Julie Morgenstern is a professional organizer extraordinaire. One of the secrets to her success is she preaches that everyone must design their systems (work or home) based on “their unique goals, habit and style”.

Amen sister!

Her SHED system—more on this in a moment—is the perfect filter to take a fresh look at your client base. Because we know that the clients you choose to serve directly impact the quality of your work, your earnings and the amount of joy you reap from your day. If your current blend isn’t working for you, read on.

Remember the scene? Oprah, resplendent in red, jumping up and down screaming “Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!”

She gave away 276 free cars that day. And yes, Pontiac covered the taxes too, so they truly were free.

But even in a giveaway (Pontiac donated the cars), Oprah’s team stayed true to her brand.

The audience was carefully selected. It was packed heavily with teachers, the unsung everyday heroes that Oprah celebrated. And not just any teachers, but those who desperately needed a new set of wheels.

It’s that time again (Spring comes early here). Our thoughts turn to lightening up and cleaning out.

Apparently, professionals are no exception. Last week, I received more than a few requests to react to on-line personal marketing. From those just dipping a toe into social media to sophisticated pros looking for a fresh perspective.

Some of what came across my virtual desk:

A self-proclaimed social media consultant. Unfortunately, she had a Twitter following of five and a sum total of three posts, all political rants. Her Facebook page gave the same impression.

Plenty. Your identity, your working DNA, your message to the world.

Maybe you want to become a 1-name icon in your specialty—Gaga, Adele, Mariah, Whitney (RIP). Or you want to have your big idea take flight and spread. Fast.

How you say it matters.

The Kardashians are quite possibly the most annoying, superficial and self-absorbed clan (and brand) on the planet. Being called “the Kardashian of your industry” is probably not a compliment.

And yet.

Most of us have highly successful Kardashianesque competitors. Brash, cocky, and convinced they have been annointed by their followers, they promote themselves and their "stuff" (ideas, services, products) assuming their audience hangs on their every word. You however, hear their messages like fingernails on a blackboard.