by Rachel Quilty | Wednesday, December 20, 2017 | Personal Branding, Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
And I am reminded of a line from the movie… The Assassin, a 1993 American action film starring Bridget Fonda and Gabriel Byrne. It is a remake of Luc Besson’s 1990 film Nikita.
Within the movie, a strung-out junkie named Maggie (Bridget Fonda) kills a police officer during the botched robbery of a drug store. She can either become an elite assassin for the government or face the death penalty. Choosing life, she is trained and becomes the best assassin in the business.
The Assassin “trainer” is played by Anne Bancroft… who makes over Maggie… and teaches her to smile and say…” I never did care about the little things…”
Ultimately, this line and nonchalance saved her life… when they called in the cleaner.
Over the next week you will be tested…
So, my advice when you’re tired, a little overwhelmed and the little things niggle over the next week is to …
Smile and think …
…”I never did care about the little things…” AND make sure you look fabulous.
And this time of year, you can have magical moments as well as very real poignant moments of sadness. Of things that will never be again… allow yourself to have a moment of solace and acknowledge that loss…
…be present to the pain … or the joy of a beautiful memory.
I like Oprah’s definition of forgiveness… she says it’s not forgetting. It is giving up the hope that you can change the past. Accepting the events of the past can not be undone.
There is always a grieving when hope is lost… a loss of what was or could have been.
Grab your journal and write… start your brand story.
It’s OK… to feel lonely and lost.
But it’s not OK to stay there…
One of my favourite motto’s is … “It’s hard to be down when you look a million bucks.”
So, do me a favour … fight for your future purpose and the God -given reason you were placed in this precise time… experiencing the things you have for a reason and a purpose … to help others with your story.
One of my favourite quotes is by Frank Sinatra… “The best revenge is massive success.”
So where to start on this new adventure… the gift you can give yourself… a new start.
I promised another mini Action Step and so, here it is…
Jump the Q – Action Step
The triad of change suggests… my paraphrasing…
…that when you look good, you feel good and you do good.
Looking good is not about the latest fashions… it’s about discovering a signature style that is innately you… discovering your style personality …
your look should reflect your authentic self, as well as make a statement… something like… “I am here. I have something to give. I will not be invisible…”
Step 1. What’s Your Style Personality?
Personal Style – it’s what turns heads and gets you noticed. From the sensual librarian look (which has men checking out more than books), to eclectic, artsy girl-next-door attire, how you dress tells people who you really are. So,what are you saying?
Casual Eclectic? Sensual Siren? Dramatic Sophisticate? Sporty? Vixen?
It’s fast, it’s fun, and best of all, you’ll learn how to:
– Recognize the positives and pitfalls of your style
– Discover the psychological impression of your appearance
– Learn what celebrities and designers share your style
Step 2. What Type of Shopper Are You?
Have you ever stopped and thought about your shopping habits?
Take this QuizSure, you may think about the fashion statement you’re making, but have you thought about how or even why you shop?
Your style isn’t simply defined by your personality; it can be defined by your attitude, outlook, and strategy toward shopping.
As you pull into the mall parking lot, do you feel dread or excitement?
Are you a label addict, do you simply shop for utility or sheer pleasure?
Do you need to have every must-have trend shown in the magazines or are you more discerning about what suits you?
How much money do you spend on fashion?
Step 3. Grab your online style portfolio – There are 3 FREE Golden Keys for 3 Quick Action Takers –
In the spirit of the season and to say thank you for staying connected. I am gifting three people an online style portfolio.
Three lucky people will get a style portfolio for FREE … simply apply the keys below to see if you were a quick action taker…
I would love to have your feedback… and to have your testimonial.
Try it…NOW!So many people are skeptical of an online tool… however, I know the detail of the information is exceptional.
Golden Keys:
V85-USC-2ZF-L9N
P3-TKJ-FJ2-K7K
YXM-VXV-X5V-RUX
Don’t worry if you didn’t get a freebie, the price is ridiculously low anyway…
Try the sample and see the results.
As I have organized a gift for you… enter the coupon code VIP at the checkout and you will get $30 off.
Normally $97 … just for you $67.
This is a limited time off and will be gone by 31/12/2017.
… share this gift with a friend as well. Gift Vouchers are also available.
I promise you will be noticed for all the right reasons when you use this remarkable tool.As always, I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself and ‘Live as you are called’.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
Email: info@jumptheq.com
PS. If you scrolled down to here, the snapshot is … you are an amazing individual and whether you have lots or little company this holiday… give yourself the gift of re-building and re-imagining YOU.
So, with that in mind we are providing a gift to clients who are looking to re-engineer and revolutionise their brand image…
Try the GIFT KEYS above… if you were too slow… get one discounted.
Enter the coupon code VIP at the checkout and you will get $30 off.
Normally $97 … just for you $67. This special offer will disappear on 31/12/2017.
PSS… If you need to reach out over this holiday… I am here… simply email me your story!
PSSS… remember the reason for Christmas… You are loved. You were purposed.
“ He has saved us and called us to a holy life [admittedly I struggle with this bit] – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” – 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
We are called …to be light and hope. Lv Rachel
by Rachel Quilty | Monday, December 18, 2017 | Personal Branding, Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
Time was ticking by…
it was getting closer and closer to the appointed time for my appearance.
And outside our offices, the crowd was getting larger … not smaller.
Our offices were being picketed by striking unionists…
I had lodged an Industrial Matter against the union and the hearing was due to start in less than hour. Clearly, they weren’t happy…
There was no way I was going to be able to push my way through a large crowd of angry males… whose only purpose was to prevent me from attending the hearing.
For a decade I was an Industrial Relations Advocate. I represented employers in disputes, wages claims, enterprise bargaining negotiations, unfair dismissal cases and discrimination claims.
