Meet Kelly O'Neil, Marketing and Branding Expert

Where I Met Kelly

I connected with Kelly through social media. I checked out her facebook fanpage and thought she had some solid information to share. 

What I Really Like About Kelly

Kelly is a down to earth lady and is making herself into a success.  I like that she is open and sharing her process and words of wisdom.  We can all learn so much from people “in the process” and Kelly is putting herself out there.

Step Into the Extraordinary:

15 Ways to Become an Extraordinary Entrepreneur

By Kelly O'Neil 

I believe that excellence is never an accident. This is a mantra I've long used in both my personal life... and my professional life. Excellence is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
Excellence leads to extraordinary things. But you aren't born extraordinary. You have to work at excellence -- foster it, nurture it, educate it. How? One way to effectively embrace excellence and step into extraordinary is by recognizing common traits among extraordinary individuals. Over the years of working with amazing entrepreneurs, I've identified these 15 traits as markers of true excellence. Recognize them -- and work toward achieving them yourself -- and you'll be well on your way to eliminating mediocrity and becoming a high performer in your industry... and reaping the rewards of that commitment.


High-Performing Entrepreneurs:

1.        Aren't just working for the money. They care about their company beyond the profits and take great pride in its performance, impact on society, and ability to help others through its offerings.

2.       Are truthful. They do what they say they are going to do, when they say they are going to do it. People know they can count on them time and time again.

3.       Embrace opportunities. They look for -- and find -- opportunities to improve themselves, their work, and their business. Others? They see no opportunity.

4.       Are focused on solutions. They don't bring problems to the table without recommending a solution.

5.        Focus on CAN. High performers focus on what they can do rather than what they can't accomplish.

6.       Don't blame. High performers take responsibility for their actions and outcomes (or lack thereof). When they make a mistake they own it, fix it and learn from it.

7.        Are busy, productive, and proactive. While most people waste too much time planning, over-thinking, sitting on their hands or going in circles, high performers are out there getting the job done.

8.       Are life-long learners. High performers constantly work at educating and improving themselves, either formally (through academics), informally (by watching, listening, asking, reading, etc), experientially (by doing, trying)... or by employing all three educational strategies.

9.       Consistently do what they need to do. No matter how they feel or what curves life has thrown their way, they get it done. High performers don't let life become an excuse and don't allow their personal life or mood to impact their work. They work extra hours, nights, or weekends if they need to.

10.     Have a desire to be exceptional. They will typically do things others won't do. Becoming exceptional is a choice, and high performers are committed to that choice.

11.      Accept feedback. High performers aren't just open to feedback, they are more likely to act upon it.

12.     Set higher standards for themselves. The result? Greater commitment, more momentum, a better work ethic and (of course) better results.

13.     Are more interested in effective than easy. While the majority of people look for the quickest, easiest way, high performers look for the course of action that will produce the best results over the long term.

14.     Finish what they start. While so many people spend their lives starting things they never finish, successful people get the job done -- even when the excitement and novelty have worn off. Even when it's not fun.

15.     Are resourceful. High performers don't wait around for someone to hand hold them through something. They figure it out and get it done.

Recognize these traits in yourself (and in the team members you hire) and put concentrated effort on growing them. You'll be optimally armed in your quest to become one of the best. Do you see other traits consistently in other extraordinary entrepreneurs? Which of these traits come easiest for you? And hardest? Drop by my Facebook page and let me know.
Next time, I'll tell you how to identify -- and squash -- mediocrity.
© 2011 Kelly O'Neil International

Want to Reprint? Please do! Just make sure you include the information below.

Kelly O'Neil, Founder and CEO of Kelly O'Neil International, best-selling author and award winning brand marketing strategist, is one of the most sought-after brand marketing and results coaches for conscious entrepreneurs and aspiring women leaders. Kelly is the inspirational driving force behind a rapidly expanding business empire that includes Ignite Business Coaching™, Millioniare Prodigy Club™, The Women's Leadership Academy™ and The Excellence Society™. She is committed to helping entrepreneurs find their authentic voice, design strategies and brand platforms to share their unique message and strategically build profitable businesses. For free resources, training materials and to sign up to receive a free CD "7 Simple Success Practices of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs," as well as Kelly's Arrive Ezine, visit http://www.kellyoneil.com. 

Meet Vicki Graham, Founder/Managing Member Sales Department, LLC

Where I Met Vicki

I initially met Vicki through a post I made online about making marketing sales and how this was my most challenging marketing strategy.  Vicki contacted me and suggested we meet and see if we might be able to work together.  I checked out her website and thought it would be great to meet her in person.

