Resources

5 Reasons Developing Confidence Is Critical to Your Success

Kelli Richards January 12, 2015

“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.

ID-100259936Operating 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Kelli Richards January 5, 2015

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:

 

To your continued, highest success, 

Kelli Richards, 
CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

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.

4 Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Brand Like the Celebs

Kelli Richards December 22, 2014

“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.

Screen Shot 2014-12-10 at 10.33.53 AMWhether 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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

How to Create Your Own Industry to Fit Your Strengths

Kelli Richards December 15, 2014

“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.

ID-100158682By 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 

 

The 4 Most Important Reasons You Need to Become a Mentor

Kelli Richards December 8, 2014

“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.

ID-100199995So 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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Getting your voice (and presence) out in the world with events

Tara June 26, 2025

It’s all too easy to do business via Zoom; many of us have become accustomed to that being the primary way we work — certainly since Covid. But it’s equally important to show up, get our voices heard, and to press the flesh at live networking events as well. It’s a great way to demonstrate thought leadership, to reconnect with our communities and our colleagues, and to meet prospective new clients as well.

Most of the conferences and events I participate in tend to be lumped into the Fall and Spring, and the Spring events have largely wound down by this point as we enter Summer and people are heading out on their vacation getaways.

I participated in two great events this month — and am already looking forward to the ones in the Fall.

Women’s Bustin’ Barriers Business Summit
(led by Debra Morrison)

A dozen inspirational highly accomplished women came together in fireside chats online over two days with the dynamic Debra Morrison, to share stories of how they overcame obstacles, built bridges, and persevered in achieving their dreams and professional ambitions. I was chosen by Debra to participate as one of them, and we had a lively chat sharing insights and wisdom to empower women over 50 to realize their own goals.

Opal AI & Tech Investing Forum

Over the course of two days, a premiere gathering of visionaries, investors, innovators and inudstry leaders came together in San Francisco to explore the future of innovation (particularly AI) and investment across multiple industry sectors including space exploration, med tech, automotive, blockchain, and many others. We discussed market trends & strategies, geopolitical influences and strategies, and networked with leading minds in private equity, venture and technology.

Opal Group is a leading global event group that produces first rate events on a variety of topics aimed primarily at investing for family offices — educating them on a range of topics and introducing them to experts that they can foster meaningful relationships with (in tandem with one another). I always enjoy participating in these events, and am honored to have become part of this exceptional community.

…let’s see what Summer has in store (!). I’d love to hear about any fun vacation plans you may have.

Be Well,

Kelli

 

How Visionary Leaders Can Better Navigate Challenging Situations

 

There’s no question that we’re living in turbulent times of constant change and upheaval requiring resilience and flexibility at every turn. For visionary leaders with a growth mindset, tackling hard things involves approaching challenges as gateways to new possibilities, options, and innovations. In this article, I share some tips and approaches tailored specifically for leaders who thrive on expansive thinking (including some powerful questions to ponder).

Read the Article 

Choose Yourself First: The Shift That Changes Everything (you are not an option – why it’s time to make yourself a priority)

 

There’s a quiet ache that many leaders, visionaries, and givers carry—often hidden behind accomplishments, outward confidence, and even stoicism. It’s the experience of feeling like an option in other people’s lives, while showing up as a constant in theirs. You won’t always be someone’s first call, first thought, or first choice. And while that might sting, it’s also the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.Because here’s the truth: You are not here to be someone’s option. You are here to be your own priority.

Read the Article 

Spotlight

What I Do – Who I Am (Minevich post)

I have struggled with the question “What Do You Do” for many years – and have even been on a mission to eradicate it (!); but it’s so firmly ingrained in our society. I honestly don’t care about how someone pays their bills, I want to know what their passion is, where the joy is in their life – and what lights them up. Yes, even from the moment I meet them. Recently, a long-time colleague, Mark Minevich (a thought leader in AI) shared his thoughts on this question — and his words resonated so loudly within me. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted to express myself forever, and he does it here so eloquently. It’s not what you do — it’s who you ARE.

 

Brian Wilson’s passing

 

We’ve just lost another musical genius in Brian Wilson — whose legacy is indelible, and whose talents and impact have been compared with Beethoven.

The leader (and lead songwriter) behind The Beach Boys has left a rich and unique canon of songs that are timeless and light up all who hear them — for the past 60 years and will continue to far into the future as well. Brian and Paul McCartney were born just two days apart and they respected one another enormously.

