During the drive down to Florida, I listened to several podcasts. I was particularly stirred by the comments of …Brian Tracy……. discussing how to be more successful. Brian Tracy, a renowned motivational speaker and author, has provided numerous insights on success and personal development over the years. One of the points he spoke about is the Clarity of Goals. In the words of CHAT GPT “Tracy emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific goals. He suggests that successful individuals have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and break down their goals into actionable steps. Clarity in goals helps in staying focused and motivated.” 
In thinking about that during my drive I had no distractions and could specifically see what I have as my goals. I do have two, one is to Grow Advanta Strategies, LLC to expand the concept and offerings. The second is to improve my watercolor paintings AND be juried into an art show. The sentence is simple but the actions to make these happen are much more complex. One of the suggestions is to tell people about your goals. Therefore, now you know. If interested, you can watch the ups and downs of achieving personal goals. I was energized hearing the podcast. I had bought a cassette tape and listened to it more than once in 1983 when I started The LRF Design Group. I was very successful in that business and retired from it. Although the message is always floating around, and I help others create specific goals and strategies. For me own life, I was a little careless. I’m reupping. More later
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...
Grammar Matters
In a world where your words represent your brand, grammar isn’t just about correctness it’s about credibility. You can have the best ideas in the room, but if your sentences stumble, people stop listening. When you speak (or write) with precision, you project professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail qualities every successful designer and business owner needs.