As women, expectations still exist to do it all—maintaining the demands of multiple roles: businesswoman, employee, breadwinner, daughter, sister, partner, homemaker, mother, chore and homework supervisor, family taxi driver, meal planner, or some combination of any of these and probably more.

Why do we feel the need to be Superwoman?

But do we really have to?

Being Superwoman comes at a cost both mentally and physically.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about living life to its fullest, wanting to be the best and accepting challenges that come my way but it’s a balancing act wearing multiple hats while trying to keep your cape straight. Right?

Then comes the stress about not being your best, finishing a project on time or enough clients in your sales funnel. The guilt about whether you’re not spending enough time with your kids/partner (insert who or what here!)

Feeling bad about not being able to manage super-human expectations only diminishes your energy to get things done.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get it all done, but it’s how we care for ourselves in the process to make sure that physically and mentally we can get it all done.

So, next time you’re feeling your cape starting to fray around the edges just remember these insights:

Accept that there’s 24 hours in each day and you can only do a day’s work.

Adopt an “Attitude of Gratitude” for what you achieve when you achieve it no matter what size.

Remember to ‘put mask on self first.’

Airlines tell you in case of an emergency, you need to put the oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others. There’s a good reason for it. You can help more people once you’ve looked after yourself. So remember to treat yourself once and awhile; look after your well-being and take a breather when you need it. It’s not being selfish – it’s self preservation.

Try these tips the next time you’re overwhelmed by the need to “do it all!”

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Is Your Cape Starting to Fray Around the Edges? appeared first on WeBC.

In theory this might sound wonderful, but in practice it simply doesn’t work.

Especially now.

Caring for ourselves translates into being able to care for others, which translates into powerful inspiration and a sense of well-being.

So let’s not just read it and delete it—start your self-care today by putting the following points into practice.

#1. Start your day with Meditation

Even if it’s just a 10-15 minutes, choose that time to clear errant thoughts and focus on that day’s outcome (mindlessly staring out the window counts!)

#2. Schedule “Me” Time

Focusing on work is a great excuse for not taking care of yourself. Like your business, if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. Put yourself on the calendar and keep your appointment!

#3. Get enough ZZZs

The scientific benefits of sleep are innumerable.

In addition to detoxifying the brain, sufficient sleep equates to better health and improved decision-making. Recharge those batteries.

#4. Let’s Get Physical

Sedentary life behind a computer screen, day after day will kill you. There, it’s been said.

Get up, get out, get moving. Not into marathons? Try yoga or simply go for a walk around the block or climb a few sets of stairs. Just move.

#5. Keep a Journal

This can be a great way to ‘download’ all the stuff from the day and defrag your ‘hard drive’ – aka your brain. Life can be very busy and keeping a journal can be very therapeutic. Go back and read Item #2 on this list.

#6. Crank up the Tunes

Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress. Combine this with Item #4 and bust a move.

#7. Make Time for Play and Remember to Laugh. A lot

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we’ve stopped playing. Play and laughter help us keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations and disappointments.

Laughter really is the best medicine. It makes us feel good and the good feeling that we get when we laugh and have fun remains with us even after the laughter subsides. A game of ‘Heads Up’ anyone?

Now Go Get Connected!

The post 7 “Me” Things to do Right Now for Your Well-being appeared first on WeBC.

As business owners, we know the best way to measure and ultimately achieve our desired success is to have goals and milestones.

If you’re like me – optimistic (AKA over ambitious) you start each year with a huge list of BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals. Then as the year progresses, they either fall by the wayside or more often than not, you get so involved in the day to day tasks of running your business, you forget about them.

Let’s change that.

Too often, we attempt to bite off more than we can chew and unless we have a degree in event planning, have mastered time management and have fairy dust as a back up, we always end up coming up short at the end of the year. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

If you’ve been in business long enough, you’ve heard the old adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” No, you’re not eating an actual elephant! It’s an analogy of how to tackle a large task.

No matter how many different things you do in a week or a month, there are only three tasks and/or activities that account for up to 90% of the value of the contribution you make to your business. This is known as the “Rule of Three” and it’s quite simple:

1. Write down three things you want to accomplish TODAY.

2. Write three things you want to accomplish this WEEK.

3. Write three things you want to accomplish this YEAR.

That’s it.

Why does this work?

