laboring too long? try networking diversity

It’s time for you to take inventory of your networks – is there diversity in your network or is every network “the same”? Are you only networking with “the greater” chamber of commerce? Do you focus only on social service and volunteer organizations? Are you connections with people who are exactly like you?

The Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and many have fast forwarded it to today (some even started yesterday after lunch!)

Are you laboring too hard? Does it take you forever to get things accomplished? Are you where you want to be - both personally and professionally? We are all built by our associations and what we focus on. Maybe it’s time for focus on who we spend time with and who we work with. Do you hang out with the people who have the same drive or more as you do?

Whenever LABOR DAY approaches, I challenge my clients to “work smarter, not harder” - who do you associate with and where are you going with them?

For the rest of the article, click here!

Maria Elena Duron - The Champion of Connections Coach

Buzz To Bucks for word of mouth & word of mouse

Profitable Connections - personally and professionally!

public relations means you must have contact

Doesn’t it sometimes take an event to make something more VIVID for you? I’m referring to those times in life when you see something and you wonder - did anyone else see that? Or, did that really happen?

The media has been “a buzz” about the lead in toys from China. It’s all over the news and even on store shelves. In a shop at Universal Studios in California a couple of weeks ago, there were scores of discounted key chains, shot glasses, necklaces with the sign “contains lead” marked above. Mattel has done a great job harnessing word or mouth, according to the Word of Mouth Marketing Association. There’s a letter of apology to parents on their website and a video of the CEO apologizing and taking responsibility. Instead of blaming or hiding or just being aloof, they are actively wanting to engage in conversation, taking action, being in conversation and being concerned about their customers concerns.

Closer to home (my home that is)….emails fly through cyberspace and most of the time it gets there yet sometimes it doesn’t - and so the miscommunication begins…

A local “P.R.” rep doesn’t bother to return phone calls (oh heaven’s -can’t you see she’s so busy) and she prefers to stay away from the public. And, rather than deal with the public one-on-one regarding actual company concerns. She would rather shoot a cold email and pass the buck to someone else in the organization.

Public relations is just that “relations” with the public. In order to be in relationship, you must make contact. While I agree that there are a variety of communication venues, if you want to be most effective you still make individual contact. Public relations is a contact sport - right up there with networking! In fact, it is essential to building loyal brand advocates. Brand loyal advocates for you, personally, and even for the organization. (Don’t you know that the non-public, public relations gal’s actions taint the brand of the organization she represents).

Why do you personally need brand advocates? A friend of mine said it best when she said, “I want to brand myself not just with the company brand”. And, she is so right. If that’s all you do, then you become known as the “Smith Company Lady” or the “Cancer Society Gal” or that “guy who sells those machines”. Listen to how people describe you as they introduce you to others or as they speak OF YOU to others — that’s your perceived brand.

Question is - did you EARN that brand (like the no-relations, public relations gal) or did you INHERIT it from the company?

What one thing can you do today to be KNOWN for what you WANT to be KNOWN for?

Maria Elena Duron – Champion of Connections Coach

Buzz To Bucks for word of mouth & word of mouse

“Profitable Connections – personally and professionally”

newly posted audio and article

The newest audio titled “Building Your Powerful Network (part one)” can be found by clicking here!

The newest article regarding Minority-Based Marketing titled “Getting Along” has been posted in the National Networker Magazine. You can read the article by clicking here!

Enjoy!

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections Coach

“Inspired Marketing and Personal Brand Coaching
For The Most Profitable Connections”
People Are The Brand - www.buzz2bucks.com

Unplug To Get Connected

Last week our whole team “unplugged” in Palm Springs to focus, reflect and make sure we’re honoring the VP’s of our life and business (VP’s are VISION, PURPOSE, VALUES and PASSIONS). Of course, all my clients knew that I would be out of pocket and I was good to put an auto-reply on, change my outgoing message and let people know that I would be “unavailable”.

Wouldn’t you know that someone I communicated that info to STILL found it “imperative” that I call them THAT ONE WEEK? Even more timely (isn’t it funny how some things just time out perfect - as if by “coincidence”?!) being unplugged gave me an opportunity to be one of the millions of viewers, right alongside my kids, of “High School Musical 2″. In the show, Troy Bolton (played by Zac Efron), sings a song about “working so hard on going after what you want that you lose yourself along the way.”

What an AHA (bright shining moment - epiphany)for me! Even though I know that part of personal branding is having a solid understanding of your VISION, PURPOSE, VALUES and PASSIONS, I almost let someone else’s VP’s dictate mine because of their urgent and repetitive phone calls disturbing the week of unplugging! It took the week being “unplugged” for me to “connect” with me. So very important in personal branding! The most important relationship you have is with yourself.

How can you communicate and be clear, concise and consistent in your brand if you lose sight of who you are? Who you are IS the foundation for personal branding.

So, before you click away from this post and let the hustle and bustle of life take you further “down the road” - make sure it’s a road towards your dreams and your personal definition of success and not just a road strewn with activity but no accomplishment (not in terms to what matters most to you, anyway.)

Unplug!

