Tips, Secrets & Proven Strategies On How to Develop Your Personal Brand

Personal branding is “the art of building a unique brand around yourself as an individual” and it is just as important as your company’s brand and image.  Personal branding requires you to “find a signature image, a unique voice, and a recognizable standard that your readers, fans, and clients can grow to recognize”.

“Personal branding is becoming increasingly important because modern audiences tend to trust people more than businesses. Audiences are used to seeing advertising everywhere, and they tend to believe corporations and organizations take actions and speak with only sales in mind. Personal branding allows you to establish a reputation and an identity while still maintaining a personal level of trust and interaction, usually through social media.”

Additionally, people want to do business with other people, not with companies. A strong positive personal brand can dramatically improve the number of users who take a desired action i.e. retain you or go to your website and buy something.  

(Quoted sections above extracted from Inc.com article by  Jayson DeMers, Aug. 27, 2014)

Here are some tips, secrets and proven strategies on how to develop your personal brand.

1.) Become an “EXPERT” in at least one professional field or focus on a topic that you are knowledgeable about and start blogging and posting about it  

• Develop yourself in a very specific niche and try not to come across as the “Jack of All Trades...Master at None.” Also consider discussing a hobby, sport or organizations you are involved with.  

• Consider signing up with HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and answer applicable queries...you never know, you might be published in a newspaper, magazine, or on the internet  

• Have someone pitch you and your expertise to local media, colleges, groups, etc., especially if your topic was recently in the news. Try not to self-promote...it annoys people.

• Also have someone submit your name for consideration for awards and acknowledgments.  But remember that these events usually have a “cost” attached to them and you will be expected to sell tickets, seats or ads.   

2.) Set up and link accounts on various SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google Plus +  

• Set up both personal and professional accounts but do not pitch them too frequently. Let people become interested in YOU first and YOU as the professional second.  Social media lets people discover who you are...and it’s free.  You control the information that is posted.  Be careful not to post inappropriate content or too many random and uninteresting photos. 

• Anytime you speak or are mentioned in any article, share/post it and thank the host or author.

3.) VOLUNTEER your time with a CHARITY you feel connected to

• You will meet like-minded individuals and you will expand your potential client base.

• Offer pro bono legal services when appropriate. 

4.) Take at least a few PHOTOS at every events you attend

• Post the photos on your social media sites and remember to acknowledge the event, the venue, the host and the people who were with you.  Most people love to see themselves in photos...and it’s great PR! 

• Be careful not to over expose yourself by attending too many events or posting too many photos.

5.) Create and email a NEWSLETTER

• Take all those business cards you’ve accumulated over the years and create a data base and email list using Mail Chimp, Constant Contact or a similar service. These services all offer templates to design a unique Newsletter. 

• Cover topics that highlight your professional acumen but also include some human interest content.

~Lidia Szczepanowski, Esq.

The Scientific Way to CUT A CAKE!

I LOVE CAKE!!  Who would have thought there is a "science" behind cutting it!

"We're betting that when you cut into a cake, you probably take out one wedge at a time. It's perfectly reasonable, particularly given that it's the classic method for divvying up the dessert. Turns out, though, science says we've been cutting cake all wrong.

"You're not maximizing the amount of gastronomic pleasure you can get from this cake," says British author Alex Bellos. He took to YouTube to show us all the proper cake-cutting procedure—and since it hit the site three days ago, it's already gotten more than two million views. Apparently, this technique is 100 years old and was once published in the science magazine Nature, when Francis Galton wrote a letter to the editor about the faulty wedge method. The reason that strategy is so bad? When you store your cake afterward, the exposed sides will continue to dry out until you take another piece. Slicing your cake in a different way solves this problem, keeping your dessert tender and moist." Check out the video below:

8 Tips For A More Blissful Marriage

1.) Be happy for your spouse (not jealous) when he or she is doing something that makes them happy or fulfilled.
2.) Don’t nag and complain about things that are really not important.
3.) Be respectful towards each other and treat each other as equal partners.
4.) Agree to disagree.
5.) Laugh as often as possible.
6.) Dress up and go out on a date…[don’t just “go out to dinner”]…and try to keep the cell phones off the table.
7.) Romance is important but don’t forget about sensuality and passion.
8.) Realize and appreciate that your spouse may not be “perfect” but they are perfect for you!
 
~Lidia

When I Laughed Out Loud

Last week I met a man I’ve known for many years.  He’s someone whose voice and laugh I could recognize even in a loud crowded room because I heard it just about every day for well over a decade while commuting to and from Hofstra University, St. John’s Law School and my first couple of jobs after graduation.  He’s also the guy who I think was the catalyst or inspiration behind the creation of the acronym “LOL” because day after day after day as I listened to him and his cohorts on the radio, I found myself literally laughing out loud at the off color and sometimes filthy but hysterical jokes, bits and stories.  But I didn’t feel like I was just listening to a radio show, for that hour or so while I was driving in my Datsun 280ZX, I was right there in the studio with them.  I knew these people…I knew their talents, their flaws, their vulnerabilities and the things about them that everyone else made fun of.  Their personal lives were completely exposed and nothing was sacred. We all knew where they grew up, what their families were like, what they did over the weekend, and of course we learned about everyone’s eating and bathroom habits and their sexual experiences. It was reality radio, the precursor to reality television.

