The Robyn Graham Show a Podcast for Christian Women - Become Calm, Confident, and Consistent

Kristin Smedley is seeing through the darkness and changing perceptions of blindness. About Kristin When Kristin Smedley's two sons were born blind, she had to give up her dream career teaching 3rd grade and figure out how to survive and unknown world. After figuring out how to raise her own unsighted children, Kristin dedicated her life to making sure no other mom has to sit isolated in devastation over a rare eye disease diagnosis. She is on a mission to change the perception of what it means to be blind. In 2011 Kristin launched a non-profit to fund research for children living with the rare eye disease her sons have, CRB1 LCA/RP. CRB1.org is not only providing support for parents of blind children but raising awareness and funds for rare eye disease research. She has done a TEDx talk in New York City to change perceptions of blindness and recently published her first book in 2019; Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Surviving without Sight. Kristin is a popular keynote speaker with her message "I'll Teach You to See: Set Extraordinary Expectations". First Phase During her first phase Kristin was a 3rd grade teacher. She had it all. The husband, the big house, a great job! And then came the baby! Life was perfect until it wasn't. Second Phase Kristin's first child was born blind. At the time, there were limited resources available for parents with non-sighted children. The perception of blindness was so negative. Kristin lost hope in the future for her son. Then along came her second son. Also, blind. A double whammy to some, but extraordinary blessings to Kristin, especially once she accepted their blindness. About Blindness Blindness is the second most feared thing next to death. Just one reason for Kristin to be a champion in the blind community. Twenty million people in the US are blind. The unemployment rate for people who are blind is 70%. More fuel for Kristin's fire of desire to change the perceptions of blindness. The Perfect World If everyone had a good perception of blindness and blind people were treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities as sighted people, there would be no need to fight for a cure. Kristin's mission to change the perception of blindness is fueled by the lack of expectations, the misunderstandings and the lack of opportunities offered to the blind vs. sighted communities. If perceptions were great, research wouldn't be necessary. If parents of blind children just sit on the couch and cry, and don't advocate, the unemployment rate and the perceptions will never change. Lessons Learned You are given experiences so that you can learn from them and then help others who are experiencing what you went through, or something similar. It's important not to put your dreams on your children. Get them what they need and follow their lead. Let them go after their own dreams, not yours for them. Get to know the things that you fear the most because it is the things that you fear that are often the most powerful. Surrender the control and move forward because everything is "figureoutable". Don't try to do it by yourself! Book Recommendation Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye can See: My Story by Eric Weihenmayer Favorite Quote Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Learn more about and connect with Kristin Website Instagram Facebook Twitter About the Host, Robyn Graham: Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Pictures, also referred to as images, are a powerful addition to your website. But how do you use them for SEO, that intimidating term we hear so much about but is so overwhelming?

In this episode I share the image details and image attributes you should include on every image on your website to improve SEO and Google rankings.

You'll learn about alt text, titles, captions, descriptions, and using featured images.

