Category: Newsletters

How The Apple Watch Is Paving The Way To A New Generation Of Wearable Technology

Kelli Richards March 26, 2015

When the iPod, iPhone, and iPad launched, they gave way to entirely new categories of MP3 players, smartphones, and portable computers. They were hardly necessities when they hit the market, and the prices seemed exorbitant at launch. In fact, people didn’t realize they wanted–let alone needed–these devices as part of their lifestyles when they first came out. That’s part of Apple’s magic.

Each of those devices proved its worth over time by offering consumers simple conveniences through innovative technology. Now, iPhones and iPads are ubiquitous and deemed essential items for businesspeople, students, and anyone with a desire to be connected.

Apple Watch whiteThe next frontier is wearable technology, and with the Apple Watch set to arrive this spring, Apple is preparing to blaze the trail in the marketplace, just as it did with its other iconic devices.

The Difference Is in the Details

Apple devices have gone mainstream because they’ve transformed people’s lives for the better. That was the primary goal. The products enabled users to become more productive and efficient, with the minimalist style and ease that Apple products are famous for. While its smartwatch might not be the first one in its class, Apple is determined to set it apart from the rest.

For starters, the company hired several established senior-level executives from the fashion industry to collaborate on the watch and invited fashion houses to weigh in. The result? A watch that offers unparalleled stylistic options and personalization. And once you get past the beauty of it, you can peel back the layers and discover the functionality that makes this wearable unique.

As expected, the Apple Watch will integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices and connect with Siri to enable quick reminders and real-time requests. The watch also supports Apple Pay, which is being accepted by a growing number of retailers.

Users will no longer have to fumble around to find their hotel keycards and boarding passes, either. The watch will unlock hotel rooms at select chains and speed users through the airport with boarding pass access in select airlines.

Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch will continue to simplify a number of daily tasks. Before long, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without it.

The Future of the Apple Watch and Wearable Tech

The functionality of wearable tech makes these items true lifestyle partners. As they assist you with multiple routine tasks in personal and professional settings, they’ll quickly become must-haves due to how integrated they are in your life.

The Apple Watch will give you the power to optimize daily tasks, leverage apps for information and communication, and be more productive and efficient in general, just as smartphones do. But with the Apple Watch, you’ll be able to do it all hands-free rather than having to carry your phone around in your hand.

But as wearables become mainstream, the industry will become ripe for innovation in multiple directions. Although few consumers have gotten past Apple Watch’s sticker shock, more niche groups will inevitably be identified as potential customers, including those interested in tracking personal fitness (be it weekend warriors or professional athletes) and elite frequent flyers.

When Apple revolutionized smartphones with a more sophisticated (and expensive) option, some questioned the value in paying hundreds of dollars for a cell phone. Consumers also greeted the iPad with skepticism. But soon after, users uncovered the plethora of handy features and the immense value behind these products, and today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s not clenching a smartphone at this very moment.

As the price of the Apple Watch comes down, the same will prove true with this new wearable tech. Instead of simply being a timekeeper, it will be a timesaver–and an indispensable part of your daily routine.

This article was first published on Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

 

Turn Up Your Volume: 5 Big Moves Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Music Moguls

Kelli Richards March 19, 2015

Music moguls and entrepreneurs have a lot to teach each other. But don’t worry; you don’t have to sing like Beyoncé or turn tables like Skrillex to bring the music to your business.

When you think about it, there are multiple ways that the music industry reflects what you’re trying to accomplish as an entrepreneur. Music rewards innovation and originality–finding “the next big thing” is a mantra you both share–and you both aim to immerse customers in rich and compelling experiences, right?

electric guitarSo don’t be afraid to unleash your inner music mogul once in a while; it could actually do amazing things for your company. Here are five mogul moves you could consider making:

  1. Trust your gut. If everyone in the music and tech industries followed the traditional path to success, we wouldn’t have game-changers like The Beatles, Steve Jobs, and Richard Branson. Trusting your instincts–even if it means veering from the safe path–can lead to your most creative, innovative, and ultimately successful decisions. Only you know where your passions lie and how to tap into them, so trust your gut, and don’t listen to the naysayers.
  1. Take big risks. Music moguls are always willing to try something new–whether it’s a creative approach to a tour, an unlikely collaboration, or a new distribution method. Taking risks is what separates the innovators from the followers. Whether it’s reaching out to that intimidating potential collaborator or launching an experimental project, the only way you’ll see amazing outcomes is by taking risks in the first place. You have everything to gain.
  1. Connect to larger causes. Music moguls are masters at leveraging their brand power to have a positive social impact and expanding their influence at the same time. They’re willing to lend their voices and faces to causes they believe in, take bold action, and make their fans and followers proud advocates. Entrepreneurs need to embrace the power they have to connect to the wider world and start creating the kind of positive legacy they dream of.
  1. Create an A-list posse. Entrepreneurship is often seen as a one-man show, but it’s important to realize that you typically can’t succeed on your own. Just as music moguls surround themselves with a strong team of artists, managers, lawyers, agents, and publicists, entrepreneurs should bring trustworthy, inspiring people into their projects. With a supportive network behind you, your ideas, customer base, and passion for your work will flourish. And be sure to have a trusted advisor by your side to help you develop your posse and collaborative partners. Choosing the right team is the most vital step in any successful venture. As music innovator Pharrell Williams said, “You are only as good as your team.”
  1. Find the next big thing. You can be as tech-savvy and business-minded as you like, but if you can’t create buzz around your next new product or idea, nobody will know or care. The music moguls are experts at creating buzz. Take Spotify, for example. It crafted a powerful launch model by using invite-only access to drum up anticipation and demand for its new product, which subsequently became an industry game-changer.

My own career has been a journey from music publications to a major record label to a tech giant to the crazy, disruptive startup environment of Silicon Valley. It’s definitely grown from there, but what I’ve experienced time and again is that no matter where I am, when powerful tech innovation and the bold music industry engage, it creates an intensely creative atmosphere.

Music moguls and entrepreneurs have a lot to teach each other. But don’t worry; you don’t have to sing like Beyonc or turn tables like Skrillex to bring the music to your business. All you need are these simple tips, a trusted advisor to help you chart your course and create the powerful collaborations you need, and your own entrepreneurial instincts and intuition, and you’ll be on your way to finding your inner music mogul to the delight of all of those you’ll serve

This article was previously published in Inc.com magazine

 

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

 

5 Critical Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions From the Apple-Beats Deal

Kelli Richards March 12, 2015

Mergers and acquisitions are notoriously complicated, clumsy, and fraught with bad feelings when they’re not executed carefully and strategically. Often, leaders fail to communicate, which derails productivity and leaves employees worried about their jobs. Companies also tend to struggle to manage customer integration, branding, and media relations during the transition.

Last year, Apple shocked the world when it acquired Beats Music and Beats Electronics for $3 billion. Along with the fanfare that accompanies any Apple announcement, analysts were scratching their heads as to why Apple would buy Beats–a company that’s been criticized for producing flashy headphones with subpar sound that could conflict with the sleek, functional Apple brand.

But Tim Cook and his team knew what they were doing, and the acquisition has progressed relatively smoothly–though the integration and results have come about a bit more slowly than anticipated.

Here are a few lessons you can learn from this high-profile deal to make your own merger or acquisition as seamless as possible:

1. Look for the Ultimate Win-Win Scenario

When considering a business move as significant as a merger or an acquisition, look for a win-win situation. The ideal scenario is one in which both sides stand to gain significantly.

In the case of the Apple-Beats acquisition, Apple needed a music streaming service so iTunes could compete with Spotify and Google Play. Beats also brought “street cred” and the opportunity to expand the company’s existing product line. Meanwhile, Beats needed more market share.

It didn’t hurt that Apple and Jimmy Iovine have a history. Iovine stated publicly that he always felt like Beats belonged with Apple because of its “deep commitment to music fans, artists, songwriters, and the music industry.”

2. Choose the Best Structure

When building the ideal scenario, determine whether it would be better to keep the companies running as separate entities or integrate them under one umbrella. Ensure that you get input and buy-in from both sides so it doesn’t feel like one company is steamrolling the other.

Part of the reason the Apple-Beats acquisition has been so straightforward is that Beats effectively shut down and has been fully integrated into iTunes. To accomplish this, both companies needed to work together to place the best Beats employees in key roles at Apple.