People Are The Brand -

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections Coach

Buzz To Bucks: Impression and Influence Trainer | Business and Executive Coach

san diego pearls

In a meeting with an executive of a software company in San Diego a couple of weeks ago, these pearls just stumbled out.  And, I didn’t even have to comb the beach for them!

 ”If you want to know who a person is, don’t ask them, watch what they do.”

We’ve talked about “authentic brands” in this blog before - is yours - authentic?

People Are The Brand -

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections

Buzz To Bucks:  Personal Brand Coaching for Marketing, Leadership, Career and Image Management 

knocking out heavy weight titles

“Grip, grin and graze” is a phrase that I coined to describe your average, run of the mill networking event. We’ve all been to them through chambers, associations, fraternities, sororities, after hours events, open houses, ribbon cuttings, welcome events from business organizations to religious congregations.

Along with the “grip,grin and graze” action, comes the standard question of “who are you and what do you do”? Wouldn’t it just beat all that anytime most are asked that question - the answer is “I’m a sales rep with ABC”; or “I’m an attorney”; or “I’m an operations manager”; or “I’m an accountant”.

That standard operating procedure is to answer any question of “what we do” with the title that we’ve been given or the one we use. It seems even natural to answer the question that way.

Yet, it’s those “heavy weight titles” that box us in to what each person’s past experience is with that title. For example, if you had a bad experience with an accountant, and I meet you for the first time and I say I’m an accountant - all of the sudden I “own” the baggage that the last person left with you.

Those titles are “heavy weight” because of the baggage of personal experience that are associated with them. Why would you weight yourself down as you’re working on making great connections and wonderful first impressions?

Remove the dead weight of the past and refuse to let someone else’s definition of you – define you!

Here’s a better approach:

*What is an attribute that is so uniquely you? What are you known for? What are the words people use when they describe you? What do people say when they introduce you? Whatever they say are you strongest, most visible brand attributes.

*Describe yourself with those brand attributes. For example, when people would first introduce me that would say “she’s so well connected – there isn’t anyone she doesn’t know”. Others would say, she is the “poster child of networking”. Eventually, I picked up the tag “Champion of Connections” and it has stuck! Now, I’m described as the Champion of Connections Coach. What are the words that describe you so that you can drop those heavy weight titles and use your strengths as what defines you.

*Remove those titles from your business card. They only work against you. Of course, your name needs to be the most prominent item on your business card. Then, next would be the name of your company or organization. The next, will be your strength(s).

*On your resume, include (instead of your objective) your unique selling proposition or your unique promise of value. This is one sentence and can be placed directly under your address and phone number.

Drop that heavy weight title and use your strengths to become MORE than just a commodity!

People Are The Brand –

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections Coach

Buzz To Bucks: Personal Brand Coaching, Marketing, Leadership, Career & Image Management

What’s Your Leave Behind?

A “leave behind” is something that you leave behind - when you’ve made a sales call or presentation.  It gives the prospect or client something to review and to think about after you’ve gone.  It’s a common term amongst sales people.

The leave behind isn’t limited, though, to people in sales.  A “leave behind” can continue to “sell” you; highlight your competence in your service area, industry or position; and give people a chance to “sample” who you are.  A “leave behind” can be helpful to small business owners and entrepreneurs.  It also can be helpful to those employed by companies and organizations and are looking to climb the corporate ladder.

Right off the bat, you might think of the “sales leave behind” like a brochure, an interactive CD-ROM or an informational DVD.  In your personal branding (employee or entrepreneur), a “leave behind” is so much more than that.

Here are some samples of personal branding “leave behinds”:

1. Your email signature.  It trails behind every email you send and your response.  Is it active?  Does it say something about who you are?  Does it provide the latest? Or, give links to websites or posts that are examples of why you’re THE BEST?

2.  The voice mail you leave.  Is it merely reinforcing that you’re just like everyone else or does it show them that you are head and shoulder above all those others?  Is it active?  Does it sound like you’re someone who someone would want to talk to?

3.  Your business card.  Is it merely a box you create for yourself that lists a title and relies on someone else’s past experience with that title to define who you are?  Or, does it describe your best personal brand attributes, ditch the title, and make you stand out?

4. Your conversation.  Do you leave them wanting more?  Or, do you leave them celebrating that you finally shut-up?  Before you launch into stories and revelations of “wonderful you”, earn the right to be heard.  Listen.  Learn about the other person.  Make them feel that you heard and valued them and YOU WILL leave them wanting more.

So, how about you.  What is your great LEAVE BEHIND?

People Are The Brand -

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections

Buzz To Bucks:  Personal Brand Coaching, Marketing, Leadership, Career & Image Management

mastermind moment: add a zero

“If you’re talking about your goals and money - I’m thinking, add a zero!” - Jim-ism

How many of you”think small”?  There are those who create big, lofty goals; and those who have very vague goals; and those who have no goals at all (mostly because all those dreams and goals have already been trampled so bad that there’s not a want, need or desire to think about them).

Then, there are those who really visualize what their definition of success means to them.  I mean they really put a clear picture together in their mind.  Every successful leader and business owner that I’ve interviewed has said, no matter what that definition is, be specific about it.  Everyone of them.