It requires you to narrow your focus. You can’t work on a dozen goals at once.

It forces you to work consistently on goals. With just three priorities, there’s less distraction and you are clear on what you or working towards.

You will see the results of your efforts. Working with a smaller number gives us the ability to see a finish line in a shorter period of time and as human beings, we love to be a winner!

Give it a “tri” smile

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Achieving Big.Hairy.Audacious.Goals: The Rule of Three appeared first on WeBC.

First off, remain calm. Customers and prospective clients can sense desperation from a mile away and they’ll cross the street just to pretend they didn’t see you coming. Take a deep breath, be calm and let’s focus on what needs to be done.

Focus on positive experiences – like the time you got that contract you worked on for so long.

Secondly, put your energy towards what you can change, not what you can’t.

Need ideas on how to start? Here are some tips for Getting Back on Track.

1. Review

Review your goals and either recommit to the action plan you set for yourself in the past – or create a new one!

2. Declutter

It’s impossible to feel excited about what you do if you have a chaotic work environment.

3. Change It Up

If you’ve been working from home, it’s not always the most creative space if you need to brainstorm. Same goes for the office. Because I live and work on Vancouver’s North Shore, I will go for a hike through the forest if I need to get re-energized. It’s amazing how physical energy can feed intellectual energy. Not close to a forest or a park? Hit the stairs in your building or walk around the block.

3. Have Lunch with a Leader

When it’s safe to do so and you feel comfortable, have lunch with a business professional whose success you want to emulate. Find out what they’re doing differently than you, and how you can incorporate those ideas into your business.

4. Audit

Even better than lunch, invite someone to go with you on your sales calls, or sit with you when you make customer service phone calls. Ask them for feedback – and listen to it.

5. Get a Mentor/Coach

Whoever you choose, ask them to be honest with you, and when they are, do something with the advice they give you. I encourage you to check out the mentoring programs at Women’s Enterprise Centre.

6. Adapt and Adopt

What may have worked in the past certainly isn’t working now, right? Adapt and Adopt new ways of generating business with our ‘new normal’.

7. Tell Someone

I have found that if I tell someone, whom I admire either in business or personally what I will do in the next day, week etc. I hold myself accountable. It always works.

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Getting Back to Business? Get Back On Track appeared first on WeBC.

Here are some strategies to determine the ‘right’ event to attend and steps to take when meeting a new person.

Do your research

Most events are hosted by organizations or companies so there is usually plenty of information on their website to help you decide if attending the event will be beneficial to you. If you still don’t have the big picture, call the organizer and ask these questions:

• Do you have to become a member to attend?
• Is it industry specific?
• Who typically attends these functions?
• Is it area specific?
• Cost?

Attend with the intent of Making Connections

Everyone has different ‘methods’ of meeting people. The best method is to be a guest of an existing member and have them introduce you to people that may be a good resource or potential client. If you’re going solo, here are some simple steps to making a connection:

1. The Initial Introduction

• Introduce yourself and repeat the other person’s name once they’ve introduced themselves.
• Find a general topic to discuss ie: “Are you a regular attendee of this group?” or “How do you know Cathy?”
• Listen and respond
• If possible, be the first to ask what it is that they do. By allowing them to speak first, they’ll be more apt to listen when it is your turn.
• offer to exchange business cards.

2. The Initial Follow-up

• Send a note or email. (I prefer a handwritten note via snail mail – it has a much bigger impact and they remember me!)
• Say/send something of interest based on the conversation. (it doesn’t have to be business related)
• Always ask how you can help them through your services or in general.

3. The Ongoing Follow-up

After the initial follow-up, you will have a better idea of who needs to be on your ‘A’ list and who will remain an acquaintance.

And the final word . . . .initiate conversation with individuals that you normally wouldn’t. Pre-judging is a terrible trap to fall into because even though that individual may not seem to be a match for your business, you have no idea who they are connected to or who their circle of influence includes until you speak with them.

Want connections? I invite you to check out The Connected Woman Association, an organization of like-minded women who “Go Beyond the Business Card”!

Now Go Get Connected!

The post A New Year = New Connections appeared first on WeBC.

Start today and put into practice 7 “Me” things to do right now for your well-being.

1. Start your day with Meditation

Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, choose that time to clear errant thoughts and focus on that day’s outcome.

