The Art of Establishing Your Personal Business Brand

By Cambridge Who's Who Member and Contributing Author Lisa Parker

Each of us sports our own, unique personal brand. The many things that separate and identify us as individuals become known as our personal brand. All of the principle components of our personal brand, including our first impressions, demeanor, accomplishments and the value we place on interactions with others, determine the level of success we experience in both our personal and professional lives.

As we establish business and working relationships, we must incorporate those same principles in the strategy we use to develop our personal business brand. As an entrepreneur, I would like to share with you four basic steps I took to incorporate personal branding into my business.

Service and Reputation – The first step toward developing a personal brand within a business context is to decide what your mission is and determine the type of service or product you intend to provide to your clients or customers. Always deliver the service or product as promised and in the utmost professional manner. The expectation of, or perceived, service is the reason your customers will choose your services over other competitors’. Once you identify the needs of a potential client base, market your business based on the provision of those needs. By visualizing the result of your efforts, you will be able outline a plan of action to reach your goals.

In promoting my business, I researched other service providers in my industry and chose to provide my clients with a level of service that I found missing in a sampling of my competition: one-on-one customer service. The availability of this simple, consumer expectation is severely lacking in today’s market. A client can hardly expect satisfaction while seeking services when access to a concerned service provider is practically impossible. As my business continues to grow, I note that most of the comments from satisfied customers focus on their appreciation for being able to contact an individual service provider.

Marketing Strategy – The second step in promoting your personal business brand is obtaining visibility. With the unlimited resources and marketing avenues available today, you do not have to spend a great deal of money (if any) to establish yourself or your business. You may consider my techniques “shameless self-promotion”; however I consider the results monetarily rewarding. In addition to a variety of local advertising assets, such as newspapers, magazines and the Chamber of Commerce, there are plenty of online resources just waiting for you to tap into the benefits they provide. One little known option is using popular, free blog sites such as Word Press to help you get your information out onto the Web in minutes. I spent a short amount of time researching some of the opportunities available in regards to free advertising, and you can view the results of my efforts first hand by taking time to Google my business name in a variety of ways (e.g. Parker cprw, Parkercprw, Lisa Parker cprw).

Networking – The third step in laying a successful foundation for your personal business brand involves never underestimating the power of networking. In addition to the efforts you employ through advertising and marketing methods, remember that opportunities for networking happen on a daily basis. Large amounts of my clients have sought out my services after seeing my business’ name or speaking with other satisfied customers.

Aside from the many organizations that enlist members in the development of professional relationships with others in their career field, there are also plenty of opportunities to network in your local community. As a business owner, you can provide free workshops, schedule product demonstrations, distribute opportunities for entry into free drawings to local businesses and participate in a number of other activities to support the growth of your business. If your organization supports local events, be sure to wear a professional identification badge that mentions your business or service. The key to effective networking is to be diverse in your connections, and by this, I mean that you should not limit yourself to a particular industry, profession or region.

Association – The ultimate goal is to have your business name associated not only with the service or product you provide, but with your own personal name as well. Most of us already have a business name before we begin to research and understand the importance of branding. Do not wait any longer to begin marketing your name side-by-side with that of your business. Consider “Trump Plaza”, “Trump Towers”, “Trump University” and “Trump Financial”. Do you know whom I am referring to?

Personal business branding is the art of following the “Golden Rule” in the provision of services to and interaction with clients and customers. By learning how to manage others’ perceptions of you and your business, you will naturally establish a unique value that sets you apart from competitors in your career field.

Cambridge Who's Who Contributing Author Lisa Parker

Biography

Cambridge Who’s Who lifetime member, Lisa Parker, is a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) with more than 23 years of experience in personal and professional development, and the owner of Parker-CPRW Professional Résumé Presentations. Her services help clients advance in their careers or pursue a career change. When Ms. Parker transitioned from military service to the civilian labor market, she was able to understand first-hand the difficulties that many professionals experience during a career change. Overcoming these challenges inspired her to provide guidance to others in the job market.

Ms. Parker assists her clients in preparing cover letters, thank you letters, follow-up letters, biographies, award narratives and entry-level, professional and executive résuméand curriculum vitaes. She also offers company and labor market research and helps individuals to identify their skills and personal traits.

She served in the military for 21 years in aviation, and retired as First Sergeant of an air traffic control unit. Upon her retirement from the military, Ms. Parker worked in the Department of Labor as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist, providing assistance to veterans in the areas of job placement, military transition and résumé preparation.

In addition to being a CPRW, Ms. Parker is a Certified Transition Assistance Program Facilitator and a Notary Public. She is also a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches, International Association of Workforce Professionals, National Notary Association, Association of Online Résumé & Career Professionals, National Veterans’ Training Institute, Disabled American Veterans, Non Commissioned Officer Association, American Legion Post 283, Women In Military Service For America, National Motorcycle Safety Fund, American Bikers Active Toward Education and the Victory Motorcycle Club.

