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The Biggest Branding Challenge Ever

The Biggest Branding Challenge Ever

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...

The one research technique better than Google

The one research technique better than Google

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...

Grief when you’re unemployed

Grief when you’re unemployed

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 Differentiates You?

What Differentiates You?

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...

What’s On Top of Your Mind?

What’s On Top of Your Mind?

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...

Always Keep Improving 

Always Keep Improving 

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...

Make Room for Success

Make Room for Success

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…”...

Questions to always ask in an interview

Questions to always ask in an interview

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...

T.A.L.K. it out

T.A.L.K. it out

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...

Every day interviews

Every day interviews

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...

My Sales Story

My Sales Story

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?

ASK: Ask to Offer

ASK: Ask to Offer

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...

LISTEN: Seeing Areas of Need

LISTEN: Seeing Areas of Need

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...

LOOK: By The Way Sales

LOOK: By The Way Sales

Have you ever noticed how some of the best sales relationships happen organically? There is something so satisfying and exciting about developing a new client when you weren’t even looking! My friend Lucas owns his own consulting company. He found he really needed to...

PLAN: Get Real About Goals

PLAN: Get Real About Goals

Recently, my friend attended a seminar about goal setting. Naturally, it included the idea of having S.M.A.R.T. goals (more about that in a bit), but also how to refine those so you don’t get burnt out, overwhelmed or stuck in a rut. And that’s exactly why she went to...

Power vs Influence

Power vs Influence

Recently my friend was in an argument with her teenager. She wanted her daughter to stop watching so much YouTube and read. The teen pushed back, arguing and asking why. My friend was tired and used the dreaded phrase, “Because I said so!” Ugh… that’s never effective...

Reframing No

Reframing No

I once worked with someone who couldn’t handle the answer, “No.” It was a lot like dealing with a child. One day I literally saw her stomp, raise her voice and throw a book! She then spent the rest of the day trying to “rallying the troops” and get other employees on...

Self-care Sunday

Self-care Sunday

I listened to a very interesting conversation between friends last Friday evening. We had all come off a very busy week with another one looming on the horizon. One friend asked, “Does anyone want to go shopping tomorrow?” The first response was, “No, I’m going...

The Sales Ick Factor

The Sales Ick Factor

How many of you cringe when you hear the word ‘sales’? Or hesitate to tell someone you are a salesperson because you are certain they will picture you in fake white leather shoes, plaid pants, butterfly color, and slicked-back hair? Maybe it is because you once bought...

Getting Into The Trenches 

Getting Into The Trenches 

When Terry first started her own business, she knew she would need to start with her own network first. Friends are your best network! But, the idea of asking her friends for help rattled her. She felt uncomfortable, like she was putting them in an awkward spot....

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