TheBuzz101: Speak It - Instead of Read It

Your personal brand packaging includes your speaking style especially if you are (or hope to be) considered an expert in your field; lead or manage a team or group; or if you are a “professional”.

SPEAK your speech - NEVER READ IT! There is a huge difference between the written word and the spoken word. Expressions are different and pacing is too. If you read it out loud, you “smudge” your brand. You come across as stinted, unsure, unnatural and LESS of an expert.

MASTER your material! Memorizing is NOT the answer. Have you ever seen someone deliver a memorized speech? They speak in a slightly higher tone; they PACE around the room lots; they LOOK distracted; they breathe a slight bit faster and the look so UNNATURAL.

MOVE WITH PURPOSE - Never Pace! Pacing is the DEATH of an expert. It shows just how unsure and nervous you are. It’s like “jingling keys or coins” it is distracting! Pacing separates the “amateurs” from the “pros”!

To speak with power, passion AND professionalism:

1. Master your material. Know your stuff and speak it from the “best version of YOU that you can be.” None of this imitating someone else- imitations are poor “at best” and they take away from your natural movement and energy.

2. Outline a speech however “hook” your outline to several key areas in the presentation room or area. Stay away from bringing papers up with you. You WILL inevitably lose your place and will lose valuable time and discount your professionalism trying to find it again.

3. Be purposeful in your gestures. Speeches need the variety of gestures and motion however, they do not need random ramblings and roaming! Practice!

To your personal best,

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

ATTRACTION BRAND© COACH

Buzz2Bucks: Diversity Or Inclusion

Your personal brand identity shines through in everything you do. Are you a person who supports diversity or inclusion? There’s a big difference.

I opened the paper today to read of a class that is being provided on “intergenerational differences”. I am not naive to know that there are differences between generations however, I am very cautious about being a conduit for biases and assumptions.

In harnessing the power of “social capital” (who you know and who knows you well), I am consistent about the power of the RELATIONSHIP. It is important to know each individual. As a diversity expert trained in “Roots & Wings” and with the Far West Educational Lab, conversations for INCLUSION are much more powerful than diversity. My education tells me so and my practical life experience reinforces it. You see I have been the “token Hispanic on the board of directors” who is to be the voice for all Hispanics. Interestingly enough, I am a Chinese, Filipino-American who is married to a Mexican-American (his preference of TITLE - he dislikes the word “Hispanic” and questions why we can have Chinese-Americans; African-Americans, & then use the word HISPANIC. Like George Lopez, he wonders, “where is this country of Hispania?!) and lives in West Texas….do I have a different experience to share or what?

Here are some ACTIONS for you:

1. Review your own BIASES or FILTERS. We ALL have them due to our own unique experiences. You operate from these biases but you can put them in “check” if you are AWARE of them.

2. Do you look for diversity (we have a quota of people that need to be a certain nationality; age; income bracket, etc.) or do you seek INCLUSION (are we attracting people of diverse background who have similar interest or concerns)?

3. While information can be a good “guidepost” be cautious of generalizations and stereotyping. Our information is not “one size fits all” in this global economy.

I hope that you’ll consider reading THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. I am the MINORITY BASED NETWORKING EDITOR and I look forward to exploring this topic more in future articles!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

ATTRACTION BRAND© COACH

Mastermind Moment: Next Comfort Zone

“Move Yourself From Comfort Zone To Comfort Zone” - Nigel”ism”

My coaching buddy, Nigel Clayton, owner of www.gettingtohighstreet.com, shared some insight in developing MISSION and VISION.

VISION - Is What Your Life Looks Like When You Are Being The Best You Can Be.

MISSION - Is What You Want To Do In This Life.

As 2006 comes to an end, I hope that we are all reviewing or “inventorying” our goals and celebrating our accomplishments.

Some key questions to ask:

1. What is at your CORE? What makes you authentic? What are your areas of excellence? What is your calling? Are you following what you have energy for?