3. Get All Leaders Involved

For a change as important as an acquisition or a merger, senior executives in both companies should be active participants in the process. The CEO, COO, and relevant department heads all play a role. For example, the CEOs and heads of PR will want to work together to craft a unified company message and manage the media strategically and effectively.

4. Identify Roles for Key Players

One of the most difficult aspects of mergers and acquisitions is downsizing. When management roles overlap, you’ll need to restructure or consider layoffs. Leaders from both teams should put forth their top candidates and negotiate to determine who will fill specific roles. You’ll have to come to terms with the fact that some important figures may have to leave the new company with a severance package.

In the Apple-Beats deal, Apple was able to retain and integrate Beats’ crucial players into the iTunes team. Iovine and Dr. Dre now hold senior roles at Apple, and others, including Ian Rogers, Trent Reznor, and Bozoma Saint John, have stayed on following the acquisition.

5. Don’t Forget About Culture

The need to integrate two different corporate cultures is often overlooked, which has caused challenges on the other side of the financial merger and acquisition between Apple and Beats. These nuances must be considered early on. If cultural integration isn’t properly addressed, it can not only hinder morale, but it can also lead to plummeting productivity, higher turnover rates, and sabotage.

This is where a cross-functional integration team can influence the outcome. This team can evaluate the cultural differences between the two companies and tackle them directly to mitigate challenges and avoid surprises. This way, you’re not just throwing new employees into an unfamiliar environment and expecting them to know the rules, which are sometimes unspoken. This is subtle but incredibly significant.

While merging or acquiring, it’s important to remember that the integration could take longer than anticipated. The transition may not be seamless or swift, but by crafting a deal that makes strategic sense for both parties, communicating openly, and working to retain key players, you’ll be much more likely to succeed as a united force.

This article was previously published in Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

 

How to Harness Power Like a Celebrity

Kelli Richards March 5, 2015

In the mid-1990s, Apple ran a series of insightful ads entitled “Power Is,” featuring several celebrities describing what power meant to them.

Spike Lee said power is succeeding when the odds are against you and you have a constant desire to learn. George Clinton, on the other hand, shared that power is the ability to motivate, communicate, and reinvent yourself. Marlee Matlin described power as having confidence, no limits, and the freedom of expression.

#911 KELLI 2Simply by their celebrity status, all these people have a certain amount of power–a power to live how they want, influence others’ perspectives, and motivate people to take action. Of course, this power has its downside. How would you like your every move publicly dissected? But if celebrities treat that reality with respect and use it to uplift, inspire, and encourage others, then they can make a real difference–as well as a profit from their brand and their reach.

The question is: How do everyday people–specifically entrepreneurs–obtain this power?

While there is such a thing as “overnight success,” most celebrities work hard over a long period of time to reach their powerful status. Here are three strategies of the stars that business professionals can use to make a difference in the world and do things that truly matter to them:

1. Build Your Tribe

Who you align yourself with affects your values, reputation, success, and often your financial well-being. Most success stories involve individuals surrounded by people they trust who share their values and genuinely have their best interests at heart.

Take Oprah Winfrey, for example. She has had consistent support from incredibly loyal staff, close friends, and colleagues who have stood by her for decades. Personally, she’s benefitted tremendously from the mentor relationship she enjoyed with the late Dr. Maya Angelou, as well as from her long-time partner, Stedman Graham, and her best friend, Gayle King.

Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre’s business partnership with Beats is another great example of a professional relationship that was mutually beneficial. Beats proved to be highly profitable for both of them in its recent sale to Apple–something that may have been more challenging to do if not for the power of their partnership.

2. Pursue New Ventures

If you’ve had success as an entrepreneur once, you already know how to make something from nothing. Now, you have the ability to take your experience, resources, and prominence to create new businesses that fulfill a lifelong dream or generate revenue streams for a cause–or both.

Actor Paul Newman founded Newman’s Own in 1982 with pal A.E. Hotchner after his homemade salad dressing became a hit with friends. The company’s offerings have expanded, but always with the purpose of donating all proceeds to charities. To date, the amount contributed has surpassed $300 million.

Among other entrepreneurial endeavors, Sandra Bullock opened the eco-friendly Austin, Tex.-based Bess Bistro. She must love this pursuit because she was involved in every detail of making it come together.