It’s arguable that without Pet Sounds (which inspired Paul no end) there would not have been a Sergeant Pepper’s. Paul has forever said that “God Only Knows” is “the greatest song ever written” — and that’s high praise indeed. They only played together once – in 2002 – at an Adopt-A-Minefield fundraiser that I co-produced. The two of them played a couple of songs together for the first and only time before or since; “God Only Knows” and “Let It Be” – with their respecive bands backing them. Jay Leno was the host. It was truly a magical eventing and only the 500 or so people in the room got to experience that spine-tingling experience. It was definitely a career highlgiht for me.

 

Media Recommendations

Somebody Feed Phil

Netflix

I’ve written about this TV show before — it’s one of my favorite series on Netflix – and I’ve been waiting eagerly for Season 8 to drop which is just did this month. I’m a big fan of Phil Rosenthal’s, and have been forever.

He’s best known for his work behind the camera as the creator of the beloved series “Everybody Loves Raymond”. But he came out in front of the camera several years ago as the host of this delightful series which takes him to wonderful destinations around the globe where he introduces audiences to the food, culture and the people of these different lands — and brings his zany sense of fun and good humor along.

By the way, I especially loved the episode on Amsterdam in this season’s line-up; still working my way through the episodes. 🙂

Watch the Trailer

 

People Say the Nicest Things…

“Thanks for sharing your journey so eloquently as one who is surely steeped in decades of technology prowess, yet who shines brightly as a heart-centered visionary. Congrats on your many brilliant accomplishments!”

Debra Morrison

Founder

We Can Do It Women (podcast)

 

My panel at the Opal AI & Tech Investing Forum in San Francisco featuring some fascinating women talking about their experiences with AI, and women’s special advantages leveraging this ever evolving technology.

Shaking Things Up – Globetrotting, New Site, and More! – A Note from Kelli

Tara May 29, 2025

My international travels have been quite sporadic since the pandemic shut down, and I’ve been looking to ramp back up in that department over the past year or so. An opportunity presented itself last month to join five friends on a trip to Portugal and Spain, for some R&R, sightseeing in both places – and to walk for a 5-6 day portion of the Camino de Santiago (a bucket list thing for most people I know).

The Camino portion was structured through Backroads Travel – and we had a fantastic time, they knocked it out of the park; I’d highly recommend working with them for any group travel adventure you may have in mind. Our time in Porto, Portugal and Madrid, Spain was our own and unstructured; we still did and saw a lot – soaked up the culture, enjoyed great food and wine, and walked a LOT. My only regret was our time there was more limited than I’d have liked. Still it was so refreshing to get out of the nest, out of my comfort zone, and soak up some global culture and adventure; it was soul-nurturing, eye-opening, and very much needed!*

In the spirit of shaking things up, I also just re-launched my website since my return from that trip; it’s a brand refresh of sorts and I’m really pleased with it. If you have a site yourself, I think it’s important to fine-tune your images and messaging every few years to ensure you stay modern, fresh, current, relevant, and aligned with what matters most for your clients. The theme for my brand refresh is ‘globetrotting visionary sage’. Please drop by for a visit and dive into it when you can; take your time — I’d love to hear what you think.

*(I’d also love to hear whether you have some fun travel adventures planned this year so please share if so!).

Be Well,

Kelli

 

Post-Vacation Exhaustion is Real: How to Re-integrate with Grace, Not Grit

 

Have you ever come back from your vacation in need of a vacation to recalibrate back into your normal routine? In this article I share some observations and tips to try out from my own recent experience.

Read the Article

 

Why It’s Important to Reinvent Yourself & Your Brand Periodically (& launch of my new site)

A message that I share with many of my clients is the need to reinvent ourselves periodically; that includes our self-identity, and also how we position ourselves (our “brand”) in the world.

Repositioning yourself and your brand periodically is essential because growth requires evolution—and without it, relevance, resonance, and results fade. Here’s why it matters.

Read the Article

 

Spotlight

Val: The Val Kilmer Documentary

 

We’re losing more of our cultural heroes these days it seems. In April we said goodbye to Val Kilmer, an actor who I had enormous respect for during his career heyday, and as well during the past decade or so that he suffered valiantly with physical decline personally. I highly recommend watching “Val,” his personal documentary and an autobiography of sorts that he released back in 2021. It’s a terrific overview of his life.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Val, but he sure had a fantastic run — I’m so pleased that he was able to participate with good friend Tom Cruise in the “Top Gun: Maverick” (sequel) that came out in 2022, courtesy of AI algorithms and a text-to-speech approach enabled by a company called Sonantic, which was subsequently acquired by Spotify. Tech saved the day, and enabled a most powerful reunion between the two actors that was emotional, impactful, and was a memorable highlight of the film.

