Now is not the time to hide!

Ok, so it's winter. And the economy is well, bleaker than the next storm headed our way. Your first instinct these days may be to just give up. Whether it's your dream of starting a business, or changing the course of your career, it can be a daunting time. And it's especially so if you allow negative self-talk to stand in your way.

BUT, if you don't have faith in your personal brand, how can anyone else? Seriously.

So now is not the time to hide - it's time to shine. If you're out there in the world, in your power, there is no stopping you. Especially now. People are drawn to authentic, unique, visible and passionate people. It's the 101 of marketing and personal branding. Read about Karin Crawford and how she builds her flower business through the power of connecting. As Karin says, a lot of business owners think they don't have time to leave their businesses and head out into the world; she knows her business wouldn't have grown without it.

So, get out of your own way and get out there. Go to that networking event, even if it's snowing or pouring down rain. Go talk to the people in the office you never talk to and leave them all with a smile.

Do it today. And, keep moving!

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The spark, the work and yes, the reward

Successful entrepreneurs. They're inspiring.

Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs is about to launch, and one of the most exciting parts of the book is my ability to introduce you to just some of the amazing entrepreneurs I've been priveledged to meet, interview, laugh with, and share with over the course of my last two decades in business.

Earlier in my career, while working for different advertising agencies, I could spot the entrepreneurial clients the moment the meeting began. It's a special spark, a flame of creativity. A passion. As a marketing executive for several large service companies, I had the privelege of packaging that spark into break-through brands. And at the helm of my own writing business, each time I interview an entrepreneur I smile. It's fun and inspiring.

That's why I've featured 24 real stories in the book, with more being added all the time to my website . Real women with real stories of success. Perhaps you'll find a story there to inspire you, or if you're already an entrepreneur, you'll find yourself reflected in the pages.

What else do all of these entrepreneurs have in common? Hard work, of course. Businesses don't just happen. But they do when entrepreneurs find it within themselves to create a unique brand and bring it to the world. Authentically. With purpose.

Every 60 seconds a woman starts a business. Maybe this is your spark's time?

New year, new you? Or new year, REAL you?

While all the self-help gurus on the morning television shows and such are touting new year resolutions and fixes, will that make a new you, really?

Get organized! Get working out! Get on a diet. Get a new wardrobe. A haircut. Get out of debt. All of these are great resolutions, but as most folks will tell you, change happens when your heart is happy. When a choice is genuine. When a choice or New Year's Resolution fits the Real You.

So don't panic, don't despair, don't feel guilty when you read or watch something about a new you. You're looking for the Real You to put in your life and business. Visit http://RealYouIncorporated.com for more, or better yet, pre-order the book today for a great kick-start for your new, real year.