Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

2 02, 2011

Real You: To thoughts, dreams and contests

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:14+00:00February 2, 2011|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: To thoughts, dreams and contests

Here's a thought. It's February. Sure, it's cold, blustery and snowy in much of the country and the economic news still isn't great, but the thought is this: Things will get better and you aren't alone. As you know, many people in many different industries are facing career challenges. Some days it's hard to be resilient, but you must. Why? Because you're getting stronger. Better. There is no exact answer as to how that will happen, not for your industry and not for you as an individual. But it will. If you believe it. Have you been taking time to invest in you and your dreams? Are you ready when the market improves and opportunities arise? Do you have a clear vision of your future? Have you solidified and embraced your passions, surrounded yourself with the right people and are you following your instincts? Knowing what you want [...]

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 [...]

15 01, 2011

Real You: New look, new website, same me

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:29+00:00January 15, 2011|Hope|Comments Off on Real You: New look, new website, same me

It's sort of like when you get your haircut - a big cut. It's still you under there, but it's you, well, different. That's the new KairaRouda.com! I've been working with amazing, talented people to bring together the best of what my sites have to offer, while also highlighting another path my career is taking. (And no worries - I'm still all about women entrepreneurs and you'll find all of the Real You Incorporated content at RealYouIncorporated.com.) Did I tell you I have a debut novel coming out in May! Ok, maybe you've heard that from me just a couple of times recently, but it's all so exciting and new for me. And it's so fun to share with you. To that end, one of the best parts - I think - of my new site is the chance to read the first chapter of Here, Home, [...]

13 12, 2010

Real You: Longing for those Lego days?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:42+00:00December 13, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Longing for those Lego days?

Yes, it's Christmas time. And now, instead of heading to one of those amazing, fun toy stores - I especially love the locally owned, creative ones - I head online. Don't get me wrong - I love online shopping. But before, when the kids were little and the internet wasn't so pervasive, toy shopping at Christmas was a very fun pursuit. Now, it's all about a budget. The taller the kid, the smaller the gift and the more expensive. It's just that simple. And, I've discovered, the bigger the kid, the more virtual the gift. Gift cards. Video games. iTunes cards. Where's the fun in that? The fun is in watching the kids who used to build Lego castles grow up. It's no longer those squeezable Christmas mornings - but there aren't any overstimulation, nap-needed, diaper changing moments either. All in all, it's fun to [...]

2 12, 2010

Real You: The difference

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:52+00:00December 2, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The difference

What is your brand's difference? Your unique, authentic differentiation? Do you have one? Of course. It's you. You are your personal and business brand's unique competitive advantage, but often we don't articulate our differnce clearly. Obviously. Proudly. Why? It's easier to hide. It's a lot easier to appear corporate, "professional". To blend in - to not attract attention. To play it safe. But why? Don't allow your personal or business brand to be more of the same. All of the great brands in the world are unique. They stand for something. They have personality. I'm writing this from the seat on a Virgin America flight. Their staff is spunky, their planes are clean. They are different. It feels different to be on one of their flights. Richard Branson is different. He stands out. He's a personality and a defined personal brand. Can you and your [...]

23 11, 2010

Real You: A word from a frequent flyer with metal implants

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:15:56+00:00November 23, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: A word from a frequent flyer with metal implants

If you listen to the news, you realize there is a growing alarm over the TSA's full-body pat downs. Here is what you may not realize. All of us with metal implants - knees, hips, etc. - and other medical conditions have grown accustomed to the humiliation of additional screening since 9/11. Sure, we put up with it. We're patriotic. We were the ones in a big line in the glass cages, waiting for additional screening. We're the older women with hip and knee replacements. Yep, that's us. We were wanded - sometimes well, sometimes aggressively. Usually once the TSA agent figured out the limb or joint that beeped, we'd be quickly wanded and on our way. So we got good. We got really good at wearing no metal, anywhere but where the implant is. Sweatpants. Sports bras. Yoga wear. Nothing that would beep. No [...]

18 11, 2010

Real You: What ‘no’ means

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:05+00:00November 18, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: What ‘no’ means

Has someone told you 'no' lately? When you're pursuing your dreams and stepping into your power and going for it, it's tough to face. Especially if you're asking for a favor, especially if you're asking for a favor from a woman you admire. But what you have to remember - even if someone you'd like to have be your mentor says no, or even if a co-worker won't cover for you, or even if you really need the help on your charity board - you have to respect the other person's ability to set boundaries for herself. Give her the benefit of the doubt. Try to understand her no to you is nothing personal. In fact, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with her and her life. Accept it. Appreciate it. And move on. Life's too short to question other [...]

25 10, 2010

Real You: That’s what friends are for. . .

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:11+00:00October 25, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: That’s what friends are for. . .

Just back from my college reunion and I had a blast. Meandering around campus, buying things at the bookstore, cheering at the football game, sharing memories at parties - and well, just reconnecting. Friends - new and old - help us stay connected to ourselves. They remind us of who we were, and who we've become. They cheer us on, reflect our passions back to us. And they remind us, always, to count our blessings. Each and every one.

13 09, 2010

Real You: Synergy!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:28+00:00September 13, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Synergy!

Just finished a great interview with Deborah Shane on her radio show. We talked about everything we are both passionate about: the power of women in busness, entrepreneurism, personal branding and more. If you missed it, here is a link so you can listen in! Listen to internet radio with Deborah Shane on Blog Talk Radio . It's great to find synergy with someone. When you do, celebrate. Help each other. Grow together. That's what life is all about!

10 09, 2010

Real You: Waiting is the hardest part

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:33+00:00September 10, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Waiting is the hardest part

Today, I'm waiting. I am not a patient person. And that may be an understatement. So this feeling I'm feeling is not comfortable. But really, the entire process of book writing is filled with a lot of waiting - so I should be okay with it by now. But I'm not. Today I'm waiting to see the second round of cover comps. It's true, that saying, you really do judge books by their covers. So to me, the cover is huge. Monumental. And if you're a visual person like me, waiting to see what the book designer selects to represent your words is agonizing. Sharing my waiting has helped. Thanks for listening. And, when the waiting is over and my novel has a face, so to speak, I'll share that, too!