What I Really Like About Vicki

Vicki is so much like me it’s amazing.  She is prior military, is a go-getter and loves animals, too.  Vicki is completely honest and after talking with her for only a few minutes, I felt like I could trust her and would enjoy working with her.  Vicki knows her strengths and is very clear about how she can help you.

Background

Vicki is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and always wanted to be in the military even in high school.  She entered the Army after graduation and became an intelligence analyst.  Once she arrived in Colorado Springs, Vicki had her daughter and began working in sales.  She spent 15 years with the companies, Waste Management and Bestway Disposal.  Vicki’s entrepreneurial adventure began when she was laid off and immediately had people lining up for her sales skills support.  It didn’t take too long for Vicki to formalize her process and start her business. Vicki is also actively involved in the rescue of pit bulls and has a large pack at her home.

My Ideal Client…

Vicki knows how to connect people with potential clients and specialized in business to business relationships.  Vicki can work with client lists, set up meetings—essentially the full sales process from prospecting to training employees.  Vicki individually negotiates her contracts as each unique business has specific requirements.  Vicki will tell you very directly what her fee schedule if for different tasks so you can quickly arrive at a pricing decision.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

1.       Knowing how to manage my time and take “me time” breaks

2.       No BS—Keep it real on all calls and open

3.       Networking  and volunteering

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Make sure you know what you’re worth! Be sure to value your time and knowledge.  Research your competition and see what they change and if you have a home-office pass on the no overhead savings to your clients.

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

When starting you own business, the initial funding can be a challenge.  Begin by bartering for services.  Vicki shared an example of doing some marketing for a computer guy who in turn helped her with a malfunctioning laptop.  Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

I enjoy discovering all of the ways successful women manage their money and discussing investment strategy ideas. I can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Vicki

Please contact Vicki at vicki@salesdepartment.biz or visit her website http://www.salesdepartment.biz/

Meet Carol McIntyre, Artist in the Black Forest of Colorado

Where I Met with Carol

I enjoyed meeting with on a beautiful fall day in the Black Forest.  We got to sit in a lovely coffee shop (R&R Coffee) and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in an actual mug. Carol is quite social and I actually had to interrupt a lively conversation with another patron so we could start our interview. Initially I connected with Carol on an unlikely phone call as I was inviting her to one of my seminars. As we talked I learned she was a successful local artist, I was intrigued because I also am a closet amateur artist with many pads full of sketches in my closet. It is always fun to meet new people and see how your interests can intersect.

What I Really Like About Carol

Carol is a person with a unique life path and a wonderful sense of style.  When we met she had on a beautiful deep auburn blouse with handmade beaded jewelry to match.  Even her glasses had a wonderful hint of color.  Carol has a passion for her art that extends to research and immersion I didn’t’ realize accompanied the actual painting.  Her passion is to create paintings that transport you to another time and place.

Background

Carol is originally from Iowa but lived outside of Philadelphia and spent time in Sweden, too. She began her working life as a school psychologist and then moved to corporate America leading her company’s Sales and Product training.  She then continued to put her psychological training to use as a consultant.  Of all things, her mother-in-law brought Carol back to art when Carol was 36 years old.  Her mom-in-law found out Carol was keeping stashes of sketch books and proceeded to sit Carol down with an easel and some paint.  Fast forward a few years and Carol became known as “The Hand Artist” in the Twin Cities and she captured her work and artistic journey in a book entitled “Painting My Passion: An Artist’s Journey with Women of the West.” This is also one of the topics Carol speaks on and has even spoken at hand surgeon conventions. To complete 25 paintings commemorating the women of the 1800’s, she did extensive research into their daily lives and motivations. Through her work, Carol shows that these women were not just “along for the ride” but went West with their eyes wide open. In her paintings, she used the image of the hand to depict the women’s contributions to this country.

My Ideal Client…

Drawn to Colorado by a spiritual connection to a cabin left to her by her great aunt, Carol now has her own studio in the Black Forest.  She sells her artwork, does magnificently personalized pet portraits, and likes to speak about her experiences.  Carol works to empower other artists as well as educate people about her art.  Carol is unique in that she keeps a blog so that her clients can watch the step-by-step process of their commissioned pet portrait being created.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

      1.  Know yourself well—figure out who you are. How?  Ask yourself questions.  Am I visual or auditory? Introvert or extrovert? What kinds of problems do I like to solve? Am I a risk taker or do I prefer routine?  Do I like the outdoors or prefer indoors?

