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You put in countless hours and pour your heart and soul into accomplishing your plan. But no matter how hard you try; it just doesn’t seem to be working.

Your network can determine your success! Knowing the right people in the right places can enable you to land that dream job, acquire that ideal client and really excel at what you do.

No matter how thoughtfully you have chosen your New Year’s resolutions, you are, unfortunately, almost guaranteed to fail unless you also create a strategy, with specific action items, to make them happen.

The truth is, your success depends upon your accountability. You are the only one who can really do this! Here’s how to motivate yourself to your best level of achievement. After all, it is up to you! 

Do you find that your job no longer challenges you? Or maybe your work environment is just downright toxic? So much of your life is spent on your career, so that time should be satisfying! If you are miserable, what is the point?! It may be time to quit!Ooh, yep. I...

Let’s go back in time for a minute, to when you were about six years old, and Santa Claus was real. You wrote him a wonderful letter detailing all of the fabulous toys you wished he would bring. And then you forgot to give it to your parents to mail.   You just...

It’s that time… awkward office parties, plus ones and bad karaoke at the annual holiday party. Whether you’re the boss, part of a team or someone’s date – parties can be a great self-marketing tool! Networking the holiday party requires a little extra finesse though....

Have you thought much lately about what your customers---and potential customers---take away from their interactions with you? Key moments in every conversation or transaction are what reinforce who you are, how you are unique, and how you can fill their...

Anyone who has even casually perused my blogs knows that when it comes to a successful sales effort or reaching your goals, it always starts with one thing: planning. But a key part of that planning that sometimes gets short-changed is research.  Planning is all about...

I have friend who, after 10 years at her company, decided to quit her job because of the toxic leadership. I have another friend who lost her job during a huge restructuring. One was by choice, the other - not so much. But both of them dealt with grief from losing a...

What really makes you different than the competition? I am not talking about ‘service’ or price…but what really makes you stand out from the rest? Think about it…what is it about your brand that convinces someone to hire you or buy your product? What are you putting...

If you’re doing it right, you go into every sales call with a clear idea of your goal, your prospect’s needs, and the strategies you’re going to use to connect the dots. But a strategic and well-planned approach isn’t the same as a single-minded approach.  Keeping...

In the last year, I’ve really been working on improving some of my skills, mainly, videos and photos. No, I’m not talking selfies and working on SnapChat. I’m talking about professional development. Even though I’m on a stage 90% of the time in my career, being on...

Recently I was talking with a group of friends, congratulating one on a recent graduation from grad school. She ducked her head and mumbled her thanks then proceeded to discount her happiness with statements like, “…Thanks, but it ‘s not really that big of a deal…”...

Whether you’re on an interview for a new job, going for a promotion, or pitching services to a new client, there’s always some questions you should ask yourself and the interviewer to meet your goals and the goals of the organization. In ANY interview situation, you...

When I started my own business, Orange Leaf Consulting, I was fortunate to have built a small clientele. But I knew I’d need more clients if I wanted to reach my goals. (You know I’m a fan of planning for your goals!). How do you get more clients? Find people who need...

Recently, a friend of mine was talking with a bunch of new college grads. She’s a small business owner, a marketing and communications consultant, who works with multiple clients. When she explained her job to the graduates – who were nervous but excited about...

I thought I was born to be a college professor. I went to grad school, got a Ph.D. in Communication and then taught courses in public speaking, interpersonal communication, leadership – you name it. Then how the heck did I end up being the First Lady of Sales?

One of the best skills you can develop is how to give someone options in order to get a YES. We all like to have options. No one likes to be told what they like, what they don’t, what they want, what they will do, what they won’t. We like choices.  Here’s an...

Feeling like your business is running like a well-oiled machine? You are always listening for a client's need. All your hard work has paid off, your network is immense, your client base is diverse, your staff is happy and hardworking, and most importantly, profits are...