Real You Incorporated | Kaira Rouda

19 08, 2008

If you make your female customers happy, your male customers will be happy, too. We are the demanding ones.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:18:29+00:00August 19, 2008|female consumer, real estate, Real Living, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker|Comments Off on If you make your female customers happy, your male customers will be happy, too. We are the demanding ones.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Schedule a regular time (monthly or quarterly) when you and the members of your team can discuss how to touch base with your customers. During this time, talk about what’s working and what’s not. Consider what you might do differently—or better. Remember, your goal should be to stay one step ahead of her. Now, get moving! You have no time to waste. TIP IN ACTION: Women are world-class consumers, making or influencing 85 percent of all purchases and 91 percent of home purchases. Given these statistics, don’t women deserve a little attention? In the 1970s, women were purchasing with his money. Today she is purchasing with her money. Knowing that, it’s no surprise that women are dramatically changing how products and services are designed and marketed. Call it what it is: the unstoppable trend of women’s buying power. At Real Living, we [...]

15 08, 2008

The Almighty Power of Networking

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:18:35+00:00August 15, 2008|networking, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, share, speaker, women in business|Comments Off on The Almighty Power of Networking

Networking is not just important, it’s absolutely necessary. In whatever stage of the game you are—whether you own a company or you’re working for someone else—networking with other individuals is essential because you never know who can help you move up or help you move on. Here are my suggestions: Get over being intimidated. Leaving your comfort zone is never easy, but you can practice at home by role-playing what you’ll say when you meet people. Get your elevator pitch down. Go with a friend. If you know someone who’s really involved in a group or organization, tag along. She’ll be sure to introduce you to her circle. Always be on the lookout for networking opportunities. It might happen the next time you’re in the cafeteria. Introduce yourself to that person from another department—the one you see occasionally—but neither of you ever speak. And don’t [...]

12 08, 2008

Women in business have clout-lots of it. And we’re gaining more every day.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:18:42+00:00August 12, 2008|career, entrepreneuership, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women in business|Comments Off on Women in business have clout-lots of it. And we’re gaining more every day.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: What about you? Do you dream about a career that affords you more clout? Do you think about how your life might be different as an entrepreneur? If so, trust your gut instinct and decide that now is the time to make a change. Next, take care of yourself. Remember, if you’re not happy, and if you can’t be there for yourself, you can’t be there for anyone else. In addition to that, don’t go it alone. Reach out to others and tell your story. Don’t be an island; that is too isolating. Finally, separate yourself from negative influencers, or snarks. Put simply, don’t worry about society’s expectations for you. Instead, do what feels right. TIP IN ACTION: The statistics prove it. Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men. In fact, every 60 seconds a woman starts a business. [...]

8 08, 2008

Is a Culture Vulture bringing down your team?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:19:00+00:00August 8, 2008|business, business consultant, culture vultures, employees, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, staff|Comments Off on Is a Culture Vulture bringing down your team?

You’ve probably met this person at one time or another. They’re the employee that isn’t on board. The one causing friction among your staff and bringing down team morale. I have a name for people who sabotage businesses—culture vultures! And my best advice is to get rid of this person as soon as you can. If that’s not possible, then pay close attention to what’s going on, and trust your instincts. In other words, your perceptions of this person are probably right. In the meantime, take comfort in the fact that culture vultures usually destroy themselves. Truth prevails, but it doesn’t typically happen as fast you’d like. Get help in the form of a business consultant, a person who will work with you to plan a strategy that ensures that every member of your team is on the same page. Is your team being brought [...]

7 08, 2008

Things to consider before starting a business

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:28:37+00:00August 7, 2008|mentors, networking, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, starting a business, women, women in business|Comments Off on Things to consider before starting a business

Before bringing a great business idea to life, you must prepare yourself for what’s ahead. There are many things you can do, but begin by connecting with people. First, find a mentor, a person who can teach you the ropes and share personal experiences at the same time. Learn from this individual. Why is she successful? What could this person have done differently? Of course, you may have to step out of your comfort zone. For instance, the next time you’re riding the elevator with a co-worker you don’t know, introduce yourself. It’s critical to develop relationships, so start immediately! Do you have a fantastic mentor that you want to tell us about? Go ahead, we’d love to hear about the real people in your life! For more on mentors and networking check out my book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.