     2.  You have to go find your passion/calling instead of waiting patiently for your passion to arrive on your doorstep.  Look back on your life and notice the events that have inspired and motivated you.  NOTE:  Keep exposing your kids to different things to help them find their passions!

     3.  You have to be connected with people—even if you’re an introvert you need support.  It is valuable to have friends and colleagues outside of your industry as well.

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

If you want to make a living as an artist there are two outside skills to develop.

     1.  “Learn some accounting and marketing.”

     2.  “Stay focused.  I became an expert at painting hands. In my western motifs I focused on the intricacies of the hand and did not allow myself to be distracted by barns, horses, etc.  Interestingly, I earned commissions from a famous baseball player and well known musicians to paint their hand portraits.

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Carol started saving at 8 years old.  She learned to live within her means and made very smart decisions early on such as “Do I buy a house or a car?” She also married a man with the same money values which helped the communication and money story of their relationship.  Carol did have to educate herself about business loans and taxes.  Carol recommended to me for my financial business that I include a follow-up call after my meetings to answer any new or lingering questions. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Carol

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait, purchasing her original oil paintings, want to visit her studio or just have questions, please contact Carol at: carol@mcintyrefineart.com and visit her website http://mcintyrefineart.com/.

Meet Stephanie Boyles, Founder/CEO UnbridledRider.com

Where I Met Stephanie

I initially met Stephanie through a mutual acquaintance and Stephanie had us over for dinner.  It was a special evening because Stephanie unveiled her idea and concept for UnbridledRider.com:  an amazing experience to be in on from the beginning.  Stephanie and I share a passion for horses and entrepreneurship so our connection is a natural one.

What I Really Like About Stephanie

Stephanie is a person with a good honest heart and a passion for life.  She is focused and completely involved with her chosen endeavors.  Stephanie balances her work and riding with a strong involvement with her family and has raised a smart and talented child, too.

Background

Stephanie is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and has always loved horses.  Her family jokes that she came out of the womb saying “Where’s the horse?”  As a little girl Stephanie would ride her grandma’s cow, much to the cow’s chagrin, and her grandma said the cow wouldn’t give milk for a week after Stephanie’s visits.  Stephanie is well-educated completing a PhD in mathematics by solving the Bounded Orbit Conjecture proposed by TJ Brauer in 1912—so she’s not just a pretty blond (J).  After graduation she was faced with the career decision of academia versus industry and Stephanie chose to work for AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey as a systems engineer.  She switched to the business strategy and marketing side of the industry and then transitioned to be a private consultant.  Stephanie really enjoyed the flexibility and freedom of consulting work which lead her to the startup world and her present venture, Unbridled Rider, a website and collection of mobile apps geared toward equestrians.

My Ideal Client…

Stephanie is very clear about who her ideal clients should be:

     1.  People with a passion for horses

     2.  People trying to improve their personal riding and ability to train horses

     3.  People looking for a supportive community

Stephanie provides a lot of value because she wanted to create something people would use and to combine the convenience and power of technology.  Stephanie has produced the SmartPhone app 101 Dressage exercises that has now sold in over 38 countries!

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

     1.  Belief that it can be done and I can do it.

     2.  Staying positive.  I went through a time feeling like I didn’t have enough time and a good friend told me “stop all the negative communication about other people and yourself”

     3.  Perseverance

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

There are so many avenues available to young women today and it’s possible to create a path that’s uniquely tailored to your unique attributes.  You are not limited to picking from the jobs that are available.   You can create something completely new.         

                                                             

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Young women should be self-sufficient and have their own way of making money.  I’ve been married for 22 years and we have 3 pots of money.  My husband and I created and continue to create thoughtful ways to contribute to our joint pot of money and in the process created clear boundaries and communication.

I enjoy discovering all of the ways successful women manage their money and discussing investment strategy ideas. I can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Stephanie

If you are interested to join the UnbridledRider community or just have a questions, please contact Stephanie at stephanie@unbridledrider.com or visit her website http://www.unbridledrider.com/.

Meet Cindy Lindsay, Strategic Consultant

Where I Met Cindy

I met Cindy at a mutual passion of our, Capital Sisters.  Capital Sisters is an organization that is stepping beyond pure fundraising and has created a viable SEC regulated bond to support micro lending to women in developing countries.  In addition to being a board member, Cindy demonstrated her phenomenal organizational skills as we set up for the event.

What I Really Like About Cindy

Cindy is a kind-hearted and fun person to be around.  She is a successful entrepreneur and also finds time to support the causes she feels passionate about.

