Tag: Apple

How The Apple Watch Is Paving The Way To A New Generation Of Wearable Technology

Kelli Richards March 26, 2015

When the iPod, iPhone, and iPad launched, they gave way to entirely new categories of MP3 players, smartphones, and portable computers. They were hardly necessities when they hit the market, and the prices seemed exorbitant at launch. In fact, people didn’t realize they wanted–let alone needed–these devices as part of their lifestyles when they first came out. That’s part of Apple’s magic.

Each of those devices proved its worth over time by offering consumers simple conveniences through innovative technology. Now, iPhones and iPads are ubiquitous and deemed essential items for businesspeople, students, and anyone with a desire to be connected.

Apple Watch white The next frontier is wearable technology, and with the Apple Watch set to arrive this spring, Apple is preparing to blaze the trail in the marketplace, just as it did with its other iconic devices.

The Difference Is in the Details

Apple devices have gone mainstream because they’ve transformed people’s lives for the better. That was the primary goal. The products enabled users to become more productive and efficient, with the minimalist style and ease that Apple products are famous for. While its smartwatch might not be the first one in its class, Apple is determined to set it apart from the rest.

For starters, the company hired several established senior-level executives from the fashion industry to collaborate on the watch and invited fashion houses to weigh in. The result? A watch that offers unparalleled stylistic options and personalization. And once you get past the beauty of it, you can peel back the layers and discover the functionality that makes this wearable unique.

As expected, the Apple Watch will integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices and connect with Siri to enable quick reminders and real-time requests. The watch also supports Apple Pay, which is being accepted by a growing number of retailers.

Users will no longer have to fumble around to find their hotel keycards and boarding passes, either. The watch will unlock hotel rooms at select chains and speed users through the airport with boarding pass access in select airlines.

Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch will continue to simplify a number of daily tasks. Before long, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without it.

The Future of the Apple Watch and Wearable Tech

The functionality of wearable tech makes these items true lifestyle partners. As they assist you with multiple routine tasks in personal and professional settings, they’ll quickly become must-haves due to how integrated they are in your life.

The Apple Watch will give you the power to optimize daily tasks, leverage apps for information and communication, and be more productive and efficient in general, just as smartphones do. But with the Apple Watch, you’ll be able to do it all hands-free rather than having to carry your phone around in your hand.

But as wearables become mainstream, the industry will become ripe for innovation in multiple directions. Although few consumers have gotten past Apple Watch’s sticker shock, more niche groups will inevitably be identified as potential customers, including those interested in tracking personal fitness (be it weekend warriors or professional athletes) and elite frequent flyers.

When Apple revolutionized smartphones with a more sophisticated (and expensive) option, some questioned the value in paying hundreds of dollars for a cell phone. Consumers also greeted the iPad with skepticism. But soon after, users uncovered the plethora of handy features and the immense value behind these products, and today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s not clenching a smartphone at this very moment.

As the price of the Apple Watch comes down, the same will prove true with this new wearable tech. Instead of simply being a timekeeper, it will be a timesaver–and an indispensable part of your daily routine.

This article was first published on Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

Turn Up Your Volume: 5 Big Moves Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Music Moguls

Kelli Richards March 19, 2015

Music moguls and entrepreneurs have a lot to teach each other. But don’t worry; you don’t have to sing like Beyoncé or turn tables like Skrillex to bring the music to your business.

When you think about it, there are multiple ways that the music industry reflects what you’re trying to accomplish as an entrepreneur. Music rewards innovation and originality–finding “the next big thing” is a mantra you both share–and you both aim to immerse customers in rich and compelling experiences, right?

electric guitar So don’t be afraid to unleash your inner music mogul once in a while; it could actually do amazing things for your company. Here are five mogul moves you could consider making:

Trust your gut. If everyone in the music and tech industries followed the traditional path to success, we wouldn’t have game-changers like The Beatles, Steve Jobs, and Richard Branson. Trusting your instincts–even if it means veering from the safe path–can lead to your most creative, innovative, and ultimately successful decisions. Only you know where your passions lie and how to tap into them, so trust your gut, and don’t listen to the naysayers.

