THE BEST ADVICE YOU DIDN'T TAKE

Colleges across the country are participating in that annual sheepskin and handshake ritural known as graduation. Maybe you recall your college graduation. I certainly remember mine and those of my children as well.

There never seems to be a shortage of advice when it comes to wanting to give some to the graduate. It's an exciting time and perhaps the last time for many, that the dreams they dream seem to be able to become reality. 

Advice is a two edge sword. Learned too late by some and given too early to others. There was  advice I am glad I never took as well as advice I took that I am sorry I did. 

Here is what I learned from both.

1) Make mistakes that make you proud. You are going to make many mistakes in your lifetime. Learn from them and turn your errors into efforts. 

2) Success is overrated. Regardless of how much fame or fortune you have, you will be remembered and admired more for your integrity at keeping your word and your promises.

3) Potential and Opportunity don't always run on the same path so don't let others create the road to your destination.

4) Be indebted to people rather than things.

5) Don't confuse cocky with confidence or tasteless with tactful. Learn the difference.

6) You may know what you want, but it always helps to ask God to show you His plan as well.

7) Take yourself seriously enough to  be taken seriously by someone else.

8)  Live in the moment but not for the moment.

9) A narrow mind can't see the bigger picture. Clarity comes from adjusting your focus.

10) Your degree isn't the ticket to your success, your determination is. Jimmy Buffett and Bill Gates are both wildly successful and neither had a degree.

11) Get fired up about what matters instead of burning out because of what doesn't. It truly will change your life and your perspective.

12) A sense of humor is one sense that never fails as you grow older.

13) Leave the world a better place even if it's only in your little part of someone's life.


What's the Best Advice you Never Took?                       
What Advice Do You Have To The Next Generation?

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Kathy Brunner is an Author, Speaker and Branding Specialist. If you would like to have her speak at one of your events, contact her HERE.

Interested in a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to have Kathy help you uniquely brand a service or product? Contact Kathy HERE

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THE DIFFERENCE

I hear it all the time and say it quite frequently, “I really want to make a difference.” This often means different things to different people.  We want to make a difference in the lives of our families, our colleagues, our churches, our communities and even in the world. Just how we do that often depends on the time, resources and energy we have available to make a commitment. Don’t assume making a difference is the hardest thing you will ever do. It may actually be one of the easiest and most definitely will be one of the most rewarding.

What does making a difference mean to you? Does it mean by your intervention, influence and/or presence you help shape someone’s future? Does it mean you contribute to a cause you are passionate about with money or time? Does it mean you rally support for issues that touch your soul? Maybe it means what you do serves to impact someone in a positive way even if it is with a kind word or positive outlook?

There is no single way to make a difference, but many many ways to be a firestarter and light the match to create the change.Each of us regardless of our education, economic status, gender, culture, age or job description have the ability to make small ripples as well as large waves of difference by the choices we make.

I made a choice to become an advocate for helping to support victims of human trafficking in ways I believed was both possible and sincere by using whatever talents God has given me to raise awareness and offer support. One of these ways is to blog for Exodus Road, an organization that goes beyond simply sharing the information about human trafficking but actually supports and mobilizes forces on the ground to help rescue those caught in the web of this horrific crime.

Recently Exodus Road was able to partner with Indian Rescue Mission and enter a locked brothel searching for evidence for prosecution and attempts to rescue minors. The 2 minute video is here.

The amazing part is that over 30 of the more than 89 girls rescued at this brothel were minors!

Can you imagine how you would feel if you were instrumental in rescuing someone from somewhere like this?

YOU CAN BE!  I blog so others can learn about the work at Exodus Road and how they can make a difference.  Perhaps you should as well. Or maybe you can share this info with someone you know and ask them to share as well.

Even if all you can do is spread the word about what they are doing at Indian Rescue Mission and Exodus Road, you ARE making a difference.

We all wonder how we can be influential in creating change and establishing a legacy. This is YOUR chance as well. Visit Exodus Road on Facebook. Like their page. See if this is the difference you were meant to make.

It was for me and no matter what you do or how you do it, it won’t matter unless you can positively affect a life because of it.

Doesn’t matter if we are butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, lawyers, barbers, mothers or grandmothers. Whatever you dream to do, dream to change a life doing something in a way you can best serve and then whatever you do, you will always be making a difference.

