Karen Friedman Offers Us Some Helpful Advice for the New Year
Karen Friedman Offers Us Some Helpful Advice for the New Year
By Alice Krause on December 27, 2010
Karen Friedman, the former award-winning television news anchor / reporter, is the Author of Shut Up and Say Something: Business Communication Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Influence Listeners, and is now a Communication Coach and Speaker who helps business professionals become more persuasive communicators. Karen has this advice for us as we start the new year:
"From the time I can remember, people always told me why I couldn't do something instead of why I could. They said if I became a television reporter, I wouldn't secure a spot in a major market because there was too much competition. I spent twenty years in television, more than twelve of them at the #1 local station in the country. When I left TV to start my business, doubters said I was a fool and would never make enough money. We recently celebrated our 15th year in business and while we've had tough times, we're still going strong. Naysayers advised if I wrote a book, I would be hard pressed to find a publisher in today's challenging economic times. I had several offers from reputable publishers and my book, which has only been out for two months is already ranked in two Amazon best seller categories.
I do not tell you this to brag. I'm sharing because I'm a firm believer that women are their own worst enemies. If you are passionate about your vision, the only person who can stop you from accomplishing your goals is you.
Fear is a great motivator. Most of us are scared of taking risk, failing, ruining our reputations or potentially embarrassing ourselves and I think the more successful we are, the more fearful we become of shifting gears. When the economy tanked in 2008, my phone quieted down and my typically full calendar sprang holes I hadn't experienced since I started the business. I was worried. But instead of wallowing in self-doubt, I thought about all the things I talk about doing, yet never have time to do. I used that time to write the book. There is always a new chapter that every one of us can write if we take one step back and examine how to take two steps forward. I have three key pieces of advice for anyone aspiring to get ahead:
Believe in yourself. When someone tells you that you can’t succeed, use their negativity to energize and motivate you to keep moving forward.
Empower others to succeed. Keep looking for ways to improve, share fresh ideas and communicate your vision to help others achieve theirs. When you empower those around you to reach their full potential, they will help you reach yours.
Identify opportunities. Realize there is opportunity even in the toughest of times. Look for it, grab on and enjoy the ride.
And remember, your definition of success will change as you change. So whether you’re 20, 30, 50 or 90, never stop dreaming and never stop following your heart!"