2. What did you do last year that worked? What didn’t work? What are you doing out of habit?

3. What comfort zone are you in now? What’s the next comfort zone you’re moving to in the next 6 months?

Happy reviewing!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

ATTRACTION BRAND© Coach

TheBuzz101: Give Gifts

This is from my father - who gave me the greatest gift ever - FREEDOM!  He and my mother are the most heroic people I know.   When my mother was 7 months pregnant with me, they left everyone they knew and every family member, to come to a place they only saw in dreams and in movies - AMERICA.  If I had been born where they were from, I might of never had the opportunity to have the honor of being included in the lives of so many wonderful people.

This wonderful statement from my father is a reminder that the greatest way we can be remembered (memorable) and to develop relationship is to give the gift of TIME.  It is what every child wants when they haven’t seen their parent; it is what every customer who has a need wants; it is what every real friend prefers over money, position or anything else.

Today, I share my dad’s gift with you…

To your ENEMY; Give Forgivness

To your FRIEND; Give Loyalty

To your CHILD; Give Example

To your FATHER; Give Honor

To your MOTHER; Give Your Heart

To your NEIGHBOR; Give Your Hand

To your COUNTRY; Give your Time

Thanks, Daddy! Happy Thanksgiving!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a my father’s daughter!

Buzz2Bucks: WOW Moments

WOW! I had a wow moment this morning! I had been on CBS7 all last week for a special segment and a CUSTOMER of mine recorded all of the shows and sent it to me on a DVD, labeled and everything. What a “WOW” moment! He securely is remembered in my mind.

How about you? With the holidays fast, upon us….what are your WOW moments that you’ll provide? (Remember, success happens when opportunity and preparedness meet!)

1. Focus on what’s important to your contacts!

‘Tis the season everyone is focused on what’s important in their life; how far they’ve come; or how far they have left to go! Now, is the time to LISTEN. Ask one question, and that is - what are you going to focus on this holiday season. The answer will reveal “what matters most”.

2. Focus on your fears and excitement!

FEAR is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. However, it is a real feeling. Embrace it! If you feel fear about something coupled with excitement - GO FOR IT! If you feel fear only, be CAUTIOUS! Listen to your inner self - it is wise beyond your years!

3. Grateful moments

Enjoy some grateful moments! They’ll do you your heart and mind - WONDERS!

By the way, I’m so grateful for my growing band of readers. So, here’s a WOW for you - I have the inside scoop on upcoming networking events in the Basin - visit the NETWORKING IN WEST TEXAS tab of this blog to find out the scoop on 2007!

Be thanks-filled this Thanksgiving!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Mastermind Moment: Attitude of Gratitude

As we enter Thanksgiving Week here in West Texas AND we enter the week of BLACK FRIDAY (when retailers go from being in the RED to in the BLACK because of all the holiday sales that happen that day after Thanksgiving), I wanted to remind you to remember all that you’re grateful for.

Today’s quote comes from James Blasingame, The Small Business Advocate:

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you’re employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means you are alive.

And finally, here is mine: I’m thankful for small business owners — the most courageous and most important modern-day pilgrims I know.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Personal Promotion: Krista And Maria Elena

I hope that you’ve been tuning in every morning this week and watching Krista Escamilla, morning anchor of CBS7 and owner of Starr Style Modeling & Talent Agency, and I speak about “Landing Your Dream Job!”

While our conversations are centered around, landing the job of your choice or upgrading your career, what we cover certainly addresses how to “personally promote yourself for profit.”

So, here’s what we’ve been talking about:

MONDAY:  Your Resume

One Page Only/ Play To Your Strengths / Always Use A Cover Letter

Even as a personal promoter, either Fireproofing Your Career or as an entrepreneur, Firing Up Your Profits, be sure you know what your strengths are in “benefit” language.  That is, you must address the WIIFM “tatooo” everyone has on their forehead.  WIIFM - stands for “what’s in it for me?”.

Know what your STRENGTHS are.  What is YOUR genius? What gives you ENERGY?  What DRAWS people to you?  Capitalize on what YOU are good at.

A cover letter “sets the stage”. It is your introduction.  Even in business networking, have your “cover letter 60 second intro”.  Nothing worse than running around a networking event projecting that “I need a client.  Do you have one for me?”

