Uncategorized Archives - Page 16 of 22

The Future is Personal

Posted On 12.13.19, In Uncategorized, by client

In case you haven’t realized it, we’re not just approaching the end of a year, but an entire decade! So much has changed over the past 10 years. How we talk about ourselves in personal and professional settings has certainly evolved. Who would have ever thought that publicly sharing our opinions on mental health or social injustice would become everyday topics of discussion?

I’ve been preaching for some time now that as more and more of our lives are lived online, we need to take control of our personal brands – what we say, do, and overall how we present ourselves. It’s taken a lot of education and prodding, but people are starting to get what I’ve been saying.

If you’re new to my brand evangelism, here’s the CliffsNotes version: Whether you’re a professional athlete, business owner, or stay-at-home parent with a side hustle, managing your online and in-person reputation is one of your most vital business assets.

As we head into the next decade, below are some tips to help your personal brand evolve and stand out.

Get with a plan – I can’t stress enough that growing your personal brand must start with a plan. What are you hoping to achieve? Who are you trying to reach? These are questions your plan must address. Your plan doesn’t need to be War and Peace. It can be a few simple bullet points. Whatever method you choose, you’re far more likely to be successful having a plan than not. Another tip is to be as specific as possible with your goals. There’s research to back me up on this point.

Get comfortable with the unknown – Personal brand building takes patience and continual effort. There will be times when it feels like your content is completely unnoticed, but you have to keep going. Remaining consistent will create a groundswell that will eventually bring your target audience to you – I promise. But what I won’t promise is a set timeline, because unfortunately I’m not psychic.

Post with intent – Having a plan will certainly help guide you on what to post and when. Should you decide to ignore my sage advice, at least hear this: Post with intent. By this I mean that you share fewer images of your meals and more content that helps support your strategic brand goals. For example, if part of your brand is to be a dynamic public speaker, we should see content that supports that claim.

Engage with intent – As a true social butterfly, I engage with lots of people online and off. Some is for my personal enjoyment, but most is done with a purpose because that brand or influencer is followed by my target audience(s). If you’re going to spend your life scrolling your feed, at least make that time work for you.

When good enough is good enough – Not every post is going to be the picture of artistic perfection. That would be boring and inauthentic—and simply not realistic for the majority of people to achieve. You need to remain agile to remain relevant. Learn the difference between when your content needs to go out quickly and when it needs to go out perfectly.

Let someone else do the work – I don’t mean me (but if you’d like to hire me, please don’t hesitate). I mean allowing others like journalists and volunteer organizations to create content about you. Since the dawn of time, third-party validation is one of the most surefire ways to gain attention. So make sure you’re engaging with relevant press and leveraging your volunteer opportunities and networks.

If your brand really hasn’t launched, no worries. I have plenty of past blogs to help you get started. If you’ve started and are stuck or need next-level assistance, contact me. Every personal brand is, well, personal. I like to assist everyone on a case-by-case basis.

Either way, I hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season. Rest. Relax. Take some personal time to reflect on your blessings. And finally, thanks for following my content. I appreciate you.

Fair Pay to Play Act: What athletes need to know to protect their personal brand

Posted On 10.02.19, In Uncategorized, by client

Let the games begin! The signing of California Senate Bill 206, or the Fair Pay to Play Act, has thrust forward the discussion regarding collegiate athletes profiting off of their likeness.

Once again, so we’re all clear, this bill paves the way for athletes to hire agents to seek out business deals. It would also make it illegal for universities to revoke an athlete’s scholarship or eligibility for taking money.

New York, Kentucky, Nevada, Florida, and other states are considering similar legislation.

This issue currently remains quite amorphous, and the only thing that’s certain is that it will continue to change shape again and again. I want to be clear that I’m not here to address what impact this legislation will have on collegiate sports. I also have zero interest in trying to guess what the NCAA will do to try to block or circumvent these efforts.

My goal is to always be a source of education and perspective. Below are a few critical items that collegiate athletes should keep in mind to grow and protect their emerging personal brands when engaging with this newly enacted legislation.

