One of the best ways to not only stand out from the masses, but to actually leap frog over them, is to be branded as someone who is responsible. A simple, basic definition of being responsible is “doing what is expected of you.” This includes returning e-mails and calls in a timely manner, being on time for appointments, showing up for meetings prepared, taking pride in your work and doing what you said you would do when you said you would do it.

There has never been a time in my life when I’ve noticed more people being irresponsible than I see today. It’s almost as if people feel that it’s acceptable not to do what is expected of them and that it’s the new standard in our society. The source of the problem is not what’s important. Rather I want to focus on the opportunities it presents for you.

If you will make a commitment to become a more responsible person, people’s respect will not just grow, but it will soar. Your relationships will become more meaningful and your career will advance to a new level.

Top Five Tips to Brand Yourself as Someone Who is Responsible

Here are my top five tips on becoming responsible….. read more

Whether we recognize it or not, we are all entrepreneurs marketing ourselves to the market place. One of the most basic fundamentals of our economic system indicates that the amount we earn is based on the value we offer. Therefore, the more value we bring to the market, the more we can charge for our services.

What is the difference between those at the top of the pay scale in a given profession and those at the bottom? In most cases, the people at the top of the pay scale receive a higher salary not only because of their skill or ability, but also because of all the little things they do to bring value to the organization.

Increasing Your Value

If you want to earn more money, FIRST you must increase your value. Only after increasing your value can you expect to charge more for your services. It doesn’t work like many people think: “Pay me more and I will do more.” That is the mindset of a low wage employee who will never get ahead. The mindset of entrepreneurial minded employee would sound something like this: “Let me do all I can to increase my value and if I can’t earn what I am worth with my current employer, then I will market my services to another employer.”…. read more

Recently on the Facebook Little Things Matter fan page I wrote two posts about cell phone etiquette. The comments I received clearly expressed passionate opinions about the proper use of cell phones. There was a strong consensus that talking on or texting and e-mailing from your cell phone in certain places and at certain times is inappropriate, irritating and downright rude. I share their opinion.

If you don’t show respect and common courtesy when using your cell phone, you run the risk of aggravating people and destroying your personal brand. On the other hand, if you use discretion and follow the simple recommendations outlined below, you will be able to enhance the impression you make.

Avoid using your cell phone…read more

One of the most important keys to living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life is your ability to build meaningful relationships. While there are many factors that influence the relationships you have with others, being a likable person ranks near the top of the list. Likable people are those who do the little things to connect with people.

The Importance of Being Likable

All the great teachers of personal achievement from Napoleon Hill to Anthony Robbins have talked about the importance of creating a likable personality….read more

Have you noticed that tardiness is on the rise? People are chronically late for work; for their child’s teacher conference or athletic contest; or even for parties and celebrations. As the old saying goes, “they will even be late for their own funeral.” Yet, punctuality is one of the key ways that we can positively brand ourselves.

Today we will explore why it is so important to be on time for all of your scheduled events. Whatever your appointment may be—a phone call, a business meeting, or a dinner engagement—you should always strive to be on time….read more