5 08, 2008

Write your own job description based on what you enjoy doing.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:28:55+00:00August 5, 2008|career, job descriptions, passions, Rachel Mazur, Real You Incorporated|Comments Off on Write your own job description based on what you enjoy doing.

Think about what it means to be, act, think and look like you. It’s not necessary to mimic other people. Instead, strive for authenticity. Now, bring out the paper and pencil, or start up the computer, and write your dream job description. When you’re done, make it your goal. With that as your focus, you’ll be surprised how quickly things start to fall into place. Rachel Anne Mazur, CEO of DASCO Home Medical Equipment in Westerville, Ohio, is all about having passion for what you do. Although her father started the business more than 20 years ago, it wasn’t until Rachel started working for a similar company that she discovered it was her passion. Already very much a family person, Rachel returned home to join the family business—and there’s been no turning back. Why? Because she loves her job as CEO, and her fun, upbeat [...]

31 07, 2008

If you lose your job, don’t look at it as a setback

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:29:02+00:00July 31, 2008|business, personal branding, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker|Comments Off on If you lose your job, don’t look at it as a setback

When women are fired, they feel ashamed. Men, on the other hand, take it as part of life. Let’s learn a lesson from the other sex just this once. First, don’t take being fired personally. It’s all about business, and your personal brand can handle it. Get out of your personal funk and move on—to bigger and better things. Start gathering references; take samples of your work; and keep your head up high. This is the beginning of great things for you—and your personal brand. Have you had experiences that have helped shape your personal brand? Tell us about them! To learn more about developing and communicating your personal brand, check out Real You Incorporated.

29 07, 2008

Make time for yourself, because your future starts now.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:29:07+00:00July 29, 2008|alone time, kids, Real You Incorporated, time management, vacation, work-life balance|Comments Off on Make time for yourself, because your future starts now.

Wow! This may be a tough one for those of you with kids. And even if you don’t have a family, it’s a challenge in today’s world to get away for a while. But taking a break is necessary for your well being. So, if you can, head to the hills, the ocean—or even a hotel for a night or a weekend. This guilt-free time alone is essential, and what better time to plan your getaway than during the dog days of summer. Do it now—before school starts and before the holiday rush kicks in. This will give you some time to think, plan and dream. Chances are good that you’ll return recharged and ready to take on the world. Women everywhere, and in all stages of life, are planning time for themselves. For some, it’s as simple as the solitude they experience while driving [...]

25 07, 2008

Should you join the family biz right out of college?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:29:15+00:00July 25, 2008|business, college, dreams, family business, passions, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, women in business|Comments Off on Should you join the family biz right out of college?

Joining the family business might seem like the easy route after college, but there are several things to consider. You must first decide, simply and emphatically, if this business is your passion. Sure, you’ve grown up with the business, but is working in the family business part of your dream? Be absolutely honest about your answer because it’s your life—and you can’t live that life pursuing someone else’s dreams. If you make the decision to join the fam, do so only after obtaining the necessary training and know-how. Make sure you’re qualified and prepared for the task. This is important so that others have a positive perception of your role in the business—and they take you seriously. For other tips on finding your passion see Real Fact Two in Real You Incorporated.

23 07, 2008

Reflect on your past, and write your life story.

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T13:29:21+00:00July 23, 2008|past, Real You Incorporated, Rosa Parks, Rouda, story|Comments Off on Reflect on your past, and write your life story.

Write your life story, but try to limit it to a page or two. Simply focus on the highlights. That will give you enough material to reflect on what you’ve learned from past experiences. It’s important to realize that with every experience, you grow. You may never be forced to make a decision quite like the one Rosa Parks made when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. But, like Rosa Parks, you will have experiences that alter the course of your life. Her actions sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, which set a precedent for future non-violent civil rights protests. Unfortunately, Parks was fired from her job, and eventually she had to move to Detroit to find work. In spite of it all, she remained active in the civil rights movement for many years and eventually worked as an aide [...]