Choose your agent wisely. A prosperous business deal that’s beneficial to your brand has two parts: the contract and the creative. Good agents can negotiate a great deal with their eyes closed, but what do they know about content strategy and creation? When selecting an agent, be sure to ask if they have a marketing and public relations expert on staff or partner with a marketing firm or publicist so that your best interests are fully managed.

No free lunch. Everyone gets paid one way or another. Your agent, publicist, social media manager, etc. all need to get paid for their services. Before signing anything, make sure you fully understand what obligations you have to those who are assisting you. Trust me when I tell you that this advice is the only free thing you’re likely to receive.

Good for the wallet, bad for the brand. Just because a business opportunity temporarily fills your wallet doesn’t mean it’s the best long-term decision for your brand. Endorsing a faulty product, aligning yourself with a shady businessperson, or distributing poorly created content could haunt you for years to come. Don’t get blinded by dollar signs. Work with your support team to think critically about any company or individual you’re aligning yourself with.

You still have to perform. Regardless if business opportunities come to you or someone is securing them on your behalf, companies will be more inclined to partner with an athlete who’s performing well on and off the field of court. It’s important not to let these additional business opportunities take away from why you’re at your college or university: to be a student-athlete.

Your brand, or reputation, will remain with you whether you’re fortunate enough to go on and play professionally or not. As collegiate athletes brand rights expand, it’s imperative that you make each decision, form each relationship, and build each piece of content with your future self in mind.

Make Your Brand Lockout Proof

Posted On 05.29.19, In Uncategorized, by client

Talks of a 2020 NFL lockout have been looming for almost a decade. Yesterday’s email distributed by NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith to agents instructing them to prepare for a work stoppage did nothing to reduce anxiety on the topic.

Lockouts are never a positive or welcomed measure – by fans or players. Nevertheless, they do occur. And when they do, most athletes are left scrambling for a paycheck and a way to maintain their visibility.

The small silver lining in all this madness is that each player, coach, and executive currently has more than a year to get their ducks in a row. It’s never fun to look for a job when you already have one but putting your head in the sand isn’t a survival strategy.

Below are some tips for players, coaches, and executives to prepare themselves, and their brand, for a potential lockout.

Have a Plan

Waiting until the end of the 2020 season to decide what’s next for you is too late! Especially for those whose brand might need a little rehabilitating, waiting until the lockout is in effect is like waiting until you’ve already retired to start saving money.

Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself to help get a lockout plan in motion:

What would you like to do if there’s a lockout? (Hint: “Nothing” is likely not the right answer.)
Will this new endeavor earn you a steady income? (If no, consult with your Financial Advisor to see if this plan is feasible.)
What resources will you need to help prepare you for this new endeavor? Will you need to take a class? Renew a certification? Update social media platforms like LinkedIn or update your resume? Get additional speaker or media training?
What content or outreach will be needed for this new endeavor? Will you need content like a speaker reel, a presentation deck, or a media kit to support your new career objectives?

Know Your Sponsorship Status

It’s to be expected that most companies aren’t interested in sponsoring a player or coach if there’s isn’t an active NFL season. That said, there are individuals and sponsorship deals that transcend the football season, or lack thereof. If you’re a player or coach, it’s important to know which applies to you. There could be a scenario where your sponsorship will remain intact, but without an active season your ability to create engaging content will likely require additional strategy.

Don’t Forget to Volunteer

Whether you’re financially viable enough or not to weather a season-long lockout, don’t forget to take time to give back to those less fortunate. Participating in community service projects allows you to maintain hands-on engagement with fans while doing something good for your community.

Remain Consistent

Without the daily structure that an active season provides, it’s easy to slack off when it comes to creating and posting content to your social media platforms. Just like your workout regiment, taking too many days off from positing quality content has a negative impact. The lifespan of social media content is shorter than you may think, so be sure not to take too much time off. You don’t want to give your fans a reason to forget about you.

