More on Leadership & Dealing with your Executive Board

It's hard to lead a group of people who don't have the same passion as you. You have done all the necessary planning to prepare your organization for success but are having trouble reaching your goals because, well, some board members just don't care. Before you go off yelling, "Why did you apply for this position again?!," consider this advice.

1. Don't Take It Personal
Sometimes, when your board members are not responsive or responsible, it has nothing to do with you. Don't automatically assume that a certain board member has something against you. There are many factors that could contribute to why s/he isn't delivering as s/he should.

2. Don't Jump to Conclusions
Your frustration doesn't give you the right to assume that your board member ditched the executive board meeting for an event you know couldn't possibly be as important as what you planned for that day.

3. Blame Yourself First
Your board member didn't do what was expected of him or her? Are you sure you explained it clearly? S/he can't deliver if they aren't clear on what they are supposed to do.

4. Ask Questions
The truth is, this board member may be stressed, overwhelmed or dealing with a breakup or loss of a family member. Sit down with this person one-on-one and ask what's going on. Let them know that you are concerned and that you want to make sure everything is okay outside of school or work. This organization, of course, is not their priority and neither should it be yours.

In the case that you have done all of the above and a problem still exists, I can offer three solutions:

1. Volunteer the help of another executive board member on the project that is not getting done.

2. Hire an assistant to help that board member.

3. Always smile, be polite, and pretend everything is A ok.

If you're still having issues, maybe you need to go back to the basics.

Please share your tips and stories.

Good luck and many thanks!
PRsocialite ♥

The CW's Risky Melrose Place Ads

Starbucks, The Must-Have Accessory

When I see girls at school carrying Starbucks, (yes, we have one on campus at the University of Miami), I always wonder if they have it because they really need the caffeine boost or because it looks good with their outfit. Even I am guilty of purchasing a Starbucks for image purposes. Of course we copy celebrities, many of whom have been captured in paparazzi mags with Starbucks in hand. So the question is: Do we buy Starbucks for function or for fashion?

According to Dsquared2, Starbucks is the must-have accessory. Many of their models strutted down the runway with a branded cup during Milan Fashion Week. Read more here.

Pretty soon, mannequins will be holding them, too.

PRsocialite ♥

Toyota Targets Blacks with the 2009 Venza

I've been seeing this Toyota Venza commercial lately and I just can't help but notice how... easily I could relate to it? That's the point, right? If not, Toyota has failed at their job.

The commercial I have seen is the one directly below. Notice how this commercial illustrates how the car has been built to resemble African masks. It says the Toyota Venza "exemplifies all of you." All of us? As in the Black race?



But it doesn't end there. They couldn't leave out the rest of us who have a lighter complexion. Because we're "more than one thing."



A thing? Really? Am I throwing this out of proportion? I'm not upset. I've just never seen a campaign with such an obvious target. Your thoughts?

And does anyone know the origin of the word 'Venza'? I'm dying to find out.

PRsocialite ♥

How to Effectively Lead Your Organization

I originally starting writing this for student leaders but I realize this applies to professionals as well. If you serve as a President or Chair of an organization, know that its success depends on you! Here are the top 5 things a leader must do to lead his or her organization effectively.

1. MOTIVATE
If your team members lose motivation, they lose interest. If they lose interest, they stop coming to board meetings. If they stop coming to board meetings, the job just never gets done. Keep your team motivated by maintaining communication, taking their feedback into consideration, and assigning projects they actually enjoy.

2. COMMUNICATE
This is a no-brainer. No organization can survive without clear communication. Keep your team updated on the latest news and upcoming events. Your team should be able to communicate with you about recent or upcoming events as well. This ensures that everyone is on the same page. Establish an open door policy and let your team know they can talk to you about any issues if they should arise.

3. DELEGATE
I know that no one can do the job better than you. I feel this way sometimes. But you have to let it go! You cannot do everything on your own. That's what your board is for. Assign tasks that relate to each position.

4. INVESTIGATE
Don't just delegate and leave it at that! Communicate (#2) with your team members to make sure they were able to carry out their assigned tasks. This is how you make sure tasks are being completed and in a timely manner. Delegation without investigation is an abomination.

5. APPRECIATE
Say 'please' and 'thank you.' Let your team know that you couldn't do it all without them (because you really can't!). Thank them for their hard work. If you're working with a student or volunteer organization, remember, they don't get paid!

Leaders, please, share more tips!

PRsocialite ♥

Jewelry That Makes A Statement

I bought mine at Camden Market in London. I apologize I cannot find the website to this designer but I'm sure you can find jewelry similar to this in any marketplace or at any festival.

If I find the website, I will update you.

Share you signature pieces!
PRsocialite ♥

On Self Help Books

Oprah admits that she is "hooked" on reading self-help books.

So am I! What is there to admit? I have never been embarrassed or ashamed about it! Other than girly "Confessions of a Shopaholic" type books, I love reading about ways I can improve myself. Self-improvement is something I strive for everyday. You should to!

Wanna get into some of what Oprah and I have been reading?

Oprah's Top 5 Favorite Self-Help Books

1. If You Can't Live Without Me, Why Aren't You Dead Yet?
by Cynthia Heimel
2. I'm Too Sexy For My Volvo by Betty Londergan
3. The Worry Cure by Robert L. Leahy
4. The Mystery Method by Chris Odom
5. Our Lady of Weight Loss by Janice Taylor

My Personal Faves (in no particular order)

1. Beautylicious: The Black Girl's Guide to the Fabulous Life
by Jenyne M. Raines
2. Confessions of a Good Christian Girl by Tammy Maltby
3. The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss (Without Being a Bitch)
by Caitlin Friedman & Kimberly Yorio
4. Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It by Kimora Lee Simmons
5. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

I'm looking forward to reading The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast-Paced Business World by Terri Williams.

Now head to your nearest bookstore and grab a book discussing a topic important to you. You'll be glad you did.

And, please, if you are into self-help books already, comment on your favorites.
Thanks for sharing!
PRsocialite ♥