Resources
When Past Glory Becomes Present Pressure: The Quiet Self-Sabotage of High Achievers
LinkedIn.com, April 10, 2026
There’s a pattern I’ve observed—both in others and, at moments, in myself—that doesn’t get talked about enough.
It’s not failure in the traditional sense. It’s something more subtle. More disorienting.
It’s what happens when someone who has been exceptional finds themselves no longer operating from that same level of momentum, relevance, or external validation… but is still being perceived through the lens of their past success.
From the outside, they’re still “the one who did X.” On the inside, something has shifted.
And that gap—between past identity and present reality—can quietly become one of the most destabilizing forces that a high achiever will ever face.
Read the entire article at When Past Glory Becomes Present Pressure: The Quiet Self-Sabotage of High Achievers
Spring Has Sprung — and Apple to the Core
We are certainly living in uncertain times; much of the time we don’t feel we have much control over what’s taking place on the world stage. But closer to home, the seasons are shifting and here in the US, spring has arrived. Having said that the weather has been absolutely nuts — climate change all over the country; crazy cold on the East Coast, with summer temperatures in the West. With spring being here, things just feel lighter and more hopeful.
Despite all that’s swirling around us, the one thing we do have control over is our attitude and our mindset. I try to maintain an optimistic stance, and as ever I remain immersed in innovative and creative endeavors with clients and projects that I’m most drawn to and enthused about. Having my mind and heart stimulated actively is something that’s really important to me – and co-creating with like-minded people where there is rapport, aligned vision, and a sense that we’re making a difference and having an impact. Never was that more true than in all my years in the Apple orbit — and with Steve Jobs — before, during, and after my lengthy tenure with the company. I’m beyond grateful for the experiences I had and how they shaped me. This issue has several references to my alma mater.
I hope you’re doing what you can to enjoy what you can in your life and your work, and to surround yourself with those who make you happy and light you up the most. To me, that’s pretty much the definition of success.
To your success.
Kelli
Apple at 50: What Most People Still Don’t Get About Its Greatest Innovation and Legacy
Apple turns 50 on April 1st — imagine; it sure doesn’t feel like that amount of time has passed since its inception.
As anyone who knows me and my history is aware, I am Apple to the core. With the release of “Apple: The First 50 Years” by David Pogue, I found myself reflecting not just on Apple’s impact on the world but also from my unique vantage point—shaped by my close association with Steve Jobs, and by being a part of the company during a formative era—the real lesson has often been misread.
This isn’t a retrospective. It’s a lens into what Apple actually changed—and why that matters even more in the age of AI. The “inner tech” matters as much or more as the innovation. Because the real legacy isn’t just the ‘insanely great’ products. It’s the brand the company cultivated and the philosophy that underpinned everything. And we’re going to need that for what comes next.
Plot Twist – When the Platform Didn’t Buy the Studio: What Paramount’s Win Means for the Future of Media, Tech & M&A
This past month didn’t just reshape Hollywood.
It clarified the future of media consolidation.
After months of speculation, Paramount — backed by David Ellison and Skydance Media — won the battle for Warner Bros. Discovery, outmaneuvering Netflix.
A few weeks ago, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos publicly emphasized that walking away was a valuation decision — not a political one.
But this story is ultimately bigger than who won in this specific transaction.
It signals a deeper recalibration in how platforms, studios, and technology companies think about ownership, scale, capital discipline, and vertical integration moving forward.
Is this simply another mega-deal?
Or are we witnessing a structural shift in how power consolidates across tech and entertainment?
In this article I share my updated analysis — and what it means for the next wave of M&A.
The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
We live in a culture obsessed with breakthroughs, big wins, viral moments, and overnight successes. But the real advantage is consistency.
Inspired by the book, The Slight Edge, this article explores how small, seemingly insignificant daily actions — repeated over time — quietly compound into extraordinary results in health, in wealth, in relationships and in leadership.
The leaders who endure aren’t always the most intense — they’re the most consistent. They’re the ones who take small steps and aligned actions daily. That’s the real edge. Where has consistency quietly outperformed talent, luck or intensity in your life?
Spotlight
Retail Designer – Tim Kobe
We recently lost a giant in both the design world and in the extended Apple family in Tim Kobe. Tim was a design powerhouse who co-created the Apple retail stores with Steve Jobs in the early 2000s. He could have stopped right there. But he was also the founder and CEO of Eight Inc. Sometimes referred to as as Apple’s “best kept secret’” , Eight has been one of the world’s most progressive design firms — and they’ve worked with many global brands for decades. The secret to their success may have been that they uniquely looked at design elements through the lens of humanity and human interactions. This was a testament to Tim’s vision. He published a book on his ethos here.
I was lucky to have crossed paths with Tim in the early days of his work with Steve, and then again much more recently over the past couple of years. One of my esteemed friends and colleagues, Kenny Lauer (an accomplished Chief Experience Officer), was very close to Tim – they were dear friends. I encourage you to read Kenny’s notes on a sit-down conversation he had with Tim a few years ago here, for more insights on Tim and his storied career. And also Kenny’s very moving homage for even more context after Tim passed last month. His work truly made a dent.
Media Recommendations
“Apple: The First 50 Years” by David Pogue
Released just in time for Apple’s 50th birthday (April 1st), Pogue walks the reader through Apple’s storied history. From its origins, to the many management changes, and of course with a spotlight on its many products through the years (some that you know about, and others you probably never heard of) readers will learn more about the tech giant than they probably were aware of. It showcases the innovative product wins in the marketplace and also those that never saw the lght of day. Pogue conducted over 150 interviews with many in fthe Apple universe, and the book is well-researched. Reading through it was a walk down memory lane to be sure. But of course the soul of the company is really only known by us ‘insiders’ who lived through Mr Jobs Wild Ride first-hand. I published my own account of Apple’s culture (& Steve!) through my lens about 15 years ago in “The Magic and Moxie of Apple”.