Assemble Your Transition Team

As of right now, the 2019 season appears to be full steam ahead. This means your main priority should remain playing, coaching, and leading. To reiterate, you don’t want to put this topic on hold. Engage those around you, i.e. your agent, publicist, significant other, etc., to help you develop and executive a plan to keep your bank account and personal brand in great shape during a potential lockout.

Summer 2019 Internship Information

Posted On 04.16.19, In Uncategorized, by client

Title: Summer Associate

Period of Performance: May to August 2019

Hours: Less than 30 per week

Location: Virtual

Pay: For college credit only

College Major: All majors are welcome to apply

Please forward a cover letter and resume to frances@yourfirestarter.com with “Summer Associate” in the subject line by no later than May 1, 2019.

Description

The Summer Associate will be responsible for assisting the CEO with a variety of marketing, public relations, and business development tasks for Firestarter and its clients. Tasks may include, but aren’t limited to:

Write/edit printed and digital assets
Design printed and digital assets
Develop original or editing videos
Build and update media lists and databases
Create and distribute press releases and media alerts
Compile lists for sponsorship, endorsements, and speaking engagement leads
Compile lists for business development leads
Use analytics tools to compile, organize, and analyze campaign data

Requirements

Must be available by phone and email Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET
Must have own computer and access to reliable internet service
Must be creative, self-motivated, organized, and able to multitask
Must have a working knowledge of all major social media platforms
Must be a strong written and verbal communicator
Must be a strong researcher
Experience creating and editing video a plus, but not required
Graphic design experience a plus, but not required
Experience in sports marketing or public relations a plus, but not required

About Firestarter

Firestarter, based in Alexandria, Virginia, advises athletes, coaches, and executives, helping them develop, manage, enhance, and protect a key professional asset: their personal brand.

The firm provides strategic consulting, detailed analysis, day-to-day support/management, and individualized and group training to help clients position themselves in the marketplace, engage stakeholders, and motivate customers and other constituencies who could have short- or long-term impact on their positioning and reputation.

Building and/or growing a personal brand is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, so Firestarter offers multiple options to help you create enhance, and/or protect this most valuable asset.

Personal brand and message development/enhancement
Strategic planning, creation, and management of social media and content marketing
Media representation
Reputation management and repair strategies
Personal brand training for individuals and teams

When Your Brand Becomes A Brick

Posted On 04.01.19, In Uncategorized, by client

The recent fallout following scandals involving ‘Full Houses’” Lori Loughlin and “Empire’s” Jussie Smollett left not just these individuals, but their fellow castmates, in turmoil. With each passing moment as the details of their individual incidents were investigated, their personal brands became like a brick – threatening to sink all those associated with them.

The reality is, these kinds of incidents aren’t just isolated to TV stars, politicians, and professional athletes. The immediacy and accessibility of information at all of our fingertips exponentially increases the likelihood of a communications crisis impacting you or your business.

Noting Google’s painfully infinite memory, what can you or your company do when scandal strikes? Below are a few simple, yet extremely vital, points to remember when your brand is under scrutiny.

When Scandal Strikes You

Think. Then speak. Immediately defending yourself in a crisis is not always the best policy. Remaining silent and allowing time to do the heavy lifting is often the best course of action. Should a public statement need to be made, lean on the support and guidance of your attorney and a reputable publicist to draft and deliver the statement.

Take a media break. Consuming social media, reading the news, or watching TV while enduring a crisis is bit like willfully drinking poison. Step away from public opinion — to preserve your own sanity, if nothing more. Depending on the severity of the crisis, you may need to turn off social media notifications or shut down your sites altogether until the matter is resolved. If your accounts remain active, update your passwords and security settings to protect against hacking. Also, be vigilant for imposter accounts.

Plan for a (potentially long) rebuilding phase. Whether it was a minor infraction or a major event, there’s no easy fix for negative media attention. Not having a strategic plan in place makes rebuilding a personal brand even more painful. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy, but it does come faster when you manage your response thoughtfully and begin the brand repair process as soon as possible.

