Successful Blog

Why I Can’t Reimagine, Recreate, Or Reinvent Me

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living up to who I am

I’m not a knight or a warrior. I can’t fight another person’s fight.
Every time I do. I end up wrong.

I can’t wear their clothes.
They don’t fit. I look silly.

I can’t walk in their shoes.
When I try I fall down.

I wonder at how long it took me to understand this.

I need to sing my own song.

It’s not a selfish thing. It’s a surrender to who I am.

I can toss and turn, stretch and skew an idea, but I can’t change the way my brain works. I can walk all the way around and through a thought or a belief, but I can’t change the chemistry or the electricity of a single synapse — slow them down maybe — but not reroute and remap the system to work as another brain might.

I can be reimagine, recreate, and reinvent solutions.

But I can’t reimagine who I am.
I can’t recreate life of experience and learning.
I can’t reinvent the DNA that makes the unique me.

In that uniqueness is where I found my values and the most valuable traits I offer.

The sun can’t stop shining to become a planet.
We count on its “star-ness” — the energy, heat, and light it offers.

People are made of the same stuff as stars.
I need to bring the best “me-ness” — the energy, mind, and heart I offer.

Living up to what I am is a far better use of my life than trying to become something I’m not.

Be irresistible.

Liz's Signature

The Inverted Pyramid — A Simple Approach to Catch Audience Attention

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A Guest Post by
Rahil Muzafar

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What Is the Inverted Pyramid

Inverted Pyramid is a term well known in the field of journalism, and it refers to a particular structure of laying out a story. While following the Inverted Pyramid structure, you need to start from the most important part of the story/news. The idea is to give the crux of the story in the headline, or the first two three lines.

You might not have noticed this approach because you are used to this style. However, imagine if journalists weren’t employing this approach, and taking the route of story tellers, they will have to start from the scratch and the culmination will come in the end. And even though, reading the newspaper (or watching a news channel) might not have been such a gloomy experience if this approach wasn’t at play, but it is this approach that provides the journalist or reporters what they are looking for, and that’s … reader’s attention.

Is the Inverted Pyramind recommended for all types of writers?

The approach is commonly used by journalists, but not all types of writers. For example the novelists can’t start from the conclusion and then follow it with the rest of the story, but they’re lucky in the sense that their targeted audience is ready to devote some time in reading the novel. But in case of journalists, they don’t get the audience with such leisure time (nobody would prefer going through the doom and gloom news in their leisure time). However, web writers can learn a thing or two from the approach.

What’s in it for web writers?

If you notice, web surfers are actually more in rush, as compared to someone with newspaper in his/her hands. In their bid to scan through hundreds of Google results or web pages in a matter of minutes, they usually just glance through the titles or headlines. And if it fails to grab their attention, they are gone. Thus, one of the most important skills a web writer can learn is to form a headline that will be a magnet for clicks. Now, I’ve worked with a number of writers and some of them are naturally gifted in this regard, and they can come up with more interesting and catchy titles as compared to their counterparts, who might be equally good at writing, still not able to churn out good titles. But if you lack in creativity, you can simply use the “inverted pyramid” approach to overcome this weakness.

How to use the “Inverted Pyramid” approach?

It’s quite straight forward, all you need to do is to think of the most important part of the story, article, blog post, or marketing copy. It’s the part that you think can catch the attention of your targeted audience, and then use that particular information in the title. Note that it is not some revolutionary idea. In fact you see this approach being used a lot while surfing through the web. Remember all those headlines promising overnight riches or miraculous results, that’s inverted pyramid for you and you can use it as well in your writing, from now on.


Bonus Tip:

At times, writers get obsessed with SEO and goes to the extent of spoiling the titles in a bid to add certain keywords in the titles, especially the dry ones like Norton 360 Discount or System Mechanic Coupon. Whilst having keywords or key phrases in the title can surely boost your chances for getting ranked for those keywords, you should make sure that the inclusion of the keywords is not done the cost of ruining the main purpose of the title i.e. attracting the readers.

Rahil Muzafar

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Author’s Bio:

Rahil is an Internet Marketing expert. He works for various coupon codes and discount websites, for example www.verybestsoftware.net that shares different types of deals and discounts for software like Norton 360, System Mechanic, or Acronis.

Thanks! Rahil!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!

