Be Willing to Feel Discomfort

My very good friend Micki Allen and I enjoyed a beautiful day the other day. Shopping was the goal but before our adventure, fuel was a priority. As in fuel for our stomachs! We both have been very strict with our new eating habits so we decided to splurge. Pizza – pepperoni to be exact!

As we enjoyed every tasty morsel of our treat, we discussed our new eating habits. She is on a calorie and carb restriction, while I am currently on a calorie-only restriction. I can’t tell you how long it has taken me to get to this point. I shared with her what I learned recently: in order to experience change, you must be willing to experience discomfort.

Okay, so who wants to be uncomfortable? No one! We all enjoy being in our comfort zone. For some it’s harder to break out of it than others. Some don’t even try because they know that there will be discomfort, mental angst or even real pain in making transformations or achieving new goals.

For example, Susan isn't happy with her body. She wants to add mass and made it a goal to begin lifting weights. Last year she made the same goal, but she avoided the gym entirely because she can't stand to be seen in her gym clothes. She had real mental angst over what people think of her as she worked out. But this year, Susan decided to be WILLING to tolerate the mental discomfort in order to achieve her goal.

First, Susan scheduled a time to go to the gym. Then she put on clothes she felt comfortable in. All the while her mind is telling her not to go, it's not worth it, you can't do this. She was willing to feel these emotions but continued on with her actions to get inside that gym. Though it was extremely uncomfortable, she forced herself to go inside the gym and worked out. She repeated this scenario over several weeks, until eventually the discomfort was non-existent. Because Susan was willing to tolerate and work through the mental pain, she was on her way to achieving her goals.

Try this simple exercise to get an idea on how to tolerate a little discomfort willingly:

Ask a friend to watch a second hand clock or timer. When your friend says “go,” take in a deep breath and hold it. Hold your breath until you feel the need to breath. Your friend will record the length of time you held your breath.

When ready, take in a very deep breath after your friend says “go.” This time hold it and let the discomfort that comes with holding your breath come and ACKNOWLEDGE it. Try to hold your breath a little longer while experiencing this new uncomfortable sensation, but not to the point of passing out or hurting your body. Then let your breath out.

Chances are you held your second breath for much longer even though there was discomfort. You may gasp or cough for a little bit after, but that’s okay. Guess what? You are still alive, and breathing, and most importantly, the discomfort PASSED! That’s the lesson here: the discomfort WILL pass.

As you build your business, you will continually go outside of your comfort zone. Most entrepreneurs experience discomfort only occasionally because of our personality types. We are known go-getters and achievers and doing new things and disregarding the initial discomfort is just who we are. But there will be one task that you avoid doing because of the “pain” it brings. Step outside of your comfort zone and FEEL and ACKNOWLEDGE the pain. Do it again, until the pain is gone or at a “comfortable discomfort” and you can overcome any struggle.

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2013.

Technology is Eating People

I read a Facebook post made by friend Eric Barna one day. He says:

“One thing people have largely ignored when talking about "When are the jobs coming back?" is technology. Ever buy a piece of clothing online? You are helping put a salesman out of work. Ever book travel online? You are helping put a travel agent out of work. Ever accepted a meeting invitation through email? You are helping put an administrative assistant out of work.

You get the idea. Technology is about "eating people."* The S&P 500 companies are reporting 33% more profits than before the meltdown... but total employment is down since then. Technology, my chosen career path, has been great and I love doing it but it does "eat people" just like Soylent Green. A lot of the jobs people hope are coming back just aren't coming back. Capitalism is based largely on productivity... doing more with less.”

Eric goes on about the auto industry, how the US had peak employment in 2000, but today only 67% of that is employed in the industry. Technology (software and robotics) ate people/jobs.

My own industry, graphic design, has suffered because of technology. Software that was once exclusive to artists and designers is easily available and a little more affordable, and in some cases free, allowing “do it yourselfers” (DIY) to take on their own projects or young adults to get a little cash with their new-found hobby. The Internet and email has brought the world closer, and business owners are taking advantage of outsourcing design work to China and Slovakia. So, it’s no wonder my graphic design firm suffered.

It’s a harsh reality when a prospect asks for a quote and then later they show me what they did on their computer with a free software application. I politely say “that’s nice” and grimace privately when I see obvious errors and a lack-luster style or professional design. And I patiently wait for that prospect to come back to me with a problem with their design: the printer said it’s not “print ready;” my clients aren’t paying attention to it; I thought Word had a spell check.

One of Eric’s Facebook friends, Rob LaGow, said, “And it's why the jobs that are coming back are ‘service’ jobs. You can't serve someone a hamburger online.”

There is a lot of truth to that. Not everyone wants a service job, but that’s where technology is bringing our country. I don’t mean to be a downer here, but it is reality. Though this is big picture, let’s think about how we can change this in our own business practice. We can start by buying products made in America. We can insure our clients and prospects will receive super-duper customer service. We can find other ways to make ourselves unique or irresistible that clients just want to work with you.

Share how you will maintain the expertise in your field. Will you write a book? Start a new blog? Implement programs? I want to hear and celebrate your success!

*Eating People was coined by Andy Kessler, author of “Eat People: and Other Unapologetic Rules for Game-Changing Entrepreneurs"

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2013.

Logical Choices from the Heart

It’s funny where life puts you. Every choice you make is what got you to where you are now.

