What I’m Reading: The Wisdom of Compassion

The Wisdom of Compassion

I’ve just finished reading The Wisdom of Compassion: Stories of Remarkable Encounters and Timeless Insights by the Dali Lama and Victor Chan.

A thought-provoking and engaging read, this book brings forth numerous stories of empathy and consideration that Chan and the Dali Lama have both personally witnessed. Based on the belief that a person’s goal in life is to be happy — and that unhappiness is primarily based on internal bouts of anger and ignorance — the stories shared in this book, and the Dali Lama’s wisdom principles revolve around the practical application of compassion.

Throughout the book, he and Chan share stories they’ve encountered in various locations around the world — from his friendship with a blind Irishman to the Dali Lama’s collaboration with a neuroscientist that led to significant discoveries about the human brain. No matter a person’s religious beliefs, this book helps readers gain a deeper understanding of human nature and our ability to show compassion and consideration for those around us.

An excellent read — I recommend you check it out.

Building Your Brand Online

Where does one start when it comes to building an online brand? What is the importance of having a well-established, consistent brand?

As a communications professional, I’ve spent my career working with colleagues and clients to develop and establish consistent brands and brand messaging. But why? For businesses and individuals alike, having a solid brand (both on and off line) is important because it:

1. Establishes brand recognition: If you want anyone to know who you are and what you do, an online presence is key.

2. Help establish brand loyalty: When consumers can see your brand and what you can do, the likelihood of them choosing you over your competition dramatically increases.

3. Differentiate you from industry competition: Today’s market is full of noise and overwhelmed by people and companies offering similar products and services. A well-established brand can help businesses and individuals set themselves apart from others in the market.

Ok, so these are just a few of many reasons why having a well-established, consistent online brand is important for businesses and individuals. So now the question becomes What do I need to do to get a hold on my brand online OR How do I get started building my brand online? Here are just a few tips:

1. Understand your audience. Who are you trying to reach, and where are they most active online?

2. Give your brand a voice. A few things to think about here — give your brand a voice. Speak with your audience, not to them. Keep an open mind. Perhaps the most important: be consistent in your communication and your message.

3. Build your brand by utilizing a mix of media. Once you’ve figured out who your audience is, figure out the best way to reach them. Does Facebook make the most sense for your business? What about Twitter? Should my company have a blog? Businesses and individuals should utilize a solid mix of media to effectively build an online presence. The key to success: keep your branding (ex: usernames, photos, color schemes, messages, etc) consistent across all channels.

4. Make it personal and be creative! Readers won’t keep coming back if your content is stuffy or boring. Add a bit of personality to your posts, add links to fun and interesting articles or media content, or leave your readers with questions that will encourage a dialogue through your blog.

Which companies do you think have built the best online brands? Which companies do you think could improve their online brand? Why, and how?

Cheers to the New Year

Ok, hold tight… it’s been far longer than I’d like to admit since I’ve truly written. And it wasn’t until very recently that I realized how much I’ve missed it.

I’m not sure there has ever been a time in my life that I’ve felt like an “exceptional” writer… but writing has always been something that I’ve enjoyed, and has always provided a sense of creative freedom and escape that I found strength and comfort in.

2012 was a year of challenge and fighting to overcome adversity. And somewhere in that year, in the middle of struggles that I felt like I may never overcome, I stopped writing for a while. I stopped writing because someone told me I should. And in my very fragile state, and much like a fool, I listened.

In reflecting on the past year, and looking toward the next, I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about what I like, and what I don’t like, about my life. What can I change? What can’t I change? How can I make myself a better person this year? How can I help others?

I’ve never been a big fan of resolutions (especially since I don’t know a single soul who has ever actually stuck to one), but this year I’m willing to give some sort of “resolution” a shot (note: I use that term very vaguely… I’d much prefer to call them simply, goals, or something of the like). This year, I’d like to:

  • Find a fabulous workout routine that I love and stick with it. I’m not shooting to drop ten pounds… but I’m tired of being tired, and feeling bad about the state that I’m in… and I’m even more tired of not doing anything about it.
  • Read more. When I walked away from my writing in 2012 (without intentionally doing so), I also seemed to walk away from my love of reading. Today I find myself feeling like I’ve lost more of myself than I had ever realized… and the idea of diving back in to the depths of a good story makes my soul smile.
  • Focus on friendship. Beautiful friendships and beautiful people can be difficult to come by. I’m blessed to have both in my life, and I want to spend more of my time and energy cultivating beautiful relationships. With that, comes my goal of letting go of those who shouldn’t be part of my life. I hate cutting ties and, aside from losing love, there’s not much worse (in my opinion) than losing friendship. I’ve changed dramatically, and so have many of those in my life, and with change sometimes comes loss. Holding on is hurting me more than letting go ever could. So this year, I say “goodbye” to a few…
  • Volunteer more. Because it just feels good to do something for someone else every once in a while.
  • Focus on the positive (because that just feels good, too).

There’s a laundry list of other things I’d like to work on… and the way I see it, life (and me) are ever-changing. For now, I’d like to take it slow and focus on one day at a time, one step at a time and hope to forge some great new friendships along the way, enhance those I already have, smile much more than I cry, and hope to have some pretty fabulous stories to share along the way.

2012 may not have been my year… but I think 2013 will be.

xoxo