“The Real Things” by Brent Bourgeois
I’m a little biased because I’ve been a fan of Brent as a musician for over 40 years (from the Bourgeois Tagg days). And also because I’ve spent the better portion of my career in the music business coming up at the same time Brent’s career took off – and overlapping with many of the same people; so for me, it was a lot more of a personal (parallel) journey than it might be for other readers. I was looking forward to learning some new things about Brent’s history than I knew in this book, and I was not disappointed. He’s had the great good fortune to have been able to make a living as a musician for many years – doing what he’s been most passionate about – but not without some gaps and stumbles. I’m pleased he was comfortable sharing the good, the bad and the ugly; it demonstrated great vulnerability and humility.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“Kelli has a knack for seeing possibilities others don’t, and for seseing around corners as a visionary”.
Steve Jobs
This is a photo of Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of design agency Eight Inc (as above); perhaps most famous for his designs of the Apple retail stores with Steve Jobs. As many are aware, Steve was passionate both about aesthetics and the the consumer experience. And as Tim shared, he believed that Steve was one of the few people who understood that “design is a strategic tool for business success.”
Apple at 50: What Most People Still Don’t Get About Its Greatest Innovation and Legacy
LinkedIn.com, March 2026 -On April 1st, Apple Inc. turns 50.
Half a century since two Steves—and a vision that seemed almost implausible at the time—set something in motion that would go on to reshape not just an industry, but culture itself.
The timing feels especially poignant with the release of “Apple: The First 50 Years“ by journalist David Pogue, which captures the arc of that journey. I published my own book on Apple 15 years ago – “The Magic and Moxie of Apple: An Insider’s View”. There’s no shortage of retrospectives celebrating the products, the milestones, and the mythology.
But anniversaries like this aren’t just about looking back. They’re also about understanding what actually mattered—and what still does.
Read the entire article at Apple at 50: What Most People Still Don’t Get About Its Greatest Innovation and Legacy
Plot Twist – When the Platform Didn’t Buy the Studio: What Paramount’s Win Means for the Future of Media, Tech & M&A
LinkedIn.com, March 2026 – Several years ago, I wrote about the inevitability of a streaming platform acquiring a major Hollywood studio. And just a couple of months ago I published an article specifically on the implications of Netflix acquiring Warner Bros/HBO.
The thesis was simple:
Distribution + Data + IP would eventually collapse into a single operating system. Last week, that thesis was tested — and the outcome is, well, complicated.
After months of negotiations, Paramount (via Skydance) secured Warner Bros. Discovery, outbidding Netflix and reshaping the consolidation narrative. Netflix walked away without any further discussion or negotiation.
And that decision may matter more than the transaction itself.
Read the entire article: Plot Twist – When the Platform Didn’t Buy the Studio: What Paramount’s Win Means for the Future of Media, Tech & M&A
The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
LinkedIn.com, February 2026-There’s a seductive myth in our culture: That success comes from a breakthrough moment, a viral post that lands, a single brilliant move, a moonshot deal. Or even luck!
But in reality?
It’s almost always the result of something far less glamorous and far more powerful. In a word — Consistency.
In The Slight Edge, author Jeff Olson argues that the small, seemingly insignificant actions we take daily — or neglect daily — are what compound into extraordinary outcomes over time. Not dramatic, not flashy, but decisive and almost predictable in terms of the results that accrue.
Read the entire article: The Compound Power of Consistency: Why the Slight Edge Always Wins
New Lenses, New Possibilities
As long-time readers will attest, I’m all about living into “What Ifs” and possibilities. As we embark on this coming year, amid all manner of uncertainties swirling around us (many of which we can’t control), I think it’s more important than ever to look at what we can do and what inspired actions we can take that empower and embolden us. One of the things we have control over is our mind, what we focus on, our attitudes, and where we direct our attention.
If I have one piece of guidance for you this year, it would be to try and have a more expansive view on our lives; consider alternatives and possibilities in all areas of our life and our work. If something is stalled or blocked, what creative ideas can you conjure up which would allow you to try another approach or path to get where you say you want to go? As one of my esteemed colleagues is fond of saying, “this is not a go it alone life.” Reach out if you’d like some support.
I’m always here for you. Here’s hoping your year ahead is fulfilling for you on multiple levels.
To your success.
Kelli
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills
(not often taught in U.S. schools)
Our schools are preparing students for tests—but not for life.
As best-selling author Scott Galloway recently underscored in his No Mercy / No Malice newsletter, and as Pew Research Center data confirms, most young adults are entering the world financially underprepared—not because they’re incapable, but because we’ve failed to teach them the basics in high school.
Budgeting. Debt. Credit. Investing. Cash flow.
These aren’t “nice-to-have” skills—they’re foundational to adulthood. When schools ignore financial literacy, the cost shows up later as anxiety, dependence, and delayed independence. It also appears to limit financial success over time. This article explores what’s broken, why it matters, and what must change if we want the next generation to truly thrive.
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
As we wrap up the holiday season and step back into the work world, the most effective strategy may be to take a page from our holiday pace—and embrace slowing down rather than speeding up. Doing so can better support our nervous systems while optimizing our impact in the process.
In this article, I discuss the power of “Slow Productivity” and how working with greater focus and intention can actually lead to better results, while minimizing stress and burnout.
Spotlight
Ritual at Manresa
I have friends who are gourmands and who travel the globe eating at some of the finest restaurants in the world. While that can certainly be fun, it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Those of us in the SF Bay Area now have the reverse opportunity—to enjoy something extraordinary right in our own backyard.
Legendary chef David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos has partnered with visionary entrepreneur Luis Caviglia to create something special and unique called Ritual at Manresa, housed in the same location as the famed and beloved restaurant in Los Gatos.
Luis curates a rotating lineup of some of the best Michelin-starred chefs from around the world, each of whom completes a monthly residency at Manresa. These are impeccably crafted experiences that reflect the culture and talent each master chef brings to members of Ritual. Ritual at Manresa is a membership model, and it is definitely an investment for those who choose to participate in these unique experiences. That said, it’s far more affordable than global travel and much easier logistically for us locals.
I was fortunate to experience one of these wine-and-dinner pairings prior to the holidays, and it was truly a magical evening.
Many of the innovators and founders in Silicon Valley (and elsewhere!) that I meet are seeking unique, memorable experiences—and Ritual at Manresa is a shining example of what’s possible. I highly recommend it for individuals and couples, as well as for team-building with founders, innovators, and leaders who want to deliver a truly exceptional experience for their people.
