Being Thankful

What am I thankful for? So much....

• The friends I have made in 2008
• The colleagues and business relationships I have developed
• Opportunities to create, collaborate and present
• The possibilities of embracing abundance
• Luxurious times by the wood stove
• Fun in the sun on the "poor man's patio"
• Conversations with family about old times
• Knowing my worth and asking for it!

The list goes on. On this Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for?

Happy Holiday...kbk

Pricing for What You are Worth

I am honored to be part of a collaboration presenting a virtual workshop called Pricing What you are Worth on November 19, 2008. The workshop is hosted by the Maine Women's Business Empowerment Program, The Sassy Ladies and KBK Connections. The workshop is for women who have been in business for at least six months and who want to boost their financial confidence and skills.

This workshop addresses pricing of products and services and is designed particularly for women who have found it difficult or uncomfortable to put a fair price on their products or services. After attending the workshop, participants should have: a better understanding of the emotional roadblocks they may encounter in pricing, strategies for pricing based on value-add and market dynamics, and more confidence in their ability to ask for and receive a fair price.

To find out how to participate click here.

Do you price your products and services at what you are worth? If so, brag about it here. If not, what gets in the way?

You don't know until you ask

I am currently attending and speaking at a conference in Philadelphia. Since arriving I have been hired by two different organizations to talk about women and money. How did I do it? Just by asking. Yes, sometimes we fear putting out our desire to work for someone - whether it be in an employee capacity or a consultant role. But when you have the guts to just put your wish out there people often hire you.

This idea was reinforced this morning at breakfast when I ran into an old friend and best selling author Joe Kelly. He said he was at the conference writing an article for the sponsoring organization. I asked him how he landed this great gig and he said with a big smile, "I just asked!"

When is the last time you just threw caution to the wind and asked for a job?

KBK speaks on Powerful Women

Monday night I did a talk at Toastmasters about Powerful Women. Check it out on You Tube!

Are you a Powerful Woman? If so, what are your top 6 secrets to success?

Economical Wadrobe Decisions

This is a guest blog post by Lori Johnson, Founder of Your Best Image, Professional Image Development.

We are all watching our finances very closely these days. Everyone is cutting back on spending including clothing and accessories. As you set out to update your wardrobe for the fall and winter season, keep these questions in mind to help you make economical wardrobe decisions.

What do I already own that will coordinate with this purchase?
You should be able to think of three pieces. If not, don't buy it or buy the three pieces that same day. Don’t purchase items that will be “orphans” in your closet.

Is it in my color palette?
Knowing the colors that enhance your appearance can be a big money saver. Your new purchases will mix and match with what you already own and you can create more looks with less clothing, accessories and makeup.

How often will I wear it?
The more times you wear your purchase the more economical that is. If you cannot think of five times or more you will wear the item, it is not a wise buy. Divide the cost of the piece by the number of times you will wear it to calculate the cost per use.

Is it right for my body type?
If the garment isn’t cut right for your body, it won’t feel comfortable or look right and it won’t get worn.

Do I own the appropriate shoes, socks or hose, undergarments, accessories or do I need to purchase them today?
Save time and transportation costs by completing the look while you have the garment with you.

Do I love it?
Trust your first instincts – you do or you don’t, “sort of” is not good enough. Save your money for items you will be excited to wear over and over again.

Will it be in style for at least two years?
Be a value shopper. Core wardrobe investments should be manufactured with solid, three-season, quality fabrics that will last. They should not go out of style quickly. Purchase current accessories to update your core wardrobe. A new handbag and shoes always refresh a core wardrobe. Current makeup trends are an easy, inexpensive way to update your look for the current season.

Does it fit into my career goals?
Spend the majority of your wardrobe budget on what you wear to work. This will give you your biggest return on your wardrobe investment.

I wish you success in your planning and fun in your shopping so that the end result will be your best image.

Copyright 2008 Your Best Image, all rights reserved.