Real You Incorporated | Kaira Rouda

21 10, 2008

Change the world for other women.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:14:11+00:00October 21, 2008|entrepreneurs, Kaira Rouda, Marsha Firestone, peers, philanthropy, Real You Incorporated, speaker, volunteer, women in business, Women Presidents' Organization|Comments Off on Change the world for other women.

You don’t need to be an entrepreneur to make this happen. It’s as simple as reaching out and empowering another woman with a kind word—or a reference. Perhaps you’d consider taking a mentee to lunch. Maybe you could find time in your schedule to volunteer with a professional woman’s organization in your community. Or, it may be time to start your own. And if you’ve attained a level of success that allows you to give your money—do it. Time and money combined are unstoppable. Throughout the last century and continuing today, women everywhere are making a difference for women of the future. Think Gloria Steinem, Hilary Clinton and local women in your community. You, too, can be one of these change-makers. Get involved now. Once you’ve reached a certain level in your career, it makes sense that you’ll learn the most from your peers. The [...]

14 10, 2008

Don’t Forget to Dream

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:14:31+00:00October 14, 2008|business, dreams, entrepreneurs, Gloria Steinem, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women, women in business|Comments Off on Don’t Forget to Dream

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. Begin by asking yourself this question: If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be? What is your dream? Start defining it. What are you passionate about? What business activities feel most like fun and least like work? Of course, this requires some soul-searching. Take it to the next level. Write down the names of three people you admire. It doesn’t matter if they are family members, friends or business acquaintances. Then, determine what characteristics you admire in each of them. The attributes you list should be closely aligned with the heart of your passions! When you define your passions and dreams, you begin the planning process, and that in turn opens the door to exciting possibilities. This tip, from Gloria [...]

10 10, 2008

What’s in a name?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:14:39+00:00October 10, 2008|Brands, business, company, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, story, women, women in business|Comments Off on What’s in a name?

Let me say this: Naming your company matters. It’s part of your real brand; it’s your essence. What you need to do is begin with your company story. Write it down; record it. From the first twinkle of an idea to the people that have played a significant role, get it on paper. This is important because you’ll want employees to know about and understand your brand. They need to know the real story. After you’ve got that down, coming up with a name for the company should be easier. You’ll want it to define your real brand—the genuine, truthful, authentic you that your company is all about. Remember those dreams? Sure you do! Let them unfold—in your company name. To share your success story and company name leave us a comment, or check out RealYouIncorporated.com for some inspiration from other female entrepreneurs.

9 10, 2008

Remember Mom’s Rule?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:14:45+00:00October 9, 2008|consumers, eBrandMarketing, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker|Comments Off on Remember Mom’s Rule?

It’s better to give than to receive. At least to give first. Then receive. It’s the way to build real relationships, deeper relationships, but some of us have forgotten that principle during the boom years. It’s probably time for a reminder. Consumers are unsure, and in many cases, just plain scared. What are you doing as a business to give back to your customers? To read more about reaching your customers, check out my eBrandMarketing post. I’d love to hear what you’re doing, leave a comment!

7 10, 2008

Subscribe to great magazines that energize you with new ideas.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:14:52+00:00October 7, 2008|articles, Glam-com, ivillage-com, magazines, PINK Magazine, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women entrepreneurs, women in business|Comments Off on Subscribe to great magazines that energize you with new ideas.

Begin by visiting your local newsstand or bookstore and browsing through the periodicals. Make some choices about the magazines that relate most closely to you and the life you are living. Then, jot down the titles and subscribe to the ones that speak to you most. But don’t stop there. Get online and find out what’s happening in business, fashion, home living, parenting and more. Try sites like Glam.com and iVillage.com. With a computer at your fingertips, nothing can stop you from accessing great articles and features that will inspire you and help you grow. There are several magazines—both print and online—that appeal to me. That’s why I make every effort to subscribe to those publications that speak to my heart. Some are business related, while others address family and the personal side of my life. Often, a good read is all I need to [...]

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!

2 10, 2008

Dear Advertisers. It’s me, Female Consumer.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:07+00:00October 2, 2008|advertising, branding, eBrandMarketing, female consumer, magazines, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, women|Comments Off on Dear Advertisers. It’s me, Female Consumer.

Every month I’m excited to read my favorite magazine. I open the glossy cover with its witty teasers to find: full-color, beautiful woman, product, no substance (flip). Repeat. Repeat. Great content (finally!). Flawless woman, product (flip). It’s a vicious cycle. I quickly move past the ads to get to the good stuff. It’s disappointing to say the least. Here you are with your great brand, prime real estate in a highly-circulated magazine, an over-paid advertising agency on retainer and a full page ad that says … nothing. Hello? Anyone listening out there? What happened to the emotionally captivating messages that accompanied the great imagery? To read more about emotional branding and which companies are doing it right, check out my eBrandMarketing post and tell me about some ads that speak to you!

30 09, 2008

Find clarity about what it is you are seeking, and go after it.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:19+00:00September 30, 2008|Betty's Fine Food and Spirits, business, dreams, Elizabeth Lessner, entrepreneurs, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, The Surly Girl Saloon, vision, women, women in business|Comments Off on Find clarity about what it is you are seeking, and go after it.

If you don’t have a clear picture about what you want, you will never get it. Clarity of vision is so important. But to do it right takes time and effort. Begin by choosing three words to describe your business, even if that business is not yet off the ground. Then put your operating principles in writing. This will likely be the precursor to your company vision or mission statement, so take the time to get it right. Next, list some additional adjectives that you want to associate with your vision. Play around with it; be creative. This is the fun part. Remember, the clearer the picture, the easier it will be to transform your vision into reality. This tip comes from Elizabeth Lessner, owner of Betty’s Family of Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, which includes Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits, The Surly Girl Saloon, Tip [...]

26 09, 2008

Business partner or best friend? Why not both?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:32+00:00September 26, 2008|business partnership, friends, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women in business|Comments Off on Business partner or best friend? Why not both?

Are you thinking about going into business with a friend? If so, begin by recognizing the fact that there could be a strain on the relationship. Then, take the necessary steps to prevent any upsets, like defining, up front, individual responsibilities. Be clear that someone needs to be in charge. Remember, this business is your dream. Having said all that, a friend and partner can be a tremendous asset, especially if that person has talents and skills that contribute to your vision for the company. And that’s the key. Without that in place, both your friendship and your business could be headed for disaster. So, bottom line, establish the rules before you get started. Then, together, reach for your goals!

25 09, 2008

By 2012, women will outnumber men online by more than 8 million

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:37+00:00September 25, 2008|eBrandMarketing, internet, online consumers, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women, women in business|Comments Off on By 2012, women will outnumber men online by more than 8 million

A woman starts a business in the U.S. every 60 seconds. And, American women are the largest economy on earth. Put those two stats together with the possibilities of the Internet - and you’ve got a revolution to be reckoned with. To read more about the power of women online, check out my eBrandMarketing post and let me know what you think!