2. Schedule “Me” Time

Focusing on work is a great excuse for not taking care of yourself. Like your business, if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. Put yourself on the calendar and keep your appointment!

3. Get enough ZZZs

The scientific benefits of sleep are innumerable. In addition to detoxifying the brain, sufficient sleep equates to more happiness, better health and improved decision-making. Recharge those batteries.

4. Let’s Get Physical

Sedentary life behind a computer screen, day after day will kill you. There, it’s been said. Get up, get out, get moving. Not into marathons? Try yoga or simply go for a walk. Just move.

5. Keep a Journal

This can be a great way to ‘download’ all the stuff from the day and defrag your ‘hard drive’ – aka your brain. Life can be very busy and keeping a journal can be very therapeutic. Go back and read Item #2 on this list.

6. Crank up the Tunes

Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress. Combine this with Item #4 and bust a move.

7. Make Time for Play and Remember to Laugh. A lot.

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. Play and laughter help us keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations and disappointments.

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Keep Your “Me” Appointment appeared first on WeBC.

Thought leaders do things that will set them apart from the crowd. In addition to being an expert in their field, thought leaders share information with the world through blogs, articles, posts, public speaking, and other platforms that can spread their message. It’s not enough that they know what they’re an expert of, they let OTHER people know that not only are they innovative and knowledgeable, they have the experience to support their claims.

To help you begin the journey of becoming a thought leader, here are a few areas to focus on.

1. Make Connections

Great thought leaders genuinely want to help people. If you know someone who should know someone else, connect with them. It might not serve you directly, but people appreciate the effort. Soon, they’ll send other people to you and word will get around that you’re a nice person who knows your stuff. That builds trust, and trust is one of the key components to getting people to become your client.

2. Cultivate relationships

Strategic alliances with bloggers and media personalities are a great way to become a thought leader. Connect with them. Comment on their blog, offers a helpful bit of advice or resource that could help their readership or connect them to a person in your network that would create a win/win for both of them – and you.

3. Keep Learning

The reason you’re an expert in your field is that you are a lifelong learner. There’s always new information that can help you remain the expert in your field.

TIP: What you learn doesn’t always have to be related to what you do. Learning something completely different, can broaden your perspective and give you valuable insights.

4. It’s not about You

Put your ego on the back burner. Instead of looking for that “pat on the back”, allow others to not only share the limelight but shine. No one becomes an expert on their own.

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Are You a Thought Leader? appeared first on WeBC.

1. Do I have to go?

Just being there is 80 percent of success. Consider the office party as an extension of your job.

2. What should I wear?

If the event is after work and the invitation does not indicate otherwise, business attire is appropriate. If the party is in the evening or weekend, check with your host. What you wear should reflect well on you professionally.

3. How long should I stay?

Stay at least an hour and make sure people see you. When you do leave, don’t sneak out; say goodbye to the hosts and thank them.

4. How much should I eat and drink?

If it’s a reception with hors d’oeuvres, hold your glass in your left hand and avoid ‘saucy’ foods so you have a clean handshake.
Ahh, the drinks. Alcohol and business rarely mix so limit yourself. You will want to keep your wits about you because your conduct has a direct bearing on your job.

5. Do I need to bring a gift?

Some office parties will include a gift exchange among co-workers. Choose consumable products and stay within the recommended value. If no value has been suggested, $15 – $20 is reasonable.
The holiday office party can be a challenge. What you say and do will be remembered in the minds of your colleagues. Make sure you’re remembered for all the right reasons!

Happy Holidays!

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Christmas Office Party? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions appeared first on WeBC.

Yup! You’ve got Call Reluctance and it’s a common affliction.

Over 80% of salespeople report experiencing of call reluctance that nearly ended their careers.

So, what causes this?

1. Fear of Self-promotion.

You know you have a great product/service but you don’t want to be perceived as someone who thinks too highly of herself. Think again! It’s ok if the light of your product reflects on you. in fact, it’s essential!

2. Fear of Intruding.

Courtesy is admirable. You may want to ask if this is a good time to talk. Call later if they’re busy.

3. Dignity Crisis.

Isn’t calling others and asking them to hire your services a little beneath your dignity? It would be great if our customers come to us voluntarily, but we wouldn’t have a multi-billion dollar advertising industry if that strategy worked for everyone!

