​Everyone tunes into gratitude this time of year, sharing thoughts and lists of blessings.
Hopefully we remember to give thanks for the good every day instead of taking it for granted.
 
It’s easy to be grateful for the good things in life, though.
 
What about gratitude for lessons learned?
After all, it is through tough times, failures and diversity that we grow.
 
Today, take time to acknowledge and celebrate the times you lifted yourself up. The times you met diversity face-to-face and prevailed. Give yourself credit for making it through. No matter how messy the journey, you emerged on the other side wiser, more empathetic, stronger and still standing.
 
Everyone encounters trials. The key is how you handle the bumps and detours along the road.
 
You have a choice. You either fall victim to or rise above your circumstances.
Rising above doesn’t mean you handle everything with grace and perfection. It means you made it through, learned a lesson and are willing to move forward.
 
You see the most important story is the one you believe and how you frame that story makes all the difference.
 
Every story has many sides:
            • the facts
            • what we think happened
            • what others think happened
            • what we think it means - the stories we tell ourselves about what, how and why it happened
            • how we choose to remember what happened - victory, lesson, tragedy, etc.

When we are able to step back and look at what happened from a different perspective, we are able to re-solve the story by re-membering the pieces and re-write the True story.
 
As we count our blessings, let’s add a dose of gratitude for the multiple lessons we’ve sowed, reaped and harvested.

For more ideas, insights and inspiration on how to share your story visit www.1bluecube.com.

Tips to adhere your brand to the hearts and minds of your customers, employees, volunteers, donors and the community.
 
I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
You don’t own your brand.
 
It’s not your logo, your tagline or who you say you are.
Your brand is a perception held in the minds of your customers.
 
The good news is you can help shape their perception by the stories you tell.

“A great brand is a story that’s never completely told.” 
                        - Scott Bedbury, Founder and CEO of Brandstream

What’s your story?
 
Every time you text, answer the phone, send an email, post on social media, blog, give a speech or meet face-to-face you are making impressions that contribute to your brand’s story.
 
Are the conversations you’re starting meaningful to your customers, employees, volunteers, donors and the community?
 
Do you take time to help and endorse others in between promoting your products and services?
 
Are you engaging in conversations on other’s pages or just posting in hopes of securing conversions?
 
How often do you ask for feedback and from whom?
When was the last time you listened and implemented feedback?
 
Finally, are you including relevant stories from your customers, employees, volunteers, donors and the community?
 
Your brand is not about you or what you sell. Your brand is shaped by the stories you tell.
 
 
For more insights, ideas and inspirations to help you share your story to build your brand and bring people into your funnel visit http://www.1bluecube.com.
 
 

You’ve heard of Public Relations.
You think it might be beneficial to help market your business or nonprofit but you’re still puzzled about what it is and how it fits into your Marketing Strategy.

I can help.
 
As an award-winning Public Relations professional with 30 years of experience, I can solve the Public Relations Puzzle© by showing you how the pieces fit together.  All the pieces need to be in place in order to see the big picture.
 
 Learn the many ways Public Relations can help you:
          • share your story
          • build relationships
          • shape your brand
          • create conversations
 
No hype, no hacks, just common sense solutions you can start implementing today.    

For more insights, ideas and inspirations on how I can help you share your story and build your brand visit www.1bluecube.com.