Your money goals also need to be specific.  What do you want?  From the CEO Mastermind table, there have been comments like “make the numbers work first”; “inspect what you expect”; “see it in your mind first - make it work on paper next”.

ADDING A ZERO is about expanding it even further.  So, obviously, “step 1″ is to have a goal first to expand (need to walk before you can run).  How can you “add a zero” to your goals?  What you can do to take your goals to the next level?

In branding, some have called this “adding a zero” - tooting your horn without blowing it!  And, for some, they are AT THAT TIME when they can do that.  Remember, “step 1’s” are important - if you try to hop over them sometimes that’s the step that will “trip you up”!

Here’s how YOU can “add a zero” to your branding:

1.  Find out what people are already saying about you.  Ask and listen.

2.  Identify your top 10 brand attributes (as communicated to you by your clients, contacts, friends, family, community, etc.)

3.  Evaluate what you’re doing already - are you “on brand”?

4.  “Google” yourself.  What comes up - on the web?  In images?

5.  Create a list of 7 things that you would like to see happen to your brand (or your reputation).  Now, under each of the 7 list seven things that are needed to create each item.

Stand out and pull yourself above the herd!   Your brand is what is SO UNIQUELY you - how can you let that shine?  Stop standing in the middle of the road — staying there, you’re bound to be run over.

Happy Monday!

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections  Coach

Buzz To Bucks:  Personal Branding, Marketing, Leadership, Career & Image Management 

thebuzz101: be considerate

Attending the monthly CEO mastermind that I’m a member of, is one of the most valuable well invested time in my month. I’ve always believed that “other people’s experience” is just as and even more valuable than “other people’s money”.

One of the topics we discussed revolved around the area of “giving”. Each of our community profiles exemplifies how much focus we have on giving back to the community where we live and work. Yet, the EXPECTATION that we’re supposed to give is the challenge. Becoming more involved with community activities and enjoying some spotlight from personal success, many leaders are approached by those who EXPECT to be given something because they asked. It’s that INTENTION that’s a turn off!

One of my personal brand attributes identified by over 150 of my clients and contacts is my giving nature. It’s not unusual for me to get requests for free speeches or discounted services or even requests for me to introduce them to someone (I consider this one of the craziest request especially when I don’t even know who you are!) The hardest requests are those that come from a close contact and friend. I really don’t like saying “no” to someone. And even though I learned many moons ago, that saying “no” means that you’re saying “yes” to something else it still feels bad to me.

Lo’ and behold - the answer came from someone else’s experience and I cannot even pinpoint who at the mastermind table said this exactly. S/he (because I really don’t know who said this!) has found success and comfort in saying “I’m considerate so I cannot discount (or do) this. My family and supporters have helped me tremendously and I consider it my responsibility to be considerate of their sacrifices. That consideration, prevents me from giving ______ at this time. (or keeps me focused on ____ at this time)”

It works for my spirit! So, be considerate of others - especially those doctors and attorneys that people ALWAYS try to corner at networking events for free advice.

Also, when are YOU going to finally take action on having a mastermind team? Isn’t it time and aren’t you worthy of learning from other people’s experience?

If you’re ready, then I’ve got a free report for you, “The Top 3 Things You Need To Know In Creating Your Personal Board of Advisors” - just let me know if you would like a copy by clicking here!

Cheers To Your Success!

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections Coach

Buzz To Bucks:  Personal Branding, Marketing, Leadership, Career & Image Management 

“People Are The Brand” 

buzz2bucks: personal branding mag

You’ve all read some of Dan’s posts on thebuzz101 — well he officially launches the Personal Branding Magazine today! Get your copy and not only will you GET great info - you’ll GIVE (all the proceeds from the magazine are donated to the American Cancer Society).

Personal Branding Mag

Kudos to Dan! There is already a “buzz” with posts in Facebook and even a great article on the FastCompany blog hitting the net.

One article (and there are many) that I particularly enjoyed was written by Scott Bradley and how we are “All Personal Salespeople”. It is true that we are all selling something even though many of us don’t like to be branded as “salesperson”. We sell and idea, concept, our demeanor and our image to others constantly. We even “sell ourselves” on what we’re not good at, what we can’t take or where we went wrong.

Scott focused on how YOUR BRAND is your credibility worn on your shoulder. He even has advice on “Adventures in Selling”. This is where he and I do have some differing thoughts. I agree that “commission breath” will scare anyone away - so do not look desperate! Yet, there is a difference about being passionate about what you’re doing and being a walking anxiety attack. I’m referring to his statement in the magazine article about “acting like you don’t need them”. My thoughts are be sincere in your connection with them and I you only “see them as a sale or a number” then it might be best to “feed that hunger” elsewhere. People can “feel” when they’re not valued and it would hurt your brand more than help it when you connect with that strong odor permeating your connection.

Nurture Some of Your Connections Today!

People Are The Brand -

Coach Maria Elena Duron AKA The Champion of Connections

Buzz To Bucks: Inspired Personal Branding & Marketing