Watch the Trailer 

Media Recommendations

Adolescence

Netflix

A crime drama focused on a young teen accused of murdering one of his classmates, the series focuses on the events leading up to the murder. It also dives deep into the teen himself, the impact both to him and to his family, the psychological implications, as well as broader societal implications and the process of how the situation gets handled. It’s gripping, well-done – and has become one of Netflix’s most highly-rated series.

Watch the Trailer

 

Pee Wee on Himself

HBO

 

I was a big Pee Wee fan when he was on top of the world in the 80s; he had a unique sense of humor, flair, creativity, and self-expression that I resonated with greatly. I also admired what Paul Reubens achieved in creating this character that society embraced so fully for a time. However in the process, Paul allowed Pee Wee to all but subsume his persona and identity which he reflects on in this well-done documentary of an otherwise reasonably private man. The interviews were completed within a week of his passing back in July 2023; he’d been suffering from cancer for several years prior — which the filmmakers had no knowledge of.

(Many years ago, Paul sent me the gift of DVDs of his Playhouse series, as well as his Christmas Special, which I will always be grateful for; I covet them even more since his passing even though I can now stream them).

Watch the Trailer

 

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

by Casey Means, MD

Regular readers of this newsletter know of my passion for optimal wellness, and my own struggles/battles with hormonal and metabolism-related issues for decades. Most of our chronic health conditions can be attributed to our metabolic function and challenges with our immune system as a result. This groundbreaking book pivots on how these issues are a direct result of how well the cells in our body create and use energy. It may be nerdy for some, but the linkages the author connects provide fresh insights and welcome information that helps explain what’s going on — and shares practical tips for how we can better manage the situation.

Check out the book 

 

John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs

by Ian Leslie

As a Beatleologist for my entire life (since age 8), I’ve amassed a lot of knowledge about the band members, and thought I’d heard and read just about every fact that anyone could. When I heard about this new book, I was curious to see whether I might learn some new facts that I hadn’t been aware of to this point. After all, hasn’t it all been written by this time? What I liked about the book is that it teases out the nuances of the touching and complex relationship between John and Paul since its inception until Lennon’s untimely passing. Paul wasn’t interviewed by the author, so much of it is speculation, but it’s thought-provoking nonetheless.

Buy the Book

People Say the Nicest Things…

“Kelli: you make a big difference to me in every conversation we have. your care and belief in me are so genuine and welcome. You consistently share powerful insights and show me new ways to look at situations, and to address challenges, that are unique and refreshing; I feel liberated and empowered (even expanded!) as a result of our exchanges every time!”

Denmark West

Head of Market Intelligence
& Strategic Engagements
X, the moonshot factory

 

 

Here I am on the Camino trip with my group of friends and travel companions in front of the Santiago de Compostelo church in Spain (the end of the line for the pilgrims who walk the Camino). Such a great trip!

Spring is Here! A Time for Renewal and Reinvention

Tara March 27, 2025

Spring is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I had a particularly tough time dealing with the recent time change that took place this month (if you’re in the US you can relate). It took me a full week! This policy around ‘daylight savings time’ was initially put in place around WW1 to conserve energy and reduce the need for artificial lighting. But that was over 100 years ago (!). I think this policy should be abolished, and am hoping the powers that be will align on that in due course. What’s your stance on it? I’d be curious to hear.

Time change aside, Spring is a time for renewal and reinvention if ever there was a great time for that. In my case I’m upleveling my brand and will be launching a new and improved web site, as well as putting out a new eBook in short order; stay tuned for updates on both of those activities. Coming soon!

Is it time for you to consider something similar? What’s calling to you to take action on in this time? Again, reach out and share what you’re pondering; I’d really love to know!

Be Well,

Kelli

 

From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming the Fear of Past Failures to Cultivate Well-Being for Founders, Innovators, and Leaders

 

The journey to success is often isolating, and for many, past failures compound this loneliness, creating anxiety, stress, and a lingering fear of repeating mistakes. But what if failure isn’t something to be feared but embraced as part of the process? What if connection, rather than isolation, is the key to sustained success and well-being? Read the article to learn more.