To add to her accomplishments, Ms. Parker received the Customer Service Award from the Georgia Department of Labor in 2007; Certificate of Appreciation from the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program; and a Meritorious Service Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, both from the United States Army.

Articles by Lisa Parker

• The Art of Establishing Your Personal Business Brand New!

How Your Personal Brand Makes an Impact

Understanding the Importance of Performance, Image and Exposure

By Cambridge Who's Who Member and Contributing Author Philip B. Righter

Impact…you know it when you see it.

In its mathematical form:

Impact = Confidence + Competence + Credibility

To have impact, you must consistently deliver exceptional results by connecting dots and showing how the big picture relates to tactical execution; demonstrate intimate knowledge and expertise of the subject matter while exuding confidence but not arrogance; and maintain your composure and effective management skills through a crisis while presenting information clearly and concisely. The art of charts, interaction and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization will also come in handy. (Definition derived from “5 Steps to Professional Presence” by Susan Bixler and Lisa Scherrer Dugan)

Impact and “Executive Presence” are concepts that most people can identify but have a hard time describing. If we watched someone with Impact and Executive Presence, what behaviors would we observe? The individual in question would project an image of confidence, competence and credibility.

Each of the three C’s builds upon one another. Confidence is derived from being comfortable with who you are as well as having a working knowledge of the subject matter. Competence is a reflection of how comfortable you are with a particular topic, and you typically display more confidence the more competent you are. Credibility comes when, through your confidence and competence, you are able to deliver what you have committed to. When you are credible, people believe you because your “Say/Do Ratio” is equal- i.e., what you say you are going to do = what you actually do.

You can increase your confidence, competence and credibility by doing the following:

• Consistently deliver exceptional results – Everything starts and ends with the ability to produce exceptional results on a consistent basis.


• Connect the dots – Be a clear thinker who connects the strategic picture to tactical objectives with accountability. Clear thinking is one of the main traits of a growth leader.


• Demonstrate intimate knowledge and expertise – This is where many people can gain their confidence, as expertise is also a growth leader trait. Each of us should develop functional depth on a subject related to our position. You gain this knowledge through varied experiences and a compilation of skills. It is important to realize that you shouldn’t act like you know something when you really don’t. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know” if you commit to finding the answer.


• Exude confidence, not arrogance – Be confident yet humble. Don’t act like you have all the answers and know everything. And do not be prideful, arrogant or boastful. Leaders with impact are open to feedback and opposing points of view.


• Maintain composure – We all have crises and emergencies. Leaders with impact are calm and collected as they manage the issues. In other words, they understand the magnitude of the issue, put emotions into perspective, create an action plan and communicate the issue and plan to stakeholders.


• Present information clearly and concisely – Here there are two equally important concepts: preparing the pitch and delivering the pitch. You must construct your presentation so the message, call for action and next steps are clear and flow well throughout the pitch. This includes the use of charts, colors and graphics. Once you have created the presentation, you must deliver it with the appropriate use of gestures, voice inflection, audience interaction and eye contact.


• Interact and communicate at all levels – Leaders with impact can interact and communicate with exempt, non-exempt and hourly employees. It shouldn’t matter what the person’s title or job responsibilities are. Leaders with impact display respect and consideration to all. This is consistent with the inclusive growth leader trait.

Note that we can use the phrases “Executive Presence” and “making an impact” interchangeably. Making an impact means understanding that our economy is a meritocracy. The United States is a place where performance and execution count the most. Your drive, determination and commitment to succeed are part of the image you project.

The PIE model (based on “Empowering Yourself – The Organization Game Revealed” by Harvey Coleman) is a framework for success that lays the foundation for personal and professional growth. It comprises performance, image and exposure:

• Performance: This is your entry ticket and reputation-builder. It begins your legacy – the common denominator in the promotion process. It also confirms your ability to take on more responsibility, helping you to stay above the bar as it is continuously raised.


• Image: It is the message that you send before you speak, whether intentional or not. It includes attire, confidence and demeanor, and develops early in your career. Every interaction counts, so make sure that all are positive.


• Exposure: This lets others know of your performance and makes you visible to those who can influence your career. It can be enhanced by a strong network of mentors, bosses and champions. Exposure is a double-edged sword; if you perform well and obtain exposure, you can score a home-run. If you perform poorly and obtain exposure, you can strike out.

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Cambridge Who's Who Contributing Author Philip B. Righter

Biography

Cambridge Who’s Who member, Philip B. Righter, is the chairman and chief executive officer of Righter Holdings, LLC. The financial services firm is comprised of Righter Corporation, Righter Development Corp., The Righter Foundation, Righter Consulting Group, Righter Design Firm and Righter Art Collection, Inc. Mr. Righter’s experience is in strategic sourcing, financial risk mitigation, international commodities, and marketing integration. He also specializes in agency consolidation and review, creative design, and media buying and planning.

