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Red Carpet Secrets for Success

Did you catch the Golden Globes on Sunday? Awards season is my favorite season. The Oscars, Grammy’s, Golden Globes – I can’t get enough of the red carpet glamour, the talented hosts (Tina & Amy rocked it!) and of course, the heartfelt speeches.

There was one acceptance speech at the Golden Globes that stood out from the others  (No, I’m not talking about Jacqueline Bisset). While accepting her award at Sunday’s Golden Globe awards, actress Amy Adams mentioned it was the fifteenth anniversary of her moving to Los Angeles. She moved to L.A. with the hopes of “getting a commercial or something.”

While it’s easy to recognize her talent and performance, what is more remarkable is how willing she was to put everything on the line to achieve her dream. Moving to L.A., finding an agent, landing her first acting job. She not only took a chance, but she made herself visible.

Are You Holding Back?

With 2014 in full swing, I’m sure you’ve got big dreams you want to achieve. But as New Year’s inspiration dies down, perhaps you’re losing momentum or holding back?

You may not be a Hollywood actress, but you have to make yourself visible if you want to succeed. This isn’t about stepping on stage or a red carpet. Visibility translates to how you show up at work, in your business and in your life.

So, I want to ask you: Where are you holding back?

-Are you avoiding making that phone call?
-Have you resisted sharing your story because you believe it’s not “big enough”?
-Do you shy away from opportunities because you don’t want to be perceived as “bragging”?

Can you relate to any of these?

If you can, I assure you, you’re not alone.

To be your best, you have to be willing to show up, speak up and take action.

What can you do today to come out of hiding and show your strengths? What step can you take to reveal yourself and move closer to achieving a goal?

Take one step today and with a little Hustle you may just wind up achieving gold.

What Would You Attempt if You Knew You Could Not Fail?

Have you been rejected lately? Hearing that awful word – NO! It hurts, doesn’t it?

Facing rejection takes courage. It’s often what holds us back from speaking up, stepping out, trying new things.

But, what if you wanted to get rejected? What if you purposely tried to hear “No.” How would that change your perspective? How would it impact the way you lead your life or run your business?

The question came up last week when my colleague from a networking group threw out a challenge to the group: What if you actively tried to get rejected 50 times? What you would attempt? What would you ask for? What would you do differently?

At first glance, it seemed intimidating and scary. Why do I want to be rejected? But then I put the challenge to the test.

I dared myself to make cold calls to new prospects for one full hour. Now you and I both know, making cold calls is about as much fun as having a root canal. But, with the goal of trying to get a “No,” I noticed the anxiety disappeared. I rapidly moved through the calls, barely pausing between each dial. I connected with voice mail more often than a live person which helped relieve my anxiety and also keep the momentum going. By the end, I had a rush of excitement. I tackled this scary task with little hesitation or fear.

So why was this challenge so effective? This simple shift in thinking takes away the fear of rejection because you expect it. You desire people to say ‘No’. And every ‘No’ gets you one step closer to your goal. When you take the fear away, your energy changes. You are more enthusiastic, passionate and animated. When you bring that energy to the situation, whatever it may be, people respond differently. They say YES!

And that’s exactly what happened to me. Out of all of the calls, I only received one call back. However, the person was interested in working together, so I now have a new client. This is a result I was not expecting at all when I decided to make those calls.

Now that I’ve tested the model, and seen results, I’ve created a list of 50 things I’m going to try to get rejected. Some are big goals that will stretch me out of my comfort zone. Some are smaller, more manageable goals. Either way, I’ve noticed a change in attitude. I’m actually EXCITED to tackle this to-do list that once seemed so out of reach.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress, but I invite you to create your own list of 50 Rejections. What would you try if you knew you could not fail? Apply for a speaking opportunity? Ask for the raise? Invite the cute guy/gal our for coffee?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

 

Storytelling Spotlight: Capturing Clients’ Attention With Your Brand’s Story

In this week’s Storytelling Spotlight, we shine the light on Laura, owner of Royal Photo Booth. Royal Photo Booth, based in New York City, provides its guests photography, entertainment and party favors. However, it’s the story behind the photo booth business that truly captures its clients’ attention.

Q: Why did you start a photo booth business?

Royal Photo Booth (RPB): People always asked me why I started a photo booth business. I always smile whenever I share my story.

My close friend, Tiffany, got married in San Francisco in November 2009. She had a photo booth at her wedding. I gathered all of my friends I hadn’t seen in years and took so many pictures with them. Not only did all of us have a blast taking pictures together in the booth, but I was able to take home a piece of that special day, back home to New York City, and hold the memories in my hand.

One of my special friends in the photos was Felicia, whom I’d known since I was 9 years old. She was 8 years older than I was and I looked up to her like an older sister. She was my style guru and I could ask her about anything I was curious about and get words of wisdom. Felicia passed away in January 2011 and I was devastated. Tiffany’s wedding was the last time I would ever see her. Our photo booth picture, which was our last picture together, is framed in my living room. I’m so happy Tiffany had a photo booth at her wedding because without it I wouldn’t have these preserved memories.

RoyalPhotoBooth

Memories are miracles because they bring us back to those special moments in a flash. We’re able to keep the good alive and carry it with us in our present lives and use as inspiration for the future. While our loved one’s image is forever present in our hearts and mind, a photograph like this can capture a certain smile or expression that elicits such a fun moment shared together. A photograph can make you smile as I did and I’ll treasure it forever. I was so INSPIRED by how a simple photograph from the photo booth could make such a big impact on my life, and the feelings of nostalgia when I looked at it.

In that moment, there was no doubt I needed to start my own photo booth business so I can help others keep their own memories alive and close to their hearts. I wanted to follow my passion of sharing this kind experience with other people. I wanted to provide the same feeling I felt when I was in the photo booth and when I left Tiffany’s wedding photo booth to others in the Tri-State area. Sounds of laughter resonating from the booth from silly poses and then the feeling after I received the pictures, I couldn’t wipe that big bright smile off my face. That feeling was priceless. This is how Royal Photo Booth was created.

Q: How do you weave this story into communications with clients?

RPB: Pictures are meant to capture moments in time. I tell my clients that you want to give guests something they will treasure for years to come. Yes, you can give them a favor that may collect dust or you can give them something that they will have fun creating themselves and they can frame and showcase.

Q: What advice can you give other business owners about leveraging their story with clients?

RPB: Always be real, be yourself and be authentic. People like reading about how people created something that most people only dream about.