Real Authenticity - Tell A Story

Filters and Photoshop - making reality a bit less real.  Blogging blew up over the last decade as new voices told stories; authentic stories that related with our own lives.  It's changing now that we see #ad and #sponsored splashed across our screens.

I'm wondering, is it less appealing to the follower when they know there was no genuine motivation for the post?  Are companies relying too much on social influence when they "gift" for a marketing plan?  For me, when I follow an influencer, I truly am intrigued by their lives and the moments they share; so I'm losing interest in their #ads.

People connect with the story behind the imagery.  When there's not much of a story, or a narrative can't be imagined; the view becomes 'stock'.  So I urge the Influencer community to choose wisely as they embark on pay for play "collaborations".  Make your sponsorships matter to you and then give us some substance behind the post.  Why did you connect with the brand? Who knew we'd have to be asking for 'REAL AUTHENTICITY'?!

When Lure PR takes on a client, we study and relate with your entire story so we can make consumer connections that matter.  We promise less filter and more feature.  Our hustle and heart sets us apart. 

The Skin You're In - And The Spirit Within

As a working mother, I put on a plethora of hats.  If you’re looking for versatility, I’m crushing that game.  I hold conference calls – and crying kids, pitch media – and forts, build bridges and Lego castles, schedule meetings – and play dates, create stories and read them, chase opportunity and toddlers, write news releases and color ninja turtles. That’s in a day.  Boom. 

A new client I’m working on got me thinking about all I do that shapes my world.  The skin I’m in feels so unique, but is the same for so many working mothers around the world.  We’re busy, there’s a lot on our plates, a lot of people counting on us, and so many needs to be met. 

The one factor that should unite us – is taking care of ourselves. 

Yes, we have got to start taking more consideration of our own needs and desires.    I’ve seen women get lost in the monotony of motherhood, as it is one of the highest forms of selfless service. 

Serving our own passions and desires is not the antithesis of motherhood.  It’s one of the many balancing acts that is crucial for happiness.  It’s vital our children see us hustlin’, living, dreaming and doing.

Seasons of life change but we remain through them.  We have to grow through what we go through – and that requires passion.  If you’re not feeling it, FIND it.  To start, take one moment each day just for you.  Go on a walk.  Read a book.  Exercise.  Eat some dark chocolate.  Remember a vacation.  Call a friend.  We all have something on our list of mood enhancers.

Instant trick:  get some sunshine on your face!  (Shameless plug for my client that fueled this post – protect and preserve your skin with sunscreen in that sunshine!)  All of us need protection – your skin and your spirit.  Protect the skin you’re in and the passions within. 

Chase dreams and the sun –

you are deserving of all of it. 

Hear Us, We Don't Just Roar

When women posted images and insights about the #womensmarch last week, there were a range of responses.  I'm pleased the march got people talking about women's rights; but some issues were more heavily focused on than others. The media needed to wrap up the day with one narrative, when really the day was about stories.  SO MANY STORIES.  

Each woman was there for a different reason and that's what I wanted more focus on!   #whyImarch was the hashtag that needed to trend.  No one issue mattered more.  The issue is = HEAR US; each of us.  We all have something to say based on our life experiences. 

Some said women were whining (just roaring), and it became a focus about what is between our legs as the reason to stomp along.  I so, so, very much wanted it to about what's in our minds.  What women think.  What women say.  What women can offer.  We can speak and provide insight into complex issues our society faces. 

The negative backlash came because we only listened to what we were fed on the news or Facebook.  Opinions with no frame of reference.  Political opinions.  Religious opinions.  Uninformed opinions.  We didn't respect why each woman was there; the individual journeys that motivated them to march.  I wanted more stories.  Each woman had life experiences that shaped her drive to participate.  That's what we all forgot - that we are all enduring incredible challenges.  We come from different places, not only physically, but emotionally.  Let's hear about those places.  Let's truly listen before we respond.

This is turning into a bit of a rant; yeah I rant, because I think.  I think that all of us need to stop the negativity.  Think before you type.  Would we speak out loud to someone what we type on their status update?  Social media holds too much aggression.  I'm just asking us to be a bit more kind.  My take-away from the march: Think about each woman as an individual with something truly meaningful to contribute. 

Wishful closer:  Moving forward society can show they hear women by taking action.  Fix the wage gaps, achieve better representation in the upper echelons of business and politics, accept that we can sit at the table and offer perspective. Women have a voice now more than ever, so yes, we need to keep strong and march on until they listen.  Truly listen.

Oh and "Just a reminder.  There's not two of you - Internet you and real you.  There is just one real you.  Which means if you're not kind on the internet, you're not kind.  - Glennon Melton Doyle"

That's what she said; a mom

This is hopefully the first of many blog posts for 2017.  My entire career I've focused on relevancy for companies and brands, and this topic has never been more relevant for me personally, than now. 

I am a mother who is looking to re-enter the workforce.  Yes, a late thirty-something that wants another fulfilling position where I can use my expertise and grow professionally.  I've taken the last five years off; that's more than a stint, that's eons in today's marketplace.  Some swagger is missing.  Why?  I'm trying to decide if society has made me feel that being a suburban mother is end game for women who desire careers, or is this fear something I created myself?

Suburban mothers are driving the economy and society.  We make major decisions, purchases, and raise future citizens.  Talk about experience!  Why aren't more companies looking for these strong women to come back to their organizations?  Some are, smart woman run organizations are hiring stay at home moms, but not enough. 

I don't want to have a blog where I share unrealistic daily life or any outfit of the day #OOTD to other women.  I want other women to know more than what I wore #wiw, I want them to know what I think #wit!  In fact, I want to know what all women think about; as I know it is more than a grocery list or pinterest boards. 

Last year didn't end the way anyone imagined despite expectations or beliefs.  Regardless of where we stand politically or otherwise, I want to know more about what women think on political and social matters.  That is what I want this blog to be about.  Women that have something to say - not just me, but anyone who wants to speak HER mind.  The world needs to hear WOMEN continue to SPEAK UP.  WE ARE RELEVANT.   I'll start posting content that's less about unattainable lifestyles or images, and more about current reality.  Women will continue to shape the world, so let's shake it as well. 

Welcome to the blog for women who want to say more.  The WLOG. #wit on the #wlog