Media Recommendations
Jacob Collier (his live show in SF & BBC doc)
Last year, I was introduced to the multi-hyphenate musical genius that is Jacob Collier. A friend recently brought me with her to see his show at Davies Hall in San Francisco, and I was completely blown away. Jacob is a young savant—a Grammy-winning English singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who creates unique, innovative, genre-defying music that has captivated and lit up audiences around the world.
He first came on the scene via YouTube during the pandemic, where he became famous for covering popular songs and recreating them in inventive ways that showcased his extraordinary talent for vocal harmonies and lush arrangements, paired with visuals that became music videos in their own right. He’s truly amazing and one of a kind.
The BBC did a short documentary on him, which I highly recommend, entitled Jacob Collier: In the Room Where It Happens. It’s a great overview of this genius.
Ripple (Netflix TV series)
A friend recommended this eight-episode drama series to me, which was just released on Netflix last month—and I loved it. The story centers on four strangers in NYC whose life experiences become intertwined following critical losses, detours, and high-stakes decisions that alter the trajectory of their lives.
As the series progresses, the viewer is drawn into the characters as we experience the ripple effects of small actions with significant impact. The storytelling and acting are first-rate. Eight episodes were not enough and left me hungry for more; I hope the show gets picked up for renewal and additional seasons. It’s a real winner.
What Happened To Your Hair (book)
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are identical twins, sons of the late Ricky Nelson, and chart-topping performers in the early ’90s. Beyond their obvious musical talent, one of their biggest claims to fame is being part of the only family to have #1 records in three successive generations—stemming from a 100-year legacy of entertainers.
We crossed paths during my longstanding tenure as co-producer of the Pollstar Awards (concert industry), where I brought them in as presenters, and I’ve recently reconnected with them. They have always impressed me with how grounded, hard-working, approachable, and real they are as people.
They released their memoir at the end of the year entitled What Happened to Your Hair? How We Played Loud… Loved Proud… and Never Backed Down, which went to #1 on Amazon within days of its release in December. The book tells the story of their lives and careers, and the many experiences and challenges they endured—because theirs was not an easy life. They’ve worked hard for everything they’ve achieved; despite appearances, nothing was ever handed to them—quite the contrary, as you’ll discover when you read the book.
For me, it was a walk down memory lane, as they named names I knew from my own music business career.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“I had a chance to dive into your recently updated site – and wow. It’s simply stunning, and it radiates the high-touch, high-impact work you’ve always embodied. I’ve long admired your gift for helping visionaries like me, see around corners, stretch beyond our limits, and move with clarity and purpose toward what’s next.”
Rob Terry
Founder/CEO
Seafood AI & SmartCatch
I lost a dear friend just prior to the Holidays in Jeffrey Diamond. I met Jeff and his then collaborator, Michael Van Himbergen, about 30 years ago — and they have remained close friends of mine ever since (actually they’ve both been more like brothers to me, truth be told). They were both early grads of CalArts in LA, and early pioneers and innovators in the visual effects space in the 90s. When we met, they had just collaborated with Doug Trumbull on the VFX for Luxor’s launch in Vegas in the mid-90s, and together with Diane Pearlman who was EVP & GM at a major VFX studio in MA called Mass Illusions on films like: The Matrix, What Dreams May Come, Starship Troopers, Eraser, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Judge Dredd, among others. Diane and Jeff were married and had two wonderful boys, Jake & Matt.
We all shared a passion for the convergence of tech and entertainment, and Jeff in particular showed me that it was possible to create a life of freedom as an entrepreneur, giving me the motivation to strike out on my own when it was time for me to launch my own consultancy. Jeff left us too soon – a victim of early onset Parkinson’s Disease – and I will miss him greatly.
Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – We talk a lot on LinkedIn about future skills: AI literacy, leadership, strategic thinking, resilience. And yet, when it comes to the basic economic foundation that enables all of that — financial literacy — we are failing our young people.
That’s the harsh reality echoed by thought leaders like Scott Galloway and corroborated in hard data from the Pew Research Center.
Read the entire article here: Implications of kids graduating without financial literacy skills (not often taught in US schools)
Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
LinkedIn.com, January 2026 – As the calendar turns, as we return to work, and as inboxes begin to refill, there’s an unspoken pressure to snap back into full speed.
Back-to-back meetings. Ambitious Q1 goals. The familiar hum of urgency.
But what if the most strategic way to re-enter the year isn’t by accelerating— but by moving more deliberately? This is where the concept of slow productivity becomes not just relevant, but essential.
Read the entire article here: Slow Productivity: A Smarter Way to Re-Enter the World After the Holidays
Celebrating What Matters Most
This year has certainly brought its share of ups and downs. But as we wind down another year and enter the holiday season, I hope you’ll take some time to celebrate what matters most in your life. Whether it’s your health, your family and friends, or the adventures you get to enjoy, most of us are pretty fortunate.
This is a great time to slow down and reflect on all the love and abundance in your life, and to be grateful for what’s going well. It’s a pretty crazy world these days—so take a moment to hug those who mean the most to you and count your blessings. Let’s make the new year the best yet!
Happy Holidays,
Kelli
When the Platform Buys the studio: Why Netflix-Warner Bros/HBO Changes Everything
(and Why it Was Inevitable)
Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. & HBO isn’t just another media deal—it’s the inevitable collapse of distribution, data, and IP into a single operating system. More than a decade ago, I predicted that a streamer would eventually acquire a legacy studio—not as a bet, but as a pattern. Distribution always pulls content upstream. This moment forces new questions about power, creativity, governance, and what becomes truly scarce in the next era of entertainment.
Why Being “Different” Makes You a Stronger Board Member
(and Why the Boardroom’s Future Depends on It)
Traditional board qualifications are no longer enough. Some of today’s most valuable board members are the ones who bring unconventional backgrounds, nonlinear paths, and multidimensional perspectives. Here’s why being “different” is no longer a perceived liability – it’s the new strategic advantage for modern progressive boards.
