Personal Branding Website

One of my new years resolutions was to do some social housecleaning and align my work with my passions. It's already mid-March but I've finally tackled one of the milestones to achieving these goals. I gave in and met yesterday with Matt Sisson (check out his work - he's incredibly talented) to throw around ideas for a personal branding website. We talked blogs, photography, music, design themes, etc. and I'm so excited to see his ideas come to fruition.

It's a bit contradictory to claim to be a social media enthusiast and not have a well-formatted and consistently themed blog. I will be looking for new employment come August/September and it's time to step up my game. Not only does it have to look legit (or...lijit, depending on how 2.0 savvy you are), but the content has to be engaging and value-adding. The prospect of a new site with a clean design is already lighting the fire under me to get my hands dirty in all the content possibilities.

The new site will host my blog (wordpress, waddup!), social media links, photography work, music ventures, and some super creative branding. Building a website is a big, but necessary, investment and shopping designers can be daunting. As I expected, Matt's vision completely aligns with mine and I'm excited to support his business.

You'll see some changes occurring over the next few months and I encourage you to stay tuned. You might not drool on your keyboard like I will post-construction, but I can guarantee that I'll be stepping up my content game.

What tips would you offer on the importance of personal branding? Do you think having a branded blog is necessary?

Help Dan Become The Ultimate Blogger

I've got great friends. Period. They are always lending a helping hand, promoting each others' good works, and encouraging one another to push the envelop. So when I get an opportunity to help out a friend, I almost always jump at the chance. My good friend, and one of the first people I connected with freshman year of college, is doing something I think is awesome. He's applying to be the ultimate blogger for BMW. If chosen, he would be the official blogger for BMW, get $65,000/yr, would get a condo for 1 year, and a new BMW every 6 months. [You can read more of the perks here.]

I'm a complete closet gear head. You wouldn't exactly know by looking at me that I can change my own oil, fix a flat, hotwire a car (legally), clean a carburetor, etc. I go weak in the knees at luxury car sitings. The sound of 414 horsepower, 8400 RPM in a MS Coupe driving by gives me butterflies like a first date. I first got the BMW bug when I was in the single digits after my dad bought an old 3 series. I drove an X3 for a few years and it was hands down the best car I've ever owned and will own for a long time. They really are the perfect manifestation of luxury, safety, and quality.

Anyway, enough about my secret obsessions and more about Dan's. Help me help Dan score his dream gig with BMW just by CLICKING HERE. All you have to do is click on "vote" and you're done! If you're feeling extra generous, share the link with your friends and extended network as well. Let's help Dan be the ultimate blogger.

Born This Way

If you're even the slightest bit in touch with pop culture, you've heard all about Lady Gaga's new single "Born This Way." I've been a closet Gaga fan (or little monster as she affectionately calls her fans) since she first came on the scene and my love and respect for her deepen with every song she releases. Her songs are catchy and her performances are second to none. She doesn't lip sync, her voice is actually ridiculously good, and she practices what she preaches. More than being an all around great entertainer and master of fame, I love her because she's an artist with a cause.

Gaga has addressed the administration on various social issues, has been an activist for the LGBT community, and has spoken out against bullying and suicide. I've been anticipating the release of "Born This Way" since she gave us a preview at the MTV Music Awards. I knew she wasn't going to be opaque with her message, and boy was I right. It's my anthem. If you haven't heard it yet, give it a go. You really can't argue with a chorus that says:

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Gifts That Perpetually Give

I love giving presents. If I see something in a store that reminds me of a friend, I have that moment of I have to buy this for _____!! There's the anticipation and excitement, wondering if they'll like it and understand why you thought it was such a good gift in the first place, and then watching them open it. Oh, when they open it...sometimes I can't even contain my excitement! Before they cut off the ribbon or rip off the bow, I'm blurting "DO YOU LIKE IT?!"

Someone very special to me, someone who knows me better than I know myself, gave me a present this Christmas that means more to me than she'll ever know. In fact, I haven't even used the present yet, but just the thought behind it is giving me enough. I know, you're probably on the edge of your seat waiting with baited breath, whet with anticipation, wondering...WHAT COULD IT BE? TELL ME!! Right?

Here's the story. I had just gotten back from a nice visit home to Augusta, GA for Christmas and B (said special person) and I decided to give stockings to each other. She gave me really great and thoughtful presents, gifts like a guitar shaped cheese shredder and a head massager. She knows me so well. Then she gave me a wrapped box (I'm thinking a nice shirt or some other article of clothing at this point) and says it's my "big gift." I tear off the wrapping paper and open the box all wide-eyed and giddy until I look down and see a fleece onesie. You know, a onesie. Like, for infants. I stare at B confused. Um..are you pregnant? Are you adopting a Cambodian baby like Angelina Jolie? Are you giving me an American Girl doll?? So many questions. She tells me to just open the card and it will make sense. I open the envelop and inside is a card with baby feet on it. I was right, she's announcing her pregnancy! Immaculate? I start to read the card and before I can get through it all, I see the words "baby" and "Noella" through teary eyes.