Take big risks. Music moguls are always willing to try something new–whether it’s a creative approach to a tour, an unlikely collaboration, or a new distribution method. Taking risks is what separates the innovators from the followers. Whether it’s reaching out to that intimidating potential collaborator or launching an experimental project, the only way you’ll see amazing outcomes is by taking risks in the first place. You have everything to gain.

Connect to larger causes. Music moguls are masters at leveraging their brand power to have a positive social impact and expanding their influence at the same time. They’re willing to lend their voices and faces to causes they believe in, take bold action, and make their fans and followers proud advocates. Entrepreneurs need to embrace the power they have to connect to the wider world and start creating the kind of positive legacy they dream of.

Create an A-list posse. Entrepreneurship is often seen as a one-man show, but it’s important to realize that you typically can’t succeed on your own. Just as music moguls surround themselves with a strong team of artists, managers, lawyers, agents, and publicists, entrepreneurs should bring trustworthy, inspiring people into their projects. With a supportive network behind you, your ideas, customer base, and passion for your work will flourish. And be sure to have a trusted advisor by your side to help you develop your posse and collaborative partners. Choosing the right team is the most vital step in any successful venture. As music innovator Pharrell Williams said, “You are only as good as your team.”

Find the next big thing. You can be as tech-savvy and business-minded as you like, but if you can’t create buzz around your next new product or idea, nobody will know or care. The music moguls are experts at creating buzz. Take Spotify, for example. It crafted a powerful launch model by using invite-only access to drum up anticipation and demand for its new product, which subsequently became an industry game-changer.

My own career has been a journey from music publications to a major record label to a tech giant to the crazy, disruptive startup environment of Silicon Valley. It’s definitely grown from there, but what I’ve experienced time and again is that no matter where I am, when powerful tech innovation and the bold music industry engage, it creates an intensely creative atmosphere.

Music moguls and entrepreneurs have a lot to teach each other. But don’t worry; you don’t have to sing like Beyonc or turn tables like Skrillex to bring the music to your business. All you need are these simple tips, a trusted advisor to help you chart your course and create the powerful collaborations you need, and your own entrepreneurial instincts and intuition, and you’ll be on your way to finding your inner music mogul to the delight of all of those you’ll serve

This article was previously published in Inc.com magazine

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

5 Critical Lessons in Mergers and Acquisitions From the Apple-Beats Deal

Kelli Richards March 12, 2015

Mergers and acquisitions are notoriously complicated, clumsy, and fraught with bad feelings when they’re not executed carefully and strategically. Often, leaders fail to communicate, which derails productivity and leaves employees worried about their jobs. Companies also tend to struggle to manage customer integration, branding, and media relations during the transition.

Last year, Apple shocked the world when it acquired Beats Music and Beats Electronics for $3 billion. Along with the fanfare that accompanies any Apple announcement, analysts were scratching their heads as to why Apple would buy Beats–a company that’s been criticized for producing flashy headphones with subpar sound that could conflict with the sleek, functional Apple brand.

But Tim Cook and his team knew what they were doing, and the acquisition has progressed relatively smoothly–though the integration and results have come about a bit more slowly than anticipated.

Here are a few lessons you can learn from this high-profile deal to make your own merger or acquisition as seamless as possible:

1. Look for the Ultimate Win-Win Scenario

When considering a business move as significant as a merger or an acquisition, look for a win-win situation. The ideal scenario is one in which both sides stand to gain significantly.

In the case of the Apple-Beats acquisition, Apple needed a music streaming service so iTunes could compete with Spotify and Google Play. Beats also brought “street cred” and the opportunity to expand the company’s existing product line. Meanwhile, Beats needed more market share.

It didn’t hurt that Apple and Jimmy Iovine have a history. Iovine stated publicly that he always felt like Beats belonged with Apple because of its “deep commitment to music fans, artists, songwriters, and the music industry.”

2. Choose the Best Structure

When building the ideal scenario, determine whether it would be better to keep the companies running as separate entities or integrate them under one umbrella. Ensure that you get input and buy-in from both sides so it doesn’t feel like one company is steamrolling the other.

