10 Practical Self-Improvement Tips for 2018

10 Practical Self-Improvement Tips for 2018

10 Practical Self-Improvement Tips for 2018

The following 10 practical self-improvement tips will help smooth the transition, if you are looking to break old habits and become a better you. Soon you will be creating new habits in no time at all.

Are you ready to improve your well-being and health? Is 2018 the year that you stop fretting about your life? Is this the year that you will take action to make a difference in your life? Will you finally lose those 20 pounds? Is it the year that you will finally have time to be more active in your child’s PTA?

Whatever you want to achieve in 2018 for yourself or for others, you may find that you struggle with the mindset for change and often return to old habits. This year can be different! Try following these 10 practical self-improvement tips for 2018.

1. Make Time for You

While you might associate being a better person with doing more for others, the truth is, you first need to take time for yourself. If you are burnt out and stressed, you will not make a positive contribution to anyone. Taking time out for yourself is not being selfish; it gives you the opportunity to refresh and recharge.

Once you understand that taking time out for yourself is making a positive contribution to others, then it’s time to schedule it. It is important to honor your commitment to yourself when declaring your “me time”. Set aside some time daily. If you are like most of us, this may seem near impossible; but guess what? You can find 15 minutes every day.

If you don’t respect your personal time, no one else will. Take 15 minutes for meditation in the morning or your daily “me time” out on the front porch or the back deck and just listen to nature; read a few pages from a book that uplifts your spirit; drink a cup of coffee or tea! This is your choice!!
Once you have decided on a set amount of time and a set time of day for your “me time,” let everyone know you are not available. This is your time!

2. Choose How You Jump Start Your Day

You can choose to start your day grumpy and irritable or you can choose to start your day being grateful that you were given another chance to enjoy life and to love. The choice is always yours. Choose to wake up declaring out loud a few things you are grateful for and watch how this daily habit changes your day and your life. Choose to read something positive, think something positive and say something positive. Your day will be that much better and you will have done this by your own power. Be intentional! This is your choice!

3. Start a Journal

When you are feeling overwhelmed, grab a journal and write down your feelings – even if they are negative. Then, give it a new spin. For example, you might write, “even though I didn’t get the promotion I wanted, I now know what the process is and what I need to work on to better my chances before I put in for the next promotion. I am exactly where I am supposed to be in this moment and am grateful for the great things to come.” Journaling releases negativity and toxicity from your body, soul and mind. Journaling also resets your mindset. Focus on what really matters in your life!

4. Keep Positive People Close to You, in Your Bubble

Keep positive friends close by and reel them in when you need a boost. Have you ever started your day by tripping over something, losing your car keys, or finding that the squirrels knocked over your garbage? Don’t be ashamed of your bad moods, just take responsibility for them. Rather than getting upset, grab a friend, talk about it, laugh it off, and then let it go. You’ll be glad you did. Keep these positive people in your bubble!

5. Keep Negative People out of Your Bubble

You will never rid yourself of all the negative people in your life. After all, some of them are your employers, co-workers and family members. You can, however, keep them at a distance while enclosing yourself in a more protected Bubble. You don’t have to let their negativity into your space. Make a choice to slowly distance yourself from them and know that their negativity has nothing to do with you; it’s their stuff don’t own it for yourself. Be intentional about who you let in and who you keep at a distance.

6. Choose Your Filters Wisely

If you read negative stories, watch too much news, or get involved in gossip, you will most likely end up with negative thoughts. After all, negative stories are what so much of the media focuses on these days. Intentionally choose what people, books, music, and television you let in. Stop ‘hanging out’ on social networking gossip sites and take responsibility for your own actions. Listen to the right type of music. Uplifting music will change your brain waves and fast music will give you a boost of adrenaline. If you are feeling low, pop on some dance tunes and watch how quickly your toes will begin to tap. Remember, it’s your choice!