Background

Cindy is originally from East Texas and was raised by a slightly nonconventional ‘50s family.  Her dad contracted polio when he was 24, but never took on a victim role.  And her mom stepped up as an entrepreneur turning her skills such as sewing into income generators for the family.  Additionally, Cindy was taught that she could be anything she wanted to be.  Cindy was accepted to Rice University and studied math and science because computer science had yet to be offered.  Her husband graduated a year ahead and received a National Foundation Scholarship so Cindy agreed to spend her senior year “abroad” with him at the University of Illinois. Illinois is cold for Texans, so after graduation they quickly accepted jobs in Silicon Valley and worked for Hewlet Packard at a very extraordinary time.  HP was dedicated to growing its people in addition to their business by sponsoring courses in project and people management.  In the ‘80s, startup fever took over and Cindy and Steve (her husband) started a company and took it public.  Cindy said it was quite an experience to watch your company be posted on the NASDAQ.  They had some free time and came to ski Colorado for the season and were hooked.  Cindy and Steve figured out how to move to Boulder and haven’t looked back.

My Ideal Client…

Cindy is now part of FLS Associates, the L is for Lindsay.  This is a business accelerator for startups. Cindy found a way to support young talent and combine her experience with business and connections with investors.  She keeps to her specific area of expertise in computer systems and has a very clear description of the type of clients FLS wants to work with:

     1.  People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.

     2.  People who are coachable

     3.  People who are fun to work with

People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.

3 SECRETS of my Personal Success

    1.  Flexibility in the Entrepreneurial world.  Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and not be attached to what you think is the right answer.  You cannot be risk adverse.

           2.  Serendipity. I liked tech and got trained in tech and stepped into the digital era with the right skill set.  I equate my life to surfing—I get on the board and all the waves keep coming.  I still have to ride the board but I’m ready when opportunity shows up.

           3.  Surround yourself with great people—family, mentors, husband.  I found some mentors but cultivated many more.  It is important to go to meet and greets.

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Be sure you’re solving a big problem!  Women can get pigeon- holed into roles and need to look for a passion.  Know you are stepping into a world that may not have a perfect job for you.  Explore avenues and build your career around your passion.  Always be looking for what you want.        

 

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Because I had such an unusual upbringing, I was raised with financial savvy.  It is important to have good communication in your relationships and be sure to include money management in your discussions.  An interesting side note is that I have two sisters.  One gave her kids an allowance and the other sister sat down each year to discuss the family chores and the financial value of each chore.  This relationship to money has translated to the kids in their adult lives, too.

Visiting with Cindy was interesting to see the impact her family had on her start in life. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Cindy

If you are interested to learn more about her business consulting or just have questions, please contact Cindy at cindy.lindsay@flsassociates.com

Meet Melinda Buckley, Legal Administrator in Colorado Springs

Melinda Buckley is a Legal Administrator in Colorado Springs

Where I Met with Melinda

Melinda and I visited in the comfortable conference room at Buckley Law.  Her office has a huge picture window with an amazing view of the Front Range and it almost feels like you’re outside.  Melinda also has a Keurig which is greatly appreciated by coffee drinkers like me.

What I Really Like About Melinda

Melinda is quiet and confident and she tells me that “she knows her place” in the office.  I must raise my eyebrows at this moment because she quickly explains that she is the critical “behind the scenes” person that makes the superb legal service run smoothly.  She doesn’t have a need or desire to be in the spotlight and this allows her to have great perspective on what needs to be done.  Melinda epitomizes a quote I learned in basic training at the Air Force Academy about doing what needs to be done and not worrying about who gets the credit.

Background

Melinda is originally from Kentucky, graduated from college with a degree in Physical Education and was married.  She began with substitute teaching and found it was not the right fit for her personality so she took a position in a dental office.  This small operation consisted of her and the dentist so she quickly became the office manager and was effectively running the business.  This business management became her specialty as she helped found a doctor’s practice, a high end construction business, a roofing business and now she manages a law office.  Melinda jokes that she used her degree to raise her kids and her hands on knowledge to run businesses. Melinda developed a pattern of learning a task whether it was payroll or taxes and then was able to smartly hire outside help because she knew how to review the quality of the work.  Melinda is also a very astute people person and knows how to make people feel comfortable and clear on their business processes.  Melinda tactfully shared a great piece of feed back with me that I will use.  I’m a fast talker and she said it took a while to figure out who I was because the answering machine wouldn’t even pick up my name.  Melinda encompasses a quality of character that is valuable and priceless.