Part of the reason the Apple-Beats acquisition has been so straightforward is that Beats effectively shut down and has been fully integrated into iTunes. To accomplish this, both companies needed to work together to place the best Beats employees in key roles at Apple.

3. Get All Leaders Involved

For a change as important as an acquisition or a merger, senior executives in both companies should be active participants in the process. The CEO, COO, and relevant department heads all play a role. For example, the CEOs and heads of PR will want to work together to craft a unified company message and manage the media strategically and effectively.

4. Identify Roles for Key Players

One of the most difficult aspects of mergers and acquisitions is downsizing. When management roles overlap, you’ll need to restructure or consider layoffs. Leaders from both teams should put forth their top candidates and negotiate to determine who will fill specific roles. You’ll have to come to terms with the fact that some important figures may have to leave the new company with a severance package.

In the Apple-Beats deal, Apple was able to retain and integrate Beats’ crucial players into the iTunes team. Iovine and Dr. Dre now hold senior roles at Apple, and others, including Ian Rogers, Trent Reznor, and Bozoma Saint John, have stayed on following the acquisition.

5. Don’t Forget About Culture

The need to integrate two different corporate cultures is often overlooked, which has caused challenges on the other side of the financial merger and acquisition between Apple and Beats. These nuances must be considered early on. If cultural integration isn’t properly addressed, it can not only hinder morale, but it can also lead to plummeting productivity, higher turnover rates, and sabotage.

This is where a cross-functional integration team can influence the outcome. This team can evaluate the cultural differences between the two companies and tackle them directly to mitigate challenges and avoid surprises. This way, you’re not just throwing new employees into an unfamiliar environment and expecting them to know the rules, which are sometimes unspoken. This is subtle but incredibly significant.

While merging or acquiring, it’s important to remember that the integration could take longer than anticipated. The transition may not be seamless or swift, but by crafting a deal that makes strategic sense for both parties, communicating openly, and working to retain key players, you’ll be much more likely to succeed as a united force.

This article was previously published in Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

How to Harness Power Like a Celebrity

Kelli Richards March 5, 2015

In the mid-1990s, Apple ran a series of insightful ads entitled “Power Is,” featuring several celebrities describing what power meant to them.

Spike Lee said power is succeeding when the odds are against you and you have a constant desire to learn. George Clinton, on the other hand, shared that power is the ability to motivate, communicate, and reinvent yourself. Marlee Matlin described power as having confidence, no limits, and the freedom of expression.

#911 KELLI 2 Simply by their celebrity status, all these people have a certain amount of power–a power to live how they want, influence others’ perspectives, and motivate people to take action. Of course, this power has its downside. How would you like your every move publicly dissected? But if celebrities treat that reality with respect and use it to uplift, inspire, and encourage others, then they can make a real difference–as well as a profit from their brand and their reach.

The question is: How do everyday people–specifically entrepreneurs–obtain this power?

While there is such a thing as “overnight success,” most celebrities work hard over a long period of time to reach their powerful status. Here are three strategies of the stars that business professionals can use to make a difference in the world and do things that truly matter to them:

1. Build Your Tribe

Who you align yourself with affects your values, reputation, success, and often your financial well-being. Most success stories involve individuals surrounded by people they trust who share their values and genuinely have their best interests at heart.

Take Oprah Winfrey, for example. She has had consistent support from incredibly loyal staff, close friends, and colleagues who have stood by her for decades. Personally, she’s benefitted tremendously from the mentor relationship she enjoyed with the late Dr. Maya Angelou, as well as from her long-time partner, Stedman Graham, and her best friend, Gayle King.

Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre’s business partnership with Beats is another great example of a professional relationship that was mutually beneficial. Beats proved to be highly profitable for both of them in its recent sale to Apple–something that may have been more challenging to do if not for the power of their partnership.

2. Pursue New Ventures

If you’ve had success as an entrepreneur once, you already know how to make something from nothing. Now, you have the ability to take your experience, resources, and prominence to create new businesses that fulfill a lifelong dream or generate revenue streams for a cause–or both.

Actor Paul Newman founded Newman’s Own in 1982 with pal A.E. Hotchner after his homemade salad dressing became a hit with friends. The company’s offerings have expanded, but always with the purpose of donating all proceeds to charities. To date, the amount contributed has surpassed $300 million.