7. Take Time to Get Organized

2018 is the year to finally set up a filing system, get a calendar and keep it updated, and throw out your junk. Once the initial work is done, all you have to do is maintain the organized systems. Don’t want to do it yourself? Pay someone else to do it for you.
You can also use an app to help you organize and plan everything today from traveling to paying your bills. When you are on the train commuting to work or waiting in line at the store, you can get things done that would normally have to wait for your lunch hour or day off. Being able to accomplish more during these wait times will give you more free time for yourself.

8. Take Time to Shut Down and Unplug

After you have used technology to get organized, take time off from technology and unplug from your social devices. If you want to be a better you, you need connections – real life connections. You need to see faces and hear voices and so do other people. Take the initiative and plan a real-life coffee date. You’ll make a difference for yourself and for someone else.

9. Set Meaningful Goals

Set goals that will challenge you enough to demand your best effort and impact some aspect of your life. If they are set too low, achieving them is inconsequential. Set them too high, achieving them is next to impossible.

10. Grab an Accountability Partner

When you set a new goal, it’s important to get an accountability partner. When you know you are scheduled to meet with your accountability partner you will work that much harder to achieve your goal. You also have that partner encouraging you from the sidelines.

Conclusion/Call to Action

You want to be the best you can be. By following these tips you are well on your way to a more balanced, focused, energized life. When you feel balanced, focused, and energized you will feel better about yourself and everything else around you.

For more practical self-improvement tips see the following blog posts:
• 3 Mindset Habits of a Super-Successful Entrepreneur
• Negative People: How to Protect Yourself from Them
• The Entrepreneur’s Mindset: Taking time to Relax, Refresh, and Relax
• Finding Time for Yourself: Finding “Me Time”

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life.

Read More...

How to Create a Podcast that Attracts Your Ideal Audience

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

How to Create a Podcast that Attracts Your Ideal Audience

How to Create a Podcast that Attracts Your Ideal Audience

Are you one of the few authors, speakers, coaches, or entrepreneurs who truly wants to create a podcast that attracts your ideal audience? Do you want your podcast to help you build your business and increase your visibility? However, you do not know where to begin. You are worrying about the right microphone and recorder. Rather, than think about the technical aspects of podcasting, you should be thinking about the theme and focus and of your podcast.

The previous episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series focused on three steps to start a podcast that grows your business. This episode continues the discussion with how to create a podcast that attracts your ideal audience. Believe me, it is not about your choice of a microphone.

Step 1: Build Your Podcast Around Great Conversations !

Build Your Podcast around Great Conversations!

Click To Tweet

One of the best ways to create a podcast that attracts your ideal audience, is to build your program around great conversations. On My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series, Dexter and I have great conversations with each other and our guests. Having a conversation makes the podcast more interesting and engaging for your ideal audience. A great conversation also gives you an opportunity to show more of your personality.

Step 2: Find Guests for Your Podcast that Fit Well with Your Theme and Focus

Finding the right guest for your audience involves planning. Your guests should fit with the focus and theme of your podcast. Your focus and theme should be summed up in a short phrase or word. Once you have decided on the theme and focus you can easily select guests who can add value to your audience on that focus or theme.

For example, on My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we tend to take a topic and conduct 5-6 episodes on that topic. We have done series, on such topics as Affiliate Marketing, Public Speaking, and Podcasting. We select guests who offer valuable insight on a specific topic that interests our ideal audience.

You could do something similar depending on your focus. For example, you could have approximately six episodes on a specific topic. You could present “Leadership Series: Part One”, “Leadership Series: Part Two” and so on, until you reach the end of your six episodes dealing with leadership issues.

Step 3: Create a Strong Identity for Your Podcast

Create a Strong Identity for your Podcast

Click To Tweet

 After you have a focus and theme for your podcast, then think of ways to cement your program in the minds of your ideal audience. If you present your podcasts at regular, repeating intervals, you will find broadcasting at the same time, same day of the week essential for creating recognition and a habit of attending among your listener.  Perhaps, if you decide to broadcast on the same day of week, like we do, you could add the day of the week to the title.