Add caption

Many times when I was younger, I made choices based on emotion, not logic. Haven’t we all done that? Some were great choices (going to college), others could have been detrimental (who goes backpacking alone in Europe!?). Some choices slowed my growth, others accelerated it. The best choice I ever made in my life was putting an ad on AOL’s love connection in 1995 – that’s how I met Rick, my soul mate.

Today, now that I am older, and by the way, I LOVE being in my 40’s, I am making choices that are more logical. I still rely on my heart to steer me in the “right” direction, but I listen to my head more now than I use to. For example, even though I started my graphic design business in 2004, it has taken me a long time to get "business sense;" acting logically rather than emotionally. Now, I have signed contracts before doing work and I base my merits on a job-well done rather than someone liking me.

Don’t get me wrong, the heart still gets in the way, like finding my place among other entrepreneurs. Recently, I discovered I have value to others and it continues to rise­ – a challenge I’ve had a lifetime. Don’t think that is what makes me weak. It’s not. It’s what has made me stronger. And even through life’s turbulence, I maintain this thought: I have value. Sure, I could stand for some polishing like improving my relationships in business and how to communicate better, but if I can overcome previous challenges, I can overcome these; and it is my choice to see this to fruition

If you have a strong personality like me, then recognize there is room for change. Learn to do it now not later; before you make mistakes you can’t fix. The choice is ultimately yours. Listen to others to improve your weaknesses; recognize those who help you; ask for help; think logically in business decisions; make a positive impact on someone’s life daily; and be true to your heart.

Entrepreneurs Think Differently

Okay, no judging! My first article review video. I promise it will get better!

Just a quick article review about left and right brain as an entrepreneur. Article written by Anya Kamenetz of Fast Company Magazine found here @ Fast Company's website.


Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2013.

Yes, You DO Bring Value

I spent the last week masterminding and learning from brilliant business leaders. How blessed am I to have in my home at arm’s reach Business Strategist Shelly Rice and Branding and Marketing Advisor Carol Smith. The purpose for this gathering of brilliance was to attend a two day event, the Sought After Speaker Summit led by another amazing woman: Caterina Rando.

There were a few moments that I wondered to myself, and out loud, “What value could I, as a graphic designer, possibly bring to these powerful business leaders?” I have never worked for HP and implemented marketing plans that paved the way for other corporations. I’ve never built a nationally recognized company through events across the nation. And I questioned my worth and place in the group: I am a graphic designer. I am gaining TONS of advice from them. What exactly do they gain from me? Even writing this I get tears in my eyes, because I want to give back to them what they generously gave to me. I wanted to give powerful light-bulb moments and hear the words “Oh that’s a great idea, Alicia! Thanks!” Words I seem to say over and over to them because they are always turning on a light-bulb in my business strategy.

Fortunately, my friends took time with me and explained that I have my own value, my own brilliance. Even though I have a successful one-person agency and in the process of building a power-house business, I do not have the business experiences they have to impart strategy advice on their level. I do have stellar graphic design skills and develop professional business images for clients, of which they have no knowledge. So, I DID bring value to the group, not just because I’m funny and cute, but because of what I already do. I would give them the world if I had it, but I only have so much to give and it IS of value. And there was no doubt in their mind. I’m so glad I learned this sooner than later.

If you are struggling with “fitting in” or questioning your value to the group, stop it! You DO bring value! Want proof? Ask those you admire and respect for feedback on your value. You will operate with a totally new and positive perspective. And if you do not get the feedback you need? MOVE ON! Because you DO have value! Surround yourself with people who recognize it and will do anything for you to promote it. Because YOU HAVE VALUE and should share it with the world!

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2013.

World Peace? Global Warming?

I filled out a questionnaire for an organization I wanted to join. There were many questions posed such as what do I do, what are your goals, what charities do I support. Those were easy enough to answer.

Then there was one that asked: "Name a thought leader you would like to meet and why."

I answered: "Herb Kelleher for his expertise in building a successful company in spite of economic down-turns while maintain a positive and fun corporate culture. And Richard Branson for his overall brilliance in branding strategy and entrepreneurship."


Then I came across a question that really stumped me. In fact, I had to really think about it. here was the question: If you had one chance to rally influential thought leaders and people in a position of power to change the world for the better, where would you begin?

No one has ever asked me a question like this. And I was stumped! Where to begin when there are so many issues in our world that needs change for the better. I thought about human rights, but to change this means a change in the mindset of people who think other people are beneath them. That's a hard one to overcome. Hunger is one that we still have issues with in the USA. It shouldn't be an issue in our own country but it is. Illegal Drugs and the conflict it causes: again, you have to change the mindset of ruthless, greedy people. So this was my answer:

Wow! The possibilities are endless: I don't know even know where to start: human rights, global warming, hunger, drug wars, etc. Since I have to choose one, I would rally the movers and shakers of land developers, farmers, scientists, engineers, architects, and green thinkers/leaders to evaluate every foot of land on the US and implement a plan allowing farmers and developers to coexist while reducing our carbon footprint/deforestation and generating an abundant food source and green energy. And then implement the plan in other countries before development has gone to far.

I think with the recent discovery of engineering foods that are drought resistant and the advancement of technology in water conservation, land erosion and land development, something positive could be created that would produce more food and be more green.

So, where would you being? What issue would you want to improve or resolve that would make the world a better place? Think about it and get back to me!

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2012.