When Scandal Strikes an Employee

Have a plan in place. In this day and age, having a crisis communication plan and an employee social media policy that addresses crisis communication is an absolute necessity. Be sure both plans address all audiences, external and internal. Those who are impacted by a crisis situation need to feel they are part of the team and know how to respond to possible inquiries.

Act quickly. In the eyes of the judging masses, seconds feel like days. When crisis strikes, have team members prepped to deploy information across all media channels as quickly as possible. If necessary, have your team practice crisis communication drills so they’re fully prepared when needed.

Remain consistent. How organizations elect to manage an employee scandal will vary with the culture. Whatever course of action your organization chooses, they must remain consistent. How the organization disperses information, responds to inquiries, and develops post-event content must also remain consistent.

A scandal doesn’t have to mean that your brand sinks to the abyss. Whether the employee or employer, remaining calm, rational, and authentic will always help keep you or your company’s head above water.

Personal Branding Tips for the New Year

Posted On 01.02.19, In Uncategorized, by client

It’s okay if you ignored my advice back in October. It’s even understandable if you overlooked my tips to start planning in November and December. But now that we’re in the New Year, you can no longer keep ignoring your personal brand.

If you’re planning to change jobs, looking for a promotion, launching a new business or podcast, or even if you’re just wanting to expand your social media presence, addressing your personal brand should be high on the proverbial to-do list.

I understand that this can be an overwhelming task. I have conversations with professional service providers, celebrities, athletes, and philanthropists every day on this very topic. Like you, most are confused as to where to start. Or in an effort to save time, what’s the absolute minimum they need to do to get by.

Below is a mix of entry- and intermediate-level tips and tools I strongly recommend that you execute before the end of January.

Google Search

You’ve likely Googled yourself for fun, but there’s an actual practicality to this self-research. Review the first three to five pages under your name search. Click here for what to do should you find something incorrect or unflattering.

Audit Accounts

Go through all your social media accounts, all the way back to when they were established, to remove any unflattering or questionable posts or images. Also, untag yourself from any unflattering posts made by others.

Update LinkedIn

Make sure you’re maximizing your LinkedIn account by adding all current and past work and additional career-related information. LinkedIn is the general go-to platform when others want to learn more about you or your company – making it the one online platform that you shouldn’t neglect.

Update Headshots

Having social media platforms without an appropriate headshot is a major faux pas. If you haven’t gotten a proper headshot in more than three years, it’s time to schedule a session with a photographer.

Cultivate Online Relationships

Your network is your net worth, so what are you doing to cultivate all those LinkedIn contacts? Create a plan to ensure that you’re staying connected throughout the year to your online network in a real way. You never know when a random touchpoint could lead to a major opportunity.

Identify Content Tools

If you plan to self-manage your brand, be sure to research and access tools that will make your life easier, i.e. editing apps, graphic design apps, publishing platforms, etc. Click here for an article that has done the heavy lifting for you. Apps and platforms can range from free to rather expensive, and more doesn’t always mean better so shop around.

Create a Content Goal

When you have a goal in mind you’re less likely to create “junk” content. Junk content is usually filler creative, i.e. images, video, blog posts—material that doesn’t provide any value to your target audience and/or your designated goal. Whether you’re sharing and/or commenting on content created by others or your own original content, make sure that it fulfills your plan and personas. Otherwise you’re just creating noise which will ultimately turn your audiences off.

Also, if you plan out your content on a calendar or even a Word doc, you’re more likely to be creating posts that are useful, entertaining, and/or more personalized to your audience. Finally, if you stay focused on your analytics you’ll begin to see a pattern of what’s working for you and what isn’t.

Stay Abreast of Trends

Social media platforms and their functionality can change in the blink of an eye. Staying on top of these trends will allow you to better plan your usage and content creation. Click here for an article with many ways to stay in the know.

Of course, if all else fails, you know where to find me. I’m happy to help if you need assistance with brainstorming, creating a strategy, writing, editing, or something more. The point is: getting started and staying consistent is the key to your personal brand growth in 2019.

