10 Ways You Can Say No (without the guilt)
I find it extremely difficult to say “No”. First of all I’m a Libra and like to keep things in harmony (often at the expense of my own well-being). In business, I tend to have the shiny-object syndrome – you know, where everything looks cool and so I get worried that I may miss an opportunity if I say no. This ends up taking a lot of my time and scatters my focus.
Tell me if this sounds familiar – you’re asked to do something you don’t really want to do or have time for, but you would feel guilty if you said No. Whether it’s a church fundraiser, a committee at your child’s school or participating in a project, it’s important to learn to say No if you don’t want to get overwhelmed, stressed or resentful. It’s about self-protection – people who are able to say No have more free time, energy and feel more in control of their lives.
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Get Off The Island of Someday
There is a crowded little island that everyone in the world has been to several times, including you and me – and it’s called “Someday”.
It’s so appealing that many people who go there never return.
“Someday I’ll have the family, house, luxury car and 2 dogs and then I’ll be happy. Someday this current misery will end, the venture capitalists will understand my genius and I’ll figure out what I really want, and then I’ll be happy. Someday I’ll retire financially independent – just wait and see – I’ll be really happy then.”
The problem with living on this island is Read more
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
Last week, Steve Jobs and Apple launched the new and eagerly anticipated iPad. Over the years I have admired Apple for their branding, product launches and product innovation.
This post is a more personal glimpse at a much-respected and innovative thinker. I thought I’d share with you a speech by Steve Jobs where he shares three very powerful stories. It never fails to inspire me.
The 3 Mindsets for Successful D-I-Y PR
When I first started my career in PR 18 years ago, I had graduated at the top of my class, was recruited by the largest PR firm in San Francisco and had my senior thesis published in an industry magazine.
But when the day came that I had to start contacting the media for the agency’s clients, I was shaking-in-my boots terrified.
Palms sweaty, heart beating so loud I couldn’t think, and memorizing scripts, facts and figures over and over again so I wouldn’t make a mistake.
I was representing really large clients and didn’t want to ruin their reputation, and I was going to talk to hardened, cynical reporters who get pitched hundreds of times a day by more seasoned pros than a recent graduate like me.
“They’re going to think I’m ignorant, stupid and wasting their time.”
“They’re going to eat me alive,” I thought.
If you’re an entrepreneur, mom or small business owner doing your own PR, that may be how you’re feeling. If you’re fearing doing your own PR because you might face a grumpy reporter or be rejected by a blogger, chances are, you are stuck and not trying to get any publicity at all.
How to Set Unrealistic Goals
In a recent post, I wrote about How to Create a Personal Vision. In order to make your vision a reality, you’ll need to tie it into specific goals. Otherwise your vision will remain a daydream.
Other benefits of goal setting include:
* Using your mind and talents fully
* Making better decisions
* Being more organized and effective
* Having greater confidence and self-worth
* Being more enthusiastic and motivated
* Accomplishing uncommon or “unrealistic” projects
I’m particularly intrigued by this last point about Unrealistic projects because one of the most popular systems out there about setting goals proposes they should be S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
I’d like to propose a version called S.M.U.R.T – Specific, Measurable, Unrealistic, Resonant and Timely. Here’s what it would include:
How to Create Your Vision for 2010
Note: A longer version of this article appears in Working Mom Magazine
In the last four years, I’ve been in a constant state of re-invention.
One year we sold our house in the city and moved to our dream house on an island – population 3500. The next year my husband and I started a quirky Internet business, which got so much attention we got bought out in less than a year. Then we had our second child and we moved countries. And last year, I started this website, PR in Your Pajamas.
Some decisions may seem drastic but were consciously planned, and some decisions were more spontaneous but still purposefully aligned with my values. Every year began with a personal vision, which have led to numerous incredible and often unforeseen experiences.
So it seemed fitting as I write this at the beginning of 2010 to help YOU explore and define your personal vision for the coming year.
Hi, I'm Elena Verlee and I help entrepreneurs like you get the publicity that will skyrocket your business! I hope you enjoy my site, where you'll find easy, no- or low-cost ways to get buzz, as well as personal coaching tips to build both a business and a lifestyle you'll love.