Show Them You're an Expert by Cheryl Cage

Cheryl Cage of MyCore is a contributor to our newsletter and blog.  She is an expert about the benefits world, an educator, and loves who people are.

Do people see you as an expert in your field? Does everyone who knows you know who you are, why you exist and what your business does? Can everyone who works with you speak like an expert about your company? These things are super important! I’d love to share what I have recently learned. 

Over the quarantine I took so many classes to develop my perfect practice. 

Sarah Gretzinger of The Savvy Networker Global shared with me this amazing piece of advice: The Expert Positioning Statement. If you can remember these simple phrases you can always sound professional in your delivery. 

I am............

I help..........

So that.......

By...............

If I was to share mine it would sound like this: 

I am Cheryl Cage with the Business Development team at MyCORE. 

I help businesses with 1-100 employees.

So that the employer can spend less time running their business and have the time and security to build their business. 

By offering an All-In Subscription of Payroll, Benefits, HR, Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Taxes.

Use this in networking, marketing and all social media.

Having an Expert Positioning Statement and professional pictures provided by Megan Martineau and Honey Bee Photography is a perfect way to showcase your position in the community. The combination of both are sure to keep you memorable. 

At MyCORE we aim to serve the backbone of this country, small businesses. This month I want to feature Veteran-Owned companies. We thank you for your service and want to serve you now. We offer a nice monthly reduction in our subscription to Veterans when you Shield Up your company with the MyCORE All-In and All-In Plus Subscriptions. 

Thank you for your service! 

Best Regards,

Cheryl

Cheryl.cage@leadwithmycore.com!

The Quarantine 15

What did that title make you think?

Fifteen pounds?  Yup... that's what I think, too, when I say it, hear it, or read it.

But what are some other things that you've learned about from these past 65-ish days, either about yourself, that you've learned to do, or that you've discovered in your relationships?

Here are mine.

1.  I finished 3 classes online in this past semester.  I'm on my way to earning my marketing degree.

2.  I definitely need to lose weight because school has been so smushed together.  I've done a lot of sitting down to study.
3.  I've started doing photo restoration again.  I really love doing it, because I feel like I get to know the person on whose photograph I'm working. 

4.  I've expanded to slide and negative transfer to digital.
5.  I really love answering essay questions in homework assignments.
6.  I'm much stronger than I thought I was.
7.  When someone asks for prayers, or has told me they are going through a hard time, I actually do something different.  I place them in my heart and light a candle for them.  I feel like the energy from that helps that person, and me.
8.  I miss my friends, but I'm so grateful for modern technology.  It makes social distancing a little easier to handle.
9.  My mom is still my rock.  I got to see her for the first time in 3 months last week and I hadn't been so emotional like that in years.

10.  I've reconnected with a few friends and caught up with them over Facebook.
11.  My son turned 22 and we couldn't celebrate together.  I took him my older Kitchen-Aide mixer and baking supplies and ingredients for his birthday, as he has his own apartment now.  His photos of bread have been amazing.
12.  My cats really really love me.  Especially Bonnie.  She has been especially snuggley these past few weeks.  She keeps me on my toes, and herds me back into my office to work some more.

13.  Learning how to manifest things in my life, like abundance and prosperity, have been life-changing.  I've had many good lessons in this.
14.  Networking has taken on new meaning with learning how to navigate on Zoom.  That has been a lot of fun, and interesting.
15.  I'm looking forward to seeing how others have turned things around for them to make these new unprecedented times work for them.

Does Your Social Media and Print Marketing Need a Makeover?

I know, I know.  It's barely Autumn.  It isn't even October yet.  Or, what I like to call, ROCKtober.

Blink, and the holidays will be here.  They start NOW, with prepping for Halloween.  I mean, I picked up the CUTEST Halloween shirt up today.  It's soooo sparkly!

Anyway, now's the best time to do your headshots, because everyone's pumped up that the leaves are changing, fun times will be had, and the whirlwind holiday prep is coming!  In January, you'll want to update your website, your social media, and your print marketing.  Don't wait til January to get your headshots done.  Do you know why?  Because most people indulge a bit over the holiday season, and put off doing photos for their websites, because they feel like they need to lose a couple of pounds.

Coming off of summer, now is the best time to do your photographs, because you still have a slight tan, the kids are in school, so you can focus a bit more on yourself, and you just colored your hair.  Or  you're about to color your hair with that gorgeous color combo you've been eyeing for bayalage, and you just can't wait to make that happen.

So, October 17 is the day, and boy, do I have a great deal for you!  I'm teaming up with Adam Santavicca of CBay Advisory on October 17, because he gives a FREE monthly seminar to the members and community of Crofton at the Chamber of Commerce office, and this just couldn't be MORE PERFECT.  

This date is by appointment, only.  Before your session, we'll talk on the phone, and discuss what you love about what you do, what your why is, and how you want to portray yourself in your photographs.  We'll also talk about your current logo, and any updates you'll be doing in the near future with the branding of your business.  We'll talk colors, clothing style, accessories, props, and many other things that will help your headshot session be successful.  I also have resources for you, if you need help with your hands looking smoother for your session, or your lips looking chapped.  I've got you covered!!!