So when I met Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling (head writer for the Howard Stern Show for as long as I can remember) at The Space in Westbury, NY the other day, I felt compelled to walk over to him, put my arm around his neck and say “Jackie…I want to thank you…I want to thank you for making all those long and tedious years of driving on the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway not just tolerable but incredibly enjoyable and memorable.”  “I also want to thank you for sharing your extraordinary gift of humor, laughter and amusement with me and millions of other people.” “You gave us the opportunity to escape from reality while we were held hostage in our cars.” 

Jackie turned to me with a slight grin on his face and said quietly “That was so sweet…Thank you for telling me that…It means a lot to me.”  We shared a beautiful moment.

Jackie and I became instant friends and we’re now in the process of developing a Long Island television show that will be filmed in front of a live audience.  We’re slotted to be co-hosts of the show.  It’s magic in the making so stay tuned!  

And BTW, “F” Jackie!

http://www.JokeLand.com                                         

@JackieMartling                                                      

“Jackie’s Joke Hunt” on SiriusXM  Howard 101

Sat. October 19^th,  Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling appearing at the Great Neck Arts Center.

Limited Seating.  https://www.facebook.com/events/276350565823415/

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https://www.facebook.com/EverythingLidiaInc
@EverythingLidia

Handling Your Case in Small Claims Court (New York)

It’s inevitable…one day you will probably find yourself named as a plaintiff or defendant in Small Claims Court. In Small Claims Court, an individual can sue for up to $5,000 in money damages, but they cannot sue to compel someone to do something, or for pain and suffering. A corporation, partnership, or association can also commence an action in Small Claims Court, and this is called a Commercial Small Claims case. There are special rules that apply to Commercial Claims and Consumer Transactions, so make sure to read “Your Guide to Small Claims & Commercial Small Claims in New York City, Nassau County and Suffolk County” found at http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/pdfs/smallclaims.pdf before you proceed with filing an action.

General advice for your Small Claims case:

ﾠﾠ

∙ Every judge (or Arbitrator) has his/her own “style” when presiding over a case. In all likelihood, the judge will not be anything like Judge Judy, so be prepared to deal with any type of personality, from strict to informal or anything in between.

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∙ The plaintiff will present their case first. The defense will be heard afterwards (which may include a counterclaim). Do not interrupt any party (especially the judge) when they are speaking, and be respectful of all parties and court personnel. Take notes while the opposing party is speaking because you will have the opportunity to explain or refute their statements.

ﾠﾠ

∙ Remember that you are telling a story so give sufficient relevant details of your claim or defense. Do not give extraneous facts or information. Focus on the issue(s) only.

∙ Conduct some research on the Internet to determine what the “elements” of your cause of action are. For example, what you must prove in order to prevail. 

∙ Bring original documents to court and at least one copy (preferably two) of all documents. Clip the documents together, put a tab on each document, and add an index (cover sheet) that identifies every document you will be presenting. The judge will appreciate the organization. 

∙ Try to anticipate what the opposing party will be saying in/bringing to court and prepare responses, if possible. 

∙ Prepare, prepare, prepare. Review what you are going to say in court, and the documents you intend to present before your court date.

The Best Personal Protection Advice and Safety Tips for Woman & Teen

I Have a Manolo Blahnik and I Know How to Use It!

FIGHT BACK OR NOT?  

By: Lidia Szczepanowski, Esq.

If you are the victim of an attempted assault or robbery, should you fight back? 

According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service and a report prepared by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, active resistance can decrease the chances of a completed rape by about 80 percent.  The bottom line is this:  If someone is just looking to take your valuables and they have a weapon, give them up.  On the other hand, if an attacker is looking to sexually assault or rape you, statistics support the conclusion that you should “fight back.” Remember that active resistance could be as simple as making noise and bringing attention to yourself.  This can “disrupt” the attacker’s “plan” and he may get discouraged or lose focus.  If you respond with a physical counter-attack, make sure to commit to your decision because there is no turning back.  And remember, your goal is to escape, not engage in a fight.

What should you do if someone pulls a gun out at you?