Prior to founding Righter Holdings, LLC in 2007, Mr. Righter served as the executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Afterburner Films, LLC where he was very involved in business affairs, rights management and procurement, and the oversight of production costs and company assets. As the former vice president of corporate sourcing and marketing for NBC Universal from 2004 to 2006, Mr. Righter negotiated marketing and media contracts. He also led the Universal Parks Creative Planning Agency Review, where he spearheaded a rebranded image and held the position of manager of sourcing G&P for The Walt Disney Company from 2003 to 2004.

Mr. Righter earned his bachelor of science in economics, statistics, organizational behavior and labor relations from Cornell University in 1999. He is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Media Arts & Sciences, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the International Academy of Visual Arts, the Multicultural Motion Picture Association, Film Independent and is a Scholar on Gerson Lehrman Group Councils.

Mr. Righter also donates his time to charitable causes and is a board member of the Los Angeles Police Foundation. Additionally, he serves as a specialist reserve officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. For more information please visit http://www.righterholdingsllc.com/.

Articles by Philip Righter

• How Your Personal Brand Makes an Impact

When Branding is All about Appeal

Catchy jingles, fancy packaging and captivating slogans give brands their appeal.

By Cambridge Who’s Who Contributing Author Susan Gosine

When I was a young child, I enjoyed listening to catchy product jingles. Sometimes I would jerk myself awake just so that I could hum along. When I went to the supermarket, I’d zero in on one of the brands I was familiar with and insist on only having that one. With the product clutched in my hands like a prize, I felt like I’d been visited by Santa Claus on Christmas morning.
More than three decades later, the melodies of popular jingles still chime inside my head, and I find myself reaching eagerly for the products associated with them while shopping. But it’s not just about the jingle; it’s about the brands that the jingles promote and the perception that the featured products are really the best of the lot. Such is the power of branding: it fosters an automatic acceptance of a product or service that, by the consumer’s deduction, surpasses all others.

Branding can be as effective as a dollar sale or as ineffective as cold soup in a blizzard. It’s a powerful force that influences behavior and attitude and compels consumers to pay exorbitant prices to possess the related product. It can boost or cripple a company, product or service. When thinking of branding one has to consider what appeals to consumers’ pockets, minds and egos. Branding, then, can be easily confused with marketing and advertising.

So, what exactly is branding?

In order to understand the concept of branding one must first learn what a brand is. While there are many different definitions of a brand, Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines it as, “a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer.” The American Marketing Association classifies it as “a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.” It further states that “the legal term for brand is trademark,” and that “a brand may identify one item, a family of items or all items of that seller.” If used to describe a firm as a whole the preferred term is trade name. Thus, a brand can be a name, a logo, image, idea, design, slogan or jingle, owned by the company or person that conceives it.

Branding creates the foundation needed to market a brand, get it recognized and increase its profitability. Advertisers use the name, idea, logo, design and image associated with the chosen brand to formulate advertisements to convince the target audience that the product or service is the only solution that meets its needs. Branding, therefore, is designed to capture the imagination and to influence and convince consumers of their need to purchase a particular product or service. Symbols, logos, slogans and jingles are powerful branding tools. They help to assert a product or service’s position in the marketplace. Many companies and products have become household names through branding.

Philip Kotler describes branding as “a seller’s promise to deliver a specific set of features, benefits and services consistently to the buyers.” Branding, then, is only truly effective when it begins to influence consumer behavior, taste, choice and spending habits. Sometimes branding can take several years before it creates a noticeable impact in people’s psyche. This is particularly true in today’s competitive marketplace where several brands exist for each product.

In this age of technological advancement, branding holds its own on the Internet by commanding a great deal of online commerce and attention. Compelling slogans, blinking logos and mesmerizing images grace countless websites in an attempt to provoke visitors to purchase “sought after” products and services. However, branding is not truly successful until a consumer reaches casually into his pocket and purchases a product based on its packaging and appeal alone. When branding rakes in the money, that’s when it’s hard at work.

Cambridge Who's Who Contributing Author Susan Gosine

Biography

Cambridge Who’s Who member, Susan Gosine, excels in writing, ghost writing, public relations, proofreading and editing. She has extensive experience in conducting research and writing creative non-fiction, fiction and memoirs. Her writing investigates issues in health and education, crime and punishment, fashion, entertainment and other topics.

Susan has more than 20 years in the newspaper industry and has served as a journalist for three daily newspapers in Trinidad and Tobago: Daily Express, Trinidad Guardian and Newsday. Currently, she is working on her first non-fiction novel.

Susan is pursuing a Ph.D. in behavioral science and has completed coursework in communication arts at New York University. She holds a master of science in sociology from the University of the West Indies, certificate in investigative reporting from the Commonwealth Press Union, certificate in print and novel writing from the Longridge Writer's School and a certificate in screen writing from Gotham Writer's School.

Her work has been recognized with distinguished performances in journalism from Trinidad Express Newspapers, a Certificate of Excellence in Coverage of Culture from Mere Desh & National Cultural Promotions of Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth Media Award for Published Works.