My Ideal Client…

Melinda thought this question was not black and white because her office has a few very specific niches and she also admitted she may selfishly like or respect a client irrespective of their income-generating potential.  Melinda settled on a simple and concise answer.  Her ideal client is “Decisive, determined and can follow through and understand their limitations (so we can do our job for them).”  Helping a client through the process of estate planning requires client-attorney interaction because it is very personal. A client needs to be engaged in the process to provide the right information to create the plan they want.

3 SECRETS of My Personal Success

1.  Knowing my Place in the Office—Again I want to take the liberty of placing some context around this statement and it reminds me of Zig Ziglar’s comment that to get what you want you need to help others get what they want.

2.  Have an Owner Mentality;  If you think salary versus hourly then you are more creative and help a business be successful.

3.  Be a Person of Character; Have pride in what you do and do what you say you will do

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Be ready to be flexible in many diverse situations without compromising your ethics.

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Melinda told me that finances were not her interest or her strongest suit.  Like many of us, she’s had some ups and downs dealing with money and she settled on her husband’s favorite statement from Ronald Regan “Trust but Verify.”  The challenge is always how you learn enough to be able to verify without having to become an expert in the field.  For me this always brings to mind visits to the car mechanic.  I shared with Melinda my story about a recent visit for an oil change. I was told I needed to change my hydraulic fluid and they showed me a brownish/reddish fluid.  Having flown a C-130 and knowing a little bit about engines, I told them I was surprised that a closed system would become dirty and asked if there was also a leak because hydraulic fluid actually is a brownish color.  The attendant sheepishly came back a few minutes later and told me he must have had a dirty rag. As a high net worth advisor, I ensure my clients can ask questions and I help them locate outside sources to “trust but verify” because this service is serious business and is all about trust. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Melinda

www.Buckleylaw.com

Meet Deborah Hill, Strategic Consultant

Deborah Hill is a Strategic Consultant

Where I Met with Deborah

I enjoyed meeting with Deborah on a beautiful July summer day in the Black Forest.  We got to sit on a broad wooden deck overlooking a wide green field and surrounded on by tall pine trees.  The fresh pine scent was refreshing and the cool breeze caressed the skin—an amazing place to become a sanctuary.  Deborah and I initially met at the same time I was being introduced to Capital Sisters, an organization that provides microloans to women around the world.  It is always fun to meet new people and see how your interests can intersect.

What I Really Like About Deborah

Deborah is a person with depth and you will not uncover all of her layers at first glance.  Deborah leads a full life balancing her work and family and charity and has a very down to earth way about her.

Background

Deborah is originally from the East Coast (Wilmington, Delaware) and has an interesting educational path.  She studied French at Mount Holyoke and received a Master’s in Foreign Affairs.  She worked as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Foreign Business as a political appointee.  When a change in office happened, Deborah and her husband went West to Santa Fe before settling in Castle Rock just south of Denver.  While raising her 2 successful sons, Deborah held a variety of positions to include being a successful stockbroker and working in the oil and gas field.  Deborah is now getting more involved in supporting women’s rights around the world with organizations to include Capital Sisters, Beyond Our Borders, the Women’s Forum  and Electing Women.

My Ideal Client…

Deborah is now a Strategic Consultant focusing on Environmental concerns.  Her ideal client is a foundation or individual with a large project that has the potential to create a win-win outcome.  Her current project is turning 1500 acres of land that has been deeded to the Audubon Society of Colorado into a sustainable sanctuary.  She’s conducting a feasibility study to figure out the best ways to manage the property, learning about the community that already exists around the property and exploring a truly inspired way to bring together mission and sustainability.

3 SECRETS of My Personal Success

1.        Persistence—Don’t take no for an answer

2.       Do Your Homework—Be prepared for an interview or meeting, research all you can before you sit down with a new person, business, etc

3.       Be Brave and Reinvent Yourself—Think strategically about what you want to do and then create a plan with steps to get there

1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person

Nothing worth doing comes easily.  Of course life should be fun but you will have to work out of your comfort zone at times to reach your goals.  Don’t be a quitter—figure it out!

   

My Biggest Financial Question/Concern

Deborah asked me a little about my business and her most pressing question was how I did my due diligence.  Since I hire money managers with philosophies and strategies to suit each individual client, Deborah was interested to know how I established my criteria and identified strong companies.  She applies this same research when investigating a charity or non-profit to work with as well. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.

Contact Deborah

If you are interested to contribute to the Bird Sanctuary or just have a questions, please contact Deborah at deborahbhill@msn.com