The day of the session, we'll take 15 minutes to do about 10 different photographs.  You're welcome to have a second outfit, as long as you can get into it quickly.  You'll get to be with my assistant straight after your session to look at your photographs and choose your very favorite ones. Within five (5) business days, you'll receive your beautifully done headshots via dropbox/email, retouched, and you're looking your absolute best!

I know you are dying to know how much this is, because there's SO MUCH VALUE packed in this.  With all of this amazing service, you'll receive your first 2 headshots for only $150!  After that, they are $100 each. 

Now, I know what you're thinking:  What a GREAT DEAL!!!  I'll be so confident and excited to get my photograph done, and I can't wait to see how they turn out!  Depending on when your appointment is, you'll be able to network before and after Adam's presentation, and we are providing light refreshments for all to enjoy.  Bring PLENTY of business cards with you, so that you'll be able to trade with other professionals that day.

In case you're wondering... here's what I've done in the past.

Here's what Leslie, from Severn Bank (bottom row, 2nd from the left), had to say about her experience with getting her headshot done with HBP:

"Megan was really good about helping me feel so comfortable in front of the camera.  I'd just had photos done with my company, and I just hated them.  Megan knew exactly how to pose me, helped me to relax and smile, and the way she retouched me looks so natural!  I really love my photograph!  She also photographed my family, and I'll tell you, she did an amazing job.  The colors she helped me choose goes with my decor, and my adult children even love them!  They are not easy to impress.  Anyway, I'm so glad we have Megan as our photographer.  I wish I could take her with me on my vacations!"

For more information, give Megan a call at 240-766-8966 to find out more about how to have a successful headshot done.

10 Tips to Help Moms of High School Freshman

So often, we look on line for guides and checklists on things like, “5 Tips on Choosing a Martial Arts for Your Child”, or “17 Must Have Items for the First Time your Tween Attends Overnight Camp”, or “101 Ideas for your Boy Scout”.

Have you ever noticed that there are virtually no lists on how to prep yourself as your child gets older?  There are tips on prepping for the hospital stay, and what to expect the first year, but those really don’t cover what to expect for yourself. AmIRite?

I was actually going to write a blog article about how to help your new high school student adjust to going to a new school, and as I thought about it, I looked back 6 years ago when my son started high school, and realized, what do I wish I’d known then, with what I know now?  What could I share that can help other moms in that position?

So here you have it, Mom!  10 Tips to Help YOU Help Your New Freshman.

1.     COLLEGE:  Don’t talk about it yet.

It’s super tempting to talk about that… I get it.  But it’s hard enough for your child adjusting to navigating their school hallways, all of the new rules each teacher has, not to mention getting to the bus stop so early in the morning.  Do reminisce with your child a little bit about your first days of Freshman year, so that you can relate, but also find out what they might be expecting and work through that.

2.        IT’S COMPLETELY NEW.  Help your child with this.

Helping your child figuring out time management is vital.  I mean, *I* still need help with my time management.  Purchasing a planner and using it helps them, and you, to see how busy they are going to be with their new schedule is easier than putting everything on their phone.  Back it all up on your phones by sharing schedules, too.  And of course, sleep.  Sleep is so important, so allow those occasional weekend mornings for extra sleep.

3.        CURFEWS.

So here’s an interesting idea I found a few years ago:  Discuss together what you both think is reasonable for a high school senior’s curfew would be, and then subtract every year by 30 minutes.  So for instance, if as a senior that midnight is a good curfew, then as a junior, 11:30, a sophomore at 11:00, and a freshman at 10:30.  This is just an example.  YMMV.

4.        DISCUSSING RULES AND EXPECTATIONS. You know, the hard stuff.

Oh my gosh… this is the really hard stuff that you might be procrastinating on.  Now, we did talk about these things, but I would get eye rolls that were so loud they sounded like bowling balls, accompanied by, “Mom, I knowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww”.

Every family has its own values and beliefs, and by 9^th grade, your child is familiar with those things.  Be assured that all of the conversations and the contents of them will be tested.  The hardest conversations will be about alcohol, drugs, sex, consent, birth control… and so much more.  Approaching this conversation will be different for each child, and if you haven’t started these yet, now is the best time to do so. 

Now, I lectured about these things.  That was wrongo-bongo.  Having a conversation would have made this so much more successful.  If I could do it over again, I would start by asking questions about what he’s loving about the summer break, segue it to getting ready for freshman year, and finally ask what he knows about one of these subjects.  I would do it over eating pizza or ice cream. 

And like I said, there will probably be a time that one or more of these rules and expectations will be tested.  Before that happens, deciding what the consequences would be ahead of time will make it easier at the time, instead of reacting with anger or major disappointment.  Being realistic about this will save your relationship.

5.        EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.  Keep her busy.

I really think that what children really want to do as an extra-curricular activity starts at around the age of 9.  By the time she’s in 9^th grade, she’ll know what she really wants to do.  Interests change, and so it’s OK to switch it up.  Freshman year is really a great time to explore that and discover what she loves doing.   Also, be prepared for her to change her mind; even if she does, explain that she made a commitment and sticking it out would be beneficial to her.