Articles By Susan Gosine

• When Branding is All about Appeal

"Sassy, Brassy, Direct and to the Point"

Developing Your Personal Brand is the Key Ingredient to Success

By Cambridge Who’s Who Contributing Author Jo DeMarco

Recently, I had the good fortune of reconnecting with a childhood friend. We hadn’t seen each other in an eternity and burned up the telephone lines with our first conversation in 20 years getting caught up with each other’s lives. After elaborating on where each of us was in life, we began to reminisce about the old days. I told my friend that I was certainly not surprised to learn about her travels around the world, as she was always an adventurer and loved learning and experiencing new things. In turn, she was not shocked to find out that I am now a small business owner. You were always so independent,” she said, as I explained the nature of my business as well as some of my achievements.

She then asked for my company’s website address (http://www.contessaknows.com/) and, as we were talking, looked it up online. “Oh, this is so you!” she cried out. I was a bit surprised at her reaction and asked what she meant by her comment. “Your website is exactly how I remember you, who you’ve always been. Sassy, brassy, direct and to the point, playing with words to get people thinking, very animated and entertaining and always making an impact. That’s you from the time we were kids.” she explained. Wow. I was blown away. I had never given much thought to how other people perceived me, especially as a youngster.

While designing my website, I pursued a unique look and high-quality presentation. I wanted my audience to be entertained. Although I have always been confident that I worked hard to achieve my goals and objectives, I have fretted and worried about whether or not I actually did put in enough effort. I was relieved when my long-lost friend, who is a marketing director, told me, “You’ve had a brand before any of us ever knew what one was, and it’s certainly apparent through your website. Congratulations!” This confirmed for me in an unexpected way that I had accomplished my goal.

I developed my business using what I knew, loved, held passion for and had expertise in. I also sought the advice and counsel of various professionals, but I made sure that I weighed their suggestions against my own thoughts about what I should convey through each of my products and my company in general. I wanted an extension of myself to be present in every aspect of my business. I wanted the things I stood for and have been recognized for by my family, friends and co-workers to be clear. In particular, I wanted my reputation to be visible when the public visited my website. By saying that she saw me in every descriptive word on www.contessaknows.com, the childhood friend who I had not seen in many, many years convinced me that I had hit my target. The website I created successfully reflects and upholds my “brand.” It presents who I am, what I’m about and what I want to communicate through my business.

To put it in perspective, let’s play the word association game. I say KoolAid, and you think of a big red pitcher with a smiley face, right? I say Calgon, and you picture yourself relaxing in a luxurious bath without a care in the world, right? Why? Because the companies that manufacture and market these products have consciously conveyed these ideas and feelings to the public. They have built their brand and sold their products on it effectively enough, so that the very mention of their product’s name conjures up the targeted image that they intended it to.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you develop a business, manufacture a product or enhance the image that you transmit to others:

• How would a friend or family member describe you in one word? Would their “one word” be consistent, exciting, knowledgeable, etc.? Does it match your description of yourself and how you would like to be perceived by others?


• If there was a billboard with your picture on it, what would the tagline be?


• What is the image you want to convey in your business and/or in your line of work?


• What is the reputation you seek to uphold?

Today’s market is highly competitive. A key ingredient for success is having a spirited personality – a unique factor that will set you apart from the rest. Achieve that edge through your personal brand…it’s who you are.

Define Your Image with Your Personal Brand

Learn how to stand out and eliminate your competition.

So, you’ve heard of branding and you know that defining a brand is essential for a company’s survival and for it to consistently produce new and successful products. Many notable brands have become household names such as Band-Aid, Xerox and Kleenex. However, what about personal branding? What is a personal brand, how do you create it and why is it important for you to have? In the simplest terms, your personal brand is you. It displays your personality and conveys what you stand for. In turn, it helps you to distinguish yourself from others and eliminate your competition.

Your personal brand is what others think about you. When you brand yourself properly, you determine how other people perceive you instead of the other way around. Your brand defines the image that your target audience associates with you and reveals what you have to offer. It is used to determine your total perceived value and how you measure up to your competitors.

Defining your personal brand can also help you to gain strategic positioning within your industry. In the August 2008 edition of Who’s News, we discussed a few of the steps you should take to become an expert in your field. Developing a strong personal brand is another way that you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource among your peers. Highlight the elements that make you unique from your competition and people will pay special attention to you. Your personal brand will assist you in building your reputation and attaining expert status.

There are several components that make up your personal brand. The first is your personal appearance. The way you dress, your etiquette and your overall attitude toward others all contribute to your personal brand. The last thing you want a potential client to think, when meeting you for the first time, is that you do not match the brand you have worked so hard to develop and portray. The next component is your personality. When others think of you, what comes immediately to their mind? What words do they use to describe you: knowledgeable, confident, dependable and dynamic? Is that who you are and the image you are trying to portray? The third factor is your core competency or your primary areas of expertise. You may be proficient in several areas but what are your strongest points? Some people are dynamic public speakers while others are talented writers. Some people are better at training versus managing. What are your strengths? The last major component is your uniqueness. Defining what sets you apart from your competition is essential to building your personal brand. Without doing this, others will not be able to differentiate you from your competition and you run the risk of letting your competition define you.