3. Explore Other Interests

If you look at most celebrities’ rsums, you’ll notice a large number of multihyphenates–people with multiple job titles. It’s rare to truly excel in a number of areas, but many talented people who work hard can do it. Don’t feel like you have to stay in one industry or skill set. Branching out can often create multiple sources of income and fulfillment.

Take Beyonce Knowles, for example. She doesn’t stop with music–she’s built a business empire endorsing companies like H&M, creating a line of fragrances, and heading up a successful clothing company. It’s no wonder she topped the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.

You should also use a variety of tactics to engage with your audience via social networking. It’s what Hillary Clinton calls “smart power” (i.e., finding ways to connect with people so they can then influence their governments). While Clinton’s celebrity status often distracts from her work, she’s excellent at using her power to engage and empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs as she works toward change.

You may not be a “celebrity” to the general public, but if you’re successful in your field, there are likely a number of people who know who you are. As your recognition grows, the number of people you influence will increase. In all of these cases, the celebs referenced have used their power and influence to make a difference in a way that allows them to invest their heart, soul, energy, passion, time, and even money into something they love. That’s real power.

What will you do with your power?

This article was previously published in Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

 

 

The Super Connector’s Guide to Making Powerful Business Introductions

Kelli Richards February 26, 2015

As an entrepreneur, you understand the importance of having a strong network. What many people don’t understand is that it’s not always who you know, but what you do with those connections, that matters.

Throughout my career, my extensive network in Silicon Valley has allowed me to create intros for startups seeking funding for their ventures and secure celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld for corporate events. But I haven’t done this by connecting with a bunch of random people on LinkedIn; I’ve nurtured these relationships through the power of reciprocal networking.

If you aren’t actively looking for ways to make valuable introductions for your connections, your network isn’t as strong as it could be.

Here are a few ways to make winning introductions that will lead to lucrative long-term opportunities for you and your connections.

How to Make a Powerful Business Introduction

people-network-10032685When you start making business introductions in person, it can feel a bit awkward. But the key to a successful connection is a clear understanding of what each individual has to gain from the relationship. If your connections don’t see an advantage to meeting the people you suggest, they’ll be skeptical of your intent.

A proper business introduction immediately erases confusion among mixed groups of people. It sets the stage for respectful interactions and eases the otherwise uncomfortable first conversation.

Always introduce the person with more authority first. Adding explanatory statements after saying each person’s name will also get the conversation flowing naturally and provide context. These can be simple statements such as their job titles.

When introducing one person to a group, announce that person’s name and identifier, and introduce each group member in the order they’re sitting or standing.

Connecting people who offer complementary services is a great way to promote mutually beneficial relationships. You can also offer to let people you respect sift through your LinkedIn connections and facilitate these meetings to add value.

Tips for Navigating the Uncomfortable Email Introduction

Making introductions in person usually feels less forced than sending emails out of the blue, but it’s not always feasible to get the two people you want to connect in the same place at the same time. This is where email introductions come in.

When emailing your connections to establish an introduction, make sure you always:

  1. Ask for permission first. Explain the value proposition for each party meeting the other, and ask if they’d feel comfortable with you making the connection.
  1. Mention whether they’ve met before. People often forget brief meetings, and the reminder can save them some embarrassment.
  1. Make haste slowly. Good introductions require careful preparation. Think through how both parties could benefit from each other, and spell it out in an email. Hurried, ill-planned emails can have a negative impact on these burgeoning relationships–and your reputation.
  1. Encourage the conversation. You never want to start an email thread, only to receive no response from either party. To avoid this social disaster, urge both people in the email to arrange a time to talk in the near future.
  1. Make action steps clear. Be straightforward in your email, and outline what the specific next steps should be.

Solid introductions always come down to adding value for other people. When you set up a long-term cycle of promoting mutual wins, you position yourself as a credible and trustworthy business connection.

Establishing a reputation for facilitating great relationships is the best way to increase your chances of success, no matter what field you’re in. And as this cycle of reciprocity continues throughout your career, the referrals, invitations, and unique experiences will start pouring in.

This article was previously published in Inc. 