6.        CH-CH-CH-CHANGES IN FRIENDSHIPS.
Your teen is about to embark upon one of the most life-changing adventures of life:  meeting new friends that will help shape the rest of high school.  The ups and downs of this will happen, just be there for your child, and support him or her by offering casual get-togethers on the weekend.

7.        STICK WITH THEIR OWN KIND.

As awesome as it is for a freshman to be accepted by junior and senior friends, it’s important to remember that the life of a 17-year old is vastly different than a 14 year old.  Unless they are involved in a club activity that mixes the grades, freshman should stick together.

8.        SURREAL FOR MOM AND DAD.

Mom, this is a great opportunity to help your freshman learn to speak up.  In other words, teachers appreciate a little bit of input from you, but keep it to a minimum.  However, experts agree that if there is background information, then that should be supplied to the teacher it affects.

9.        WHAT TO TAKE?

You know your child pretty well, and what his strengths are.  Does he want strictly college prep?  That’s probably a great direction to go in, with traditional math, science, and literature courses.  Is the business world what she’s looking forward to?  Then accounting, speech, and marketing are all great places to start.  Speaking with the guidance counselor will help you and your child decide what will be best.

10.    SUNRISE, SUNSET

Where does the time go, anyway?  Most likely, you are eye-to-eye with your freshman, and you are feeling time flying be very quickly.  Take the time, every week or so, to check in and adjust to where you all are now.  Over ice cream.

11.    BONUS

Mom, you are officially in a new phase in your life, as the mother of a high school-aged child.  Either join a network of other moms, going through the same thing, or start one.  Doing so will help you to navigate and recognize that you aren’t the only one going through this, and you never know… you might make some new friends, too.

Also, don’t involve your teen with this part just yet, but do get to know the processes of applying for college and what your costs will be, etc.  Get all the information, and after the winter holidays, go over it with your child, and share some of the things you’ve learned.  Over ice cream.

It seems that ice cream will be a great way to smooth over the conversations that may be met with those eye rolls.  What a great tradition!

*The ideas for this list comes from https://grownandflown.com/mom-of-high-school-freshman/.  All verbiage above is my own.

3 Huge Secrets On How To Prepare For Your Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

Are You Out There In Social Media Land?

There are a lot of people out there in Social Media Land.  I heard once, that with social media, you have about 3 seconds or less in which to capture someone's attention.  If they aren't impressed, they will keep right on clicking.  This means that they are actually looking at profile pictures to quickly make the decision as to whether or not to stay there.

If you are a business owner or a professional, you already know that social media is a great tool with which to network and create relationships.  The image that you should have for your profile picture should match the level of professionalism you are creating.

Many professionals dislike being in front of a camera.  Memories of going to a busy, packed studio as a child often makes folks stiff and nervous.  They don't want to look stiff or unnatural, they want to look friendly, approachable, professional.  Oftentimes, they just don't know how to start the process of preparing for a Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

My approach to this is to help my clients feel as comfortable as possible, and this starts at the very beginning when they call me.  We'll discuss many things during that call, including what you want to wear and what image you are desiring to show.  I'll ask you questions, such as, do you want to wear a uniform of some sort, or do you want to wear business casual clothing?  What is the message you are wishing to convey through your image?  Do you want to appear friendly, yet assertive? These are the things that I do to help my clients overcome their stagefright.

The goal, then, is to provide the client with images that make them look their best, on their very best day.  This includes the amount of time, afterwards, to retouch the images that have been selected in such a way that reflects that.  A client's appearance in the images is not changed, it is simply enhanced.

Here are 3 tips on how to prepare for your Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

1. Get a haircut, color or permanent at least a week in advance. If you have anything done to it the day you are photographed, it will be either a little short, or the color too intense, or the perm too curly. Let your hair relax into its style and you will look great the day of your headshot session.
2. Color and style are so important in your outfit. Most Head and Shoulder portraits are at least waist up, so don’t worry about what to wear waist down, you could wear shorts if you would like. If you are a lawyer, you should wear a shirt, tie and jacket that fits you well. If you are the owner of a cleaning company, it’s a good idea to wear a crisp polo shirt with your logo embroidered on it. If you are a stylist, and you want to show your creative side, a great top that fits you well and shows your personality would work great. It’s suggested to avoid clothing that might cause some kind of wardrobe malfunction. You can bring a couple of outfit choices to your session to see what will work best.
3. Be relaxed. Your expression will show your feelings, so if you are nervous about being photographed, it will show. Many people get anxious about having their photograph done, because they are self-conscious or they don’t know what to wear. Remember to breathe and have fun. Practicing your smile and saying cheese should be avoided. Your photographer should be able to help you laugh and smile before you step in front of the lens.

These simple, but important, tips will help you to prepare or your headshot photo session. If you have any questions about having your Head and Shoulder portraits done, please feel free to call me, Megan, at 240-245-0416.