Would You Invest 15 Minutes to Help Kids Make a Mark on the World?

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Do You Still Have Trouble Believing in Yourself Sometimes Even Still ?


Kids that contribute their time and talent to make our communities better realize their own potential and self worth.

On helping kids make a difference

An Invitation from Jessica Kirkwood,
VP Interactive Strategy, Points of Light Institute.

Did you ever want to change the world? Set things right? Make a difference? When did you first have a thought like that? Were you just a kid? Even now, does the idea feel too tall, too broad, too big?

It’s not. All it takes is few minutes to encourage a kid — your kid, your cousin, your neice, nephew or neighbor — to make their own mark on the world. One click is all it takes to get started.

October 16-22, generationOn, the youth activation division of Points of Light Institute, launches its annual Make Your Mark Week our initiative to inspire youth to invest their energy, ingenuity and compassion to “make their mark on the world.” Hands-on service projects are being planned all week so that young people can make a big impact on their lives, their communities, and the world.

Imagine the unforgettable experiences.

Right now, projects are being planned to make a difference in areas kids care about — animals, environment, homelessness, hunger and literacy. Here’s two already in the planning:

  • In Nebraska, first through fifth grade students at Columbia Elementary School in Omaha is going to make their mark by creating rope devices that will be used to train service dogs to open doors, refrigerators and other various items for people who need assistance.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia will be using their artistic talents to produce containers featuring plaques that encourage residents to recycle their waste.

Go look at the wealth of ideas. Some take less than 15 minutes.
How would the world be now if we all grew up knowing we could make a difference?

This is our chance to show the next generations how.

I’d be honored to have you join me by helping kids you know make their mark. It easy, fun, and meaningful. Visit http://kidsvolunteer.generationon.org to see how minutes can have a lasting impact.

You’ll be making a difference by showing kids how.

Jessica Kirkwood
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Thank you, Jessica!
The kid I once was and the kid I am now … think this is an outstanding idea!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!

GenConnect’s Laurel House and Liz Strauss Talk Irresistible Attraction

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Who Gets You Where You’re Going

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In a lovely conversation with GenConnect’s Laurel House at BlogHer in August, we explored the questions:

  • What makes an irresistible offer?
  • How does being fully-expressed in your work remove the problem of self-promotion?
  • How do you start the first connections with people you want to meet?
  • How does celebrating your heroes make you and your business better?
  • How are values a part of your attraction?

What works best for you to connect your business to the people who love what you’re doing?

Check out GenConnect – the place to connect with life’s experts.
You’ll find Laurel on Twitter as @QuickieChick

Be irresistible.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!

What Narrow Niche Already Loves What You Do?

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Recently at SOBCon NW, I had a familiar conversation with someone trying to start a business of her own. We talked about her skills, her past successes, and the people she liked working with with. I asked her what she was thinking about building about business around. She told me her concept.

It was huge.

The territory she was trying to cover was way too wide for a first step. Because the content base was so huge the audience would include almost every person from 21 to 65 near the idea of business, social media, or tech in any place in the world.

It’s no wonder she didn’t feel qualified to be an expert. Who would?
No one can be an expert of everything for everyone in the world.

I asked her one question … Who already loves what you do?

What Narrow Niche Already Loves What You Do?

Ever tried to read all of Wikipedia? It’s hard to keep all of that knowledge connected and meaningful without a reality to hang it on. Ever tried to learn a new vocabulary word a day? If the words don’t relate to each other, they fade away as fast as they came. Put a narrow context around a vocabulary you want to learn or an idea you want to explore and suddenly you’re making traction.

It’s the narrow context that allows us to see relationships and apply what we know to the next new thing we learn.
Here’s a few ways that narrowing your niche can build your expertise:

  • When we choose a narrow niche, we can go deeply vertical. We get to know one certain group of people very well. We know who we’re talking to. We know which words are their vocabulary, which metaphors are theirs, which ideas get them to move.
  • When we choose a narrow niche, we “get” the world of that customer group. We can predict the ways they make decisions. We can imagine what they worry about. We decide what features and benefits serve them well and what will be just so much more noise to what they’re trying to do without.
  • When we choose a narrow niche, we can closely study the specific problems of that singular customer group. We get to know what frustrates them, what they yearn for, wish for, and which they never saw again. We have special insight into their view.