SEO is the acronym for search engine optimization. In a nutshell, it's the behind the scenes content of your website that helps people find you when they do a Google search. Think key words and key phrases and meta data and so much more! I want to share some tips on labeling your images for SEO. I talk a lot about the importance of branded photography. There is so much value to having professional images, but the value goes beyond having fabulous, recognizable visuals. Images have SEO power, and quite a lot of it. They also keep people on your page longer which helps with your bounce rate and rankings. What are Image (Picture) Attributes First and for most let me explain where you will find the option to include all of the information you are going to learn about in this episode. When you upload media to your website, either for a blog post or your headshot or branded photography for pages on your site, or if you are a photographer, to portfolio galleries, you will see options for the following image attributes: Alt text Title Caption Description URL Let's dive a little deeper into each one. Alt Text Let's start with Alt Text. The alt text filed originated to serve the non-sighted population. Blind people visit websites and social media pages all the time. Since they cannot see the visual content, we need to provide details for them to be able to visualize or imagine, what we have posted. The alt text field should include details about the image you are posting. For example, if I am posting a headshot of a woman in a blog post about the importance of having a professional headshot, my alt text may be: A headshot of a caucasion woman with blue eyes, long dark curly hair, smiling, slightly angled to the left and wearing a white blouse and navy blazer with small gold hoop earrings. I've included the key phrase for the blog post while providing enough detail that anyone can visualize the woman in the photo. Title Next is the title. I always included a title but according to Google is isn't necessary. The title will show up if someone hovers over the image on your page. You can use the key phrase in the title or provide a brief description of the image. Just be cautious that you don't aren't guilty of key phrase or keyword stuffing in the image attributes. Caption The caption is a description that will show up underneath the image in a blog post or wherever you post the photo on your website. You can include your key phrase for the blog post or website page in the caption for the sake of consistency and to help the viewer have clarity on the purpose of it being selected for that particular post. But again, you don't want to over use the key phrase in the image attributes. The important thing to remember when writing a caption is that you want it to be short but explanatory because it is going to be present under the image for everyone to see. I usually do not post captions. Description The description is exactly that, a description of the image. You do want to include the key phrase in the description and include your name and any other useful details. For example: On the headshot example I mentioned my description might be: Professional headshot for realtor by Robyn Graham. Or, for a podcast graphic the description might say: Marissa Polselli was interviewed on The Second Phase Podcast by Robyn Graham. The two women spoke about the power of words for resume writing and LinkedIn profiles. The description is important because when anyone shares your post or image on Pinterest the description appears. You want your name in the description so that people readily recognize the source or owner of the content. Likewise, if you are using stock photos or if you have had a professional photographer create the image, give credit to the original source of the image in the description. URL Include a URL for the image. This is important for when the post or picture is shared. Again, think Pinterest. When someone views the image and clicks on it, they will be brought back to your website. Featured Image When you create a blog post or website page, be sure to designate a featured image. The featured image will be displayed when you share the page or post URL. For example, if you share the link to a blog post on Facebook or LinkedIn, instead of only the title or URL being displayed, the image will be displayed and grab more attention. Worth the Work This may sound like a lot of work, but it really only takes a couple of minutes and provides value for your website and will help drive traffic to your website and improve your Google rankings over time too. If you'd like more information on what types of images you should include on your website and how to become more visible, you can download my Personal Branding Look Book eBook from my website. Learn More and Connect with Robyn Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Download the Brand Insider Look Book eBook HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Her life-long love affair with words has led Marissa to helping others find their words.  Doing so empowers them to build a career that connects with their potential clients or employers, in a meaningful way.

The write words can have a significant impact on the power of a resume and a LinkedIN profile for both members of the corporate work force and entrepreneurs.

Marissa Polselli is using a life-long love affair with words to help others create powerful resumes and LinkedIn profiles to connect with clients and future employers. About Marissa Marissa Polselli is a writer, coach, and speaker whose love of words began with her first library card at age six. The founder and CEO of Wordtree and creator of the HeartSmart™ Writing Method, Marissa draws on 18 years of teaching experience, 10 years guiding student journalists, five years in the corporate world, and a lifelong love affair with words to empower people to claim their voice. She specializes in developing authentic one-sheets, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles, and connecting people with the power of words in workshops, speaking engagements, and her online mini-series The Power of Women Using Their Voices. Likewise, Marissa is passionate about the power of words to connect us to our true selves, to each other and to something bigger. She is passionate about using words with thoughtfulness, knowing that their power is meant to build up and create, not sow disharmony or hurt. The First Phase During her first phase Marissa was a teacher. She taught for many years and loved teaching but once the education system began to change, she realized it was time to move on. Upon leaving the world of education she moved to the corporate world and worked as a patient advocate. Still using her teaching skills to help others. The Second Phase Her life-long love affair with words has led Marissa to helping others find their words. Doing so empowers them to build a career that connects with their potential clients or employers, in a meaningful way. Using an immersive approach to get to know her clients, Marissa connects with them to understand the language of their expertise. This approach allows her to create resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and speeches that convey personality, excellence and inspiration. Marissa not only delivers excellent products for her clients but empowers them by helping them feel confident about the process. Another passion of Marissa's is teaching. Teaching is both a passion and a strength for Marissa. She believes in sharing her gift with words with others and helping them find and use words. The poetic use of words empowers her clients for a beautiful and successful life. Book Recommendation The Once and Future King by T.H. White Favorite Quote If you have two loaves of bread, sell one, and buy Hyacinth. – Persian Proverb Learn More and Connect with Marissa Website LinkedIN Instagram Email: [email protected] To learn more about me, your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. To record a question and be featured on the podcast, click HERE. To join the Free 3-Session Post COVID Workshop, click HERE.

You know that feeling when you see something on social media or an email pops into your inbox, and you get a knot in your stomach because it looks like “she” is doing so much more and having such great success that you begin to focus on what she is doing instead of what you should be doing?