My podcast is “My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series.” So, every Wednesday afternoon at 6:30 (Eastern) our fans can catch us live.

Ideally, you want the ideal audience thinking, “Oh, it’s Wednesday. That great podcast show is on at 6:30pm!”

Why do they remember it? Three reasons:

• My podcast happens every week at the same time on the same day.
• It was entertaining, helpful and valuable.
• I included the day of the week right into the name!

Whatever approach you take, make sure that you create a strong identity for your podcast. This insures that your potential audience and guests know exactly what your podcast is about.

Conclusion/Call to Action

You can create a podcast that attracts your ideal audience by following these three simple steps.

1. Build Your Podcast Around Great Conversations
2. Find Guests for Your Podcast that Fit Well with Your Theme and Focus
3. Create a Strong Identity for Your Podcast

You can also find tips about starting a podcast in these other blog posts: How You Can Make Podcasting Absolutely Enjoyable; How to Easily Start Your Own Awesome Podcast; How to Avoid Making an Amateur Podcasting Mistake; Podcasting Can Increase Your Visibility; Podcasting Strategies: Tips on making a Positive Impression.

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

 I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life

Read More...

How to Create a Podcast that Grows Your Business

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

How to Create a Podcast that Grows Your Business

How to Create a Podcast that Grows Your Business

Are you a coach, author, speaker, or entrepreneur who seriously wants to create a podcast that grows your business? However, you do not know where to start. If so, you are in the right place. This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series is about how to create a podcast that grows your business.

1.    Create a high-quality podcast

When you look around, you quickly realize that there are not enough high-quality podcasts out there. But you can create a high-quality podcast that attracts the right audience and grow your business. It is all about how you brand yourself and the guests that you attract.

We have been podcasting for the past 18 months and have seen our audience and our business grow significantly. We have learned several lessons that we will be sharing with you over the next few weeks. You can also find information about creating a podcast that grows your business on these other blog posts: How You Can Make Podcasting Absolutely Enjoyable; How to Easily Start Your Own Awesome Podcast; How to Avoid Making an Amateur Podcasting Mistake; Podcasting Can Increase Your Visibility; Podcasting Strategies: Tips on making a Positive Impression.

2.    Start with a plan

Before you create a podcast that grows your business, you must first develop a plan and strategy for your podcast. Think about the purpose of the podcast and the audience you want to attract. What will be your theme and focus? Then decide how you will brand your podcast to stand out from the more than 100,000 podcasts already on the air.  Hosting a podcast provides you a wonderful opportunity to be viewed as an expert. However, you will not be recognized as an expert overnight. If you want to be successful, start with a plan and follow through.

3.    Be willing to put in the work

Every week we host a live teleseminar program. Our focus is helping new entrepreneurs get visibility and grow their business. We record the program live and then turn it into a podcast. You can do the same thing. But, before you begin, ask yourself are you willing to put in the work. As best- selling author, Don Yaeger says, “There are no secrets to be being successful at podcasting, you simply need to be willing to the common things uncommonly well.” 

We spend 4-5 hours a week, preparing for each 20-minute podcast. It is a commitment to our audience that keeps us going week after week.

Conclusion/Call to Action

If you want to create a podcast that grows your business, you must:

1.    Create a high-quality podcast

2.    Start with a plan

3.    Be willing to put in the work

Over the next few weeks we will continue providing you tips on how to create a podcast that grows your business.

Click here for your free pdf download that accompanies this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series – “Write, Speak, Broadcast!”

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

 I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

3 Quick and Easy Website Tweaks that Leverage Your Time

3 Quick and Easy Website Tweaks that Leverage Your Time

3 Quick and Easy Website Tweaks that Leverage Your Time

When it comes to leveraging your time, developing an automatic system is the sharpest tool in your toolbox. It allows you to get more done in less time. One area that many small business owners overlook is their website. You can make the following quick and easy website tweaks that leverage your time.