TUESDAY:  The Look

Mirror The Attire For The Place You’re Interviewing For - Do Your Homework/ Be Clean And Neat/ Quality Clothing Pieces

Like attracts like.  It works for your “personal energy” and for “your look”.  Know what is “the norm” for where you’re headed.  Whether you’re job interviewing or establishing a new client relationship, dress to be included or to impress!

Be clean and neat - there IS no excuse for anything less than that.  “I’m having a hot flashes today” or any other excuse just doesn’t cut it.

Quality clothing.  Think “cost per wear” not just ticket price.

WEDNESDAY - The Interview

Be Prepared To Answer The Questions - Practice / Have Good Questions To Ask / Keep Your Conversation Positive / Keep Good Eye Contact

Be prepared.  In interview AND in networking events, are you prepared to answer WHAT DO YOU DO? (in 15 seconds or less) or are you “winging” it?

Know what questions to ask.  The person who is asking the questions is leading the conversation.  Know how to do this “conversationally” as opposed to “grilling” someone.

Be positive in all your interactions.  It sets a tone and mood.  People look for people who are relationship or customer service oriented.  Even MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS will find it profitable to remember they exists to SERVE their MEMBERS - not police them!

THURSDAY - Follow Up!

In Interviewing, Begin The Follow Up With Key Questions / Write A Thank You Note / Place A Follow Up Call 

The FORTUNE IS IN THE FOLLOWUP!  Here are some key questions towards the end of the interview that will set up your follow up process:

1.  What’s  a typical day in this position look like?

2.  What’s the next step in the hiring/interview process?

3.  How do you see me fitting into your organization or position?

4.  Would it be alright for me to call you in a couple of days or do you have a better way you would suggest I follow up with you?

Write  a thank you note.  Only 3% of the population does this!

FRIDAY - Your First Day On The Job and FireProofing Your Career

Watch us in the morning!

With Excitement & Joy!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

TheBuzz101: From Successful Women

Applause and kudos for another successful meeting of the Successful Women’s Alliance! We women of NAFE, thought we would share some of the great discussion we had today with you.

Our topic was: Professional Image and Style.

In West Texas, you CAN overdress and it can be too much.

Your dress and style can either say you’re APPROACHABLE or NOT.

If you’re going to do a presentation, dress like the person who invited your or hired you.

Dress to be included. If you’re not dressed properly for the “job”, you can lose credibility.

Balance your outfits.

Too much jewelry can take away from YOU.

Sleeveless clothing is just wrong for some people. Make sure your not one of them!

Do not apply lipstick at the luncheon table - go to the bathroom!

The 80’s are back with big earrings, big hair, tight & skinny pants, leggings, off the shoulder “flashdance” shirts - keep the FADS in your social life - be professional at the office! 

Do no answer your phone in the middle of a meeting and think that “whispering” or ducking down at the table will make you DISAPPEAR. You just ruined your image and your reputation.

Dress to respect the profession.

Smelling bad is just bad. No perfume can cover up when you smell bad. Smelling bad is an automatic bad impression that lasts.

Smile! It still is the best “thing” to wear.

Stand tall and make good eye contact.

When you’re sitting, remember it’s bad manners to cross your legs. Proper etiquette is to cross your ankles. It is also better for your circulation.

You are not your makeup!

No one wants to see skin and cleavage. And, cover up those midriffs at the office!

Teach your daughters and sons proper etiquette - it’s a valuable skill you’ll teach them. Cotillion is a great way to do that locally.

Here’s to your success!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Buzz2Bucks: Buzz Killers

Every time I sit down to type I type about the ways to develop “more, better, greater” buzz. However, even more important than creating “buzz” is getting rid of any “buzz killers” (practices that negate all the good buzz). What is buzz? It’s when your promotion and the word of mouth generated by customers, contacts and referral sources all come together in a great BANG THAT GETS YOU MORE BUCKS! They work together to give the impression that everyone is talking about; speaking positively about or doing business with you.

However, BUZZ killers lurk in every “buzz” campaign and here they are:

1. Having a website that goes no where. Literally.

I recently received a business card from a lady I consider extremely professional. She is involved in a new venture with a company new to our area. While I have lots of belief in her and was ready to “transfer” that belief to her new company and venture, it all went away when I went to her website and saw nothing but INDEX and then a whole lot of blank page! Buzz kill!