Don’t Be That Person: A Brief Guide to Holiday Networking

Posted On 11.19.18, In Uncategorized, by client

‘Tis the season to network! If you’re like me, your calendar is packed from November to January with mixers, dinners, galas, and fundraisers— each occasion allowing us to reconnect with peers and secure opportunities for the coming year. During and following these events, there are so many ways we can leave a negative impression in the minds of those we meet.

I’m sure your mother once told you that you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Generally, this is true and a fact we all must accept. When possible, its advantageous to do what you can to manage your own behavior to help mitigate this fact.

While social media is a powerful brand-building super hero, traditional word-of-mouth can be its kryptonite. All of the dynamic content in the world does nothing if a person or a group perceives you in real life to be a <insert negative adjective here>.

Here are a few ways to help you to avoid becoming that person at your next holiday gathering.

Not understanding boundaries. It‘s imperative that you respect other people’s boundaries—physical and verbal, For example, if someone physically takes a step back from you, that’s not an invitation to step closer. If someone is showing signs they want to end the conversation, that’s not a greenlight to keep talking. If you enter every conversation putting the other person’s needs first, you’ll likely save yourself any embarrassment.

Being a Real-Life Avoider. As our digital footprints continue to grow, we begin to follow more people online whom we’ve never met in real life. Should the opportunity arise that you’re in the same room with an online contact, say hello. If you’re following them on social media, most people understandably assume you like them. If you don’t care for this person, stop following them. There are ways to cyberstalk people without being connected.

Being a gossip. You never know who knows whom. More importantly, you never really know who’s loyal to whom. Avoiding gossip relieves you of having to know this. Find any excuse to exit if you find yourself in a conversation where tea is being spilled. When it comes to gossip, ignorance is bliss.

Being Too Eager Beaver. Be thoughtful about how you proceed following an event if someone doesn’t offer you their business card or ask you for yours. The missed opportunity to connect could have been completely unintentional, or not. If your gut tells you this opportunity is red-hot, send a LinkedIn note briefly reminding the person of the conversation and how to contact you. If they don’t connect or reply, move on.

Being too flirty. Avoid flirtatious behavior, even if another person engages in it. A business-focused holiday party is not the place for romance. The room has lots of eyes, ears, and judgmental minds. If things between you and another person are heating up, take it somewhere else before it becomes X-rated.

Not knowing your limits. It wouldn’t be a holiday post if I didn’t remind people about the dangers of failing to control their alcohol consumption. Most of the aforementioned pitfalls can be avoided simply by limiting your alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with a nip or two to calm the nerves. After that, stick to something without alcohol.

Hoping people forget about your embarrassing behavior is not a reputation management strategy for 2019 or ever! If you enter into every conversation with a fun, positive and helpful attitude, your online and real-life personal brand is likely to kick off the New Year on the right foot.

Como Iniciar no 5Gringos Casino: Um Guia Passo a Passo

Posted On 10.22.18, In Uncategorized, by Content Admin

O Cassino 5gringos oferece uma experiência única de jogos online inspirada em temas de aventura e cultura mexicana. Se você está considerando se juntar a esta vibrante plataforma, aqui estão algumas informações essenciais para facilitar sua jornada no mundo dos cassinos online.

Por Que Escolher o Cassino 5gringos?

O Cassino 5gringos é reconhecido por sua oferta diversificada de jogos e promoções atrativas. Este cassino se distingue por seu design colorido e tema envolvente, que capturam a cultura mexicana e proporcionam uma experiência de usuário divertida e cativante. Além disso, o cassino oferece um suporte ao cliente eficiente e uma interface amigável que torna o processo de registro simples e direto.

Outro ponto a destacar é a variedade de jogos disponíveis, que incluem desde as mais recentes slots até opções tradicionais de mesas de jogos como blackjack e roleta. Este leque de opções garante que todos os tipos de jogadores encontrem algo que atenda a seus gostos e interesses.