That's comparison! And it's got to stop!

It only brings negative energy to your business and life.

Here are some tips on beating the comparison game and staying in your own lane and doing you!

The Comparison Conversation Don't compare me to them. Have your ever thought or said that? We don't want others to compare us, yet we compare ourselves. We set standards for ourselves based on what others are doing and if we aren't doing as great as it appears others in our view finder are, we don't think we're good enough. Comparison Must Stop This game of comparison must stop. It is not healthy. I'm Guilty Too I'm just as guilty as you are. You know that feeling when you see something on social media or an email pops into your inbox, and you get a knot in your stomach because it looks like "she" is doing so much more and having such great success that you begin to focus on what she is doing instead of what you should be doing? Words start swirling around in your head like why should I try, I'll never be able to do that. I'll never be able to achieve that. Where would I even begin to do that? I don't know how. All the negative thoughts that can bury our confidence and ability to take action. That Comparison Feeling I've had that feeling so many times! And it wasn't until recently that I could actually look at social media and think "good for her"! She's killing it and it's cool to watch instead of thinking "shoot, I better do this, or I better do that, or I'll never be good enough". Or, worse, feeling like a total failure because I wasn't doing whatever it was and was too afraid to do it. It's time we all realize that we each have a unique path we are meant to travel, and that path is going to lead us to a destination of success if we simply stay focused on what we can control and not on what others are doing. I know you've heard me say it before, but it warrants being said again…we each have unique gifts that are meant to serve specific people. This is all predetermined. It's up to us to take the action needed to use the gifts, apply our talents and serve the people that we are meant to serve. The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. In fact, if you look through the façade of the fence, it is often times brown and burnt from the sun and a lack of water. No one is having 7 figure launches the first time they try to launch a product or service. No one has done everything right the first time. It took messy action for them to get where they are. How to Approach Comparison The next time you start to compare yourself to someone else do this: Think about the blessings you have in your life. Thank God for the unique skill set he has given you. Redirect your thoughts toward an action item you can take and accomplish today that will move your business or life forward. Ask yourself what you can learn from the person you are comparing yourself to. Use them as inspiration instead of comparison and a measure of worth. Pray for wisdom and grace. Wisdom to identify your strengths and gifts and how to best use them and grace to take messy action and accept mistakes and failures as lessons learned. Your action doesn't have to be beautiful and perfect. Master it later but take the first steps actively believing in your value. Because you have so much value to put into the world! A mistake is a lesson learned. Embrace that philosophy or you'll never accomplish your goals or make your dreams come true. The Thief of Joy Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy." There is a lot of truth to that statement. When we spend our time comparing ourselves to others, we forget to look at the gifts we have, the value we offer, and the great things we do. These comparisons result in anxiety. So let's agree to set the comparisons aside and move forward with confidence that our messy action will ultimately get us where God has planned for us to go to find the people we are meant to serve. Ask Me Anything Before I go, I want to remind you that I have a new feature for the podcast. You can ask me anything. Just record your question and I'll answer it on an upcoming episode and feature you and your business. I'll tag you on Instagram and Facebook too! Spread the Word Oh, and if you found this episode inspiring, please take a second to leave a rating and review. I'd love for the masses to hear this message. Ratings and reviews are how other's find out about the podcast, in addition to you spreading the word! Let's help others leave comparisons behind and start building confident action plans for their lives and businesses. Connect with Me Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Marketing Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE. Book a Brand Marketing Strategy Session HERE. Ask Me Anything HERE. Connect with me, Robyn Graham: Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Football was Steve’s life.   Until one night, he went to a keg party and engaged in a fight. Prison was his next stop.

Steve is now a motivational speaker and business coach.  He turned his story into a successful business.

He now helps clients identify their goals and dreams that they haven’t tapped into yet. 

The most powerful question he asks someone is “if you weren’t getting paid a dime to do it, what would you wake up every day and do?”