English: Called To Rescue Icon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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MOM'S THE BOMB

Mother holding girl. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Few mothers realize when they are in the midst of raising their children what an amazing Firestarter they are. I think we become so absorbed in doing whatever we have to in order to make things work, we seldom stop and see the impact we have had on others, even those who weren't our own children.

I know mothers who have had to hold down two or more jobs to make ends meet but still are there for their children's needs. I know moms who gave up a lucrative career to devote all their energies to their children. I know mothers who not only were involved in raising their children but who also were handling the responsibility of taking care of their own parents with failing health and resources. And, I know mothers who have devoted exceptional energy to helping life be all that it can be for an exceptional child despite the drain on time, money and sometimes anything close to a normal life.

Mothers have a resume no one job desription in any single career could ever imagine to have. They must be strong in the face of sometimes unbearably difficult circumstances. They must be able to be a fair negotiator with sometimes unruly participants. A circus juggler has an easier time as mothers must be able to multi-task whether they are in the shower or trying to sleep and most definitely they must not get sick at inopportune times (ever). Mothers are required to be on call 24/7 and be willing to be paid in hugs, sloppy kisses and sometimes even pouting. Mothers must demonstrate the ultimate in love and patience to those who claim to hate her realizing somewhere in her soul she too has passed this way before.

Mothers must possess the ability to be superwoman, magicians, angels, pyschologists, and event planner, often simultaneously. 

No, it's not impossible. I know mothers who did that. My own mom rose above obstacles and often circumstances others would run from to impart a spirit and strength in each of her children to be all they could be.

No one sends that little baby home with an instruction booklet. Oh, they can give you classes on how to feed the little one or change the diaper but no one tells you what to do when you have to fix not just a broken toy, but a broken heart or worse a broken spirit. No where is there a recipe for turning out an amazing child like an amazing cake. Most things about motherhood are learned by the seat of your pants and trail and error.

Anyone blessed with a child, knows the influence you have helping them develop a sense of worth, a spirit of individuality and an energy for being their best. The impact a mother has on helping a child find personal potential and satisfaction never ends with them graduating or leaving home. Mothers have the ability to keep that sense of wonder and encourage their children to develop their fires and passions more than most realize. Regardless of how many others tell your children they are amazing or possess incredible potential, hearing that from your mother is critical to believing you can be more than you even dream.

Henry Ward Beecher said, "The mother's heart is a child's schoolroom." and Marion Garretty said, "Mother love is the fuel that enables normal people to do the impossible."

So regardless of whether biological or not, mom has the potential to be the spark that starts it all.

If you know someone today who has helped you be all you could be, say "thank-you" and if you ARE someone today who is doing that for someone else. YOU ARE THE BOMB!


What is your fondest memory of how your mom made a difference in your life?



Kathy Brunner is an Author, Speaker and Branding Specialist AND AN MOM of THREE If you would like to have her speak at one of your events, contact her HERE.

Interested in a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to have Kathy help you uniquely brand a service or product? Contact Kathy HERE

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TAKE OFF THE CAPE

Yesterday a good friend of mine shared that her week was more than overwhelming. On top of having to help one child with a project, she was trying to get a few things started to break into a new career and still manage to "make life work" by doing what she always expected of herself: taking care of the shopping, cleaning the house, kids, and of course her full time job. This meant making cookies at 3:00 a.m. for another child's school activity and then hitting the bed, 2 hours before she had to do it all over again. And she's one of the lucky ones because she has a husband who helps!

Superwoman (Kristin Wells) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This scenario is played out daily in countless homes by women trying to hold down the fort at home and address the responsiblities in one career while beginning another. Women especially harbor enormous guilt when attempting to work at their place of employment and still run a household. That's two full time jobs. Throw in trying to get another career started and it's like throwing a match into a can of gasoline. 

Most people have to work at their jobs while starting their dreams and yet the juggling act of trying to work at what you want to do while continuing to do what you have to do and acting like you don't do either so your family doesn't notice anything is different is a recipe for disaster. The one who usually suffers the most is the one with the cape...you know, the one with the words, "SUPER WOMAN" on that most of us  pretend  we really WANT to wear and yet dread donning every day.