Among other entrepreneurial endeavors, Sandra Bullock opened the eco-friendly Austin, Tex.-based Bess Bistro. She must love this pursuit because she was involved in every detail of making it come together.

3. Explore Other Interests

If you look at most celebrities’ rsums, you’ll notice a large number of multihyphenates–people with multiple job titles. It’s rare to truly excel in a number of areas, but many talented people who work hard can do it. Don’t feel like you have to stay in one industry or skill set. Branching out can often create multiple sources of income and fulfillment.

Take Beyonce Knowles, for example. She doesn’t stop with music–she’s built a business empire endorsing companies like H&M, creating a line of fragrances, and heading up a successful clothing company. It’s no wonder she topped the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.

You should also use a variety of tactics to engage with your audience via social networking. It’s what Hillary Clinton calls “smart power” (i.e., finding ways to connect with people so they can then influence their governments). While Clinton’s celebrity status often distracts from her work, she’s excellent at using her power to engage and empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs as she works toward change.

You may not be a “celebrity” to the general public, but if you’re successful in your field, there are likely a number of people who know who you are. As your recognition grows, the number of people you influence will increase. In all of these cases, the celebs referenced have used their power and influence to make a difference in a way that allows them to invest their heart, soul, energy, passion, time, and even money into something they love. That’s real power.

What will you do with your power?

This article was previously published in Inc.com

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

Know When to Hold ‘Em, Fold ‘Em, and Walk Away in a Business Deal

Kelli Richards February 19, 2015

When you first hit the Las Vegas Strip, the flashing lights and fast pace are overwhelming. With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you’re ready to try it all. But if you’re going to win, you need to take control and work on developing your poker face.

When new opportunities come along in business, you might feel just like you did on that trip to Vegas. But if you want to make the best decisions, you can’t let the excitement get to you. If you get emotional, the logical part of your brain will shut down, and you’ll be at the mercy of other people’s agendas.

Here are four tips to help you weigh your options, stay calm, and show the other players that you’re in control:

1. Don’t reveal your hand.

The principle of least interest, a term coined by sociologist Willard Waller, states that the person who appears to have the least interest in a relationship holds all the cards when forming a business deal or partnership.

In negotiations, always keep your cards close to your chest. You’ll maintain an advantage if you don’t reveal how you feel about an opportunity right away.

2. Consider the stakes.

Avoid getting swept up in the excitement of the game. Consider the hand you’ve been dealt as a whole. Does it serve your long-term business needs? Do you have good rapport with the other party? Will you be able to maintain a productive relationship?

If all–or most–of your business goal boxes are checked, then you’ll probably want to stay at the table.

3. Don’t go all in–yet.

If it’s your turn to bet, make sure you’re confident in your hand before pushing all your chips into the pot. Before making any business decision, you should have all the information you need. Clarify the facts, gather input from advisors you trust, and straighten out any inconsistencies in the agreement.

I once signed an agreement without first showing it to my lawyer. The other party wanted to close the deal quickly, so I signed because I didn’t want to miss out on what seemed like a significant revenue opportunity. It turned out to be a move I later regretted making. I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and getting the crucial input I need before taking action, particularly when the stakes are high.

Do a gut check before diving into any big decision. The deal could look promising–and you may have a good relationship or good rapport with the other party–but you may need to wait until you get some advice from an expert or a trusted advisor. If you feel yourself being pressured one way or another, step back and give yourself some breathing room and space. Never let someone else push you into taking an action you’re uncomfortable with or one that doesn’t feel right to you for whatever reason.

4. Know when to fold.

There will be times when folding and walking away from a deal may be your wisest move. If you evaluate the opportunity in front of you and find that the terms don’t work or the other parties involved are disingenuous, disrespectful, or otherwise unwilling to compromise and work with you to create a win-win, then it may be a sign to move on to the next opportunity.

Remember: Relationships are key, but business is business. Everyone is sitting at the table to make money. While giving in to the excitement and throwing down chips may be fun, making bad bets can cost you in the long run. The only way to come out on top is to pay attention to what’s on the table, bide your time, and play smart.

This article was previously published in Inc.

