Some Tools I Use

First, let me say that these are simply tools. They hold no power or magic abilities other than what you put into them. And they don’t do anything to help you if they aren’t worked and nurtured consistently. I break my tools down into 3 categories: branding tools to project my brand image outward and market myself, focus tools to help keep me focused on my core genius, and social media tools to distribute my content and reach a wider audience.

Branding tools

Logo

Since I'm a logo designer, I’ll start with your logo. To me, this is the single most important element of the brand image outside the actual “you.” The logo is a graphical representation of you. In one icon, it conveys the same attributes that you do in person.

From a technical standpoint, it dictates all the design rules for any other visual tools you may use, like a web site or business card. And it sets the basis for the use of color and fonts, as well as more subtle design elements like shape and texture. From a personal standpoint, this powerful icon expresses to the world “who” you are. “What you do” is merely one role you play in life. “Who you are” is who you are at the core. So for crying out loud, get the logo right.

Drupal

A web site with a blog is the best tool for creating and distributing content. There are many tools you can use to build your web site. I exclusively use Drupal for myself and my clients. Drupal is a content management system which allows you to add and edit content to your site. It also has thousands of modules which allow you to customize your site’s functionality, adding e-commerce, blogging, newsletters, SEO, image galleries and more.

Focus Tools

Vision Boards

I am a visual person. When I create my best life in my mind, I do it in pictures and video. My thoughts are colorful and vibrant. So in my house, we create vision boards to remind us of the things we want to manifest in our life, and of the life we wish to create for ourselves. My vision board is quite large, covering a whole wall in our kitchen. I can't miss it on my way to my office.

Vision boards can be made with any large flat surface (we used a large cork board). Then you can find images or snippets of text that reflect some desires in your life. We used images of our dream house, cars we want, physiques we are working toward achieving, and my project logos to remind me what I’m working toward.

If you’d rather keep your visions and dreams private, there’s no need to display them in your home or office. You can make smaller boards that can be put away. Or you can make a scrapbook instead of a board. There are no rules, it’s supposed to be a fun activity to help you focus your thoughts and keep your eye on your dreams.

Affirmations

Affirmations are simple things we say to ourselves to evoke a highly positive emotional reaction. I've gotten into the habit of starting my affirmations with “I am...”

“I am rich, wealthy, healthy and youthful. I am a rock star in my chosen field and people flock to hear my message.”

“I am an eternal creator. I am source energy in physical form. And the Universe is my best friend, always working in my favor.”

“I am beautiful, and worthy of everything I desire.”

I have learned and experienced that affirmations are extremely powerful when practiced and said aloud daily and often. I find it particularly effective to say them while looking in a mirror. When you look into your own eyes and say these words, you feel the truthfulness. If this is all new to you, it may feel silly at first. But rather quickly, you will begin to think “I'm right. I am a rock star. I do deserve the best. I am important. I am wealthy and healthy.”

Some people like to have a specific affirmation they say over and over again. I like to make it up as I go. Either way, I always look in the mirror and say “I love you, Bob.” Laugh if you like, but I learned that from Louise Hay and Oprah. Look where it got them.

Telling yourself “I love you” is powerful. Look in the mirror and say your own name out loud. This one process could open doors you didn't even know were there.

Social Media


Facebook

Facebook is a fantastic tool for building your personal brand. You can connect with various groups of old friends and acquaintances, as well as meet and network with new contacts.

At first, I was only accepting friend requests from people I actually know. I have since reversed that tactic to become friends with a much wider network. There are many business groups on Facebook which allow you to connect to potential partners, suppliers and customers.

As in all social networking sites, take the time to complete your profile fully. Connect with your friends and start building a presence. Then begin exploring different groups that interest you. When you join a group or fan page, you can write on that group's wall, and start conversations with other group members. Because everyone is there for the same reason, it's easy to find something to chat about.

Twitter

Twitter is remarkable. On the surface, I still don't understand how anyone thought of it, or thought it was a good idea. And yet, it's amazing. If you are not familiar with Twitter, or not yet active on Twitter, I highly recommend you rectify that situation immediately.

Twitter allows you to build an audience of people who opt-in to what you have to say. It makes it extremely easy to start conversations with people you'd never otherwise meet.

There are many blog posts and Facebook groups discussing tactics for using Twitter for business. Bottom line is, be yourself. Post tweets that either show a glimpse of you personally, or provide interesting information. Send @ replies to people to let them know you like their tweets, or to join a conversation. Direct message people who follow you and thank them. Being courteous, and true to yourself, are all it takes to become a Twitter star.

As I said, this is a quick introduction to the most important tools I am using. In time, I will be creating posts to thoroughly explore and explain each one, and several others, in greater detail.