Read the Article
Embracing Neurodivergence: The Other Side of Genius
(Why Visionary Founders, Innovators & Creatives are Wired for Breakthroughs)
The traits you once saw as flaws may in fact be the source of your genius. After decades advising visionary founders, innovators, leaders and creatives, I’ve come to see neurodivergence as the hidden engine of innovation. Here’s why it’s time we treat it as a superpower—and not a stigma.
Read the Article
Spotlight: Wand.ai
I’ve just started advising Rotem Alaluf, the Founder & CEO of Wand.ai which is the only platform for management, execution, and creation of AI agents as trusted members of your workforce. We should be excited about an agentic workforce not because it replaces humans—but because it liberates human potential at a moment when complexity, speed, and ambiguity exceed what traditional org structures can handle. Enterprises are moving from a purely human-centric model to a new hybrid, dual-workfoce model where AI agents work with people side-by-side, which results in a foundational change in how organizations operate. With this approach, AI models create productivity efficiencies, saving time and money, and minimizing or eliminating redundancies — freeing up people to focus on creativity, judgment, strategy and relationships. This is a structural competitive advantage that compunds over years. We are indeed living in exciting times rich with both innovative breakthrough technologies and emerging business models. Wand is definitely one to watch.
Media Recommendations
This is the section where I typically share what books I’ve read, or the latest movies and TV shows I’ve watched that I’m enthused about. However, these past couple of months have been quite full — and I’ve gotten behind on all of this. The TV I’ve been watching has mostly been new seasons of shows I’ve enjoyed that I’ve written about previously (and still enjoy!) like “The Morning Show”, “Somebody Feed Phil”, “Palm Royale”, “Man on the Inside”, and the Beatles Anthology. I’m always on the lookout for new media, so for a change I’m asking that you let me know what you recommend I check out; share some of your favorites with me when you have a moment.
As I was wrapping up this NSL to send out to you — a gift dropped this morning; it’s a stop-motion animated video of George Harrison’s “Give Me Love” created by Finn Wolfhard & friends — he’s one of the stars of Stranger Things and at just 22 years old is clearly a multi-hyphenate talent to watch!). The video brings to life George and his famous garden gnomes from his Friar Park home in England. Here’s what George’s son Dhani had to say about it:
Actor, director, and musician Finn Wolfhard has directed the first-ever music video for George Harrison’s beloved 1973 single “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth).” The song is a highlight from Living in the Material World, Harrison’s highly praised second solo album of original music following the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970.
On making the video, Wolfhard says, “To work with the Harrison family and bring this video to life with a team of incredible young Canadian artists has been a great honor. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. George Harrison has and will continue to be a huge inspiration to me, and his work will live on forever.
Dhani Harrison says about working with Wolfhard, “Finn is one of the sweetest and most talented people I know of his generation, and he is the perfect person to direct a video for my dad. My dad would have loved this, and I hope his wonderful creative heartfelt ideas help this song to reach another generation. Great job, Finn – we love you!.
People Say the Nicest Things…
Working with Kelli has been transformative for me. She recognized the need for a senior tech lead almost half a year before it became obvious to us — and we’re now feeling the pain of having acted a little too late. Her ability to see around corners like that has been incredibly valuable. What I especially appreciate about Kelli is her holistic approach. She doesn’t just focus on the professional side — she also helps me reflect on the personal dimensions that inevitably influence leadership decisions. Often, those two are deeply intertwined, and Kelli’s perspective helps bring clarity to both.
She’s also remarkably flexible — equally effective when working one-on-one with me (and me being not well prepared) or together with another senior leader. That adaptability makes every session productive and tailored to where we are as a team.
Finally, Kelli is outstanding when it comes to prioritization. During our Series A, she helped me stay focused on what was truly essential — making sure I didn’t take on more than what was absolutely needed to get the round across the line.
Kelli combines strategic clarity, personal insight, and a pragmatic sense of what really matters — and that’s what makes her such an exceptional advisor.
Dr. Max Gulde | CEO
constellr GmbH
www.constellr.com
When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
LinkedIn.com, December 2025- Last week, Netflix announced an agreement to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming assets (including HBO/Max), a move that—if it clears regulators—would mark a structural shift in entertainment, and the most consequential “streamer buys a legacy studio” moment we’ve seen to date.
Read the entire article here: When the Platform Buys the Studio: Why Netflix–Warner Bros./HBO Changes Everything (and Why It Was Inevitable)
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5 Reasons Developing Confidence Is Critical to Your Success
“This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post.”
Confidence is essential to your success and that of your business — in fact, it’s vital to everything you do in life. In my own career, confidence has been a pivotal skill and strength I’ve needed every step of the way, especially in the male-dominated tech and music industries.
Operating from a confident stance is absolutely essential for women serving — or aspiring to serve — in any kind of leadership capacity. It’s a personal and professional trait that will serve you well, and it’s certainly not selfish to aim to become more confident. When you work with confidence, you’ll find that you’re more effective and efficient — and so is everyone you work with.
Yet confidence is a result, not a prerequisite or a requirement. In other words, you probably won’t have it until you’ve done something to develop it — and it builds on itself over time. This is good news: You can learn to be confident with each success.
Channel the Confidence Your Business Needs
There are plenty of benefits to being a strong, confident woman business leader. Not only are confident people listened to more deliberately and taken more seriously, but they also tend to handle business dealings more effortlessly, with greater ease and better outcomes.
Beyond that, your confidence will make both employees and clients more comfortable. It’s reassuring to deal with someone who can take a stand and make decisions. Because confidence is a psychological motivator, it keeps you going during challenging times, enabling you to take risks and try new things without second-guessing yourself.
When you’re confident, you’re more relaxed and focused; therefore, you’re able to make better decisions and act on them promptly. Speed matters in business. And second-guessing yourself often leads to hesitation, mistakes, and lost opportunities.
A confident physical presence comes across in the way you carry yourself, and it spurs improved outcomes more consistently. It’s like a visible sign of success that says, “I’m going places and I’m clear on what I want to achieve, so follow me.”
So You Weren’t Born With It
However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s natural for confidence to ebb and flow at times. When you’re frustrated, disappointed, or coming off a failure, it’s easy to allow anxiety, fears, and negativity to creep in. They can be temporary distractions, or they can create a vicious cycle that takes you out of your game for a longer time. The goal is to avoid the doom loop entirely.