Once you have established your personal brand, begin sharing it with others immediately. A great measure of whether or not you are successfully promoting your brand is by typing your name into a major search engine such as Google or Yahoo. Do you retrieve positive, informative and consistent information about yourself? While branding is not all about your presence on the Internet, increasing your online visibility is an easy and cost effective way to share important information about yourself with colleagues, clients, recruiters, etc. Here are some tools that will help you to build your brand online:

• VisualCV.com: This website lets you create an online CV and display it as a webpage, providing others with easy access to your portfolio. It also gives you the ability to upload pictures and videos of your work. Best of all, it is free to use! If you are a Cambridge Who’s Who member who does not have a website to link to from your Cambridge Who’s Who profile, you can always link to your VisualCV instead.


• Personal Blog: Cambridge Who’s Who utilizes several blogging sites in order to provide useful information and resources to Cambridge Who’s Who members. Cambridge Who’s Who Charities is hosted on Wordpress.com and the Cambridge Who’s Who Resource Center, Learning Center and News blog are all hosted on Blogger.com. We even have our own Wiki on Wetpaint.com called Cambridge Who’s Who Notables. These sites provide our members with information about who we are, what our major products and services are and how we can assist them in develop their professional network and personal brand - all of which is part of our corporate brand. When you launch your own blog, write about the areas in which you hold the most knowledge and experience. Provide valuable information, and you will become a resource for others in your industry. You can also share your thoughts and expertise by commenting on other people’s blogs. Include a link back to your own blog when you leave a message!


• Website: Creating a simple, professional website can also aid in the development of your brand. Your personal website should showcase your expertise, your skill set and your unique value that separates you from others in your line of work. You can also include your VisualCV as an integral part of the site. Be sure to share your website when you are seeking a new career opportunity, applying for an advanced degree program, requesting client referrals or are being considered for a special honor or award.


• Cambridge Who’s Who Multi-Media Promotions Program: How do you maintain your personal brand so that it is remembered? The Multi-Media Program increases your visibility on major search engines through the distribution of one or more press releases about your endeavors. Your press release can also be used to announce something noteworthy such as a special event, achievement or promotion. Learn more about the Multi-Media Promotions Program at the Learning Center.

When using these tools keep in mind how you want to be perceived. Make sure that you develop an image and marketing materials that bring that message across and reinforce it. Highlight what distinguishes you from others. You want your brand to be recognizable and easy to remember. Most of all you must be consistent! Your resume, your blog, your website and all of your other promotional materials (including business cards, stationery, flyers, newsletters, etc.) must all convey the same message.

Your personal brand will help you to survive in your industry and stand out from the crowd. Remember to be receptive to feedback; it will let you know if the brand you are portraying is coming across properly or if you need to make any adjustments. Want to find an easy way to get started on developing your personal brand? Check out the Cambridge Who’s Who Contributing Author Program and see how other members are building their brands.

The Power of the Ripple Effect

How one life and one choice can change the world.

By Cambridge Who’s Who Contributing Author Cheryl Nordyke

There isn’t a person alive who would not like to think that their life has made a difference in someone else’s life. We all hope to positively impact our friends, families and maybe even our neighbors and co-workers. The truth is that many of us will never know the full extent or the lasting impression that our smallest actions may have on others.

On July 4th, 2008, I was on the bank of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts along with more than 500,000 people celebrating this country’s birthday. This was also the 35th birthday of the Boston Pop’s Fireworks Spectacular and, performing live at the event, were the Boston Pops and Rascal Flatts. As I sat there and listened to music piped through speakers along the Charles, I could not help but wonder, “What would the Founding Fathers think today if they knew what the signing of the Declaration of Independence had accomplished?” More than 200 years later and this country is so much more than it was on that day when nine out of 13 colonies voted in favor of this new democracy. Then I wondered if anyone thought that the Boston Pop’s Spectacular would become this big of an event when it was first held in 1974, attracting not only a large live audience but also the millions of people who tune in via telecast.

It became very clear to me at that moment how much one ripple, even an action as small as a smile, can continue to grow into a wave of change. Who knows where we would be as a country or what our impact on the world would be if those men had not created the Declaration of Independence. Not only did they craft it, but they willingly signed their names and took action toward creating the life they wanted to live. That act has given us a lifestyle that people from around the world want to experience and be a part of.

The purpose of the first 4th of July concert held on the Charles River was to revitalize the concerts at the Esplanade. Today, it is nationally recognized as an iconic event; Arthur Fiedler’s brainchild has turned into a full-scale production that at least one person from each state in the U.S. attends every year. This Independence Day, the band Rascal Flatts was the featured musical guest. Rascal Flatts started out as three guys doing simply what they love – playing music in bars and clubs. There were times, they said, where there were only two people besides themselves at their gigs. Then in the early 2000s, with the release of two albums, their lives changed forever. They are now multi-platinum recording artists who live their dream everyday and recognize that the life they live is possible because of the fans who support them and their music. The fans, in turn, are impacted through their music and lyrics in ways that the band may never know.

