What is the Elf on the Shelf? Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen this toy taking the holidays by storm for years now. But what makes it a total sensation that people love (or love to hate)? And what can it teach you about how you communicate your own professional story?
Today I have the second part of a holiday themed episode for you and we’re going to be continuing our talk about powerful branding lessons from the Elf on the Shelf children’s Christmas experience. The little guy uses some basic marketing fundamentals very, very well – and is a great illustration of how this can work for your personal brand too! I’ve got eight core tips for you – four in this episode, and four in last week’s episode.
In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:
The idea of “social proof” – how to get it, and what it can do for you!
Sparking welcomed emotions around your (personal) brand
Rejection and refinement are parts of success
Building a professional network of “influencers” (see Episode 37)
These four examples from Elf on the Shelf will help you communicate who you are and what you can do, learn how feelings play a major role in marketing (authentically), and realize you may have more to offer than you think. These are simple concepts to help explain and market your ideas or services to tell your professional story the effective way.
“Success is not an overnight thing.” – Marjorie Stiegler
In this Episode:
[0:55] Check out last week’s episode (part 1 of the Holiday Edition)
[1:30] Social proof and community are key to the Elf’s success – what you can learn
[3:30] What’s your social proof? Here are some ideas.
[4:55] Anticipation – how the Elf takes holiday joy up a notch
[5:30] The emotional element of branding – 100% essential to getting the best opportunities
[7:20] It matters how others feel about working with you – communicating the experience
[8:10] Even Elf on the Shelf got rejected a few times – it’s okay!
[9:05] Laying the groundwork for that snowball effect of success
[10:10] “Influencers” – on social media, and in regular life
[11:00] Expanding your professional network and who to include
Elf on the shelf wearing face mask. Christmas decoration in coronavirus pandemic. Seasonal home design in covid-19 outbreak. Xmas tree and fireplace wreath.
What is the Elf on the Shelf? Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen this toy taking the holidays by storm for years now. But what makes it a total sensation that people love (or love to hate)? And what can it teach you about how you communicate your own professional story?
Today I have a holiday themed episode for you and we’re going to be talking about powerful branding lessons from the Elf on the Shelf children’s Christmas experience. The little guy uses some basic marketing fundamentals very, very well – and is a great illustration of how this can work for your personal brand too! I’ve got eight core tips for you – four in this episode, and four coming up next week.
In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:
The importance of being memorable
How it helps to build on something already familiar (especially if your work is novel)
How to use curiosity to do much of the work for you
What makes you the ‘can’t miss’ product, service, or expert
These first four examples from Elf on the Shelf will help you stay top of mind for your skill and expertise, whether marketing yourself to your boss or marketing your services to new clients. These are simple concepts to help wrap up your ideas and present them in a fun and easy to understand way. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the second part coming next week.
“Go ahead and be confident and be bold.” – Marjorie Stiegler
In this Episode:
[1:55] Basic marketing ideas and how they apply to anything, even Elf on the Shelf
[2:35] Forget clever. It’s better to be catchy, easy to remember, and recognizable!
[4:40] Build upon something familiar to your intended audience
[5:55] Using well known concepts to introduce something new to the market (shout out to Steve Jobs, too)
[7:00] What makes Elf on the Shelf something you ‘have to have’? Hint – it is NOT the physical toy.
[9:00] The right dose of curiosity turns you into an opportunity magnet
[10:45] No hedging. But absolutely deliver on your promise!
[12:30] Write this list down and check it twice – and don’t forget to tune in for Part 2
Are you putting your best self forward virtually? Without face-to-face personal connection, are you concerned that your leadership presence isn’t coming through?
Although leadership and executive presence is a big topic, optimizing how you come across virtually is easy! Here’s a checklist-style discussion of tips you can implement right away, so grab a pen and paper – because this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:
How to dial up your leadership presence in virtual settings
Verbal and nonverbal ways to maximize effectiveness of your messaging
Simple tweaks that have a major impact on how others see (and hear) you virtually
Today we’re going to be talking about putting your best self forward virtually. Inspired by a note that I received from one of my students who is currently taking my course, The Speaking Rx. They asked, “I’m just so much better in person, it’s hard to connect and make a good impression virtually. How do I do that in an all-Zoom environment? Do you have any tips?”
This episode highlights my pro-tips for how you can actually gain ground and continue to grow and develop your executive presence, your executive reputation, and your leader reputation virtually. I give a variety of actions and resources to further your understanding of communicating in a more digital world. By the end of this episode, you will have a checklist of things to do immediately that will improve your online authority.
Do you struggle to advocate or negotiate for yourself (but aren’t at all afraid to speak up for someone else)? Are you afraid of being perceived as overconfident, greedy, or pushy?
If you’re worrying too much about how others might view you, or if you have trouble finding the mindset or words to advocate for yourself, this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:
• Styles of negotiation, and a critical mindset shift
• How self advocacy manifests in professional opportunities (or lack thereof) – it’s not just money!
• “Healthy entitlement” – what it means, and how you can use it
Today we’re going to be talking about everyday negotiation situations. Inspired by a question asked at a virtual conference I attended. Selena Rezvani was the speaker, and she asked us: “What is the number one word that comes to mind, for you, when you think of advocating for yourself?” The responses (and her follow-up) were too good to not share.
This episode explores why professional women think the way we do about how we show up and ask professionally. After this episode, you’ll think of self advocacy, negotiation, and healthy entitlement in an entirely new way.
Do you want to move up within your company or organization? Do you fear your career development is stagnant? Are your goals aligned with your boss’ goals, or do they differ? These are common midcareer concerns.
If you have big growth goals but zero explicit plans to make them happen, today’s your day to turn it around. Most people dread their annual reviews because they don’t know what to discuss – or how to discuss – what they really should be addressing with their boss. In fact, many people don’t even realize that they can use the opportunity to take some control. Sounds appealing? This episode is for you.
In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss:
• Four things you should discuss with your boss to help you advance thoughtfully
• Where to find additional (and deliberate!) growth opportunities
• How to approach “succession planning” – not just for royalty!
Today we’re going to be talking about your annual review and how to actually leverage this time for your own benefit (instead of sweating the evaluation and feedback that makes so many people really nervous). This topic came directly from the listener question, as usual. Mitch writes, “Thank you so much for Episode 29 about how to get the best results using recruiters [we were talking about nonclinical career transitions, among other things]. But what about if you want to move up within your (current) company or organization?” So, in this episode we’re going to cover some strategies to plot your career growth in a deliberate way that accelerates your advancement, whether that’s within your own organization or a new one.
Listen in to hear four topics you should discuss with your boss during your annual (quarterly, or monthly) review. I’m sharing how to navigate having a transparent discussion about compensation, long-term goals, and gaining a deeper understanding of your company’s succession plans (or lack thereof).