We all have the capacity to develop confidence. Just like a muscle that’s flexed and strengthened over time, it grows with each success. As you learn to believe in yourself, your confidence increases; before you know it, “confident” is your new normal. Follow these suggestions to move in the right direction and restore your confidence level when it wanes:
- Start with an ounce of prevention. Find a mentor who can determine where your negative thinking stems from and identify distracting fears and anxieties as they crop up in your life. Often, a little insight and a shift in perspective from someone you trust can be the catalyst you need to alter your perception and move on.
- Think before you speak — to yourself. Experts in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), the field of psychology that studies self-talk, agree: What you think of and say to yourself is extremely important. If you’re being negative in your self-talk, deliberatively flip the switch to more positive language to shift into a more confident and optimistic mode.
- Channel past successes. Let memories of past successes fuel your next achievement. Think of a time when you were confident and had a successful outcome. Recall the steps that led to positive results then, and apply a similar technique now to get back on track.
- Be ready for anything. Things will go wrong; that’s life. Prepare for potentially adverse circumstances by thinking ahead to what scenarios could occur in any given situation, and envision how you’ll use the strategies at your disposal to navigate them so your confidence remains intact, no matter what happens.
- Keep your ego in check. Overconfidence is rare, especially among women. But it can happen, and it’s just as detrimental as a lack of confidence. When you aren’t willing to listen to other people’s input or perspectives, you’ve crossed the line from confident to arrogant. And arrogance doesn’t work in business (or personal) situations, where cooperation and support are absolutely vital.
Every step of my career path has been possible because I channeled the confidence that I needed — from navigating corporate America to starting my own business. That’s not to say that confidence was all I needed.
Certainly, without essential qualifications and experience, confidence can be misplaced. However, in addition to having the skills and experience you need, confidence is a critical — even vital — component to your success, and it can benefit you personally and professionally. Don’t leave home without it!
To your continued, highest success,
Kelli Richards,
CEO of the All Access Group, LLC
Just Because You Have 500+ Connections Doesn’t Mean Your Network Is Healthy
January 9, 2015,
Inc.
Just Because You Have 500+ Connections Doesn’t Mean Your Network Is Healthy
The best way to build solid connections is to earn a reputation of being a person who adds value for others in virtually every interaction you have with them.
You may run a profitable, fast-growing startup, but without an active network of trusted and influential connections, your business probably isn’t living up to its full potential in terms of sales, profits, and growth.
Referrals and connections are the currency of the business world, and taking the time to build and nurture your network really pays off in the form of new leads, personal opportunities, and good old-fashioned social capital.
Even if you have 500+ connections on LinkedIn and a Klout score that’s through the roof, there’s really no way to know how strong your network is without actually testing it.
Here are three ways to assess your network and ensure your connections are happy and healthy:
1. Perform a network audit. To check that your network is thriving, set aside some time each month or quarter to ask yourself several key questions about the state of your community interactions and relationships:
- Who’s in your circle? Ideally, you should … to read the rest of this article, please visit this article in it’s original publication space on INC. Magazine: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/just-because-you-have-500-connections-doesn-t-mean-your-network-is-healthy.html
To your continued, highest success,
Kelli Richards,
CEO of the All Access Group, LLC
12 Affirmations For The Struggling Entrepreneur
“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.”
Still, 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.
4 Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Brand Like the Celebs
“This article was originally posted in the Huff Post Business”
Between Google and social media, it’s become simultaneously easier and more difficult than ever to maintain your brand image. With a few keystrokes, anyone can learn just about anything about you. On the other hand, if you can cultivate what your audience will find, you can influence your brand image and how others perceive you.
Whether you’re seeking a career change, a promotion, or new clients, this is a powerful tool, and perhaps no one knows this better than A-list celebrities.
Control Your Image Like a Pro
The most successful celebrities know that getting their name out there is about more than just being seen. It’s about imparting a personalized concept of who they are.
If you want to brand yourself like the stars, focus on these four tactics:
- Use media to your advantage. Whether that means effectively utilizing social media, public speaking, or establishing your brand’s platform by publishing articles and books, you need to become known and trusted as a thought leader. Leverage media to give people a sense of who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re doing to change the world. Don’t be a best-kept secret!
- Be authentic. Celebrities who express their fears and vulnerabilities honestly are more likely to create tighter bonds with their audiences. Think of when Princess Diana expressed her sadness over her crumbling marriage on global television or how Roger Ebert continued his work while visibly battling a crippling disease. When celebrities show they’re human, they’re much more relatable.
- Craft the image you want others to perceive about you. By consistently sharing your thoughts and message, you have more influence over what others think of you than you realize. Decide how you want to be perceived, then maintain a consistent tone and presence in your marketplace.
- Take a stand. Think of Matt Damon’s clean water advocacy or Angelina Jolie’s involvement with the U.N. Nearly all celebrities have causes they’re committed to, and their public advocacy galvanizes others to take action. By taking a position on something that matters to you, you extend your brand and image leaps and bounds in showing people who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re committed to.
Build Your Team
As a business professional, you have a lot on your plate, so how do you find the time and focus to accomplish all this? The trick is building a support system. Depending on your goals, include any (or all) of the following people on your team:
- Social media strategist/publicist: This is someone with whom you can discuss how you want to be presented and who will help co-create your brand. She’ll provide feedback and develop strategies for shaping your image online and off.
- Trusted advisor/mentor: Connect with someone who can help you identify your authentic self to ensure you’re living in alignment with your values. Ideally, this is someone who’s walked in your shoes. This will help you remain consistent, authentic, inspiring, and powerful when expressing yourself.
- Visual artists: Whether this means photographers, videographers, or graphics and web designers, it’s important to include people who are skilled at crafting a digital persona that’s consistent with what you want to project to the world about you and your contributions.
- Personal stylist/image consultant: It’s helpful to hire someone who can pay attention to your physical persona to ensure it highlights your best attributes in professional and social contexts.
- Colleagues, friends, and family: Never forget the people who know you best. They’re your
- cheerleaders and evangelists — always on hand for support and reinforcement.