About Steve As one of the most inspiring speakers in the market today, Steve Hopper brings a fresh and powerful presence to the professional speaking industry. Steve has delivered hundreds of presentations at corporate events, leadership and business conferences, personal development seminars, high schools and universities, churches... and even correctional facilities! With his life shifting keynotes seminars and workshops, Steve leaves his audience with an overwhelming desire to want more, to do more, and to become more! Likewise, he's been featured on TV, Radio and in several magazines and publications. As the Author of "From Prison to Purpose" he has inspired the masses through his personal story of turning a setback into a comeback and winning the most important game of all, life. The First Phase Football was Steve's life. Until one night, when at a keg party on the beach in Florida, he engaged in a fight. Three days later, the police showed up at his parent's door. The clock stopped ticking. The judge revoked Steve's bond because the judge didn't know if the boy Steve hit was going to live or die. Would it be a murder charge, or an attempted murder charge? It was a bad choice, with bad consequences. Steve was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He learned to fight for his life in prison. About 1 year into this new life Steve broke down. In the darkest moment of his life, he remembered something that his grandfather had told him. His dreams and goals were gone. He felt his life was over. Then his grandfather's message came to him, "Son, promise me that if you are ever at your darkest moment in life and your back is against the wall and you don't think there is any way out, just get on your knees and pray to God." Steve took his grandfather's advice and called out to God. He felt an immediate shift. Meaning and purpose came over him. In addition, he felt he was created for something way bigger for him than where he was at. Steve spent the next portion of his prison sentence reading and absorbing everything he could for personal development. He also started sharing what he was learning with other inmates. In some ways, this is what launched his second phase. The Second Phase When Steve was released from prison, he was able to get a job selling cars. He did very well and despite the title of ex-convict and having no college education he thrived. Happy and making six figures, life was great! Until, the company down sized and he was laid off. Losing Everything…Again Once again, Steve lost everything. Despite the fact that no one would hire him, he didn't give up. Not being hired was actually a blessing as it forced him into entrepreneurship. Becoming an Entrepreneur Steve used the resources and experiences he had garnered during his time working to create a marketing company. He started looking at his skill set and what was happening with small business owners to identify a need. It's important to remember as we go through negative circumstances, that we've been through bad things before and we can survive again. Steve believes that God will use those circumstances to prepare us for the next level, the next thing we are meant to be and do. Created to Do Something Amazing We've all been created to do something crazy great in our lifetime. We just can't forget and have to keep focusing on looking on those gifts. Likewise, unique gifts have been given to each of us. It often takes these negative experiences to identify what those gifts are. The Most Powerful Question Steve is now a motivational speaker and business coach. He helps clients identify their goals and dreams that they haven't tapped into yet. The most powerful question he asks someone is "if you weren't getting paid a dime to do it, what would you wake up every day and do?" This answer is often what the person is passionate about and meant to be doing. Ask yourself "If you could do anything what would it be?". Steve's purpose and the thing he truly loved was speaking. He spoke for free for over a year. It's important to recognize the gifts that we have been given and tap into them. Favorite Quote "Knowledge is power, but sharing your knowledge is purpose." – Steve Hopper This is Steve's favorite quote when encouraging coaching clients to share their gifts. Even if someone else is doing what you want to do, you should do it. No one else is going to do what you do the exact same way, which means that you will touch lives that others doing the same thing won't be able to reach. Nothing is Stopping You It is important to remember that there is absolutely nothing stopping anyone from anything that they want to do. Steve is an ex-convict with no college education speaking in multi-million-dollar masterminds. Anything is possible. He's believes that what we import is what we export. We have to take the opportunities to gain education and college is an example of an opportunity to identify purpose. If God is in control, and we trust that God is in control, we know that he will direct us to where we need to and doing what we need to do to serve our purpose. Creating Live Events You must have a topic that your audience is interested in. Create events on topics that your audience sees will solve a problem for them. Start marketing the events 90 days out. Market in person at networking events as well as online. Engage with as many people as possible so that they come and then realize what is holding them back and that you have the answer for them. Provide the value and be prepared to offer an additional program because people will want more. Finally, don't be afraid to do your own events. Doing your own events takes away the worry of getting paid or not getting paid. "To get everything you want in your life, just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziggler Book Recommendations Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson Twenty-One Indispensable Qualities of a Leader - John Maxwell From Prison to Purpose – Steve Hopper Learn more about Steve and connect with him: Website: https://www.stevehopperspeaks.com Facebook: @stevehopperspeaks Instagram: @stevehopperspeaks LinkedIn: @stevehopperspeaks Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE. To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.

Dogs are intuitive by nature.  If we follow their lead and are intuitive about the needs of our ideal audience, we will have more success as entrepreneurs and business owners.

How can you be more intuitive about the needs of your target audience? Truly get to know your audience and know their pain points. And be the authority in your space.