Read the Article

 

Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner Brilliance

 

As a leader, you are expected to be a source of energy, vision, and inspiration – consistently, always on. Yet, even the most driven leaders encounter moments of apathy—times when the spark dims, the passion wanes, and the weight of responsibilities feels heavier than usual. Here’s how you can break free from apathy and rediscover the energy, creativity, and vitality that spark you up and make you an extraordinary leader.

Read the Article

 

Media Recommendations

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

 

I admit it, I LOVE the Bridget Jones films starring Renee Zellweger; the franchise is over 20 years old, and this is the four (and allegedly final) installment in the series. In this film, we find Bridget a widow raising her two children on her own, and getting back into the dating scene as well as getting her old job back as a TV producer. If you love this series, you’ll appreciate that many of the original characters have returned for continuity. Interestingly this film franchise has a much bigger following overseas so while it’s been enjoying a theatrical run elsewhere it was only released in the US streaming to Peacock subscribers. That said I enjoyed it so much I watched it a couple of times — good fun and highly recommended!

Watch the Trailer

With Love, Meghan

Netflix

 

This is Meghan Sussex (nee Markle) demonstrating her passion for and expertise as a fabulous host. In this initial series of 8 30-min episodes, Meghan invites friends and notable influencer guests to a lovely country home – near the one she shares with Harry and her children in Montecito near Santa Barbara – where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips. I realize the series has taken some hits with critics, but I really enjoyed it — her personality and talents shine through, and it’s a lifestyle I envy (wish I had the opportunity to do more of myself!). It reminds me of a series I loved in the late 90s with a similar approach called “Next Door with Katie Brown” (look it up if you’re curious to compare them).

I particularly liked the episode with the legendary Alice Waters who basically invented the Farm-to-Table movement, and clearly Meghan is a huge fan of hers as well. Apparently, Ted Sarandos at Netflix is a big fan and there is talk that the series will be renewed for a second season.

Watch the Trailer

 

Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire

by Dan Martell

Turns out the real definition of wealth isn’t how much money you have, but how much freedom and control you have over your time! Dan is a successful serial entrepreneur and founder with several exits, and is also a renowned SaaS coach. In this book he shares insights and tips for how fellow entrepreneurs can scale their business and manage their time. He shares a broad range of practical, easy to implement tips across a broad range of situations — with a systems thinking mindset. I particularly enjoyed a couple of the last chapters in the book on dreaming big (as in having a 10X vision), and what he refers to as a “Buyback Life” with approaches like pre-planning your year ahead of time so the important things are addressed.

Buy the Book

 

People Say the Nicest Things…

 

Working with Kelli was a transformative experience that elevated my leadership in ways I hadn’t fully tapped into before. She has a keen ability to provide insight that challenges you to think bigger and operate at your highest level. Through our work together, I gained a deeper awareness of how I could fully leverage my strengths, step into opportunities with greater intention, and lead with even more confidence. Her candid, thoughtful guidance helped me refine my approach, embrace my authenticity, and expand my perspective on what’s possible.

Kelli creates an environment where open and meaningful conversations flourish, allowing for real growth and impactful shifts in mindset. She genuinely believes in the people she works with and is committed to helping them maximize their potential. Her support didn’t just reinforce the leader I already was—it helped me unlock new levels of effectiveness, clarity, and influence. I’m grateful for the experience and the lasting impact it’s had on how I show up every day.

 

Michelle Snyder — C-Suite Marketing Exec (cross-industry; Cable, CPG, Financial & more)

It’s been just over three months since I adopted my two cats, Jasper and Remy; I’m grateful for how well they’ve bonded.

Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner Brilliance

Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner Brilliance

Kelli Richards March 26, 2025

LinkedIn.com, March 2025 – As a leader, you’re expected to be a source of energy, vision, and inspiration. Yet, even the most driven leaders encounter moments of apathy when the weight of responsibilities feels heavier than usual. Here’s how to rediscover the energy, creativity, and vitality that spark you up and make you an extraordinary leader. …

Revitalize Your Mind: How to Overcome Apathy & Rediscover Your Inner BrillianceRead More »

From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming the Fear of Past Failures to Cultivate Well-Being for Founders, Innovators, and Leaders

From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming the Fear of Past Failures to Cultivate Well-Being for Founders, Innovators, and Leaders

Kelli Richards March 7, 2025

LinkedIn.com, March 2025 – I explore how leaders can move beyond fear, redefine failure, and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships that support both their personal well-being and their professional impact.