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

How Writing a Book Can Advance Your Career

Kelli Richards February 12, 2015

A book can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and establishing yourself as a brand and as an industry leader.

When you think about promoting your brand, your mind leaps to speaking at industry conferences, sitting on relevant topic panels, contributing to online forums, and networking at events. But more and more professionals are also considering writing a book to boost their careers. And it makes sense: The market is ripe with literary opportunities, and the U.S. leads the way in self-published books each year, with 391,000 published in 2012.

What’s more, writing a book is a great way to establish you as a credible industry expert. You can create a brand platform for yourself, increase your market value, differentiate yourself from competitors, and discover new ways to grow your authority in your field. But before you can add the title “published author” to your resume, you need to invest some time and energy in planning, crafting, and publishing your unique message–and understanding how the publishing world really works.

The Path to Becoming a Credible Published Author

The good thing about writing a book is that anyone can do it; there’s no licensing or training required. However, there’s more to writing and publishing a book than just powering up your computer. You have to plan and research to make your book–and, subsequently, your career–a success. Here are eight steps to create an effective writing and publishing process:

Write what you know. Reflect on the topics you know best and are most passionate about. They will inspire you and make the entire writing process more fulfilling and enjoyable. As an expert in your field, it’s your experiences, insights, successes, authenticity, and–yes –failures that will set your message apart from all the others to convey authority and impact.
Find your niche. Look around to see what relevant books are being published on your topic of choice; you may notice holes that you could fill within your target niche. Don’t be discouraged if your desired topic has already been written about. You can find a unique slant or approach that will differentiate you and your ideas.
Write for your audience. Understanding what your audience wants and needs is incredibly important. Most of today’s readers are on the go, so they want to read content that gets straight to the point, solves real-world problems, and helps them learn new things quickly. Keep your topics focused, and format your book to appeal to your target audience.
Brand yourself and your ideas. Consider creating a brand platform–with the book as the anchor and you as the authority–that drives home your message and leaves the door open for building upon it in the future. For example, a strong title will not only help you sell books, but it could also potentially galvanize an entire movement (e.g., “The 4-Hour Workweek”). I’ve always chosen very catchy titles for my books that still convey what the book is about, including “Taking the Crowd to the Cloud: Social Media for the Music Industry,” “The Art of Digital Music,” and “The Magic & Moxie of Apple: An Insider’s View.”
Create a memorable presentation. Not surprisingly, the title and the back cover of a book are often the two most powerful things to consider before releasing your masterpiece to the world. They catch prospective readers’ attention and make them want to dive deeper.

I was very aware of this when designing the books, so the titles and subtitles are both catchy. In the case of “The Art of Digital Music,” the back cover was also carefully orchestrated–testimonials from credible third parties who will be recognized as relevant authorities or influencers in your field are very helpful in establishing an effective and immediate presentation and connection.

Decide on your publishing path. Traditional commercial publishing might mean multiple inquiries and months of waiting, but that route is still considered more credible for some. However, given the promotional requirements put upon the author once a book is released, more authors are self-publishing with the help of distributors like BookBaby and Smashwords.
Work with the best. Writing and promoting a book requires a lot of talent and fortitude, so work with a well-rounded team to get the best results. Ghostwriters and editors can ensure that your message and voice are polished and solid, and distributors and promoters can help you build and reach the perfect audience.
Promote, promote, promote! Promoting your book and spreading your message is vital to both your literary success and your potential opportunities. If you put as much energy into marketing and promoting your book as you do toward writing and publishing it, you will discover many new ways to expand your authority and reach. Be aware that the author is always responsible for promoting the book, whether she’s distributing it herself or working with a commercial publisher.

Creating a campaign before the book is released is critical to having a successful launch. From promoting the book’s title and release date in your email footer weeks or months before it comes out to ensuring it’s available in all relevant outlets, the process can be taxing but rewarding. By encouraging colleagues and affiliates to promote it to their audiences and considering releasing it in multiple formats, you can connect with an even wider audience.

A book can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and establishing yourself as a brand and as an industry leader. For your endeavors to be successful, you must put careful thought and energy into the planning, writing, publishing, and promotional processes. In the end, your efforts could boost your reputation and unlock innumerable opportunities for the future.