Como Criar uma Conta no 5Gringos Casino

Para se inscrever no 5Gringos Casino, basta seguir alguns passos simples. Primeiramente, visite o site oficial e clique na opção de registro. Você será solicitado a fornecer alguns dados, como nome, endereço de e-mail, e escolher um nome de usuário e senha.

Certifique-se de usar informações verídicas para evitar complicações futuras durante processos de verificação de identidade. Após preencher os dados requisitados, você receberá um e-mail de confirmação. Basta clicar no link desse e-mail e sua conta estará pronta para uso.

Após a ativação, você pode começar a explorar o site e fazer seu primeiro depósito para aproveitar as promoções de boas-vindas exclusivas oferecidas pelo cassino.

Promos e Ofertas no 5Gringos

O 5Gringos Casino é conhecido por suas generosas ofertas de bônus de boas-vindas e promoções semanais. Novos jogadores podem aproveitar pacotes de boas-vindas que frequentemente incluem bônus de depósito e rodadas grátis que aumentam significativamente suas chances de ganhar nas primeiras visitas ao cassino.

Além das ofertas de boas-vindas, o cassino desenvolve frequentemente promoções temáticas e torneios, mantendo a experiência de jogo sempre excitante e recompensadora. Estas promoções são uma excelente maneira de maximizar seu saldo, permitindo que você explore ainda mais jogos e tenha mais oportunidades de sucesso.

Para acessar as promoções, visite regularmente a aba de promoções no site do cassino 5gringos e inscreva-se nas que mais chamarem sua atenção.

Conclusão

O Cassino 5gringos se destaca como uma excelente escolha para jogadores que buscam uma experiência de cassino online vibrante e segura. Com processos de inscrição amigáveis, uma vasta seleção de jogos e promoções atrativas, o 5Gringos é uma plataforma que promete diversão e inúmeras oportunidades de ganho.

Como Aproveitar ao Máximo o Bacanaplay Casino

Posted On 10.20.18, In Uncategorized, by Content Admin

Se você está à procura de uma experiência de jogo online vibrante e repleta de vantagens, o Bacanaplay casino pode ser a escolha perfeita para você. Este artigo irá guiá-lo pelas diversas maneiras de maximizar sua experiência e usufruir dos recursos disponíveis no Bacanaplay.

Como Criar uma Conta no Bacanaplay

A criação de uma conta no Bacanaplay é bastante simples e intuitiva. Primeiramente, será necessário acessar o site Bacanaplay pt e clicar em “Registrar”. Ao fazê-lo, você será direcionado para um formulário onde deve inserir informações básicas como nome, endereço de e-mail e senha. Certifique-se de que suas informações estão corretas para evitar problemas de login mais tarde.

Após preencher o formulário, um e-mail de verificação será enviado para o endereço fornecido. Basta clicar no link de verificação contido no e-mail para ativar sua conta. Este passo é crucial para garantir a segurança de sua conta e também para poder participar das promoções e bónus oferecidos pelo Bacanaplay casino.

Uma vez concluída a verificação, você estará pronto para fazer o login e explorar todas as opções de jogos disponíveis.

Navegando pelo Bacanaplay App

Para aqueles que preferem jogar em seus dispositivos móveis, o Bacanaplay app oferece uma plataforma fluida e acessível. Disponível para download tanto para dispositivos Android quanto iOS, o aplicativo foi projetado visando a facilidade de uso e a manutenção da qualidade de jogo do site principal.

Depois de instalar o aplicativo, o primeiro passo é fazer o login com suas credenciais existentes. O Bacanaplay app dispõe de todos os jogos e funcionalidades que você encontraria no site, permitindo flexibilidade e mobilidade, quer esteja em casa ou em viagem. Além disso, o aplicativo é periodicamente atualizado para garantir a melhor performance e segurança para seus usuários.

A interface do aplicativo é intuitiva, facilitando a navegação entre as categorias de jogos e a utilização dos recursos de bónus e promoções.