      • And as a result of narrowing our niche, they quickly recognize that we “get” them, that we’ve built a product or service that was made for them, and they become our fans. Then convince their friends to become our fans too.

      And narrowing your niche can build your business as well because …

  • When we choose a narrow niche, it’s easy for others to see who we serve. People look who we work with and the commonalities show. All of Mike’s clients are families with small children. All of Britta’s clients are tech CEOs. Marti specializes in launch stage startups.
  • When we choose a narrow niche, people within that niche tell each other about us. Soon enough folks outside the niche ask if we can do it for them too.
  • When we choose a narrow niche, it’s easy for people to share what we do with their friends. When we we’re one thing, they think of us when they meet anyone who has that need. We’re shareable.

It’s true that you can’t be expert at everything for everyone. But who’d want to?
Make a decision to be irresistible to one specific group. Then we can move out slowly to the group that stands right next to them.

Who already loves what you do? Be an expert to them first.

Who is that group for you?

Be irresistible

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!

Finding a Job After College: What They Don’t Tell You In School

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A Guest Post by
Amy

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Tons of Jobs Out There for Me?

Last year, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with distinction and a 3.8 GPA. As a marketing major, I was always told that there were “tons of jobs out there for me” and that employers were “looking for my set of skills” so I wasn’t very concerned about the job hunt ahead of me.

I started looking for a job during my final semester, and when no offers for interviews came I figured it was because I wasn’t available yet and I would have to graduate first.

After graduation, I moved to a larger city and started to focus solely on my job hunt. I would apply for 10 to 15 jobs each day, but many came back with a rejection email because I didn’t quite fit the skill set needed. Most of my applications went without a response at all. I started to feel discouraged after a few weeks thinking that I wouldn’t be able to find employment. After all, the unemployment rate is rising, and I had much less experience than others in my field.

After a while, I finally got my first interview request. I was completely myself and felt comfortable during the first round, which resulted in a request for a second interview. However, I got nervous during that second interview and got a rejection email the next day.

In my second job interview, I decided not to let anything keep me from being myself. I got through both rounds of interviews with flying colors and was offered the job. However, the hours were long, the pay was low, and I would be knocking on doors selling a product. While those qualities may have been alright for someone else, I wanted something a little different. After careful consideration, I turned down that job.

On my way to my third interview, I was already planning on where I would drop off more resumes on my way home. I knew very little about the company and it was impossible to find their website online. But I knew as soon as I walked in the door that this was the place for me. This place had flexible hours, good pay, great atmosphere, and wonderful people to work with.The interview lasted five minutes and I knew I would accept any job they offered me. Turns out, third time is the charm.

After my three month long job search, I feel that I have grown a little wiser. The job hunt is frustrating for anyone, whether they are just coming out of college or in the middle of their career. Along the way, these are the points I have found that may help you find your perfect job.

  1. Don’t be discouraged – Anything you are feeling during your interview will read all over your face. Smile and be yourself. This way, your employer won’t be expecting “interview you” when you walk in the door on Monday.
  2. Keep throwing darts – Keep applying for anything that seems remotely interesting. If you throw enough darts, eventually one will stick.
  3. Look for something different – Don’t just look for a specific position. For example, most marketing majors start looking for marketing jobs, but most of those job listings online are for door to door or over the phone sales people. Again, this may be what you are looking for, but sometimes your skills may call for something else. While looking online, search for keywords like “entry level” if you’re looking to advance, “writing” if that’s what you enjoy, or simply browse the different job listings in your area. There may be something there that you would have never looked for in the search box.

    Don’t forget to visit the actual websites of companies where you think you would like to work. Some of them may not be using a website like Career Builder or Monster.com, and some smaller companies may be using Craigslist because it is less expensive. Also, look in places you may not have thought of at first. Hand in resumes to businesses around your home. Actually giving them the resume in person will probably make you more memorable to the person hiring for the company.

  4. Interview them too – While you are in your interview, make sure you are asking questions too. You need to make sure this job is right for what you want in your life as much as they need to make sure you are fit for the job.
  5. Relax – It may take some time, but something will happen if you work hard enough.

What tricks do you have for finding a job after college?

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Author’s Bio:
Amy Gardner writes financial topics including small business credit cards. Amy welcomes your comments.

Thanks, Rachel. Even the seasoned pros at home need reminders like these!

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!