You and I may not play as significant of a role to such a large population of people as those who have become famous. However, it is possible for us to do so if we take action. Each person who has made a strong impression had a dream first and then took steps to realize it. The Founding Fathers decided that we could live in a country with freedom of choice and Rascal Flatts thought that other people would feel something from the music they loved to write and perform. These people started out the same as you and I – with an idea and a dream. The difference is that they took that idea and that dream and made it come to life. We can have the same influence and legacy when we become an agent for change. Be the ripple and stop simply riding the waves created by others.

Today the economy is in the worst shape that it has been in decades. There is an increase in unemployment, gas prices are exorbitant and companies are cutting back. Regardless, there are still people out there reminding us that we can have and become more. Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret,” Randy Pausch’s “The Last Lecture” and books and lectures by Wayne Dyer all strive to inspire us to live the life we choose. There are companies that have started in dorm rooms and are now making millions, and there are more people who are able to work from home and dedicate more time to family and friends. Yet most of us, while inspired by the stories we read about and see on television, are still living today the same as we did the day before and the day before that.

So how did they do it? What is their secret? I don’t know for certain that anyone can answer those questions because each person has a different path and different challenges to overcome in achieving their dreams. The one thing I do know is that they stopped waiting for next big wave to come along; they stopped depending on someone else to make their dreams come true. They became the ripple and started their own wave that in turn, made more waves and inspired others.

How do you become the ripple? For Mark Zuckerberg, the student-genius behind Facebook, it was turning the idea of students wanting to share information with others into an online business. He stayed focused and worked on making his dream a reality. For Burt and John Jacobs, the guys behind the Life is Good t-shirt company, a few obstacles stood in the way of their goals, but they did not give up. They came up with a winning concept – a character named Jake – and before you know it their dreams were reality.

Is there is a risk in making your own ripple? Of course there is a risk. That holds true for all great things in life. Yet, there is also risk in riding others’ success. That risk may not be as great and we may not even notice it, yet, it does exist. We do not have any control over how the owner of the company that employs us may change. The owner may sell the company or decide that cutbacks are needed. Therefore, there is always a risk.

I am no stranger to creating a ripple, and I am sure that there are many others who have started their own ripples whose impact is yet to be seen. When I was taken from riding a wave that I had been quite successful on to crashing off of it, I realized that I never wanted to jump on someone else’s wave again. My friends and I began rewriting our book and looking for something to inspire us and to remind us to be grateful.

Our quest led us to the idea of creating jewelry that we could purchase for ourselves and our friends, employees or loved ones to say, “Thank you. I am grateful.” We knew that there were people who had read, seen or heard something that had inspired them to pursue and realize their dreams. They would want something to remind them to be grateful for what they have and thank the people who have positively impacted their lives. There, right in front of us, was an opportunity to take action.

Teaming with Jessica Fields, a talented, up-and-coming jewelry designer, we created a line of jewelry called Waves of Gratitude™. The collection includes six individual pendants that represent the many different movements of the ocean. By layering these pendants, which may be worn a bracelet or necklace, we have created a unique and fresh style while holding on to the message of gratitude. We also have a pendant called the Branches of Hope to remind us of where we have been and where we can go. The purpose of the line is to create a tangible symbol of the key elements needed to become a ripple in society. It is a reminder to be grateful, acknowledge that we are not alone, and symbolize that we have done great things and can accomplish our current goals.

There are so many teachers available to us and with today’s diverse media outlets we can access them all very easily. By leveraging these resources, we can become the people we were meant to be. Be the ripple. Create a wave of change for yourself, the people immediately surrounding you and perhaps the world.

Cambridge Who's Who Contributing Author Douglas K. Hyer

Biography

Douglas K. Hyer has been a member of Cambridge Who's Who since March 2008. Currently Doug is the branch manager for Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., an independent, national broker/dealer and Everbank, a web-based national bank. He is a registered financial consultant (RFC) and has worked with individual and corporate clients for more than 35 years to protect their assets and help them invest wisely. Doug has advised hundreds of pre-retirees from large companies (Exxon, Mobil, Citibank, Chase, First Boston, Paine Webber, LL Bean, Pfizer, Fortunoff’s, AT&T, MetLife and USLIFE) as well as medical/dental, CPA and law firms.

Over the years, Doug has helped his clientele invest over $100 million in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, fixed and variable annuities, alternative investments and investment-grade life insurance products. In addition, he has also helped his clients purchase long-term nursing and home care, disability income replacement and Medicare/Medigap insurance. He enjoys working one-on-one with his clients, helping them to preserve their personal and retirement capital plus increases their current spendable income. Managing income, gift and estate taxes together with assisting clients in organizing their investments, insurance and business affairs is his team’s primary focus.

