Real You | Kaira Rouda

25 11, 2019

Wildfires and Creative Sparks

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:07:12+00:00November 25, 2019|authors, Real You, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Wildfires and Creative Sparks

It’s Santa Ana wind and wildfire season out here in California and I must admit, it’s terrifying. My home burned down when I was in high school. The fire started early in the morning and my whole family was asleep inside at the time. I’ve always been afraid of fire–but now, with these catastrophic episodes igniting all around me, it’s a whole new level. I very much feel for all who have been in these fires paths, and for the first responders working so hard to keep them contained. I’m also asthmatic, so the smoke from these immense fires sends a cloud of particulate pollution into the air that lurks around for weeks, even after the flames are doused. So what does this have to do with writing? I’m forcing myself to imagine this edgy time as being filled with creative sparks. (Non-combustible and imaginary [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

4 02, 2009

In times of transition, follow your instincts

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:09:30+00:00February 4, 2009|career, choice, follow instincts, passions, Real You, transitions|Comments Off on In times of transition, follow your instincts

When faced with big career choices, it is often hard to know what the right decision is. It is during these times that I always say go with your gut! It seems it’s these moments in life that allow us to identify and follow our passions. During these times, don’t compromise your dreams. If you do, you will pay for it dearly down the road in the form of frustration and lack of fulfillment. I tell people to take some time off. Get away. Spend some time alone. Then use that time for retrospection. What did you dream about doing when you were a child? Most of us can trace our passions back to a time in our lives when we were much younger—a time before our lives were clouded with the thoughts of others. Sure, it’s great to get other people’s opinions, but don’t [...]

30 01, 2009

Be your best salesperson

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:09:43+00:00January 30, 2009|branding, Estee Lauder, free samples, Kaira Rouda, makeup, Real You, salesperson, women entrepreneurs|Comments Off on Be your best salesperson

Remember, you are your brand. So embody it wherever you go, and be its biggest fan. Carry your product around. Give it away when possible. People want instant gratification, and they love the ability to touch and feel the product. It helps make that emotional connection that leads to the sale. Estée Lauder, who started her business in 1946, was frustrated when large advertising agencies wouldn’t take on her relatively small company (at the time). So she started her own campaign, which consisted of free samples and gifts with purchase. It was a huge success. She knew if a woman liked it, she would tell a friend. “If you put the product into the customer's hands, it will speak for itself if it's something of quality,” said Lauder. She strongly believed that in order to make the sale, you had to touch the customer. She [...]

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 [...]

21 01, 2009

Snark Alert- time to sound the alarm

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:10:33+00:00January 21, 2009|Kaira Rouda, Real You, sexist remarks, snarks, strenght, victim|Comments Off on Snark Alert- time to sound the alarm

Have you recently been the victim of a sexist remark? It sounds like you have a sexist snark on your hands. Ah, those pesky snarks! A sexist snark is another person in your organization who is trying to bring you down. This type of snark resorts to making sexist comments; and as a result, they appear near the top of my snark scale. First, you’re probably shocked, like most of us, that sexist snarks can still exist in this millennium. Don’t be intimidated by their behavior. Instead, report them. If you don’t get a response or if no action is taken, move on. That’s obviously not an environment you want to be in, so cut your losses and get out. To help you navigate through the tension and stress at work check out Snark Guides. And to find out more about snarks, visit www.SnarkInfestedWaters.com.

19 01, 2009

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:10:41+00:00January 19, 2009|Competitive advantage, Kaira Rouda, personal branding, Real You, stories|Comments Off on Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

In my book I talk about telling your story and I have gotten various questions regarding this topic. Most asking “why tell your story?” And to that I respond… Because it’s unique! It’s yours and you own it. The important part of defining your personal brand is to understand how to bring it to life as a competitive advantage. Without that, you’re just another entrepreneur. With your story, you are fully formed. Within your story you find perspective. I tell people to look in their rear-view mirror. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find perspective. That’s where you’ll find answers. Define your personal brand. Make it real. Then, put the real you in your business. What is your story? I’d love to hear and be inspired.

7 01, 2009

First things first in 2009!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:11:08+00:00January 7, 2009|dreams, new year, new you, passions, Real You, resolutions|Comments Off on First things first in 2009!

If you’re like me and haven’t made a New Year’s resolution, do you feel guilty? If you have made a New Year’s resolution and you’re feeling like you won’t live up to it, are you worried? Well, stop it already! Some of us are good at resolutions; others aren’t. But the key to starting anything, at any time, is to make sure it’s true to the Real You. Are you keeping yourself at the center of your life? That phrase, and reminder, in and of itself is the key to a successful 2009 and a successful life. And no, I don’t mean moving through life without loving your family, friends and coworkers. What I mean is that your love for them can only be fully actualized if you are fully actualized. If you are being the Real You. The key to deep relationships and a [...]

24 09, 2008

Make your office of reflection of the Real You

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:42+00:00September 24, 2008|branding, business, Martha Stewart, offices, Real You, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, women, women in business|Comments Off on Make your office of reflection of the Real You

MAKE IT HAPPEN: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 the average American worked 42.9 hours a week. Over the course of a year, this added up to approximately 2,230 hours, which is about 13.3 weeks straight. If you’re spending this much time in your office, create a space that reflects the real you by addressing the needs of your five senses. TIP IN ACTION: Start with color. Choose colors that exhibit your personality. For example, those who consider themselves to be imaginative, idealistic, a visionary and somewhat eccentric at times may be drawn to the color blue. You may also want to surround yourself with visual reminders of your hobbies and passions. My walls are blue, and I have sea glass on my desk to remind me of the ocean (I’m landlocked in Ohio). I also have tons of pictures and mementos [...]