1. Use Your Blog to Build Your Mailing List

Like any smart business owner, you likely have opt-in forms on your website. But do you have a solid call to action at the end of your blog posts? When a new reader is finished reading your posts, she is primed to learn more. Give her the opportunity by offering an opt-in at the end of each post.

Even better, make it a logical next step by creating a related offer for each post. These content upgrades typically consist of a simple checklist or worksheet. They capture attention by providing even more information about a topic the reader is already interested in.

If you are having trouble thinking of ideas for your blog posts, check out this blog post, “12 Great Sources for Great Blog Content Ideas.”

2. Keep Them Reading with Related Links

How often do you revisit old blog posts to link to newer content? This is an important maintenance job that will help provide visitors with the information they are looking for by linking related posts together.

Not only is this strategy good for keeping visitors on your site, but Google approves as well. Posts that link to each other encourage search engine bots to crawl your site more thoroughly, and help boost the rankings of your most relevant posts.

3. Make the Best of Your Download Pages

Whether you are giving away a free report or paid product, your download pages can pull double-duty by offering visitors a “what’s next” option. For free download pages, a related, low-cost product is best. It gives readers the chance to learn more about you with a small investment.

If you are using a double-opt-in mailing list, make use of that confirmation page, too! That is the perfect place for a quick upsell or an invitation to join you in your Facebook group or weekly Facebook Live presentation.

Conclusion

Remember to make the following quick and easy website tweaks that leverage your time. Your reader should be offered the next logical step whenever she lands on your page.

(1) Use your blog to build your email list.

(2) Keep them reading with related links.

(3) Make the best of your download pages.

For more information on leveraging your time, grab this free download: “7 Powerful Strategies to Improve Your Business Time Management”

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

 I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

3 Secret Branding Tips for Successful Entrepreneurs

3 Secret Branding Tips for Successful Entrepreneurs

3 Secret Branding Tips for Successful Entrepreneurs

Do you know the secret that successful entrepreneurs know? Clients do not buy a product. They buy you. Yes, that is right! They buy your personality, unique qualities, and experience. You are your brand!

At one time “branding” might have meant a corporate-looking logo and a slick catalog. However, today the real value of branding is not in appearing to be a big company. Rather the real value is in just being you. Your personality shines through in a variety of ways. This articles explores the 3 secret branding tips for successful entrepreneurs.

1. Your Authentic Voice

How you speak and write, act on camera, or in an audio interview has the power to instantly identify you. Therefore, be sure to showcase your authentic voice.

Potential clients can see this in action as they scroll through your Facebook or Twitter feed. It is easy to know who has posted an image or status update, just by recognizing the voice with which they generally speak.

Here is an even more important aspect of your “voice” though: it has the power to attract a specific audience. In recent years, a few high-profile coaches and product sellers have become celebrities of a sort, largely because of their harsh, “don’t hold back” language.

Nastiness and foul language is not the only way to go, though. It is not my style. I have built my brand almost entirely on my ability to provide methodical and strategic advice to help my clients achieve the desired results in their business and in their life. My ability to connect with them on an emotional and intellectual level has proved magnetic.

Whatever your approach or style, if someone were to meet you in person, make sure that you speak or act exactly as you do on-line. Be authentic. Your brand will be stronger for it.

Branding is Essential

2. Your Story

How did you get to where you are today? Your backstory—which to you might seem boring and uneventful—is a powerful tool that can help solidify your brand and attract just the right audience.

My husband and I realized early in our relationship not to rely on paychecks from a job. Within 6 months of getting married, he was laid off from his job. Since that time, more than 30 years later we have always had a side-hustle. I left my full-time job, to work on-line full-time after too many long-commutes, too many overnight trips, and too much office politics. Being an on-line marketing strategist allows me to spend more time with my family, volunteer in the community, and use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to help people looking for a way of the rat race create the means and opportunity to exercise their options. My legal training and experience allows be to take a stand for economic and social justice in a very concrete and meaningful way.