Doug has been interviewed on CNBC and WLIR television and WOR and WNYC radio. He has spoken before top financial advisor groups at some of the largest independent broker/dealers in the U.S. He has consulted and lectured to Ernst & Young’s tax partners in Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. He has addressed the Young Presidents Organization, the American Management Association, various insurance, investment, CPA and bar associations and several chapters of the Estate Planning Council in New York and Florida. He has also served as a guest speaker at national conventions and local chapter meetings of the Financial Planning Association.

Doug is currently an adjunct professor and lecturer in personal financial planning at Hofstra University. Previously he served as an adjunct professor at New York educational institutions such as Adelphi University, Pace University and New York University. He has trained financial advisors at top firms, including Merrill Lynch, Metlife, Chase Bank and Prudential Securities.

Doug earned a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) and bachelor’s degree in both accounting and psychology. He currently maintains his NASD series 7, 24, 51, 63 and 65 plus all life and health insurance licenses. His additional certifications and designations include: Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Board Certified in Asset Allocation (BCAA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Certified Estate Advisor (CEA), Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) and is filed as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

Doug is a member of the National Association of Accountants; Past President Long Island Chapter Registered Financial Planners; New York City CPA Club of Toastmasters International; New York City Chapter of Certified Mutual Fund Specialists; Section Head New York City Chapter of American Association of Individual Investors. He has published financial articles in Barrons, New York Times, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, Newsday, Money magazine, Today’s Investor, Business Insurance, Pension World, CLU Forerunner and Financial Advisor.

Articles by Douglas Hyer

• Understanding Corporate Financial Planning^© New!

Cambridge Who's Who Publications Releases the 2007-2008 Honors Edition of the Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry

Uniondale, NY, July 10, 2008, Cambridge Who's Who, the fastest-growing publisher of executive, professional and entrepreneurial biographies in the world, recently released its second quarter registry. The registry highlights the biographies of tens of thousands of talented individuals from a wide range of industries who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their respective fields.

Meredith Y. Foster, Chief Editor of Cambridge Who's Who Publications, oversaw the production of the 2007-2008 Honors Edition of the Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry. “The hardcover registry acknowledges and memorializes the accomplishments of our members and makes a wonderful conversation piece to display in homes and offices,” said Meredith of the registry’s appeal. “Our members are justifiably proud of their professional achievements – be it receiving a long-deserved promotion, successfully starting up and running a business enterprise or being the recipient of a prestigious award. We’re pleased to underscore their triumphs.”

The exclusive 2007-2008 Honors Edition of the Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry also acts as a high-quality networking resource for job recruitment, career enhancement and new business development amongst members. As one member remarked, “I used the 2007-2008 Honors Edition of the Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry to identify members who would have an interest in a concept I’ve been developing: Business and Marketing Tridents. I contacted my fellow honorees, and they were more than willing to meet with me. If we had not had Registry membership in common, they probably would not have met with me so readily. It looks like we will be working together on some projects, and I have the Registry to thank for making the initial contact so easy!"

“Cambridge Who's Who Publishing is also set to go to press with our 2008 Top 101 Industry Experts book,” explained Meredith. “The book holds the top honor at Cambridge Who’s Who and endows members with the potential to build credibility and increase exposure on a global scale. The 2008 Top 101 Industry Experts book will feature biographical narratives, Q&A interviews and the contact information for 101 of our most distinguished members. Each was handpicked by our research department based on his level of achievement, longevity within his profession and exemplary leadership skills,” explained Meredith. The 2008 Top 101 Industry Experts book features members in a wide range of industries – from advertising, transportation, and finance, to insurance, the sciences, and media and entertainment,. Members featured in the 2008 Top 101 Industry Experts book will also be featured on http://www.cambridgewhoswho.com/ with an expanded profile.

About Cambridge Who's Who
The mission of Cambridge Who's Who is to ensure that Cambridge members receive recognition, support and credibility to advance their careers. Cambridge Who’s Who is also committed to delivering the highest quality networking resource for job recruitment, career enhancement and new business development. See who's making news and how Cambridge Who's Who is making a difference at our news blog: http://cambridgewhoswho.blogspot.com/.

Cambridge members have exclusive access to the biographical information of more than 250,000 successful executives, professionals and entrepreneurs at http://www.cambridgewhoswho.com/, where they use the database to share information, knowledge and services. Communication via the Cambridge Who's Who Registry travels in two directions, enabling Cambridge Who's Who members to reach out when they have a business need or opportunity as well as receive information on exciting new ventures.

Contact:
Ellen Campbell
516-535-1515
mediarelations@cambridgewhoswho.com

Cambridge Who's Who Networking Events for Members

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07/10/2008 - 7/12/2008 The GirlFriend Gathering Women's Conference
West Palm Beach FL - The Girlfriend Gathering is a blend of experiences that empowers the inner-self— where women find support and creative confidence to achieve a more satisfying life.

