Debra Kasowski

Why Vulnerability in Business Matters

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Do you think vulnerability matters? Do you relate to people better when you feel that they have similar interests to you or you can relate to them on some level? What factors help you develop that know, like, and trust?

Does Celebrity Status Make You Untouchable?

A colleague and I were having a discussion about celebrity status, the design of a person’s website, and developing content for your site. People who are celebrities are still like you and I – they eat breakfast, take vacations, and deal with the occasion temper tantrum from their kids. They are people would grew up having hopes and dreams just like you. One of the main differences is that they have been featured in a variety of media venues or they have been on film, highlighted in sport, or in the newspaper. Did you hear about them before they were in their feature film? On the hockey team? Or in the newspaper? People need to hear about you too. You are a celebrity in your own world.

I know people who shy away from asking people to be featured on their blog talk radio shows, interviews, or to share an idea because they think, “Why would they talk to me; they are a celebrity?” I cannot speak for all celebrities but several wonder why people do not ask more often. You are missing out on an opportunity. Celebrities are people who can share their journey so others can learn from them. They are celebrities because of their role or the work that they do.

What Makes Vulnerability Attractive?

When you share your journey and some of the ups and downs you have faced in growing your business people can relate to you. I love hear about how people have built businesses that started from a napkin over a couple cups of coffee. You do not always hear about all the late nights and obstacles that these people face. I find people are more endearing when they show you what it really takes to get things done. I am not saying you have to share every fine detail of your life but sharing a few of your trials and celebrations while stepping into who you are is what matters.

Don’t you want to relate to the person you work with and know that they understands your needs and have similar values to you? Your blog posts on your website should be written in the first person and written in conversation with your reader. Do not wait for perfection before you post or design your website. It is you people are waiting for – step into your celebrity status! Be YOU!

You build you know, like, and trust factor by being you first and sharing your business second!

 

Why Asking Others Opinions Might Not Be a Good Idea

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Why is it a problem to ask for another person’s opinion? Doesn’t outside feedback help you in your business? How can one opinion influence my behaviour? There may be many reasons to get feedback to change or adjust your course of action but another person’s opinion can be detrimental at times.

When asking the opinions of others is not a good idea:

  1. People Pleasing. If you are asking someone’s opinion just so you can please them you are heading for disaster. Sad to say, not everyone will have your interest at heart. You need to follow what you feel is right and be true to your values and what is important to you.
  2. You Cannot Make a Decision. If you allow others to make decisions for you, you may eventually regret it as you are giving away your power. You also make not like what the decisions result may be. Do not look at blaming the person you asked – you need to take responsibility for the final decision. Ensure you get what you want – you make the decision!
  3. You Have Not Thought Out Your Plan.  Shortcuts may work for some people but not all. You need to be clear on the outcome you desire. Take time to re-read your articles. Review your plans and think about obstacles or objections. How will you solve them?  It is human nature for people to judge how strong someone’s abilities are. Let people see your strengths. Be prepared and practice if you need to.

Remember someone’s opinion is someone’s opinion. It is their perspective of how they view the world and how things should be, not yours. If you want to succeed, you need to showcase who you are! You already know what you need to do so reach out and do it. Be brave and courageous – please yourself, make a decision, and make a plan to be YOU!

 

Spark a Little Creativity into Your World

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Have you ever watched a three or four year old colour a picture? They usually chose all sorts of colours for the colour of the sky, trees, or grass – even a snowman can be rainbow coloured. Sometimes I think we get caught up in what our reality is and what colours actually are that we lose some of the creativity by blending into the norm. How fun is that? You want to stand out from the crowd and showcase how you serve others differently.

Here are 3 Ways to Spark Some Creativity into Your World:

  1. Chase Your Passion. Look for the possibilities of what  you have to offer others. What would your ideal client want to by from you? Why are you unique? What gets you excited each day and does not feel like work? Brainstorm all the ideas and write them down.
  2. Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes. The most creative and innovative ideas were often born from mistakes. You can readjust until you get things to be the way you want them.
  3. Try New Things. We are creatures of habit. We get comfortable. You need to step out of your comfort zone, travel to new places, and experience new things. You gain a better insight into the lives of others and how you can best serve them when you get out of your immediate surroundings.

Splash some colour into your world by allowing yourself to experience your life and business a whole new way. Keep your curiosity about you and try things differently that are true to who you are and what you value. Being creative does not mean being someone else, it means doing things your way. Create and design the life and business you want!

What is on your canvas?

 

Develop the Can-Do Attitude that Attracts Clients

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Have you ever met someone who has a can do attitude? Have you ever asked someone to do complete a task and they said, “I can do it.”? Have you ever wished more people knew how to cultivate this attitude? The “can-do” attitude seems to be a lot rarer than we think but can accelerate your business in a big way.

Do you know any “can-doers?” in your life? We have a lot to learn from them.

Can-doers:

  • enjoy helping others
  • are confident
  • thrive on the personal challenge of taking on a task
  • look beyond obstacles and see the big vision – the end result
  • solution-focused
  • are optimistic
  • focus their mind on getting things done
  • are good at planning out and preparing their next move
  • are willing to risk making a mistake for they know that they will learn in the process

How does a can-doer attract more clients? Why would you hire a can-doer? First of all, they are enthusiastic about taking on the challenge of serving you. Secondly, they usually have a track record of success because they are confident in their abilities. Thirdly, a can-doer radiates an energy you cannot help but want to be around.

How can you develop your can-do attitude? Believe in what you offer your clients. You might be saying to yourself – but of course I do otherwise I would not be in business. I have met people who are in business but they do not fully believe in what they are selling or they lack confidence in themselves and their ability to sell their product. Learn about your product. Speak passionately about your product or service when speaking to to others. Offer your client solutions to the problems they may be encountering. Discuss the possibilities – will it save them more time, help them live a healthier lifestyle, or get things done. Take a leap of action and own your attitude – take responsibility for your actions steps and adjust as you go.

The attitude you chose each day makes a difference. Those who make a difference say “I can!” Will you?

How does one’s attitude affect what you do?

How Are You Coping With The Challenges in Your Life and Business?

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There are days you may be asking yourself, “Is this really worth it? Every time I turn around a new obstacle or problem shows up.” I have had days like these. Sometimes I wish I could have hid under the covers and read a good book instead. What does that solve? Not much but a great idea – very tempting, I know. The challenges usually come down to people, money, time, and care or maintenance of property. You may come up with few others. Many challenges can be anticipated or even solved before they arise. Be proactive and think about some of the challnges that could come your way. Plan out some of the solutions.

How do you cope when challenges come your way? Challenges and obstacles often appear to test how badly we want something or to teach us lessons where we need to readjust our plans. Let me share a few ways that I cope with this obstacles.

  1. Breathe. Take a deep breath slowly in through your nose and out through your month. You may want to do this 5-10 times. This will help calm those nerves.
  2. Assess the situation. What are potential solutions? What do I know I could do right now? Do I need to consult anyone or ask for help?
  3. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes. Focus on what your obstacle is and the desired outcome you wish to have. Pay attention to your “gut” instinct. Learn to listen to what your intuition tells you.
  4. Go for a walk. Physical activity can really help clear the mind and help you focus your energy on finding a solution.
  5. Ask for help. When in doubt, ask a trust friend, colleague, mentor, or coach for guidance. They can sometimes see what we cannot because we are so close to the situation.

Know that you are not alone. You have what it takes to get through, around, or over the obstacles that come your way. Everyone faces challenges and obstacles. The decision lies in whether or not you are strong enough to face the challenge.

What coping strategies do you use to face the challenges that come your way?