Your story does not have to be dramatic, and you certainly do not have to share more than you are comfortable with, but it does have to be yours. Be your true self, and you never have to worry about attracting the right audience. They will self-select. Your perfect client will find you.

3. Your Mission Statement

At its most basic, your mission statement defines who you are, what you do, and for whom. Potential customers should be able to read your mission statement and immediately know you are a good fit for them.  Communicating your mission in a consistent and authentic way across all platforms is the key to long-term success, according to a recent article, “The Secret Ingredients to a Successful Branding Strategy” in Entrepreneur Magazine.

But a well-thought-out mission statement is so much more important than that. It is the point on the horizon that will keep you focused. Your mission statement is a key element in defining your brand. It is the litmus test to which every new idea or strategy must stand up. Your mission statement has everything to do with your unique story.

Conclusion/Call to Action

As an entrepreneur you need to focus on the 3 secret branding tips for successful entrepreneurs to grow and build your business.  You want to focus on your authentic voice,your story, and your mission statement.

Your branding should demonstrate just how special and different you are.

For more discussion of this topic:

“The ABC's of Branding”

“What's Your Brand?–Perception is Everything” .

“Be Different: Increase Your Perceived Value”

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

How to Make a Powerful Presentation

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

How to Make a Powerful Presentation

How to Make a Powerful Presentation

Can you stand in front of an audience and present? I certainly hope so! Because the ability to stand in front of an audience and make a powerful presentation is the best strategy for influencing people, selling products or services of any kind, or to creating lasting behavioral change.

If you are afraid of public speaking, then you must learn to overcome that fear. My experience making hundreds of presentations over more than 30 years has also taught me that your ability to communicate well increases your wealth, power, happiness, and influence. If you really want to grow your business and develop your brand, then learn how to make a powerful presentation. It is like networking on steroids!

1. Focus on Your audience

When you are dealing with a live audience, realize that your presentation will become a live, dynamic entity. Your audience becomes a part of your presentation. The enthusiasm that the audience brings to you will make or break your presentation.

Therefore, because your audience is so important to making a powerful presentation, remember to look at them before you launch into your speech.

Smile. Make eye contact with a few individuals.

Then ask a few questions that enroll the audience right at the beginning of your presentation. These questions should engage and involve the audience. Show them from the beginning that their concerns and problems are the focus of your presentation.

Focusing on your audience and their needs, not on your own nervousness, is the best way to ensure you give a powerful presentation.

Dexter and Pamela Montgomery

2. Create a “Signature Speech”

If you are an entrepreneur, coach, or author you should create a “signature speech,” that you deliver for free that is designed as a marketing tool to help you reach your ideal clients.

My friend, Felicia Slattery, coined the phrase “signature speech” to describe this type of marketing presentation. In her book, Kill the Elevator Speech, Felicia explains how a giving a signature speech allows you to “build credibility, generate leads, and quickly add cash to your business.”

The fabulous thing about giving a signature speech is that you get to give it more than once. You promote it. People love it. You get hired to give it again. Remember, that every time you give your signature speech, it gets better.

You feed off the reactions from previous occasions, secure in the knowledge and the certainty that people in your audience are going to love it!
Your “signature speech” becomes what you are known for. It brands you.

3. Prepare for Success

Arrive early at the venue.

Test microphones and any equipment you are going to be using.

Use a checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you leave home.

Conclusion/Call to Action

Are you ready to make a powerful presentation? You can make a powerful presentation by following these three steps:
1. Focus on your audience
2. Create a “signature speech”
3. Prepare for success

Click here for your free download for this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series: Write, Speak, Broadcast!