 

Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-isolation-connection-overcoming-fear-past-leaders-kelli-richards-tjuxc

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David Butler: Investor, Advisor, Designer, Brand Strategist

David Butler brings over 25 years of experience as an investor, advisor, designer and brand strategist to his current role as Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Coca-Cola. Joining the company as its first global head of design, David successfully led the design-driven turnaround of an $80M brand, prompting Fast Company to name him a “Master of Design” and Forbes to elect him to their “Executive Dream Team.” Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-david-butler

My Favorite Book of 2015 for Entrepreneurs

December 14, 2015, Inc. These cutting-edge, scalable trends are attracting not only lots of investment, but also great talent — which are two of the key drivers behind any successful startup. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/my-favorite-book-of-2015-for-entrepreneurs.html

How to Pay Attention to the Whispers When Vetting a Connection?

kinds of distracting, time-consuming, and expensive legal dealings, which were a big drain on my business–and on me, personally.

Though it took a long time, I ultimately prevailed in that case, but it was a painful experience and one I’d like to help others avoid. Trust me, no small business owner needs that kind of angst.

Jay Samit: Disrupt You, Master Personal Transformation (Part II)

There are very few people who have worked as successfully across as many industries as Jay Samit has, and he wanted to share that knowledge and help people on their journey. That is why he wrote the bestseller Disrupt You, Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovations. Throughout this book, Jay explores the importance of personal disruption. “You really have to say, what is limiting you in this limitless world?

Jay Samit: Disrupt You, Master Personal Transformation (Part I)

Jay Samit is the CEO of See Change International, a leading multi-screen video services company. A dynamic entrepreneur, Jay is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on disruption and innovation. Described by Wired Magazine as having the coolest job in the industry, he’s raised hundreds of millions of dollars for startups, sold companies to fortune five hundred firms, and has transformed entire industries.

Gail Zappa: Tireless Champion, Wonderful Friend

Gail, the wife of musician Frank Zappa, was a role model and a tireless champion on behalf of her husband and children for many years and has been a protector of Frank’s estate. She was compassionate, extremely smart and creative advocate and champion, and over time, she became an outspoken advocate for artists to retain their rights and their masters.

Spotify Could Go Away Overnight And No One Would Care

November 9, 2015, Hypebot.com 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 the competition or risk crashing and burning. Read the entire article here: http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/11/spotify-could-go-away-overnight-and-no-one-would-care-.html?curator=MusicREDEF

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.

Cynthia Kersey, the Unstoppable Woman

So few people really take the risk to live their dreams, play full out with passion & commitment, and create true impact and legacy during their time on the planet. Cynthia Kersey is definitely one of those rare individuals. Cynthia is the Chief Humanitarian Officer of the Unstoppable Foundation (hyperlink?), whose mission is to ensure that every child on the planet receives access to the life-long gift of education. Just read that sentence a few times and stand in awe, right? That’s a mission worth getting out of bed for each morning!

Influencers on a Plane: 3 Ways to Strike Up Great Conversations

Whether you meet people who end up providing new business opportunities, find great new friends, connect with someone influential, or simply reconnect with established colleagues, with the right mindset, you can improve your business just by striking up a conversation on the road.

3 Signs It’s Time for a (Professional) Breakup

A leader is more likely to feel weighed down by professional negativity and anxiety, which can lead to a loss of self-confidence and reduced productivity–and can even bring the business to a grinding halt.

What’s the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor?

October 15, 2015, Forbes Women We hear a lot about coaching and mentoring — for good reason. As Zig Ziglar famously said, “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.” Read the entire article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2015/10/15/the-difference-between-a-coach-and-a-mentor/

Why It Pays to Identify and Approach Mentors in the Professional ‘Cafeteria’

October 7, 2015, Entrepreneur At times, the workplace “cafeteria” resembles a middle-school lunchroom, with heightened stakes and competitors striving for power in lieu of popularity. Who sits where, and why? Read the entire article here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-it-pays-to-identify-and-approach-mentors-in-the/249748

Rob Tercek: Speaker, Innovator, Strategist

  Robert Tercek’s unique views on managing innovation are sought by organizations around the world. His motto is “Inventing the Future.”  He is passionate about inspiring audiences to seize their own destiny by thinking creatively and taking decisive action. Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/category/Technology  

How Amazon Shows the Need for a Tech Industry Workforce Revolution

September 18, 2015, Inc. Business is not about being cutthroat anymore; it’s time for the tech industry to re-evaluate the perks being offered to workers. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/how-amazon-shows-the-need-for-a-tech-industry-workforce-revolution.html

4 Characteristics of Trailblazing Entrepreneurs

September 4, 2015, Inc. Trailblazers don’t just see a need in the market — they create new markets, and they forge their own paths to get where their outsized visions tell them they need to go. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/4-characteristics-of-trailblazing-entrepreneurs.html

The Art of Taking Vacation for Entrepreneurs

August 14, 2015, Inc. Although circumstances will understandably make it challenging to get away sometimes, the point is not just to get away physically, but to also distance yourself mentally.