To your best success,

 

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

 

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

 

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

Know When to Hold ‘Em, Fold ‘Em, and Walk Away in a Business Deal

Kelli Richards February 19, 2015

When you first hit the Las Vegas Strip, the flashing lights and fast pace are overwhelming. With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you’re ready to try it all. But if you’re going to win, you need to take control and work on developing your poker face.

When new opportunities come along in business, you might feel just like you did on that trip to Vegas. But if you want to make the best decisions, you can’t let the excitement get to you. If you get emotional, the logical part of your brain will shut down, and you’ll be at the mercy of other people’s agendas.

Here are four tips to help you weigh your options, stay calm, and show the other players that you’re in control:

1. Don’t reveal your hand.

The principle of least interest, a term coined by sociologist Willard Waller, states that the person who appears to have the least interest in a relationship holds all the cards when forming a business deal or partnership.

In negotiations, always keep your cards close to your chest. You’ll maintain an advantage if you don’t reveal how you feel about an opportunity right away.

2. Consider the stakes.

Avoid getting swept up in the excitement of the game. Consider the hand you’ve been dealt as a whole. Does it serve your long-term business needs? Do you have good rapport with the other party? Will you be able to maintain a productive relationship?

If all–or most–of your business goal boxes are checked, then you’ll probably want to stay at the table.

3. Don’t go all in–yet.

If it’s your turn to bet, make sure you’re confident in your hand before pushing all your chips into the pot. Before making any business decision, you should have all the information you need. Clarify the facts, gather input from advisors you trust, and straighten out any inconsistencies in the agreement.

I once signed an agreement without first showing it to my lawyer. The other party wanted to close the deal quickly, so I signed because I didn’t want to miss out on what seemed like a significant revenue opportunity. It turned out to be a move I later regretted making. I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and getting the crucial input I need before taking action, particularly when the stakes are high.

Do a gut check before diving into any big decision. The deal could look promising–and you may have a good relationship or good rapport with the other party–but you may need to wait until you get some advice from an expert or a trusted advisor. If you feel yourself being pressured one way or another, step back and give yourself some breathing room and space. Never let someone else push you into taking an action you’re uncomfortable with or one that doesn’t feel right to you for whatever reason.

4. Know when to fold.

There will be times when folding and walking away from a deal may be your wisest move. If you evaluate the opportunity in front of you and find that the terms don’t work or the other parties involved are disingenuous, disrespectful, or otherwise unwilling to compromise and work with you to create a win-win, then it may be a sign to move on to the next opportunity.

Remember: Relationships are key, but business is business. Everyone is sitting at the table to make money. While giving in to the excitement and throwing down chips may be fun, making bad bets can cost you in the long run. The only way to come out on top is to pay attention to what’s on the table, bide your time, and play smart.

This article was previously published in Inc.

To your best success,

 

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

 

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

 

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

 

How Writing a Book Can Advance Your Career

Kelli Richards February 12, 2015

A book can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and establishing yourself as a brand and as an industry leader.

When you think about promoting your brand, your mind leaps to speaking at industry conferences, sitting on relevant topic panels, contributing to online forums, and networking at events. But more and more professionals are also considering writing a book to boost their careers. And it makes sense: The market is ripe with literary opportunities, and the U.S. leads the way in self-published books each year, with 391,000 published in 2012.

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FreeDigitalPhotos.com

What’s more, writing a book is a great way to establish you as a credible industry expert. You can create a brand platform for yourself, increase your market value, differentiate yourself from competitors, and discover new ways to grow your authority in your field. But before you can add the title “published author” to your resume, you need to invest some time and energy in planning, crafting, and publishing your unique message–and understanding how the publishing world really works.