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing result-oriented solutions that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

5 Valuable Qualities of an Authentic Leader

Become an Authentic Leader

5 Valuable Qualities of an Authentic Leader

As an entrepreneur you can develop and grow your community and your brand by demonstrating the five valuable qualities of an authentic leader. What is authentic leadership? According to Bill George, author of Authentic Leadership, it is built on the highest integrity, focused on results, and reflects your values and beliefs. Therefore, for long-term success, you want to be known and seen as an authentic leader in your both your off-line and on-line community.

Many people have written about leadership from Warren Bennis to Robert Greenleaf. My focus today is on authentic leadership. With authentic leadership you stand out from those who overpromise and under deliver. Your approach to your business is based on your values and integrity. In today’s world authentic leadership is welcomed and needed.  Use these five qualities of an authentic leader to develop and grow your community.

1. Authentic Leaders Make Connections

First of all, authentic leaders make connections. Part of this process involves getting out into the community and networking. Talk to peers and competitors.Find out what is important to them. You should go to conferences and symposiums. Talk to the experts.

Would you like to ask an expert a question? Then, develop a relationship with them. For example, follow them on social media. Interact with them on-line and off-line. Remember to be of value first before asking for assistance!

2. Authentic Leaders Focus on Results

Secondly, authentic leaders focuses on results. Weak leaders shame and blame. But an authentic leader zeros in on specific problems. She looks for solutions. Therefore, as an authentic leader you want to focus on achieving results that far exceed the standard solutions.

According to Kevin Kruse, “They are able to put the mission and the goals of the organization ahead of their own self-interest. They do the job in pursuit of results, not for their own power, money or ego.”

3. Authentic Leaders Act First

Authentic leaders also act first on ideas. They are first-class implementers. As an authentic leaders you find the best people for specific tasks while others are still discussing possibilities.

According to Michael Hyatt, “Leaders go first. They don’t sit on the sidelines. They don’t ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. Instead, they lead by example. This is what distinguishes leaders from theoreticians and armchair quarterbacks.”

4. Authentic Leaders Know How to Ask for Help

An authentic leader knows how and when to admit you need help. An authentic leader does not pretend to be perfect. No one is.

5. Authentic Leaders Love to Learn

You will find that authentic leaders have an insatiable love for learning. They seek to improve every aspect of their lives. My personal library is full of books on personal development, history, and literature. I love to read, listen to podcasts, go to seminars, and attend workshops.

Authentic leaders find out how things work. They develop a community to help them handle situations. They also take time to do the difficult inner work that builds their self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Conclusion/Call to Action

Are you ready to develop and grow your community and brand by demonstrating the five valuable qualities of an authentic leader? Have you done the work and built the skills to be an authentic leader?

I encourage you to join me in this endeavor to develop and build your community and brand with your authentic leadership. Will you commit to using authentic leadership to make the world a better place?

Check out my latest report: Get Known and Be Seen! Learn how to stop being invisible and to gain authority status in your community by becoming an authentic leader.

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing you resulted-oriented strategies to help you  achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

Your Breakthrough Challenge: Showcase Your Professional Expertise

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Showcase Your Professional Expertise

Your Breakthrough Challenge: Showcase Your Professional Expertise

The ability to showcase your professional expertise is an essential part of being a successful entrepreneur, coach, speaker, or author. Are you ready to face this breakthrough challenge? Are you ready to showcase your expertise in your both your on-line and off-line community? This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Program explores why and how to showcase your professional expertise.

1. What is Your Professional Expertise?

Most people think that their professional expertise is what they do. For example, they categorize themselves as a lawyer, a writer, a coach, or a speaker. I say that your professional expertise is better understood, as how you approach your work.

So, what is your approach to work?

Do you try to do everything yourself? Are you perceived as a Jack-of-All-Trades who offers generic, one-size-fits-all solutions?

Or do you approach your work as a specialist? Are you perceived as an expert who has extensive experience in your field and offers customized advice with proven results?