This article was previously published in Inc.com magazine

To your best success,

Kelli Richards, CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

5 Ways The Cloud Can Make Your Business & Personal Life Easier

Kelli Richards February 3, 2015

How can you use the Cloud to be more productive at work, to enjoy and share music and video, and to stay in touch with family and friends? Here are 5 ways the cloud will make both your business and personal life easier:

The cloud allows you to store data remotely, rather than on your home computer, giving you easy access to your files from anywhere. This can keep you productive when you’re either in or out of the office, and also allows you to collaborate with others on documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The cloud really benefits small businesses because it allows for such great flexibility. You can access your data from anywhere, on any of your devices. Because you can update and share these documents on the go, cloud-based apps enable you to brainstorm with business colleagues as well as personal connections no matter where they are.

There are cloud services that offer easy ways to keep track of your appointments, schedule meetings, take notes and help you to organize your day. To-do lists can help ensure that daily tasks are not forgotten. This certainly ups your productivity in business, and can keep your personal schedule running smoothly. No more missed anniversaries!

You could say that web-based email was the original cloud. Instead of downloading electronic messages to your computer, cloud email lets you log in and view them from anywhere. As far as social media, when you like, retweet or pin something, and whenever you use a messaging app, you are doing it in the cloud.

For entertainment purposes, streaming music and video on demand from the cloud affords you access to millions of files, as opposed to relying on what you could store locally on a specific computer. Gone are the days of burning cd’s or placing large amounts of media on your hard drive. You can host your own files to share pictures or home movies with family and friends, no matter where they are.

Many data experts remotely recommend backing up those precious memories and important business documents and using a private cloud is a great way for individuals and businesses to securely store files. No more worrying that hard disk failure or computer theft will mean the loss of your important files. When you make use of online storage and syncing services like Dropbox, you have been involved with cloud computing. The cloud also offers a disaster recovery solution in the event of an outage.

The cloud is becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives. Use it to enhance your business and personal life, increase productivity, and to give you peace of mind when you store and back up your most important files.

Until next time,
Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC

PS: Always remember that your goals are possible to achieve. Believe in yourself and your ideas. Your intuition got you this far, so trust it. Don’t ignore your own excitement. Keep the passion burning and your vision front and center at all times. It’s the perfect fuel for your dreams. Visit: https://allaccessgroup.com

4 Things You Can Do to Personalize Your Brand Like the Celebs

Kelli Richards December 22, 2014

“This article was originally posted in the Huff Post Business”

Between Google and social media, it’s become simultaneously easier and more difficult than ever to maintain your brand image. With a few keystrokes, anyone can learn just about anything about you. On the other hand, if you can cultivate what your audience will find, you can influence your brand image and how others perceive you.

Whether you’re seeking a career change, a promotion, or new clients, this is a powerful tool, and perhaps no one knows this better than A-list celebrities.

Control Your Image Like a Pro

The most successful celebrities know that getting their name out there is about more than just being seen. It’s about imparting a personalized concept of who they are.
If you want to brand yourself like the stars, focus on these four tactics:

Use media to your advantage. Whether that means effectively utilizing social media, public speaking, or establishing your brand’s platform by publishing articles and books, you need to become known and trusted as a thought leader. Leverage media to give people a sense of who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re doing to change the world. Don’t be a best-kept secret!
Be authentic. Celebrities who express their fears and vulnerabilities honestly are more likely to create tighter bonds with their audiences. Think of when Princess Diana expressed her sadness over her crumbling marriage on global television or how Roger Ebert continued his work while visibly battling a crippling disease. When celebrities show they’re human, they’re much more relatable.
Craft the image you want others to perceive about you. By consistently sharing your thoughts and message, you have more influence over what others think of you than you realize. Decide how you want to be perceived, then maintain a consistent tone and presence in your marketplace.
Take a stand. Think of Matt Damon’s clean water advocacy or Angelina Jolie’s involvement with the U.N. Nearly all celebrities have causes they’re committed to, and their public advocacy galvanizes others to take action. By taking a position on something that matters to you, you extend your brand and image leaps and bounds in showing people who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re committed to.