With the right support team and tactics, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to blur the lines between business professional and business celebrity. Consider Richard Branson. Between his commitment to espousing pro-employee ethics, his authenticity, and his carefully crafted brand image, he’s known and lauded as much more than a successful businessman. He’s someone we admire as a thought leader and values-driven global ambassador who lives his passion and gives back to others.
In a world where brand, image, and reputation are key professional attributes, it’s critical for any professional to manage how she appears — whether that’s online or off. So get to work building your image and sharing your ideas. A whole new level of success awaits.
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.
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.
12 Affirmations For The Struggling Entrepreneur
December 15, 2014,
LinkedIn Articles
Entrepreneurs are an optimistic lot. Naysayers might say “naïve.” But they have to be. …
How to Create Your Own Industry to Fit Your Strengths
“This article was originally published on LinkedIn”
“Super connector” and “celebrity wrangler” may sound like fictitious superhero names, but you don’t have to wear your underwear over your pants to have your own cool identity. These crazy names have become part of my unique job description, and I wear them with endless pride because they represent the twists and turns of my career path.
By leveraging my core strengths and skills and combining my backgrounds in entertainment and tech, I’ve molded my own brand and carved a unique career path for myself. Having been a talent producer for award shows, cause concerts, and celebrity fundraising events for three decades, I’ve developed a very large network, connecting musicians, actors, comedians, and tech innovators with the corporate world to create performances and campaigns.
This is just one facet of my identity as a celebrity wrangler and a super connector, but there’s a thread that ties everything I do together: my skill for connecting people to create value for both parties, forming catalysts for collaboration and creating networks where amazing work can flourish. The reason I’m so in love with my work is because it all comes from my unique skill set and my own personal passions — and you can create that perfect match for yourself as well.
Here are five ways you can leverage your strengths and skills to define your unique niche:
- Turn work into play. Work that comes from your areas of expertise and your passions will be more enjoyable. When you’re able to follow your instincts, ideas flow from you organically. And when you love your work, problems become opportunities to spend time with your passions, and your workplace becomes your playground. Freedom and enjoyment will make you happier, more fulfilled, more confident, more energetic, and more productive.
- Appreciate what you lack. When you’re working from your strengths, you also become aware of the aspects of your business that you’re not so skilled at or don’t enjoy doing. It’s important to recognize where your experience falls short, spot the learning curve, and be able to delegate or collaborate to solve the problem. That way, you can stay focused on doing what you most enjoy — and that plays to your strengths.
- Individualize your brand. Building a winning brand is all about differentiating yourself from the competition. But how can you differentiate yourself when you’re not being true to your unique strengths? Allowing your own individuality to shine through and shape your work will help your brand story stand out in a big way.
- Collaborate powerfully. The only way to achieve powerful collaboration is to know the strengths and passions of everyone involved. If you stay true to your strengths and capitalize on them, you empower your team and colleagues to do the same. What’s more, you enable yourself to find other employees with complementary skills. That way, your project can be fueled by expertise and passion, not compromise.
- Tell the world. Once you know who you are and identify and claim it, you’ll find that expressing that identity becomes easier. You’ll feel more genuinely connected to those around you because you’re coming from a clear and energized place where you share what you do with others. Things like social media, networking, and interviews will become more enjoyable and effective because every word you put out will be authentic and meaningful.
For me, my key strength is my network of connections. Knowing I had a passion and a talent for connecting people, I’ve been able to create a successful career that I love. Your new identity could be anything — your own version of the super connector or the celebrity wrangler. But above all, it has to reflect you because whether you’re a “collaborator genie” or a “green-energy explorer,” you’ve got all the makings of becoming your own unique brand of superhero.
Until next time,
Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC
PS: The right mentor should also have the right CONNECTIONS to move you forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding. Visit: https://allaccessgroup.com
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How Writing a Book Can Advance Your Career
December 12, 2014,
Inc.
The 4 Most Important Reasons You Need to Become a Mentor
“This article was originally published on Inc.com”
Fifty years ago, a fourth-grade teacher in rural Mississippi noticed something special in a little girl in her class. The teacher knew the little girl could achieve great things, but something was holding her back.
So the teacher asked her to read aloud in class to help her overcome her nerves. She spent time with the little girl after school and allowed her to choose books and help grade papers. Her influence helped the little girl see past poverty. Today, that girl has become one of the most influential women in the world: Oprah Winfrey.
Mentorship has obvious benefits for both the mentee and the mentor. You’ve probably read articles that talk about the knowledge, connections, and personal growth that mentorship can provide.
But one day, someone might reach out and ask to be mentored. Or, like Mary Duncan, you will come across someone who has potential she hasn’t yet reached.
What will you do in this situation? If you’re struggling to see the value in becoming a mentor, consider these additional advantages that mentorship can help you realize.
1. Achieve personal career gains. Mentors are people who will go the extra mile to help others and exert a positive influence on their lives. And that can lead to huge career opportunities.
Don’t believe me? Sun Microsystems did a study on the career progress of more than 1,000 employees over a five-year period. It discovered that both mentors and mentees were 20 percent more likely to get a raise than people who did not participate in mentoring. Mentors were also six times more likely to be promoted than employees who didn’t mentor. To that end, you can ask your mentees for testimonials–videotaped or written–to validate your experience when applying for positions in the future.
2. Enhance your leadership skills. When you teach someone, you truly become a master on that subject. You not only reinforce valuable leadership lessons, but you also question and refine your own thinking and approaches.
You’ll find yourself working harder to live up to the expectations of your mentee. After all, you can’t advise her to work hard and do things you aren’t willing to do yourself. With the mentee’s spotlight on you, you’ll push yourself to grow.
3. Help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Mentees will often (but not always) be younger than you. It’s easy to think the next generation needs more education while you have it all figured out.
But the truth is that Millennials are the ones creating the workplace of tomorrow. They understand trends and technology that may escape you. If you watch your mentee closely, you’ll almost certainly pick up some information or habits that are new and beneficial to you.
4. Gain the intrinsic rewards of helping others. This is the reason you hear most often, but it’s a powerful one.
I was recently working with a client who was struggling with her self-perception. Her negative thoughts were holding her back in many areas. When we peeled back the layers together, we found the root of the problem, which helped her begin to heal. That aha moment completely changed her trajectory, and she’s now taken her business to new heights.
