it out there. Yesterday, I discovered the Women Entrepreneur Festival taking place in New York and on the hashtag #wefestival. Following the tweets, I was almost in the room. It was so inspiring. Meanwhile, on Facebook, I watch my high school and college friends' children grow, share in their accomplishments and meet new friends with shared interests - from all over the world. I've also started my first ever fan page and it's almost silly how joyful I become when another person "Like"s my Kaira Rouda Books page. (Sally Fields, anyone?) I've found folks to be either all in or completely disdainful when it comes to social media. And what I will say, to those who remain in disdain, try LinkedIn. It's like sticking [...]

28 08, 2009

Real You: Are you marching forward on your purpose and vision?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:20:47+00:00August 28, 2009|business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, passions, vision|Comments Off on Real You: Are you marching forward on your purpose and vision?

If you are, you are stepping into your power. You are shining bright, sharing your vision with others and moving forward. You know who you are—The Real You—and you know where you are going. Your passions are defined (step 2 of the Real You process), and your personal brand is fully formed. You truly have found it within. When you are following your purpose in life—and applying that purpose and passion to your business—your competitive advantage crystallizes. You are able to use your fully formed Real You competitive advantage to delight your customers. And when you’re in business, that’s the end game. Truly. Whether you are a full-time entrepreneur, considering becoming one, or somewhere in between, your personal brand and your business brand are unstoppable as long as they are aligned with purpose and vision. Remember the strength found in conviction, in confidence. Remember, you [...]

7 08, 2009

Real You: The Movie!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:24:48+00:00August 7, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, passions, Uncategorized, women in business|Comments Off on Real You: The Movie!

It’s been a summer of inspiration—speaking with women all over the country about how to put—and keep—the Real You in your business and your life. It made me realize certain themes pop up, no matter the audience, and those themes are the ones I want to share with you in The Real You Movie. Grab your power, and shine! If you like the movie, please pass it on!

17 07, 2009

Real You: Take the Leap

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:26:19+00:00July 17, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, passions, women, women in business|Comments Off on Real You: Take the Leap

"If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances."-Julia Sorel (Rosalyn Drexler), See How She Runs, 1978 You know the feeling. For me, it's sweaty palms. For you it may be a racing heart, or butterflies in the stomach—all those tell-tale signs that you're uncomfortable. Your body is triggering the flight sensors, and you're going to go along with it. But then you take a deep breath, maybe have a little cry or call a friend, and realize this leap out of your comfort zone is what will propel you forward, get you to the next big thing. You realize that without the uneasy feeling of the unknown, it's easy to be stuck in the familiar and known. To grow a business, and for that matter, to grow a life, you need to keep pushing. To keep growing and [...]

10 07, 2009

Entrepreneurship: The Road to Independence

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:26:40+00:00July 10, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, passions|Comments Off on Entrepreneurship: The Road to Independence

What is independence? To me, it's entrepreneurship. It's the ability to do what I love, when I want, with whom I want. It's the new American dream. Women everywhere are making it happen, and you can, too! Here are my top five reasons you should take the leap. 1. Independence. I love this quote from an anonymous high school student: "Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't." I couldn't have said it better. 2. Creative Reign. This is your chance to express your brand. To connect. To reach out. To give your customers just what they need, wrapped in a package that's uniquely you. 3. Passion. Create your own fireworks by doing what you love. Pursing your passions makes your heart happy. I promise! 4. [...]

2 07, 2009

Celebrate Life and Loved Ones

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:27:05+00:00July 2, 2009|ads, advertising, authenticity, balance, careers, heroes, identity, passions, Real You Incorporated, women|Comments Off on Celebrate Life and Loved Ones

You've heard it a million times: Don't take things for granted. Yet, it's difficult for us to grasp the concept in our everyday lives that seem to move at the speed of light. We're so busy. We have just one more thing to do and then we can have dinner with our kids or grab a drink with a friend we haven't had time to see. With the recent loss of several American icons, it makes me once again take a step back and admire all the wonderful people I have in my life. My family, my friends and my co-workers. Don't take those around you for granted. Re-connect. Reach out to those you haven't seen or talked to in awhile. Maybe it's just a quick catch-up on the phone, or maybe it's a long weekend with family. No matter what, thank them for being [...]

24 06, 2009

Help Save Ohio Libraries

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:28:15+00:00June 24, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, passions, Real You Incorporated, Rouda|Comments Off on Help Save Ohio Libraries

As a book lover and author, this news of library funding cuts breaks my heart, but we can all do our part to save Ohio libraries! What’s happening: On June 19, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland proposed a budget cut that would reduce state funding for public libraries by $227.3 million in 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. This reduction would cut Ohio’s public libraries funding 30 percent in addition to the 20 percent cut due to the decline of the state’s General Revenue Fund. A total 50 percent cut in funding. What it means: As a result, branches may close, hours of operation will be reduced, new book and material orders will be halted and other vital summer reading programs and services would end. With the economic hardships that thousands of Ohioans are facing, trips to the library have provided some relief for families, and I [...]

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 [...]