The Path to Becoming a Credible Published Author

The good thing about writing a book is that anyone can do it; there’s no licensing or training required. However, there’s more to writing and publishing a book than just powering up your computer. You have to plan and research to make your book–and, subsequently, your career–a success. Here are eight steps to create an effective writing and publishing process:

  1. Write what you know. Reflect on the topics you know best and are most passionate about. They will inspire you and make the entire writing process more fulfilling and enjoyable. As an expert in your field, it’s your experiences, insights, successes, authenticity, and–yes –failures that will set your message apart from all the others to convey authority and impact.
  2. Find your niche. Look around to see what relevant books are being published on your topic of choice; you may notice holes that you could fill within your target niche. Don’t be discouraged if your desired topic has already been written about. You can find a unique slant or approach that will differentiate you and your ideas.
  3. Write for your audience. Understanding what your audience wants and needs is incredibly important. Most of today’s readers are on the go, so they want to read content that gets straight to the point, solves real-world problems, and helps them learn new things quickly. Keep your topics focused, and format your book to appeal to your target audience.
  4. Brand yourself and your ideas. Consider creating a brand platform–with the book as the anchor and you as the authority–that drives home your message and leaves the door open for building upon it in the future. For example, a strong title will not only help you sell books, but it could also potentially galvanize an entire movement (e.g., “The 4-Hour Workweek”). I’ve always chosen very catchy titles for my books that still convey what the book is about, including “Taking the Crowd to the Cloud: Social Media for the Music Industry,” “The Art of Digital Music,” and “The Magic & Moxie of Apple: An Insider’s View.”
  5. Create a memorable presentation. Not surprisingly, the title and the back cover of a book are often the two most powerful things to consider before releasing your masterpiece to the world. They catch prospective readers’ attention and make them want to dive deeper.

I was very aware of this when designing the books, so the titles and subtitles are both catchy. In the case of “The Art of Digital Music,” the back cover was also carefully orchestrated–testimonials from credible third parties who will be recognized as relevant authorities or influencers in your field are very helpful in establishing an effective and immediate presentation and connection.

  1. Decide on your publishing path. Traditional commercial publishing might mean multiple inquiries and months of waiting, but that route is still considered more credible for some. However, given the promotional requirements put upon the author once a book is released, more authors are self-publishing with the help of distributors like BookBaby and Smashwords.
  2. Work with the best. Writing and promoting a book requires a lot of talent and fortitude, so work with a well-rounded team to get the best results. Ghostwriters and editors can ensure that your message and voice are polished and solid, and distributors and promoters can help you build and reach the perfect audience.
  3. Promote, promote, promote! Promoting your book and spreading your message is vital to both your literary success and your potential opportunities. If you put as much energy into marketing and promoting your book as you do toward writing and publishing it, you will discover many new ways to expand your authority and reach. Be aware that the author is always responsible for promoting the book, whether she’s distributing it herself or working with a commercial publisher.

Creating a campaign before the book is released is critical to having a successful launch. From promoting the book’s title and release date in your email footer weeks or months before it comes out to ensuring it’s available in all relevant outlets, the process can be taxing but rewarding. By encouraging colleagues and affiliates to promote it to their audiences and considering releasing it in multiple formats, you can connect with an even wider audience.

A book can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and establishing yourself as a brand and as an industry leader. For your endeavors to be successful, you must put careful thought and energy into the planning, writing, publishing, and promotional processes. In the end, your efforts could boost your reputation and unlock innumerable opportunities for the future.

This article was previously published in Inc.com magazine

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

12 Affirmations For The Struggling Entrepreneur

Kelli Richards December 29, 2014

“This article was first published in LinkedIn”

Entrepreneurs are an optimistic lot. Naysayers might say “naïve.” But they have to be. Odds are against their success, but those who do succeed will provide for their families, solve customers’ problems, and possibly change the world in a big way.The best entrepreneur, therefore, has a healthy confidence that “I’ll be the one person in a thousand who makes it big.”

ID-100171812Still, even the most optimistic of entrepreneurs can have a bad day. Maybe the customers aren’t coming fast enough, or investors remain uninterested. Or maybe you’ve just been working for 24 hours straight and need to sleep. Whatever the reason, it’s important for entrepreneurs to get back on the positive side quickly, especially if they have employees looking to them to set the tone.

With that in mind, it’s helpful to have an arsenal of optimistic thoughts handy for those pessimistic moments.

12 Affirmations for the Entrepreneur

1. Go for it. Having something half done is worse than not having it all. Commit to doing everything you can to make it work.

2. There’s always a lag between doing something new and seeing results. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t look up right away.

3. If Plan A doesn’t work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet.

4. Ambition is good, but don’t always live for the ending. Enjoy the process of building something from nothing, meeting customers’ needs, and providing jobs for your employees.