You want to be the latter.

2. Benefits to Showcasing Your Professional Expertise

There are many benefits to showcasing your professional expertise. For example:
(a) Your credibility increases;
(b) Your revenue and name recognition increase;
(c) You build on years of experience.

Yes, it is much better to be known as a specialist.

Think of it this way. Michael Jordan was an undisputed genius in basketball. He approached basketball methodically, with focus, excellence, and determination. There is no doubt, if anyone had a basketball question they would be told to, “go ask Michael.” He was the go-to person of his time.

Could Michael Jordan answer questions about baseball, golf, or other sports? Possibly. But his passion was for basketball. Basketball is what brought him to life every day, and it is what possessed him to continue to play basketball professionally for 15 years. It earned him 6 NBA Championships, 5 Most Valuable Player Awards, and 10 scoring titles.

Are you the MVP in your niche? Do you bring focus, excellence, and determination to your work? Do you approach your work methodically?

Aim to be a specialist. Aim to showcase your professional expertise!

3. How to Showcase Your Professional Expertise

There are several ways to showcase your expertise in both your on-line and off-line community. The way that you approach these leadership opportunities will allow your prospective clients to understand how you are different and the strengths that you bring to your work. For example;
(a) Volunteer to lead a local charitable or non-profit effort
(b) Volunteer to speak on a topic of interest
(c) Volunteer to write an informative article

For more information on showcasing your professional expertise, see the following blog posts: How to be a Recognized Expert; Be Different: Increase Your Perceived Value; What’s Your Brand? Perception is Everything

Conclusion/Call to Action

Learning to showcase your professional expertise gives you tremendous credibility, impact, and status with your online and off-line community. When you focus on your approach to work, you allow potential clients to see how you are different. You become known as someone who can provide them customized services and proven results. So, be methodical, focused, and determined in your approach. You too can be an MVP!

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Download our free Report & Training Guide: The New Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building Your Authority Status. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...

How to Use Your Leadership Skills to Build Your Brand

Use Your Leadership Skills to Build Your Brand

How to Use Your Leadership Skills to Build Your Brand

As a speaker, entrepreneur, or author it is essential that you use your leadership skills to build your brand. In the “ABC’s of Branding,” I stated “Branding is an essential component of your business strategy. Being branded separates you from all the others in your area of expertise.” Your leadership in your community, both online and offline is a strategic way to brand yourself. Remember, you are the brand. Everything that you do reflects on your business. Therefore, it is important that you use your leadership skills to build your brand.
How are you using your leadership skills to build your brand and help your community?

1. Volunteer to Serve in Your Local Community

One way to use your leadership skills to build your brand, is to volunteer to serve in your local community. As you build your business, it is important to develop an attitude of caring, sharing, and love. One way to demonstrate that attitude of caring, sharing and love is to volunteer in your local community. As you give of your time and attention to others, they will grow to know and trust you.

I serve as the Chair of a foundation dedicated to help youth and their families with educational and social development issues. In addition, I serve on the local zoning board. I also love to participate in the projects sponsored by the Woodbridge Rotary Club. We prepare meals for families starving from famine, provide scholarships and gifts for the young people at the local Girls and Boys Club, and support numerous veteran organizations. This year we are also recognizing teachers, firemen, and police officers who contribute so much to our community. I am known for my community and civic engagement.

Remember that your reputation in your community is key to developing a valuable brand. You want to build a brand based on your achievement, your unique benefits, and your client-focused strategies.

2. Volunteer to Speak in Your Local Community

Another way to use your leadership skills to build your brand, is to volunteer to speak in the local community. Public speaking is a key leadership skill. Nothing says that you are a leader like standing in front of the room making a presentation.

You can volunteer to give presentations at the library or a community center. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce or local business groups needs speakers. You should always be prepared to give a brief speech on your signature topic in case you are asked to substitute at the last minute. Your ability to effectively communicate in public is a key leadership skill. By volunteering to speak for local community groups, you are increasing your visibility and using a key skill for to make a positive impact.