If that happens, you're probably going to have to choose between "bad" and "worse".  There is no 'right' answer as to what you should do, just the "best" one under the circumstances since no two gunpoint situations are alike.  The advice given by most safety experts is to remain calm, establish eye contact, be as compliant as you can, be aware of your surroundings, and do what you need to in order to survive. If it's a robbery, once again, just give up your valuables. But if someone wants to kidnap you or take you as hostage, most experts agree that you should never go from point "A" to point "B" because unfortunately there is a high probability that you will be taken by the perpetrator to the scene of your own sexual or other assault and/or grave. If possible, try to stall getting into a vehicle in any way you can which might include, for example, looking past your attacker's shoulder and nodding, giving him the impression that there is somebody behind him, bringing attention to yourself, or perhaps even pretending to faint. Again, there is no "right" answer and your best defense is to avoid the situation to begin with. 

In any event, everyone should "think in advance" how they would or could react if they were attacked or if someone pulled out a gun or knife.  It is important to remember that every individual attacker and situation will be different, and there is no one set of correct responses.  While it is true that fighting back may cause an attacker to become even more agitated, it is important that before reacting, you listen to your gut, and let your experience and common sense kick in.     

BE PREPARED! 

The key to safety is very simple:  Education.  You must arm yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond to a number of different circumstances. What may work in one situation against one perpetrator may not work in another.   

Safety awareness is about using your common sense, being well informed, thinking in advance, and planning ahead.  “Stylish Safety”® is about looking at the world from a different perspective.  It is a lifestyle and state of mind that guides women on how to avert danger and be safer by simply learning and applying a few basic principles to their lives without compromising their confidence, style, elegance and panache. Stylish Safety teaches women very effective safety tips and defensive tactics and how to incorporate them into a woman's everyday life. Stylish Safety is also about the choices we make and how we look at things around us. Individuals who integrate Stylish Safety into their lives exude positive energy and walk with their chins up a little higher and their shoulders back a little further. 

Stylish Safety has developed “T I P S” that, if followed, will significantly decrease anyone’s chances of being the victim of an attack.

Think.  Ask yourself, “What would I do if…? Think about and anticipate your response/reaction before an attack happens.

Interrupt.  Try to stop the incident from starting or progressing by remembering the “DIVAS 5 Steps to Safety” as developed by Stylish Safety:

·         Distraction.  Pay attention to your surroundings and stay focused.

·         Intuition.  Always trust your instincts.  If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t;

·         Vulnerability.  Don‘t put yourself in a vulnerable situation.

·         Assessment.  Carefully analyze and assess the situation at hand and be ready to react.

·         Skills.  Know your weapons, natural and material, and how and when to use them, i.e., hands, fingers, feet, handbag/briefcase, ATM card, whistle, umbrella, book, etc.  (The high heels of those Manolo Blahniks can be an extremely effective weapon to fight off an attacker!)

                                   

Practice.  Physically rehearse how you will react and what you will do if someone grabs or attacks you. 

Speed and Strength.  React with purpose and force.  You may have a small window of opportunity to act and even a smaller amount of time to escape.   

KNOW SOME BASIC PERSONAL DEFENSIVE MANEUVERS AND TACTICS!

It takes many years of training to become proficient in any martial art, but you don’t have to be a Black Belt to be able to defend yourself.  Every person should know at least a few basic yet highly effective defensive maneuvers. Here are a few.

• One of the most forceful defensive moves is a swift strike to the throat area just below the Adam’s Apple with your fingers or the side of a stiff hand.  Always think “stun and run.” 

• Another powerful response is to push both your hands up into the attackers chin, forcing his head to whip back. 

• Yet another super effective move is to push the side/edge of your hand directly underneath the middle of someone’s nose or strike underneath the nose with your palm heel. 

• Jabbing your fingers into a facial orifice such as eyes, ears and mouth can be quite successful as well. 

• Finally, if you are brought to the ground, try to get up immediately.  If you cannot, stay on your back keeping your body rounded with your feet up.  Keep the perpetrator away by kicking your legs and feet.  If a person gets on top of you while you are on your back, keep your elbows and hands up in front of your face.  Then try to push the person off by bumping your pelvis up forcefully and using your hips to get him off balance.  Once he falls forward, try to roll onto your side and get up.

Although the above information may seem daunting, it is important not to live in fear because confidence and a positive attitude are two of your strongest weapons. Remember to keep your eyes open and walk with your head up high and shoulders back and never compromise your personal style.

So go ahead and put on your Manolos, grab your Louis Vuitton bag and arm yourself with style and safety!  

Please share this article with your daughters, mothers, sisters and all the women in your lives. It may save theirs.

Lidia Szczepanowski, Esq., a practicing attorney and legal correspondent (www.AskLidiatheLawyer.com), an entrepreneurial consultant in various media outlets and personal safety expert, is the founder of the National Organization for Women’s Safety Awareness, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit (www.TheNOWSA.org), Everything Lidia, Inc. (www.EverythingLidia.com), and the nationally renowned “Stylish Safety” seminars”.  She has over 15 years of martial arts training, holds a Black Belt in Karate and is currently training in mixed martial arts and the Russian martial art of Systema.  Lidia also holds the titles of Mrs. Corporate America 2013, Mrs. New York International 2009 and Mrs. New York America 2006.