Women have a history of taking care of themselves last. We often tend to our needs so late in the game we are no longer even playing the one we started. With a growing list of activities which add to our stress and the pretension we are too busy or too necessary to get sick or need assistance.  We often sabotage our plans for success by imagining we are bionic and can fit 35 hours into a 24 hour day and smile while we do it.

It's time to take off the cape. You don't need to give up your dream but you might need to prioritze and perhaps give up your desire for an immaculate house, 5 course dinners, watching every little league game, reading the latest news, throwing a birthday party for your best friend or volunteering for another task instead of exercising, eating, sleeping, getting to the doctor, or remembering to breathe. It's not really a shame we can't do it all...it's normal, but what woman wants to be normal?


Starting your dreams is important. It may be the best thing you ever do but if you don't shift some priorities in your life so you can get them started, you will make a grave mistake and assume you will just need to be a better juggler and put on yet another cape and start the circus all over again. Not only will this defeat your dreams from getting off the ground it could actually cause you to miss the joys you once appreciated in your life.

Juggler, Juggling, Illusion, illusionist, TRT, TRTÇOCUK, circus, circus eurasia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Turning any dream into a reality is work enough.It need not be added to an already enormous load. Learn to prioritize and ask for help and accept it when it is given without guilt. Houses can be cleaned anytime but sleep can't be stored up and used at a later date. Give up the notion for a healthy dinner sometime and enjoy peanut butter and jelly at the park with the kids. Skip the dog bath and get yourself a massage. Buy the cookies instead of baking them. Remember that done is sometimes preferable over perfect.


 And do yourself and  every woman you know a favor and Take Off The Cape.


What was the craziest thing you did when wearing your SUPER WOMAN CAPE?


Kathy Brunner is an Author, Speaker and Branding Specialist. If you would like to have her speak at one of your events, contact her HERE.

Interested in a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to have Kathy help you uniquely brand a service or product? Contact Kathy HERE

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It's Only Catchy If Someone Hangs On To It

Last weekend a woman ran up to me at a garden shop and said, "Hey, Aren't you the "Firestarter"?  "You gave that workshop in December (to a professional organization she belonged to). I bought your book.I really enjoyed it. You helped me really get started on some ideas, in fact..."

She continued to share how much she enjoyed the workshop, what she felt inspired to do, how having an accountability team helped her and then as she looked at me holding an entire flat of perennials in my hands she gushed, " I'm so sorry, I know you have a name, but I just remember you introduced yourself and then said, "I'm a firestarter and I'm here to help you get fired up and not burn out!"

She remembered it exactly...all but my name!

After we re-introduced ourselves and I began to drive home, I realized  how critical it is to leave an unforgettable impression on people. No, she did not remember my name, but she did remember my book and that I had described myself as a "Firestarter". She remembered the activities in the workshop and how they inspired her. She may not have remembered my name, but having her remember what I did, how I did it and how it affected her was by far, a more desirable outcome.

Whether personal or business branding, you must leave something behind that remains unforgettable. Most people recognize the symbols Nike, Google or  Apple or the slogans of some products; G.E. "Brings good things to light.", Clairol asked, "Does she or doesn't she.?" and Kentucky Fried Chicken reminds us it's "finger-lickin good."

Every day authors, entrepreneurs, business owners search for tag lines and phrases that remind their consumers of a particular aspect they want them to remember.

What's tag line of your book, the slogan for your business or the catch phrase for a service you offer? Make your brand YOURS, because when I googled my name, I discovered there were many Kathy Brunner's and there are probably others with your name as well. 

What will people remember about you? Will they remember your hairstyle, eye color or what you were wearing or are they more likely to remember the special slogan or logo associated with you, because next time they see you, your hair may be a different shade and you may be wearing a different outfit but wouldn't it be cool if they remembered. 

'Hey, aren't you the "_____________?"

What are some ways people recall what you offer or what you do?

When I was a little girl, there was a neighbor who had a beauty parlor in her home. On her lawn was a sign, "Here's where people curl up and dye."  I never forgot that!

What are some catchy slogans or phrases that have stuck with you?

Kathy Brunner is an Author, Speaker and Branding Specialist. If you would like to have her speak at one of your events, contact her HERE.

