What Are You Doing to Be Known as a Thought Leader?

Dear Sergio, Two cartoons caught my eye recently. In one, two giraffes are talking. The first giraffe laments, “Nobody reads my blogs.” The second giraffe says, “That’s because you don’t have one.” In another cartoon, a business leaders is telling her administrative assistant, “Apparently I’ve written a book. Read it and brief me on what it’s about.” What do these cartoons have to do with each other? To be known as a thought leader, you have to share your thoughts – in writing. Although speaking is a powerful way to show your expertise, the written word still holds more sway. It makes you an authority on the subject. And truly, having written 30 books, I know that with the amount of research that goes into any book, if you were not an authority when you began the book, you are one by the time you finish writing it.   Thought Leadership – Simple, Not Easy Sharing your expertise on a regular basis is a simple concept, but it’s not necessarily easy. Depending on your industry, you can: Write a few blog entries a week Create a case study for your best client Write a white paper that solves a burning industry issue Send a regular email newsletter or tips Craft an article for your industry journal Of course, nothing beats writing a book to make you an industry leader and take you to the next level in commanding higher fees for your services. What if you have no time, or no talent for writing? No one says you have to do all this by yourself. Did you know that more than 50% of non-fiction business books, and most celebrity books are written by someone other than the expert? (We’re called ghost writers). And all those articles and case studies – that’s right, a business writer comes to the rescue. Getting your name out in print takes time, focus and discipline. The rewards can be tremendous.   Let me know if I can help you reap those rewards, so you can continue doing what you do best. Warmest wishes, Lynda Goldman www.LyndaGoldmanInk.com Lynda@LyndaGoldmanInk.com

Kids are Copycats-Thoughts on parenting

Kids are copycats- Thoughts on parenting

Originally posted on Chapel Hill Internet Campus.

As a parent of a little one, I’ve noticed that my daughter LOVES to copy the behaviors of her mama and daddy. She imitates our adult actions by talking on toy phones, by playing dress up in big people clothes, and even literally walking in our shoes. Kids are copycats.

While this form of flattery is immensely heart-melting, this degree of direct imitation should also be sobering. It should remind us that our kids are watching. They’re like little sponges, and they’re watching. Their eyes are fixed and their ears are attentive. They absorb our words and soak up our mannerisms. Kids are copycats.

How will they respond to a frustrating situation? What will they hold in high regard and value? Where will they put their trust? They’ll do as their parents did.

Never forget, kids are copycats.

Talk it over:

• Have you ever caught one of your children mimicking your every move?
• What are some practical ways of modeling desired behaviors to our kids?