2. Having an email address that “kicks back” and says you don’t exist.

Received one of those cards. I never know if the email was printed incorrectly or if there’s someone “in house” who doesn’t quite know how to set up email accounts. Either way - buzz kill!

3. Cutesy, rock and roll, hip hop cell phone ringers that you can hear on the side of the person “making the phone call”.

Not in the business world - buzz kill!

4.  Not having a “hold button” on your phone so that you can keep private conversations - private.

I don’t want to hear that you don’t know how to book an appointment in Outlook - buzz kill! 

5.  Answering your cell phone in the middle of a meeting and STILL staying in the meeting thinking that you are speaking “quiet enough” to not disturb anyone.

You’re disturbing EVERYONE!  And, you’re rather rude - buzz kill!

6.  Asking for a meeting and then having to take another phone call (that’s not an emergency).

Hey, I’m busy, too.  Take your call and move along - buzz kill!

7.  Not knowing how to turn your electronics off or on silent.

It’s not cute. We question your smarts - buzz kill!

8.  Not professional presentations. 

There are TRAINERS and ENTERTAINERS.  Some people try to tell you that they’re enter-trainers however, too much OVER THE TOP and you come across that your only a circus side show act - buzz kill!

9.  Cussing, swearing, expletives, ya knows, yeahs, uh-huhs, stuff like that, ummmm - buzz kills!

10.  You “look” professional yet you stink ( of smoke, sweat, dog, bacon grease, too much perfume, too much cologne) - buzz kill!

Send over other BUZZ KILLERS you’ve come across.  Funny how there seems to be an “outbreak” lately!

Create the Buzz; Eliminate the Buzz Killers - Magnetic Marketing!

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Mastermind Moment: Past No Future

“If you live in the past then you have no future.” - Beverly”ism”

I was a business women’s round table meeting, recently, and a friend of mine was presenting and she shared many nuggets of wisdom however, the one that “spoke” to me was “if you live in the past then you have no future.”

Think on that for a moment. How many times do we chastise ourselves for past behavior? Oh, I SHOULD OF done this. Or, oh I SHOULD OF done that. Or, HE SHOULD OF done this? Or, she SHOULD OF done that. Or, THEY SHOULD OF done it this way. What would someone pay if we could change the PAST??

However, if you stay STUCK in the past you will have no future because you won’t be able to see past the SCENERY of the past. In order to have a clear vision, you must be in the NOW to see where you’re at and where you are heading.

Are you in the NOW? Or, do you live in the PAST?

A professional man speaks of “how his RACE was wronged and how they’re still being held down”. He speaks of how the government conspires to do things against us since the beginning of time. When I ask him, what are you going to do about it? He rationalizes (”rational” “LIES”) that there’s nothing that makes a difference now - not voting; not taking office; not leading a team of people with a purpose - nothing! Yet, he expends every energy studying and living in the past for the answer. I wish I had, had this statement when I last met with him because it rings true for LIFE and for BUSINESS - “If you live in the past, you have no future.”

Are you LIVING IN THE PAST?

1. Do you SHOULD OR, COULD OF, WOULD OF yourself and everyone else around you? If you do, you might be living in the past.

2. Do you BLAME (blame makes you LAME!) your past circumstances; where you live; who you run with; who your parent’s ran with; society as a whole; the government; etc. for all your troubles or the “troubles of your people”? If you do, you might be living in the past.

3. Do you NOT vote; NOT take office; NOT lead a group; NOT do anything because you think “what can one person do” or worse yet, “will it make a difference?”. Then, you ARE living in the past and you have no future. So, you might as well find a 6′ x 6′ hole and climb into it because your done. Move on and holler “next” - because your “life” is over.

Spend time with people who live in the NOW who know that this great life is about EXPANSION and CONTRACTION. If you want to LIVE, then be a part of the living!

Is your goal to “make a living” or create a life?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connection

Mastermind Moments: Are moments and comments taken from the CEO Network, T.E.N., comprised of CEO’s who mastermind together for mutual success. Would you like to be a part of the Circle of T.E.N. Mastermind Team?