Interested in a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to have Kathy help you uniquely brand a service or product? Contact Kathy HERE

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Lessons From The Outhouse on How To Be The Next Big Thing

When I was a young girl, my family would visit my oldest aunt who lived on a farm. I loved the animals, gathering eggs, feeding sheep and eating some of the freshest foods around but I hated one thing...the OUTHOUSE. For several years, she had no indoor plumbing and having to go in the outhouse was awful; from the flies and smells to the very fact by today's standards it was anything but sanitary.

Outhouse near Miller's Bakery (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

But one thing outhouses did was create a need for something everyone who owned a home eventually wanted; indoor plumbing.

Anytime something new replaces something that is laborious, time intensive or unpleasant it becomes desirable. Think of how fast food restaurants, mobile animal grooming services,personal lawn care services, mobile dry cleaners, on-line shopping, gas fireplaces, GPS systems and walk-in clinics have made life easier for many people. While not every convenience appeals to everyone, there will nearly always be a niche for a product or service that makes life easier.

It's not hard to be the next big thing is you are observant. Start by observing what would make your life easier that currently either doesn't exist or is considerably beyond the financial means of most indivduals.

Once you see a need, filling it is the next step. There is no big secret to the next big thing.Someone today is already busy creating or improving something you are going to wish you thought of months or years from now. Why shouldn't that someone be YOU!

Automobiles, airplanes, computers,big box stores, indoor playgrounds, Pinterest, and 
Etsy all became the NEXT BIG THING.

Everyone has an "OUTHOUSE" in their life today that needs replacement, improvement, and advancement. It might be in their home, career, leisure activities or involve their pets, their belongings or even their educational or spiritual lives.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE THEIR OUTHOUSE BETTER?

Once you know that answer, you are on your way to being the next big thing.


Kathy Brunner is an Author, Speaker and Branding Specialist. If you would like to have her speak at one of your events, contact her HERE.

Interested in a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to have Kathy help you uniquely brand a service or product?
Contact Kathy HERE

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Four Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn From the Final Four

The biggest weekend in basketball is upon us. The Final Four. Within about 48 hours, a new champion will emerge, at least for the next year and then the cycle will begin all over again.

There are at least four glaring similarities between igniting your passion and getting to the final four that I want to share.

from http://howstuffworks.com

1. There Will  Always Be  Competition 

Over 80 some teams started the quest for the championship several weeks ago. Everyone who ever wished to ignite his or her passion has faced competition that continues to narrow down the best. Competition will make you work harder, try longer and dream bigger. So if you want to make your passion happen, ask to bring on the big game.


2. Even the Best Sometimes Come Up Short

Things happen. Accidents occur. On any given day even your best may not be good enough. That doesn't mean it's the end of the road, only that you go back to the drawing board and keep trying. You get another chance another day but only if you keep going and keep playing. It happens to the best of teams and will happen to the best of intentions. Don't beat yourself up if you tried your best and didn't meet your goal, but get back out on the court and play your heart out again next time.

from http://usatoday.com

3. It's About Teams Not About Individuals.

Every organization needs a team. Even the most awesome players cannot win alone. No matter what you want to do, you need a team to mentor, support, guide and contribute to your success. These members can be ones you meet with face to face or ones you develop from close on-line groups or interactions.  There is power in numbers and success is nearly impossible in any realm without others. The best player may stand out but a victory is claimed by a team.

4. It's Only A Game and You Get To Play Again

It's great to be the best and come out on top, but perhaps more important, it's critical to realize just getting a chance to play is amazing. Don't be discouraged if you don't land on the top of the heap or if the end result is not perfect. Be encouraged by participating towards your dream, be ignited by sustaining your spirit through the difficult moments and be grateful to have the chance to do it again, and again. 

Someone will be a champion this weekend and again next year and the year after. 
We don't become a legend every time we play and we don't succeed with every chance we take.

But those who really lose are not the ones who set out to win and come up short, but the ones who never got to play to begin with. Getting the opportunity can be just as much a thrill as winning it all. 

Ask anyone who has played for a spot, even if they never made it to the finale...it's an amazing ride to be part of the spirit.

Are you taking your chance to be victorious or sitting on the sidelines wondering what it would have been like if only you tried out and made your passion, happen?


Kathy Brunner is an author speaker and branding specialist. She would love to help you launch your ideas. Feel free to contact her HERE. She offers a FREE 1/2 hr. consult to those who want to work with her.

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