[Back story] One of my best friends in the entire world moved to Santa Barbara, CA with her husband right after finding out they were pregnant. Their baby girl was born the day after Christmas so they named her Noella. Are you piecing it together? B bought me a ticket to go see her and the baby because she knew how incredibly special that was. She knew that seeing my friend and her new baby daughter would mean the world to me. She knew I wouldn't allow my frugal self to buy the ticket. She knew that it was a gift I couldn't find words to express my gratitude for...so clearly, I cried. It's what I do. The memories I'll make on that trip will give to me for the rest of my life. THAT'S a real gift if you ask me.

What present have you received that transcends the material, that keeps giving back to you?

What Does Makin Moves Mean?

So...this blog is called "makin moves." I see that title almost daily whether I'm writing a new post or, admittedly, checking the comments activity (or inactivity) to fuel my self-esteem. I love to use my blog title in phrases such as "yeah, that kid on those rollerblades was makin serious moves!" or "did you see her business plan...girlfriend is makin moves!" Well, today was a little different. I logged into blogger, clicked to write a new post, and read the title out loud to myself. What does makin moves even mean to me? What moves am I making? These questions gnaw at me to be dramatic.

I started to ponder things that move me. Art, music, food, conversation, opportunity, and so on. There are all kinds of things that move me emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and some times even physically. It's essential to identify those things that you love, that move you, and bring more of them into your life. I can only imagine it would make you happier and more fulfilled. But more importantly than that, I have to ask myself what moves I'M making. What am I doing that moves other people?

For one, I make music. I hope that it speaks to people in some way, teaches them more about themselves, heightens an experience for them. I love entertaining and cooking for people. I hope that my cuisine doesn't just induce movement in the bowels but also brings people together to share and laugh. I can also move people donate to causes that are important to me. I like to think I'm a positive influence-r.

After thinking all of this (in a much shorter time-span than it's taken to read this far), I came to the conclusion that I want to be in a business that moves people toward their goals. I haven't sorted out all the what's and how's, but starting my own business has always been on my life to-do list. I want to equip small businesses with the necessary tools they need to spread the word about their company and MOVE them to success. I want to build relationships with businesses whose products speak to me so that I can in turn help them reach others.

It never occurred to me that the not-so-full-of-meaning title I originally gave my blog was a bit prophetic and is becoming the foundation upon which this business venture is being built. I'm excited to spend my free time creating something that not only moves me, but will ultimately move others.

What are you doing to make moves? More specifically, what business moves are you making?

Murr Krima

Happy Holidays! I'm taking a much needed break from the internet this year to spend time with family and friends. I'll save up the Reverb10 prompts for the new year! I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

Day 15 Reverb10: 5 Minutes

I'm participating in Reverb10, an online initiative happening each day of December, to encourage us to reflect on the past year and manifest what's to come. I'm always looking for blog ideas and suggestions, and Reverb10 offers a prompt each day to guide and spark ideas.

"5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010."

Well thank goodness I have this blog to look back on to see what 2010 was all about! I'm just going to set an alarm for 5 minutes and write down as many things as I can think of that I want to remember. Ready...set...go!

• My moment in the Baja, Mexico with my 3 best girlfriends, one of them got married. I don't think I've ever laughed so much in my entire life or felt so alive.
  
• The day I found out said friend (who got married in the Baja) was pregnant. I still can't believe she's having her first child and in only a few days! I just can't wait to meet her.
  
• My fourth therapy session. It was the day I decided that it doesn't matter what other people think of me. I love who I am, who I'm becoming, and I'm comfortable in my own skin. It also helped me discover my life motto: sono libera di amare. (I am free to love)
  
• The beach vacation I took with my family in July. We laughed, we cried a lot, we sang and played guitar, we had profound conversations, and got a nice tan too. I always want to remember the bond I have with my family.
• The night James, one of my bandmates, and I realized that we have a ridiculously intense musical bond. We just started playing and writing together and before the night was over, we had created some amazing music together. He's so talented. And I'm so lucky to have met him.
  
• The day I realized I was in love with one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my entire life. We were the only ones sitting in a local bar in Burlington, just catching up and reminiscing, and I had a complete out-of-body experience. I thought my heart might explode out of my chest at the thought of not spending every tomorrow with them. I never want to forget or take for granted their commitment, compassion, humor, and love. I still have that goofy grin on my face.
• The day I went to Stowe, VT with my roommate and two friends. It was that perfect fall day. The air was cool and crisp, we road the gondola to the top of the mountain, had a beer and some appetizers, and went to a cider mill for hot cider and donuts. It was such a great day.
  
• Last night. I got to do some holiday shopping and Christmas is hands down my favorite time of year. I watched my roommate open all the gifts I stuffed her stocking with while we sat by our tree with all the candles lit. After she left, I had a yummy dinner of Annie's mac and cheese (another favorite) with the love of my life. And most importantly, I feel like our relationship transcended into newer, deeper territory. Lots of good things for one night!
  

I know there are a million other moments, trips, conversations, people, and places I would never want to forget. What about 2010 do you want to always remember?