Screenshot do Bacanaplay App

Aproveitando os Bónus do Bacanaplay

Uma das principais atrações do Bacanaplay são os bónus generosos que eles oferecem. Ao se registrar, você pode já se beneficiar de um bónus de boas-vindas, que geralmente inclui uma combinação de créditos extras e rodadas grátis. Aproveitar este bónus inicial pode dar um impulso significativo ao seu saldo, permitindo explorar uma ampla variedade de jogos.

Além do bónus de boas-vindas, o Bacanaplay casino frequentemente proporciona promoções sazonais e bónus de recarga para jogadores regulares. Fique atento aos e-mails promocionais e notificações no aplicativo para não perder nenhuma oportunidade de aumentar suas chances de ganhar.

Por fim, é importante estar ciente dos requisitos de apostas associados a cada bónus. Esses requisitos determinam o número de vezes que você precisa apostar o valor do bónus antes de poder retirá-lo. Sabendo disso, você pode planejar melhor suas estratégias de jogo.

Conclusão

O Bacanaplay casino oferece uma experiência de jogos online envolvente, com inúmeras opções de bónus, um aplicativo conveniente e seguro e um processo de registro direto. Seguindo estas dicas, você pode maximizar a sua diversão e chances de sucesso enquanto joga no Bacanaplay. Prepare-se para embarcar em uma viagem emocionante pelo mundo dos jogos online.

39 Tips for Life, Love, and Personal Branding

Posted On 09.26.18, In Uncategorized, by client

Today marks my 39^th trip around the sun. Most people decide to become reflective when they turn 40 or even 41, but I’m not most people. Those who know me well know that demonstrating patience and following the crowd aren’t my strong suits.

In honor of my birthday, I wanted to share with you 39 pieces of wisdom I’ve learned about life, love, leadership, success, and, of course, personal branding.

Find a place that refuels your soul.
Master public speaking.
It’s never, ever okay to FaceTime or talk on speaker phone in public.
Just because someone has a bigger platform doesn’t make them better or smarter than you. Put on blinders and keep working toward your goals.
You never wear the jersey of a team that isn’t playing. You never wear the t-shirt of the band that’s performing.
There’s no blue print for the perfect personal brand.
Happily ever after is different for everyone. Figure out yours and follow that dream.
The left lane is for passing.
Turning into your parents isn’t always such a bad thing.
Professionally and personally, always give more than you get. Don’t worry, the universe will reward you.
You’re the only person who knows what size you’re wearing. Buy the size that makes you look your best, not the size you think will impress others.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re letting the other person off of the hook. Forgiveness is letting yourself off of the hook.
The person in the middle seat gets both armrests. End of discussion.
If you have at least one friend who loves you unconditionally you have all the friendship you need.
Learn to be direct but diplomatic.
More social media isn’t always better. It’s okay to be a one-trick social media pony.
On dating apps, always look at all of a person’s pictures.
Never leave the house without your business cards and an elevator pitch. You never know who you’ll meet.
Quit with the emotional cutting. Deal with your baggage and move on.
If you have to ask someone to do the right thing, that person likely stopped caring about what’s right a long time ago.
It’s okay to say that you don’t know. Even if you’re supposed to be the expert, it’s better to admit that you don’t know than share incorrect information.
Travel and read as much as possible.
Always be leery of people who can buy their own justice.
In a relationship or not, take yourself on dates.
Caring about your health is cool.
Ladies, ask him first. Regardless if you want a dance or a date, ask him first. He’ll be glad you did.
Attorneys, accountants, repairmen, nurses, stylists, educators, and editors are friends you’ll never regret having.
When in doubt, send a handwritten note.
People who have to tell you they’re funny, usually aren’t.
Saving money is cool.
One more glass of wine and one more piece of cheese is always a good idea.
Give back as much as you can to the greater good.
Always be willing to say yes. Know when it’s time to say no.
Understand what it means to act with integrity.
Allow the other person to exit then you may enter the building.
Be firm with where you stand on the existence of ghosts and aliens.
Indulge your creative outlet as much as possible.
Always make sure your reputation is stronger than your brand.
Laugh. At yourself. At everything possible. The ability to find humor, especially when all around you is dark, will make all of the difference.