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Last Thursday evening I was in New York City and joined the authors of “Ditch. Dare. Do!“, William Arruda and Deb Dib at the launch party for their latest book – “Ditch. Dare. Do!“  What  a blast!

It was a warm summer evening topped off by a late evening summer shower of rain.  The book launch party was fun, amazing and the room was filled with boundless energy.  Why – that’s simple it is hard to be in the presence of so many people who are so passionate about the work they do and not feel the waves of energy all around you.  The smiles and sparks of imagination and talent in the room were as brilliant as fireworks over the Washington Mall on the 4th of July.  What a joy to be among that energy.

If your 4th of July celebrate is only half the fun of the book launch party – you will be in store for a great celebration.  Enjoy your holiday!

Want to add some fun and great reading?

Whether you are headed for the beach, lake or anywhere that calls for a book to read or if you have a few minutes and want to boost your career pick up your copy of “Ditch. Dare. Do!”   It is a wonderful guide to help you ‘supercharge your career’.

Many of you have heard me share tips from “Ditch. Dare. Do!“.  I know the tips will help you learn how to become influential, indispensable, and incredibly happy at work.  Read the book and share your comments below.   Did you like the video?  Share your thoughts on the video too.

Yes, it is!   Boring is out for 2013 and WOW is in!

Everyone needs an Elevator Speech.  It is your commercial and often serves as your only introduction.

Used when you meet and greet, it answers the question,“Tell me about yourself.”   The term “Elevator Speech,” as I understand it, comes from the Venture Capital world.  It was developed as a marketing pitch, customized to the people and situation and designed to secure funding for the next great idea or product.

Has your Elevator Speech lost its WOW (or maybe never really had it)?  If so, it’s time to ditch it!

What is the WOW in your branded Elevator Speech?

WOW stands for your Worth (what you do and the impact of it), the Opportunities you are seeking, and What you can do for the person (or someone they know) experiencing your message.

Your WOW makes you memorable, helps others connect with you and understand why they should care about what you have to say.   If the WOW is missing, odds are you will be forgotten or the conversation will fizzle quickly.  Without a strong WOW your brand awareness is diminished and it takes longer to have influence in any situation.

Remember, you only have seconds to connect, set the stage and share your WOW.  Your first impression is vital — make it count or you will be forgotten!

Ditch your boring Elevator Speech.  Be relevant.  Gain favorable attention.  Ensure that when you meet someone they understand what you do and the impact you have.

Ready to ditch boring and add WOW?

There are thousands of formulas for an elevator speech — pick any formula you like.  Draft your initial speech.

Then slice it, dice it, edit it, and make it yours.    Deb Dib co-author of “Ditch Dare Do!”  recommends being ruthless when editing — every word should count!

Now it is time to hone your elevator speech.  Practice it.  Use it.  Change it as you grow.  You need to be comfortable delivering it, yet if it sounds canned it will impact the impression you make.

This formula will get you started:  “I <what you do> <the problem you solve> and the <results you produce>.

Here is an example a client started with:

“I train rescue dogs to serve as companions for recent widows struggling with a lifestyle change and who want a friend around the house, but no more laundry in their life!”

The above message includes humor that may not fit you.  It fits the person who shared it.

In 25+ words you know a great deal about her brand and what she does.  When she speaks you will decide to continue a conversation or not.  Yet the message is long.

After some editing, she now delivers her WOW in 12 words.   Less is often more!

She revised it as follows:

“I train dogs to serve as companions for widows who hate laundry!”

You get the idea.  Ditch boring and the extra words.

Does your Elevator Speech have WOW?   Is it on brand, clear and to the point? Does it tell your brand story?

Have a comment or thought?  Post it below.

“The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts.” ~ Booker T. Washington

What makes you indispensable?  (Hint:  it is not what you know.)

You already know building a strong personal brand illustrates you are indispensable and influential.  So, what are you doing to build your personal brand?

Your personal brand tells others about you — what you are able to do, the impact of your actions, and why it matters to the world.

The impact?  You become vital to the right people.  You become a key player in their organizations, not because of what you know, but because of your actions, the results they garner and the far reaching impact of what you DO!

And, all this doesn’t just happen — you have to make it happen!

As 2013 begins, are you ready to be influential, indispensable and have more fun?

Here are 3 tips to help you start leveraging your personal brand:

1)  Assess your personal brand and decide how you want to leverage what you DO.

2)  Take one action per week that positively impacts your personal brand and makes you indispensable.

3)  Want 66 tips to help you execute on number 2?  Read “Ditch. Dare. Do!” by William Arruda and Deb Dib.

In fact, if you call me by Saturday, January 12th, 2013 and request a copy of Ditch. Dare. Do! by Personal Branding Guru William Arruda and CEO Coach Deb Dib,  you will be added to the list of my executive clients that are receiving a free copy of the book when it is released next week.   Don’t wait!  Call me by Saturday, Jan 12, 2013.

When calling, please leave your full name and complete mailing address [don’t forget the zip code] and I will send you a copy of the book.  No catch, simply my gift to you as a reader of my blog.

You’ll love the book.  You’ll learn the same tips top executives know and use to leverage their personal brand.  Make 2013 the year you land the job you want, with less stress and earn the salary you deserve.

Want to know more about Ditch. Dare. Do!?  Listen to this interview with William Arruda and Deb Dib.