She might not be the next Oprah Winfrey, but just knowing I had an impact on her life is a great feeling that makes the time and effort completely worth it.
Mary Duncan didn’t know the little girl in her fourth-grade class would go on to become one of the most famous and successful women in history. But Oprah credits much of her success to those afternoons with her teacher.
When you decide to mentor someone, you really have no way of knowing how far she’ll go. Whether you shape the next great entrepreneur of our time or help someone achieve her dreams, you’ll make a difference–and that’s all that matters.
Until next time,
Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC
PS: The right mentor should also have the right CONNECTIONS to move you forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding. Visit: https://allaccessgroup.com
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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Spotify Could Go Away Overnight And No One Would Care
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Spotify Could Go Away Overnight And No One Would Care
Although Spotify was able to get its foot in the door early, the presence of companies like Apple Music, Amazon Prime, and others means that the historically un-profitable streaming service either needs to find away to differentiate itself from thecompetition or risk crashing and burning.
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What’s the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor?
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Wearable Technology – Where Fashion & Fitness Converge
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Think of these advisors as business sherpas: people more experienced than you who help you navigate and climb the startup mountain.
Why Advisors Are Worth Your Equity (and How to Find a Good One)
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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.
Dr. Judith Orloff, New York Times Best-Selling Author
Transforming the face of psychiatry, Judith Orloff MD asserts that we are keepers of an innate intuitive intelligence so perceptive that it can tell us how to heal — and prevent — illness.Yet intuition and spirituality are the very aspects of our wisdom usually disenfranchised from traditional health care. Dr. Orloff is accomplishing for psychiatry what physicians like Dean Ornish and Mehmet Oz have done for mainstream medicine — she is proving that the links between physical, emotional, and spiritual health can’t be ignored. Dr. Orloff is a New York Times bestselling author and is on the UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty. She specializes in treating empaths and sensitive people in her Los Angeles based private practice. She has spoken at medical schools, hospitals, the American Psychiatric Association, Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Summit, and alternative and traditional health forums — venues where she presents practical intuitive tools to doctors, patients, and everyday people. In response to her work, The Los Angeles Times calls Dr. Orloff “a prominent energy-based healer.” Dr. Orloff’s latest book “The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People” (Sounds True, 2017) is an invaluable resource to help sensitive people of all kinds develop healthy coping mechanisms in our high-stimulus world without experiencing compassion fatigue or burnout. Then empaths can fully embody their gifts of intuition, creativity, and compassion. Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-dr-judith-orloff
How the Apple Watch Is Paving the Way to a New Generation of Wearable Tech
March 20, 2015, Inc The next frontier is wearable technology and the Apple Watch will not only be a timekeeper, but it will also be a timesaver. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/how-the-apple-watch-is-paving-the-way-to-a-new-generation-of-wearable-tech.html
Turn Up Your Volume: 5 Big Moves Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Music Moguls
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?
Can Apple’s Interactive Digital Music Solution Refresh the Music Industry?
March 17, 2015, Wired, Innovation Insights When U2 released its album “Songs of Innocence” with an exclusive iTunes partnership, the band was trying to figure out something a bit more complex than simply reaching as many fans as possible.
Peter Dekom
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-peter-dekom-0
5 Critical Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions From the Apple-Beats Deal
March 13, 2015, Inc. 5 critical lessons from the Apple-Beats deal to keep mergers and acquisitions seamless and swift.
5 Critical Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions From the Apple-Beats Deal
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.
Alan Weiss
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-alan-weiss
How to Harness Power Like a Celebrity
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:
The Super Connector’s Guide to Making Powerful Business Introductions
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 When 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: 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. Mention whether they’ve met before. People often forget brief meetings, and the reminder can save them some embarrassment. 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. 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. 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)
5 Unlikely Music Legends With Great Advice for Entrepreneurs
February 25, 2014, LinkedIn Articles As an entrepreneur, it’s important to keep your ears open for helpful advice — especially when you’re new to the game. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140225155053-9638-5-unlikely-music-legends-with-great-advice-for-entrepreneurs/
Know When to Hold ‘Em, Fold ‘Em, and Walk Away in a Business Deal
In high-stakes poker, managing your emotions is just as important as the hand you’ve been dealt. In order to emerge with your mortgage intact, it’s vital to have an effective poker face.
Business negotiations require a similar approach. Letting your emotions rule your decision-making process can be catastrophic, but failing to seek a win-win situation can be just as dangerous. With that in mind, how can you maintain your cool and, ultimately, your control of the situation?
In this article, Kelli Richards explains how to stay level-headed when the chips are down.
Jeet Singh
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-jeet-singh
How Writing a Book Can Advance Your Career
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.
Know When to Hold ‘Em, Fold ‘Em, and Walk Away in a Business Deal
February 6, 2015, Inc. The only way to come out on top of a business deal is to pay attention to what’s on the table and play smart. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/know-when-to-hold-em-fold-em-and-walk-away-in-a-business-deal.html
Steve Rubel
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-steve-rubel
5 Ways The Cloud Can Make Your Business & Personal Life Easier
The cloud is becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives. Use it to enhance your business and personal life, increase productivity, and to give you peace of mind when you store and back up your most important files.
Roberta Medina
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-roberta-medina
5 Simple Steps to Schedule Your Week for Business and Personal Success
As an entrepreneur, attending to your work is essential for building your business. But creating a balanced life is the key to sustained success in the office and at home. Aim to structure your time so you can meet both personal and professional obligations, then establish, communicate, and maintain healthy boundaries so you can actually live the lifestyle you desire. It’s doable!
COPING WITH FAILURE The Ultimate Entrepreneur Pep Talk: 4 Important Affirmations for Any Innovator
Having a list of mantras that you can pull out of your toolkit in any situation will prepare you to turn challenges into successes.
6 Surefire Tactics That Will Ignite Client Referrals
January 15, 2015, Inc. Here are six strategic ways to ask for referrals and grow your business exponentially. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/6-surefire-tactics-that-will-ignite-client-referrals.html
5 Reasons Developing Confidence Is Critical to Your Success
Confidence is essential to your success and that of your business — in fact, it’s vital to everything you do in life. In my own career, confidence has been a pivotal skill and strength I’ve needed every step of the way, especially in the male-dominated tech and music industries.