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10/09/08 7th Annual Maryland Hispanic Business Conference
Business matchmaking. Workshops on marketing, sales, financing, legal issues and successful alliances. Onsite registration will start Wednesday Oct 24th at the hotel at 7:00 AM.

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Cambridge Who's Who Resource Center

The Cambridge Who's Who Resource Center is a place for members to become updated on the latest trends in business, education, healthcare, science and technology, real estate, small business and philanthropy for executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. Cambridge Who's Who Resource Center is filled with articles and news offering advice on popular topics such as starting your own business, networking, marketing and making yourself into a valuable contact.

What’s Coming to the Site:

News Articles

How-to Articles

Quick Tips

Networking Advice

Marketing & Advertising Tips

Business Resource Section

Trends

Please review and utilize our site and if you have any comments or questions regarding the services we offer, please contact us at pr@cambridgewhoswho.com.

Cambridge Who's Who Supports the American Cancer Society

Cambridge Who's Who, a leading global networking organization for executives and professionals, donates funds to the American Cancer Society.

Islip, NY - June 20, 2007 -- Cambridge Who's Who, a leading global networking organization for executives and professionals makes a special 4th of July donation to the American Cancer Society.

ACS Mission Statement

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

International Mission Statement

The American Cancer Society's international mission concentrates on capacity building in developing cancer societies and on collaboration with other cancer-related organizations throughout the world in carrying out shared strategic directions.

Cambridge Who's Who is proud to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on those affected by cancer. Cambridge Who's Who is honored to give the gift of hope by making a 4^th of July contribution to the fight against cancer. For someone affected by this disease, it's the best gift you can give.

Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some way. Cambridge Who's Who is helping the American Cancer Society to continue to make progress against this disease in every community. The ACS works year-round to save lives, help those touched by cancer and empower people to fight back against the disease.

About Cambridge Who's Who

The mission of Cambridge Who's Who is to ensure that Cambridge members receive recognition, support and credibility to advance their careers. Cambridge Who's Who is also committed to delivering the highest quality networking resource for job recruitment, career enhancement and new business development.

Cambridge Who's Who members have exclusive access to the biographies of more than 200,000 successful executives, professionals and entrepreneurs, where they use the database to share information, knowledge and services. Communication via the Cambridge Who's Who Registry travels in two directions, enabling Cambridge Who's Who members to reach out when they have a business need or opportunity and receive information on exciting new ventures.

Cambridge Who's Who eBook

Cambridge Who's Who has published a collection of all the press releases from PRWeb news media distribution.

Features included
	Customized coverpage -- title, subtitle and cover art.
	Company profile page.
	Full press release body with hyperlinks.
	Media page -- Media contact info, News Image, and release links.
	Document Bookmarks of all our headlines.
	New Sony Reader™ format & compatibility.

Please view our eBook:

Public URL Standard PDF: http://www.prweb.com/ebook/249757/18214/mediakit.pdf Public Sony Reader Format: http://www.prweb.com/ebook/249757/18214/6/mediakit.pdf

Cambridge Who's Who Names Polly Bukta Executive of the Year in Government

Des Moines, IA.…April 11, 2007–Polly Bukta, Speaker Pro Tempore, and State Representative for the State of Iowa, has been named Cambridge Who's Who Among Executive & Professional Woman of the Year in Government. While inclusion in Cambridge Who's Who Registry is an honor, only one member in each discipline is named the Cambridge Who's Who Executive of the Year. The Cambridge Who's Who selection committee hand picks these special Who's Who honorees based on their accomplishments, academic achievement, leadership and service.

Bukta has been a Democratic State Representative for the State of
Iowa and the people of the twenty-ninth District since 1997. Bukta’s
standing committee assignments are administration and rules, education, ethics
and transportation. She and the other representatives evaluate, exchange views
and hear from constituents about the merits of bills that are brought to
congress. Bukta and the other representatives then vote on the laws which affect
the lives of Iowa residents.

Bukta received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and French from Mercyhurst College in 1962. She is a member of the American Association of University Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Clinton Women's Club, Clinton City Chamber of Commerce and Delta Kappa Gamma. She is the recipient of a JAG Award (2005).

About Cambridge Who's Who

The mission of Cambridge Who's Who is to ensure that Cambridge members receive recognition, support and credibility to advance their careers. Cambridge Who's Who is also committed to delivering the highest quality networking resource for job recruitment, career enhancement and new business development. See who's making news and how Cambridge Who's Who is making a difference at our news blog: http://cambridgewhoswho.blogspot.com/.

Cambridge Who's Who members have exclusive access to the biographical information of more than 200,000 successful executives, professionals and entrepreneurs at http://www.cambridgewhoswho.com/, where they use the database to share information, knowledge and services. Communication via the Cambridge Who's Who Registry travels in two directions, enabling Cambridge Who's Who members to reach out when they have a business need or opportunity as well as receive information on exciting new ventures.