4 Ways a Great Advisor Can Protect Your Investment

August 7, 2015, Huff Post Women Last year marked the highest annual total of venture capital funding since 2001, and with $47.3 billion in investments, this represents a 62 percent year-over-year growth. Read the entire article here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/4-ways-a-great-advisor-ca_b_7957254/amp

Wearable Technology – Where Fashion & Fitness Converge

Think of the obvious first, like fashion electronics. Whether it’s FitBit or the Apple Watch that just hit the scene, or Jawbone, or any of these things that are now considered fashion accessories – but they are primarily fitness accessories that give you information in real time about what’s happening with your body and your activity level.

Why Advisors Are Worth Your Equity (and How to Find a Good One)

July 24, 2015 Inc Magazine Think of these advisors as business sherpas: People more experienced than you who help you navigate and climb the startup mountain. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/why-advisers-are-worth-your-equity-and-how-to-find-a-good-one.html

Jim Griffin

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-jim-griffin

Nick Adler

“This is a quote by Nick Adler” Nick Adler single handedly saved the Hollywood Sunset Strip and saved way more than The Roxy. Listen here for the story! Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-nic-adler-of-sunset-strip-music-festival

Tom Keifer

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://jeeni.com/track/kelli-richards-interviews-tom-keifer-of-cinderella

Tom Silverman

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-tommy-boys-ceo-tom-silverman

5 Secrets to Building High-Yield Partnerships

Forming strategic partnerships not only creates a powerful reciprocal network, but also propels you toward your goals, exposes you to new insights and optimizes the time and energy you invest in relationships. And these advantages work both ways.

Michael Solomon

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-michael-solomon

Will Tidal Make Waves In The Music Industry Or Get Washed Out?

May 25, 2015 Tech Crunch In late March, when a group of A-list musicians gathered in Manhattan to show support for Jay Z’s new music streaming service, Tidal, expectations were sky-high. Read the entire article here: https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/25/will-tidal-make-waves-in-the-music-industry-or-get-washed-out/

Greg Estes

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-greg-estes

Wild Bill Stealy

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-interviews-jw-wild-bill-stealey

How to Make Money By Talking to Cool People

According to a survey KnowledgeStorm and Universal McCann conducted, 65% of business and IT professionals listen to podcasts for personal and business purposes, and 60 percent interviewees said whitepapers and analyst reports would be more attractive in podcast form.

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Mentor-Mentee Relationship

In a climate where there’s no free lunch, it’s easy to assume there’s a hidden catch. But if you feel this way, it’s because you don’t understand how mentorship helps your mentor. Did you know that training and advising mentees is a powerful way for your mentor to gain leadership skills and team-building experience? And that mentees often help their mentors understand things in new ways through feedback, communication, and interpersonal skills?

Streaming and Beyond: Apple Will Lead the Way to the Next Music Experience

Listeners now control the entire experience. We can listen to our favorite artists or songs at any time and on any device. Streaming has even made the listening experience social. Services such as Spotify are integrated with Facebook, allowing listeners to see what their friends are listening to in real time, making it easy to discover new music.

Peter Bregman

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-peter-bregman

Is It Time to Spring Clean Your Business? Here’s How to Do It

April 3, 2015, Inc. Spring cleaning is about starting fresh. By applying this mindset to your business, you can return your business to a healthier, livelier, and more profitable state in no time. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/is-it-time-to-spring-clean-your-business-here-s-how-to-do-it.html

Can Apple’s Interactive Digital Music Solution Refresh the Music Industry?

Few artists are likely to follow in U2’s footsteps with the same strategy after the backlash from iTunes users, but when a challenge emerges in the market, we can always look to Apple to lead with the most creative solutions. The “Songs of Innocence” maneuver was Apple showing its hand: The solution to diminishing music sales could be an interactive digital music approach.

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

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?

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

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.

Steve Rubel

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-steve-rubel

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!

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

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.

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

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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Kelli’s monthly newsletters are her direct line of communication to clients and friends. Each edition includes a personal note, an overview of recent activities, book recommendations, and more.

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