5. Do you need to look at the situation from a new perspective to find the solution? A coach, a friend, or a walk in the park can sometimes help you see new options.

6. When you fail, you’re one step closer to success.

7. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough or pushing yourself enough. What would you do if you had no fear? Go do that.

8. Believe in yourself and your vision. Some days, that will be all you have.

9. Related to that, trust your gut. Your instinct can be more instructive than a million books on entrepreneurship. Don’t ignore the small, nagging voice when it wants your attention.

10. Don’t rely only on yourself, though. You can’t do everything. Find a great team and do whatever is necessary to keep them close. The road to success — or failure — is more fun with people who believe and trust one another.

11. Listen to the naysayers just long enough to hear what you need to refine your business. Then, tune them out. It can be helpful to hear criticism, but you should surround yourself with people who want to help fulfill your vision.

12. Be in love with the problem more than you are with the solution. In other words, care more about solving the problem than solving it the way you think it should work. Sometimes, your first hypothesis is simply wrong, and you need to be open to trying new things.

It’s a challenge to start and run your own business. You won’t even imagine most of the obstacles you’ll face until you see them. But, success is 50 percent attitude, and if you give yourself a little pep talk when you’re struggling, you can keep your attitude in check.

Truly creating change requires a lot of work — and just the right amount of optimism.

What reminders have helped you get through the tough times as an entrepreneur? Share them in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group.

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

The right mentor will also have the right CONNECTIONS to move any effort forward.  Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding.

The Ultimate Entrepreneur Pep Talk: 4 Important Affirmations for Any Innovator

Kelli Richards November 17, 2014

“This article was originally posted on Inc. magazine”

Having a list of mantras that you can pull out of your toolkit in any situation will prepare you to turn challenges into successes.

ID-100247341You were prepared for the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship. You braced yourself for the long workdays–and for your first business failure. You were ready for just about everything–except the inner strength it takes to be your own biggest motivator.

Sure, it would be great to have your own personal coach wake you up every morning with breakfast in bed and a hearty “Go get ’em, tiger!” But that’s not likely to happen.

Nobody is waiting at the finish line to give you a medal for getting your business off the ground. Nobody is as invested in your idea as you are. You need to learn how to be your own coach, and it starts with giving yourself a killer pep talk (daily if necessary, then rinse and repeat).

If you’ve seen “Jessica’s Daily Affirmation,” you know how infectious personal motivation can be. Boosting your self-esteem won’t just add power to your day; it’s also likely to give your whole team a boost.

You don’t need to climb into your sink like Jessica to psych yourself up (though it obviously does help), but you do need a mantra. Here are four of my personal favorites:

1. “The journey is the reward.”

As an entrepreneur, the work you love doing is often overshadowed by revenue goals and other targets you put in place to gauge success. But as one of my most trusted mentors, Alan Cohen, says, “Do not be fooled by waiting for the ending. Sometimes the middle is more important.”

Rather than looking ahead and feeling dissatisfied because you aren’t where you thought you’d be (or “should” be) yet, stay present to take in the experiences around you and appreciate where you are now.

2. “Plan A is overrated.”

If Plan A doesn’t work, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet. Perfectionism can motivate you, but it can also be limiting–especially in the startup world, where markets, trends, and resources are always in flux. Often, the very best idea is the second, third, or eighteenth one that you try.

3. “No naysayers allowed.”

If you are passionate about your project and your intuition tells you that it could be successful, don’t pay too much attention to doubters. Instead, find the people who share your vision and will root for you and stand beside you when things get tough. These are the people who can help you by offering fresh ideas and perspectives–and a hearty dose of motivation. Good things happen when you work with people who believe in you and complement your strengths.

4. “Every failure is a step closer to success.”

In business, you can often learn a lot more from your failures than your successes. You learn how to adapt, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and gain new insights into your industry.

More importantly, you learn what you’re made of. You failed, yet the sun still came up in the morning. You’re still standing. And you’re probably a little wiser for the wear. When you dust yourself off and try the next idea, you’ll be better prepared and much more likely to succeed.

Having a list of mantras that you can pull out of your toolkit in any situation will prepare you to turn challenges into successes. If all else fails, a simple “You can do it!” can give you that boost you need to keep going. Remind yourself that you’ve done it before and will do it again.