4. Question Anxiety.

We would all rather be asked than do the asking. We have to ask for the sale, booking, appointment or referral. We live in a world where successful people ask for what they’re looking for.

Overcoming call reluctance is a process. Think positive! Take one step at a time. If every call results in something where the process takes a step forward–even if it’s a baby step–that gives you the confidence to make the next call.

You can do it!

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Got ‘Call Reluctance’? You Are Not Alone appeared first on WeBC.

1. Spread out your follow-up. Follow up throughout the year with phone conversations, emails, newsletters, and greeting cards.
2. Create a plan and stick to it. Don’t change your pattern. Your clients will begin to plan on hearing from you and will make time to see you.
3. Schedule the next meeting before leaving the current one.
4. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to maintain the relationship. Take responsibility for the relationship.
5. Invite customers to network events. Seeing your customers monthly or weekly at an event will help you create a stronger relationship.
6. Automate it! Your newsletter and your outlook calendar reminder will pop up. By having a system you guarantee consistency in your actions.

A statistic to remember: 80% of sales are made on the fifth to twelfth contact.

It’s important to follow up with prospects – it’s even more important to have a consistent follow-up. The goal is to create conversations and develop relationships. Through these relationships, you will create more businesses AND develop ambassadors for your business who will gladly refer you!

Now go get connected!

The post Consistently Connecting appeared first on WeBC.

When you just start building your business brand, you are never sure if anyone is even noticing you. Then one day, you open your email …

“Dear Cathy, we’ve never met but twice during this morning I was given your name as someone I had to talk to. My friend saw you speak at an event a few months ago, and the other person attended a Board of Trade event just recently where they met you.”

“Please don’t think it’s creepy but I googled you, saw your LinkedIn profile and decided to get in touch with you.”

Yup. It really happened and when it did that first time, I was doing the ‘yippy skippy’ dance – and then I went to the ‘dark side’.

“Is this person for real?” “Who’s talking about me?” “What are they saying?” “Can I live up to it?”

Then I remembered. DUH! That’s what I do … I am purposefully getting out there so people notice me and talk about me. (keyword: purposely) .

I tell my coaching clients, I’m not going to make you rich and famous (you can do that yourself!) and I don’t teach theory. I teach small, simple things that if you do them consistently, you will get results. So here are five small and simple things that you can do to get noticed and remembered.

1. Get out of the house every day. Which means get up, get dressed (nicely) do your hair and remember your business cards.
2. Be natural, be 100% YOU. If that means you’re going to look a little foolish – so what.
3. Make networking a priority in your business especially if you are just starting out. Don’t stop networking ever. EVER.
4. Have a really simple message about who you are and what you do. Don’t embellish it because you will mess it up. (yes you will…)
5. SPEAK! …at the front of the room. Getting in front of a group is the fastest way to get known as the expert in your field. If you’re not the presenter, stand up and ask a question even if it’s a simple request. – “Hi, Cathy Kuzel, Business Development Strategist and Your Connection to ALL Things Small Biz. Could you please repeat those last statistics? Thanks!”

Now Go Get Connected!

The post Can You Tell if You are Making a Difference? appeared first on WeBC.

This holiday season makes your business shine a bit brighter.

During any time of the year that business is a bit slower paced, you have plenty of opportunities to make an impression with a “Stop & Drop”.

It’s this in a nutshell: you “Stop” in on a client or a prospect unexpectedly to say hello, “Drop” a card or small gift and leave. It’s easy to do, it gives you the opportunity to say ‘hi’ face to face and builds relationships.

Keep it short. This is not a service or sales call – so keep it to 10 minutes max. During your SHORT conversation, you can get a pulse of what their wants and needs are so you can better serve them. If they want to have a longer conversation with you about your services/product, be prepared to do it right then and there, or choose to schedule a time that works for both of you.

Is the person that you wanted to see not in? Then be sure to follow up with a personal handwritten note.

No amount of cold calling, sales promotions, or advertising will equal the amount of business you will get from someone who knows you, trusts you and will recommend you to their customers. Business is built on connections and relationships – not texts, emails or phone calls. I’ve always made a point of scheduling a coffee ‘meeting’ at least twice a week. One is with someone new that I’ve just met and the other is usually a colleague that I haven’t seen for a while.

Happy Holidays! Now Go, Get Connected!

The post “Stop and Drop” this Holiday Season appeared first on WeBC.