3. The Benefits When You Use Your Leadership Skills to Build Your Brand

When you use your leadership skills to build your brand both you and the community benefit. Your community receives the benefits of your time, skills, and expertise. In turn, you will

a. Increase your public presence
b. Become known for your specialty
c. Be viewed as their local expert in my field
d. Make valuable network connections
e. Build your reputation
f. Increase your self-confidence

View your community involvement as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is also a time to listen to the concerns and needs of your neighbors. Through voluntary participation in community events you share your leadership skills for worthwhile causes.

You do not want to become one-dimensional, by focusing only your business. You want to benefit the community by using your skills to lead community organizations.

Conclusion/Call to Action

I encourage you to join me in this endeavor to use your leadership skills to build your brand. Will you commit to positive leadership to making the world a better place?

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Pamela Montgomery

Read More...

How to Start Showcasing Your Expertise with Public Speaking

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Start Showcasing Your Expertise with Public Speaking

How to Start Showcasing Your Expertise with Public Speaking

This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series focuses on how to start showcasing your expertise with public speaking. Nothing says you are an expert like standing in front of the room to address an audience.

I recommend that you showcase your expertise online and offline. You can make presentations to local business organizations and you can host your own webinars and podcast series. See, “How to Showcase Your Fabulous and Authentic Voice” for examples of places to share your expertise.

As you prepare to start showcasing your expertise with public speaking, you need to focus on the positive outcome of this type of branding and leadership. Be sure to begin with the right mindset.

1. Never be afraid to market yourself!

Remember that great leaders are great communicators! So, do not let fear get in the way of marketing yourself!
One of my favorite books: “Sales Dogs: You don’t have to be an attack dog to be successful,” by Blair Singer, makes this point. In this seminal book on sales and marketing, Singer offers several mindset boosters for success.
My favorite mindset boosters are:

(a) Face the challenge

You may feel fear and anxiety when facing the challenge of public speaking. However, according to Singer, rather than filling your head with images of failure, you should rely on memories of similar successful experiences from the past. These successful memories of the past offer you powerful assistance to boost your confidence now! Remember that your strength comes from past. Learn how to capture those past successes and use them in the future.

(b) Celebrate all Wins

To help you create positive memories of past successes, it is important that you celebrate all wins. This is probably the most difficult mindset shift for many adults. As we grow older we often lose the spontaneity and fun that we felt when we were younger. We need to respond to success when anything positive happens. Then we need to imbed that positive emotion in our mind, by congratulating ourselves for being the reason for the success. After all, you earned it. You worked for it. You are smart! Using this powerful technique will cause your energy to soar! This great energy will lead to your next success.

Dexter and Pamela Montgomery

(2) Share powerful stories

As you start showcasing your expertise through public speaking, remember to share stories that lend credibility to your brand. Your stories make you unique and will attract your ideal clients to you.

Remember that your personal brand is much more than your logo and the color on your website. Your life experiences, or your story, play into the development of your personal brand. Personal branding is about the image you put out into the world, how others see you. Stories of your past shape how others see you. Stories help the truth come alive!

(3) Identify your ideal client

Before you start showcasing your expertise with public speaking, identify your ideal client. These are the people your public speaking should attract. Begin to think about their attributes and create a detailed description, including their demographics, struggles, and what their daily life is like. What are they searching for? Show how you have the solution to their problem!

Conclusion/Call to Action

As you start showcasing your expertise with public speaking, remember:
(1) Never be afraid to market yourself
(2) Share powerful stories
(3) Identify your client

By preparing yourself with these powerful strategies you can begin confidently to start showcasing your expertise with public speaking.

At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.

Pamela Montgomery

I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online marketing strategist, and speaker, providing result-oriented solutions to help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!

Read More...