Spring Reads...A List of Amazing Books You Need to Get Your Hands On

When the sun starts shining and the weather warms up, I think about curling up in the rocking chair on my porch overlooking the beautiful NYC skyline and burying me head in a good book. For more reasons than I could possibly express in one blog post, I have a variety of books I've picked up for the season that range from personal wellness and self-improvement to internet trends and cookbooks. Sort of cleaning out the closet and preparing for Spring and at the same time filling my shelves with new reads that help me get to that point.


Being in the web marketing and media field, I'm drawn to web and new media humor. "Read Between the Lines: A Humorous Guide to Texting with Simplicity and Style" caught my eye. Very specific topic but the cover pulled me in. :)


Another one in this genre that spoke to me..."You Are Not a Gadget". I feel the personal effects of living in a web based society where every thought and conversation is taken online at some point.


From a motivational corner in my head, I chose the book "Drive" by Daniel Pink for a couple of reasons. One, I love where his writing comes from and although I have never read any of his books, I have read tons of articles he's written and his contribution from those impacted me in some way.


"Start With Why" by Simon Sinek is a definite read on my list. A very good friend shared this book with me and I'm dying to jump into it. Without starting it yet, I can say that it seems to be an excellent read for the true leaders in all of us that have either yet to arrive in this world or have been covered up by the not so true leaders.


Ok, I've already read this book (just finished last month) but I must share with you. "Add More Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness" MOVED me. Literally picked me up and got me going. Sometimes you are in this funk you can't describe. This guide is so smart in the way it takes you through this transformation through words but you can't just read them, you have to exercise them, bringing the book to life in a way.


And last but not least, "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene has gotten me. It's been out almost 10 years but the book has proved to be so popular that it has spawned several sequels, one recently co-authored by the popular rapper 50 Cent, called "The 50th Law."


That's my list! It will take me all season, but after the winter that NYC has had, I see myself on my porch reading a lot more often. :) 

What Encourages Creativity...

I have to say for me its boredom. When I get bored, creative juices start flowing and they don't stop. At the end of a very boring day, I have a laundry list of to-dos. :)

We all get inspired in different ways but for most, music tops that list. There's not much a good song can't do. Here are some tips I've put together to encourage creative thinking...

1. Wake Up Early. You might be tired and lazy at first but the realization that you are getting a head start on your day soon kicks in and off you go.
2. Take a blank journal with you on your commute. Train, ferry, bus...those are all creative hot spots. Combine an iPod with that journal and magic is made.
3. Be part of an online community. Watching others and their interaction on various topics can stimulate ideas. Sharing those thoughts encourages creative energy that you didn't even know you had.
4. Movie Night. Movies are a major inspiration for people. Make an effort to watch a new type of movie or classic you know have inspired others that you just haven't gotten around to yet.
5. Make "Me" Time. It's hard to do some days but allowing your thoughts some freedom to be heard can stimulate thoughts you already have but haven't been able to really listen to.

And don't make me say it...eat breakfast, get plenty of rest, drink water and exercise...because those are givens...I mean, get creative here!!

...Creatively Yours...Kristen

A Social Gathering at ETC in Providence with Women Consumers in Mind

Just as 2009 ended, 2010 started...with the constant chatter of social media and utilizing it for your brand. At the ETC Conference in Providence, RI last week, there was a special emphasis on the importance of reaching women in the social space. 42 Million women in the US use blogs and are part of social media. We (women) are spending less time watching TV and more time online than ever before. Women also report that they are significantly more likely to make a purchase decision based on customer experience reported on blogs. I can say that I relate more so than ever. I won't purchase anything that I can't read a review or see a star rating for online. I might also stop shopping when I'm somewhere to find a review online for a product before I buy it off the shelf.  This is a huge factor I think gets missed by marketers too often. Women make the majority of purchase decisions and that goes for a HUGE array of products and travel plans. And it's more than just "skewing women." 2010 is going to be a landmark year for so many reasons...we are starting to see some relief from economic downturn, travel is not considered more of a luxury than a necessity anymore and for a lot of companies this year is do or die. Brands that have been on the brink, have a chance to pull out all the stops with women consumers especially. I'm giving some tips to marketers that come from the "buyer" part of my brain. :)

1. Relate, don't just skew. We need to relate to the message and what you have to say.
2. Offer up reviews for anything you are asking us to buy online. We want to know what others have to say about it. That to me sometimes means more than the cost of an item.
3. Don't forget forums and message boards. They may be old school when you look at the bigger picture, but women still use these areas for the "real story."
4. If you are marketing a destination, think blogs. Blogs are more likely to be used for travel research and planning than any other form of social network.
5. Reach out to women bloggers with a reason to write about you or your product. Relate to that particular blogger and offer up value to her and her readers. Bloggers have a following that they need to relate to in an effort to keep those readers. Know what she values in information for her readers.

It's 2010! The Year of the Unknown...

I am really confident when I say this...trust me. 2010 is the first year that I feel I don't have it all planned out and really don't want to! I'm enjoying the flow of life in the city and a fast paced career that keeps me on my toes and having no time to ask life questions.

I have great goals and aspirations for the year ahead but no rules or boundaries. My new motto...making no excuses for never having boundaries. :)

I'm kicking off the year with a very exciting event tomorrow night, the Food for Healing New Years Resolution Kickoff Event. Preparing to take away some great tips on living the best life I can in 2010. Very excited about that event. Then making my way on Wednesday night to the W Hotel to meet some fabulous women in the interactive industry and have a cocktail or two. :) Next week I am attending a Lecture and book signing by the fabulously happy and inspiring, Gabrielle Bernstein. Can't wait for that...I am halfway through the book. Plan to finish before the event. :)

And to top off an exciting month, my "partner in crime" is headed to the city at the end of the month to take on a workshop put on by Ladies Who Launch where we will learn best practices for planning, achieving and manifesting our 2010 vision!

An excellent webinar I think will be amazing: Life Changing Strategies presented by Michael Roizen, M.D. Sign up soon...it's Friday!!

Happy 2010 Everyone!! Let's make it the best year yet!!