Just Because You Have 500+ Connections Doesn’t Mean Your Network Is Healthy
January 9, 2015, Inc. The best way to build solid connections is to earn a reputation of being a person who adds value for others in virtually every interaction you have with them. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/just-because-you-have-500-connections-doesn-t-mean-your-network-is-healthy.html
Just Because You Have 500+ Connections Doesn’t Mean Your Network Is Healthy
The best way to build solid connections is to earn a reputation of being a person who adds value for others in virtually every interaction you have with them.
12 Affirmations For The Struggling Entrepreneur
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.”
4 Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Brand Like the Celebs
Between Google and social media, it’s become simultaneously easier and more difficult than ever to maintain your brand image. With a few keystrokes, anyone can learn just about anything about you. On the other hand, if you can cultivate what your audience will find, you can influence your brand image and how others perceive you.
12 Affirmations For The Struggling Entrepreneur
December 15, 2014, LinkedIn Articles Entrepreneurs are an optimistic lot. Naysayers might say “naïve.” But they have to be.
How to Create Your Own Industry to Fit Your Strengths
By leveraging my core strengths and skills and combining my backgrounds in entertainment and tech, I’ve molded my own brand and carved a unique career path for myself. Having been a talent producer for award shows, cause concerts, and celebrity fundraising events for three decades, I’ve developed a very large network, connecting musicians, actors, comedians, and tech innovators with the corporate world to create performances and campaigns.
How Writing a Book Can Advance Your Career
December 12, 2014, Inc. A book can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and establishing yourself as a brand and as an industry leader. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/why-or-how-writing-a-book-can-advance-your-career.html
The 4 Most Important Reasons You Need to Become a Mentor
When you decide to mentor someone, you really have no way of knowing how far she’ll go. Whether you shape the next great entrepreneur of our time or help someone achieve her dreams, you’ll make a difference–and that’s all that matters.
Ann Wilson
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-ann-wilson-of-heart
5 Reasons Developing Confidence Is Critical to Your Success
December 5, 2014, The Huffington Post Confidence is essential to your success and that of your business — in fact, it’s vital to everything you do in life. Read the entire article here: https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/articles/5870-5-reasons-developing-confidence-is-critical-to-your-success
4 Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Brand Like the Celebs
December 4, 2014, The Huffington Post Between Google and social media, it’s become simultaneously easier and more difficult than ever to maintain your brand image. Read the entire article here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/4-things-you-can-do-to-personalize-your-brand-like-the-celebs_b_6148030
5 Simple Steps to Schedule Your Week for Business and Personal Success
December 1,2014, Inc. As an entrepreneur, attending to your work is essential for building your business. But creating a balanced life is the key to sustained success in the office and at home. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-simple-steps-schedule-your-week-business-personal-success-richards/
5 Conversation Tools For Nurturing Your Relationship With A Mentor
We’ve all longed for a classic mentor-mentee relationship at some point in our careers. We want someone who is savvy and seasoned. We want her to provide the perfect insights and career advice that will help us reach our goals. We want someone who will guide us to our destination.
Cynthia Kersey
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-cynthia-kersey
Michael Van Himbergen
Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-michael-van-himbergen
The Secret Weapon of Billionaire CEOs and Wildly Successful People
If you’ve hit a wall, it might be time to hire a business coach. Sometimes no matter how passionate you are about your business, it takes an outsider’s perspective to see where the company is lacking and identify areas for growth. And that additional insight and shift in perspective can take moments but make a huge difference in your results and the outcome.
The 4 Most Important Reasons You Need to Become a Mentor
November 20, 2014, Inc. When you decide to mentor someone, you really have no way of knowing how far she’ll go. Whether you shape the next great entrepreneur of our time or help someone achieve her dreams, you’ll make a difference — and that’s all that matters. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-4-most-important-reasons-you-need-to-become-a-mentor.html
5 Conversation Tools For Nurturing Your Relationship With A Mentor
November 17, 2014, LinkedIn Articles We’ve all longed for a classic mentor-mentee relationship at some point in our careers.
The Ultimate Entrepreneur Pep Talk: 4 Important Affirmations for Any Innovator
You 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.
The Ultimate Entrepreneur Pep Talk: 4 Important Affirmations for Any Innovator
November 11, 2014, Inc. Having a list of mantras that you can pull out of your toolkit in any situation will prepare you to turn challenges into successes. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-ultimate-entrepreneur-pep-talk-4-important-affirmations-for-any-innovator.html
Become an Effective Delegator
Delegation doesn’t come naturally to everyone–especially workaholic entrepreneurs. Recognize your #strengths. Tackle the things you love or do very well yourself, and then #DELEGATE the duties that slow down your productivity or otherwise aren’t a good use of your talents and time. Acknowledge and reward others for their strengths. Delegating is not only a way to decrease your workload it’s a way to channel your productivity and expertise! To read https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-ultimate-guide-to-delegating-for-entrepreneurs-who-hate-delegating.html
How to Create Your Own Industry to Fit Your Strengths
November 7, 2014, Inc. Your new industry has to reflect you because whether you’re a “collaborator genie” or a “green-energy explorer,” you’ve got all the makings of becoming your own unique brand of superhero. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/how-to-create-your-own-industry-to-fit-your-strengths.html
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Delegating
Is 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?
4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Mentor-Mentee Relationship
October 31, 2014, Inc. If you’re skeptical about why a mentor would want to partner with a mentee, it may be because you don’t have a plan in place to make it worth her while. Figure out what you have to offer your mentor, and do everything you can to provide that value. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/4-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-mentor-mentee-relationship.html
Do you have a strong network, or do you just think you have a strong network?
Do you have a strong network, or do you just think you have a strong network?
Many entrepreneurs believe it’s who you know that matters, but what’s even more important is what you do with the people you know. By working to introduce and connect your connections, you can build a more lucrative network that can lead to further opportunities for you. By establishing a reputation as an effective facilitator of great relationships, you increase your chances of success.
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