Always remember that your goals are possible to achieve. Believe in yourself and your ideas. Your intuition got you this far, so trust it. Don’t ignore your own excitement. Keep the passion burning and your vision front and center at all times. It’s the perfect fuel for your dreams.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group.

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

 

The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Delegating

Kelli Richards November 3, 2014

“This article was originally posted on LinkedIn”

ID-100290925Is your to-do list a mile long? Do you spend your day in meetings and bring your work home with you because there aren’t enough hours in the workday? Do you feel as though the weight of the entire company is resting on your shoulders?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might need a refresher course on delegating.

As an entrepreneur, delegating can be hard — sometimes even downright painful. You built your business from the ground up, and your unique vision is apparent in everything from the website copy to the employee handbook. Giving up responsibility means giving up control, but it can also mean helping your business meet its goals faster and helping you build a stronger team.

If You Aren’t Delegating, You Aren’t Running an Effective Business

No matter how involved you like to be in the day-to-day operations of your business, you can’t expect to handle everything by yourself. Here are a few reasons why learning to delegate effectively is an essential aspect of running an effective business:

  • You’re not a pro at everything. As your company grows and you hire employees to do specific jobs, you’ll soon realize that there are people who are better qualified to handle things like PR, accounting, website maintenance, graphic design, and customer service than you are.
  • Delegation builds a stronger team. Delegating key tasks allows other team members to contribute their strengths and talents. When every team member feels invested in the business and can contribute, it takes some of the pressure off you and makes your company stronger.
  • Creativity thrives in a team environment. Harnessing the diverse experiences and insights of your team gives you a much greater advantage than you’d have by solving a problem all by yourself. Brainstorming as a team can help you come up with powerful ideas, insights, and solutions you’d never have thought of on your own that may save time and money.
  • Delegation increases productivity. If you stick to what you’re good at and let others handle the rest, you’ll be surprised by how much more productive you and your company will be. Likewise, allowing others on your team to perform tasks that align with their strengths will motivate them to work harder and deliver more in less time.
  • The delegator is perceived as being more powerful. Many leaders fear that giving up duties and responsibilities will make them seem weak, but running a workplace effectively is a sign of a great leader. No one is great at everything; a team is only as strong as its individual members’ ability to pull together to achieve a shared vision.

4 Steps to Becoming an Effective Delegator

Delegation doesn’t come naturally to everyone — especially workaholic entrepreneurs — but there are a few simple steps that can help you delegate like a pro:

1. Recognize your strengths. Tackle the things you love or do very well yourself, and delegate the duties that slow down your productivity or otherwise aren’t a good use of your talents and time.

2. Acknowledge and reward others for their strengths. If you want your team to be as strong as possible, you must allow others to assume duties that will spur greater professional development. Don’t just think of delegating as a way to decrease your workload; recognize that it allows you to acknowledge and celebrate other team members’ strengths

3. Build a trustworthy team. The one reason entrepreneurs resist delegating responsibilities to others is a lack of trust, but if you emphasize honesty and trustworthiness from the beginning — even during the hiring process — you can build a team that you’re confident in delegating to. If you further reward transparency and open communication, others will step up and align with these ideals.

4. Tap into your network. Creating partnerships and alliances outside the company is a great way to solve problems that are beyond your team’s scope of expertise. You might hire an external social media strategist or consult with another business leader to get fresh ideas.

Freeing up your time won’t just make you more productive; it will also help maximize the skills and strengths of everyone on your team — including you. When you focus on doing what you do best and delegate everything else, you become a more effective leader andhelp grow your team’s skill set. While handing over responsibilities can be difficult, it will make your organization much stronger and far more efficient and productive in the long run.

This article was originally published on Inc.com.

A highly sought-after consultant, super-connector, trusted advisor, celebrity wrangler, and thought leader, Kelli Richards is the CEO of The All Access Group. She facilitates strategic business opportunities in digital distribution among innovative technology companies, talent and media companies, and brands to foster new revenue streams and deliver compelling consumer experiences. As a trusted advisor, she transforms the quality of people’s lives. Kelli is also the author of the bestselling e-book “The Magic and Moxie of Apple: An Insider’s View.”

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group.

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

 

 

 

 

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