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.
Think Fast, Speak Smart
When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent. The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time...
Social Savvy
Elegant events aren’t just about the wine and the lighting they’re where lasting professional connections begin. With confidence, curiosity, and a graceful goodbye, you can turn any gala or awards night into an opportunity for genuine rapport.
Sweat Palms
Swap sweaty palms for confident handshakes.
Tell Me More
A few months ago, I watched a young designer at a networking event nervously circle the coffee station. She rehearsed “So, what do you do?” at least four times before finally approaching a woman from a major firm. Five minutes later, they were laughing...
The Conversation
Because small talk isn’t small at all. It’s where big things begin.
Power of Story Telling
The Power of Storytelling in Your Presentations Make the client the hero.Your presentation isn’t just about showcasing your design genius it’s about inviting the client into their own success story. When they can see themselves living in the space you’re describing,...