Build Your Team

As a business professional, you have a lot on your plate, so how do you find the time and focus to accomplish all this? The trick is building a support system. Depending on your goals, include any (or all) of the following people on your team:

Social media strategist/publicist: This is someone with whom you can discuss how you want to be presented and who will help co-create your brand. She’ll provide feedback and develop strategies for shaping your image online and off.
Trusted advisor/mentor: Connect with someone who can help you identify your authentic self to ensure you’re living in alignment with your values. Ideally, this is someone who’s walked in your shoes. This will help you remain consistent, authentic, inspiring, and powerful when expressing yourself.
Visual artists: Whether this means photographers, videographers, or graphics and web designers, it’s important to include people who are skilled at crafting a digital persona that’s consistent with what you want to project to the world about you and your contributions.
Personal stylist/image consultant: It’s helpful to hire someone who can pay attention to your physical persona to ensure it highlights your best attributes in professional and social contexts.
Colleagues, friends, and family: Never forget the people who know you best. They’re your
cheerleaders and evangelists — always on hand for support and reinforcement.

With the right support team and tactics, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to blur the lines between business professional and business celebrity. Consider Richard Branson. Between his commitment to espousing pro-employee ethics, his authenticity, and his carefully crafted brand image, he’s known and lauded as much more than a successful businessman. He’s someone we admire as a thought leader and values-driven global ambassador who lives his passion and gives back to others.
In a world where brand, image, and reputation are key professional attributes, it’s critical for any professional to manage how she appears — whether that’s online or off. So get to work building your image and sharing your ideas. A whole new level of success awaits.

A highly sought-after consultant, super connector, trusted advisor, celebrity wrangler, and thought leader, Kelli Richards is the CEO of The All Access Group. She facilitates strategic business opportunities in digital distribution among innovative technology companies, talent and media companies, and brands to foster new revenue streams and deliver compelling consumer experiences. As a trusted advisor, she transforms the quality of people’s lives. Kelli is also the author of the bestselling e-book “The Magic and Moxie of Apple: An Insider’s View.”

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group.

The right mentor will also have the right CONNECTIONS to move any effort forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding.

How to Create Your Own Industry to Fit Your Strengths

Kelli Richards December 15, 2014

“This article was originally published on LinkedIn”

“Super connector” and “celebrity wrangler” may sound like fictitious superhero names, but you don’t have to wear your underwear over your pants to have your own cool identity. These crazy names have become part of my unique job description, and I wear them with endless pride because they represent the twists and turns of my career path.

By leveraging my core strengths and skills and combining my backgrounds in entertainment and tech, I’ve molded my own brand and carved a unique career path for myself. Having been a talent producer for award shows, cause concerts, and celebrity fundraising events for three decades, I’ve developed a very large network, connecting musicians, actors, comedians, and tech innovators with the corporate world to create performances and campaigns.

This is just one facet of my identity as a celebrity wrangler and a super connector, but there’s a thread that ties everything I do together: my skill for connecting people to create value for both parties, forming catalysts for collaboration and creating networks where amazing work can flourish. The reason I’m so in love with my work is because it all comes from my unique skill set and my own personal passions — and you can create that perfect match for yourself as well.

Here are five ways you can leverage your strengths and skills to define your unique niche:

Turn work into play. Work that comes from your areas of expertise and your passions will be more enjoyable. When you’re able to follow your instincts, ideas flow from you organically. And when you love your work, problems become opportunities to spend time with your passions, and your workplace becomes your playground. Freedom and enjoyment will make you happier, more fulfilled, more confident, more energetic, and more productive.
Appreciate what you lack. When you’re working from your strengths, you also become aware of the aspects of your business that you’re not so skilled at or don’t enjoy doing. It’s important to recognize where your experience falls short, spot the learning curve, and be able to delegate or collaborate to solve the problem. That way, you can stay focused on doing what you most enjoy — and that plays to your strengths.
Individualize your brand. Building a winning brand is all about differentiating yourself from the competition. But how can you differentiate yourself when you’re not being true to your unique strengths? Allowing your own individuality to shine through and shape your work will help your brand story stand out in a big way.
Collaborate powerfully. The only way to achieve powerful collaboration is to know the strengths and passions of everyone involved. If you stay true to your strengths and capitalize on them, you empower your team and colleagues to do the same. What’s more, you enable yourself to find other employees with complementary skills. That way, your project can be fueled by expertise and passion, not compromise.
Tell the world. Once you know who you are and identify and claim it, you’ll find that expressing that identity becomes easier. You’ll feel more genuinely connected to those around you because you’re coming from a clear and energized place where you share what you do with others. Things like social media, networking, and interviews will become more enjoyable and effective because every word you put out will be authentic and meaningful.

