The BOSS Network Blog

In last month’s blog, I talked about New Year, New What?  I shared how I now come up with a word to guide me through the year.  I also stated that this month I would share what my word for 2020 is.  But before I share my word with you let me ask a question.  How are those resolutions coming?  How many people can honestly say that they have stuck with their resolutions and are just as on track and excited as they were when they made those resolutions at the end of the year?  Do you even remember what the resolutions were?  Well as I shared, I thought long and hard about what my word for the year would be.  My process of choosing the word was a result of years of failed resolutions but also reading Shonda Rhimes' book The Year of Yes!  The year after reading that book my word was yes.  For those of you who haven’t read the book, it is a must-have for your library.  Anyway, on to ...

The currency today is attention. Everything is on speed dial; moving fast in nanoseconds. If you get someone's attention that's the key to getting them interested in your brand, business or book.  I've been in business for two decades and I know what it takes to build a brand. But trust me, it does not happen quickly. You want to construct a brand that can be not only recognizable but trusted, preferred and recommended.  Here's my "checklist" of some of the things that you must do to go from unknown to known in your industry: 1. Go to trade shows and conferences in your industry. Be seen. Network. Have great marketing materials to share.   2. Sponsor events.  Yes, quit asking for sponsorships... go and sponsors events where your target audience would notice you. Be a giver - sponsor charity events; take out ads in church bulletins. Yep. Old school. But it works.  3. Blog.  Don't roll your eyes. The reason why blogs work is that it ke...

Struggling to bring in new clients or speaking gigs? Not sure what to do next in your marketing plan? There’s one simple answer you probably haven’t considered: Write a book.  It’s true. This one thing—especially if it’s an actual printed book rather than a Kindle or eBook—has the power to grow your business beyond your expectations. You’ll experience a whole new world of opportunities simply by having your name on the cover of a book.  1. Authority Imagine you’re at a conference or local networking group and you meet two coaches or speakers who both specialize in business branding—something you know you need help with.  One says all the right things. She’s been in business for years and worked with some top-notch business owners. She has great ideas for how she can help you solidify your branding.  The other person has a similar history and story, with one added bonus: she’s just handed you a copy of her latest book. It’s a professionally printed, s...

Establish your motives. In reinventing yourself, the goal is to change so much so that you appear to become completely different. That’s a huge commitment to make and it will require a solid motive. Choose something that will be able to withstand your daily mood-swings and excuses, the opinions of others, and all circumstantial hurdles. Powerful motives improve your health, make you better and not bitter, and put you in a position to be a blessing to others.  Write the vision. Studies show that we are 42% more likely to achieve our goals by writing them down. It’s not enough to just think about it and imagine it. Skyscrapers don’t get built from pictures; blueprints have to be drawn up with exact measurements. Take the time to write down in detail who you want to be and what it takes to become that person. Do your research. Be adventurous but also realistic. Develop a budget and a schedule. Keep this written vision near you at all times and revisit it daily. Writing ...

When I first started my business, I must admit that I wasn’t the most confident.  I carried with me the checklist of shortcomings others passed down to me, and I often thought, “Am I really good enough to be doing this?”  I read business books and articles on how other moguls achieved their success, hoping to learn their formula and apply it to my business so I can replicate exactly what they did.  I had ideas in the back of my mind that I wanted to implement, and my intuition would tell me to do other things. I was hesitant because I was a new entrepreneur and I didn’t trust my gut.  My ideas weren’t proven, and the success of the popular business leaders seemed more effective.   To guide me with the development of my business, I enlisted a few trusted business consultants to help me along the way.  I would tell them about a few of my ideas, and they enthusiastically encouraged me to pursue them. This shocked me, but yet I decided to take bab...

It seems as if every time the new year rolls around people go into the frenzy of make resolutions or lifestyle changes or commitments that they follow for the first few months of the year and then by the King holiday it is back to life as usual. I know I have done that more times than I care to admit, which is why I decided that resolutions were no longer for me. I got off the resolution hamster wheel and decided that there were a few things I could do differently to ensure success in the coming year. Here are three things that I do now that have served me well and I hope they help you too. 1. Throw away the resolutions. Why do we make resolutions? Who started that trend and why have we for generations decided that that was what we needed to do to make lasting or meaningful change in our lives. Statistically, resolutions don’t work. Studies demonstrate that less than 25% of people who make resolutions stay committed to those resolutions beyond 30 days.  30 days! ...

Six Easy Steps To Greater Success I am an unapologetic goal digger. Well, how about we swap out the word "digger" for "setter?" However, you get the picture. Yes, I am an advocate of goal setting, strategy sessions, and vision boards, too. In the words of the world-renowned writer, Lewis Carrol, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." No matter where you are in your life journey, whether you're a Gen Z or Baby Boomer, working mom or single and satisfied, it is my belief that establishing goals for your future is a worthwhile process and is a beneficial use of your time. Many people spend more time mapping out what they are going to eat or wear next week than they do being focused on their short or long-term financial budgets, career and relationship goals, or health & wellness and personal development plans. There's no doubt that many people are simply reluctant to establish goals. But wh...