For me, my key strength is my network of connections. Knowing I had a passion and a talent for connecting people, I’ve been able to create a successful career that I love. Your new identity could be anything — your own version of the super connector or the celebrity wrangler. But above all, it has to reflect you because whether you’re a “collaborator genie” or a “green-energy explorer,” you’ve got all the makings of becoming your own unique brand of superhero.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards

CEO of The All Access Group, LLC

PS: The right mentor should also have the right CONNECTIONS to move you forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding. Visit: https://allaccessgroup.com

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The 4 Most Important Reasons You Need to Become a Mentor

Kelli Richards December 8, 2014

“This article was originally published on Inc.com”

Fifty years ago, a fourth-grade teacher in rural Mississippi noticed something special in a little girl in her class. The teacher knew the little girl could achieve great things, but something was holding her back.

So the teacher asked her to read aloud in class to help her overcome her nerves. She spent time with the little girl after school and allowed her to choose books and help grade papers. Her influence helped the little girl see past poverty. Today, that girl has become one of the most influential women in the world: Oprah Winfrey.

Mentorship has obvious benefits for both the mentee and the mentor. You’ve probably read articles that talk about the knowledge, connections, and personal growth that mentorship can provide.

But one day, someone might reach out and ask to be mentored. Or, like Mary Duncan, you will come across someone who has potential she hasn’t yet reached.

What will you do in this situation? If you’re struggling to see the value in becoming a mentor, consider these additional advantages that mentorship can help you realize.

1. Achieve personal career gains. Mentors are people who will go the extra mile to help others and exert a positive influence on their lives. And that can lead to huge career opportunities.

Don’t believe me? Sun Microsystems did a study on the career progress of more than 1,000 employees over a five-year period. It discovered that both mentors and mentees were 20 percent more likely to get a raise than people who did not participate in mentoring. Mentors were also six times more likely to be promoted than employees who didn’t mentor. To that end, you can ask your mentees for testimonials–videotaped or written–to validate your experience when applying for positions in the future.

2. Enhance your leadership skills. When you teach someone, you truly become a master on that subject. You not only reinforce valuable leadership lessons, but you also question and refine your own thinking and approaches.

You’ll find yourself working harder to live up to the expectations of your mentee. After all, you can’t advise her to work hard and do things you aren’t willing to do yourself. With the mentee’s spotlight on you, you’ll push yourself to grow.

3. Help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Mentees will often (but not always) be younger than you. It’s easy to think the next generation needs more education while you have it all figured out.

But the truth is that Millennials are the ones creating the workplace of tomorrow. They understand trends and technology that may escape you. If you watch your mentee closely, you’ll almost certainly pick up some information or habits that are new and beneficial to you.

4. Gain the intrinsic rewards of helping others. This is the reason you hear most often, but it’s a powerful one.

I was recently working with a client who was struggling with her self-perception. Her negative thoughts were holding her back in many areas. When we peeled back the layers together, we found the root of the problem, which helped her begin to heal. That aha moment completely changed her trajectory, and she’s now taken her business to new heights.

She might not be the next Oprah Winfrey, but just knowing I had an impact on her life is a great feeling that makes the time and effort completely worth it.

Mary Duncan didn’t know the little girl in her fourth-grade class would go on to become one of the most famous and successful women in history. But Oprah credits much of her success to those afternoons with her teacher.

When you decide to mentor someone, you really have no way of knowing how far she’ll go. Whether you shape the next great entrepreneur of our time or help someone achieve her dreams, you’ll make a difference–and that’s all that matters.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards

CEO of The All Access Group, LLC

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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