My role was incredibly dynamic and strategic in nature…
And strategic image management and personal branding was essential to my career.
My personal brand, personal effectiveness and professional profile allowed me to become one of the highest paid as well as youngest IR Managers in Australia.
And I was a woman…
I have appeared in some of the largest industrial dispute proceedings in Australia and I was responsible for some enormous negotiations and strategic outcomes.
Today was unusual… but it just made me more determined to fight the case…
I knew exactly what the union was attempting to do.
“We need to call the Police…” I said. Everyone stopped. My new assistant stared at me in disbelief…
It’s interesting to watch who rises to the occasion…
I always say you have watch the quiet ones as our Bond Girl quickly took the reigns and made the call, as I hatched a plan on how we would move forward.
The Police quickly arrived and were concerned about the mob-like gathering.
So, I told the Police my plan…
Tomorrow I will tell you what happened… but it does have a happy ending.
I attribute my success on this occasion to speaking with authority and strategic image management… I looked competent and capable… my traditional court appearance outfit and my confident manner saved the day…
So, why is strategic image management so important?
Why does someone’s perception of our personal brand image matter?
In less than a minute, we have made an indelible impression. In those first few seconds of connecting, a person makes up their mind about us.
They decide whether they:
• like us
• trust us
• want to spend time us, and
• want to do business with us
In fact, research indicates that sixty-seven percent of first impressions are accurate.
Is your first impression an accurate reflection of your personal brand?
The message is simple.
We are the product – and our fate may be sealed before we’ve even said a word.
We are “seen” and “judged” in an instant.
Have you ever felt invisible?
Do you wish you had more respect and authority?
Creating your own strategic signature style… does just that.
If you are thinking it’s time to make some changes … start with your appearance.
Tomorrow I will share just some of the psychology behind your professional image and also…
what eventuated on my union escapade.
We suggest all of our clients understand their best colours and styles, so they can take advantage of a little known psychological effect” and elevate their authority and credibility.
Gone are the days when seeking the services of a Stylists where strictly the territory of A-List celebrity or media personalities. Major recruiting firms are now engaging Personal Brand Strategist to assist new candidates consolidate their engagement.
Corporate and business A-Listers are now taking note of individuals such as Donald Trump, Victoria Beckham, Ivanka Trump, Beyonce, Nicole Kidman and many others who have created distinct looks, developed very valuable personal brand as a result.
If you have an excellent personal brand, reputation and references you will be hired first, promoted quicker and afforded more authority and respect.
Personal branding also affords you more mobility within your industry.
Is it time to stand out and lose the old image….?
Normally one-on-one Style Consultations with a Stylist range from $297 – $497 upwards…
…this new online style portfolio gives you all the consultation information in the privacy of your own home
and it’s normally $97.
We recommend all our clients understand what styles suit them and which outfits are the most flattering…
So, I have organized a gift for you… enter the coupon code VIP at the checkout and you will get $30 off.
Normally $97 … just for you $67.
This is a limited time off and will be gone by 31/12/2017.
If you have ever talked with a friend about a makeover… share this gift with her as well. Gift Vouchers are also available.
My passion is your potential and assisting you to create an incredible personal brand that is on purpose.
I want you to be a little adventurous, a little daring, a little bold … and shock the hell out of your colleagues, family and friends with a new look and brand image…
I promise you will be noticed for all the right reasons when you use this remarkable tool.
As always, I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself and ‘Live as you are called’.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
PS. If you scrolled down to here, the snapshot is … Your personal brand image is a reflection of your potential… and it’s a good time today to reflect on your personal and professional image. So with that in mind we are providing a gift to clients who are looking to update their image…
Enter the coupon code VIP at the checkout and you will get $30 off.
Normally $97 … just for you $67. This special offer will disappear on 31/12/2017.
PSS. You NOW belong to a bold group of “jumpers” who take leaps of faith, knowing the safety will arrive. Tell us on socials where you are at in your brand story journey so we can support and encourage you, because we know your journey is important and someone is waiting to hear your story…
by Rachel Quilty | Friday, December 15, 2017 | Personal Branding, Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
Congratulations to those of you who grabbed a copy of my book, “Brand Yourself”. Your books are in the post. Our workroom has been busy this morning.
As many of my clients will testify this isn’t a light read… it’s a get your pen out and start taking notes type of read…
It’s an instructional manual on building your personal brand.
As a result of writing this book, I was asked to speak at Bond University, Griffith University Business School and was invited to speak twice in Las Vegas as well as on Voice America radio with over a 1 million listeners and 4BC radio syndication here in Australia etc.
So, I suggest you set aside an uninterrupted morning, weekend or a quiet work week.
This book is not for the faint-hearted or for those who think personal branding is about self-promotion and how good you or your logo’s look. Actually, if that’s what you think you definitely need to Grab your copy of the Brand Yourself book here.
Personal branding is the intentional journey to become yourself. Personal branding is the ultimate personal growth training program and professional advancement tool.
I love attending or participating in training courses and have probably spent over $150K on programs over the years…maybe more but I am not going to start counting now and …
…personal branding is the toughest program I have ever encountered, because you are consistently challenged to be more.
Personal branding is about walking your talk, and ensuring your walk is louder than your talk.
Now, here’s the heads up … I want to start preparing for your next chapter… our next training series of articles will work through the Brand Yourself Blueprint… and
I will share some information about a little known psychological fact that underpins all your marketing and branding activities as well as other branding secrets.
In the book, I liken personal branding to jumping off a cliff. Once you step off you are fully committed, and your life will never be the same.
ARE YOU READY for something new? Say, “Hell yes!!”. Bring it on Rachel…
So, you NOW belong to a bold group of “Jumpers” who take leaps of faith, knowing the safety will arrive. You know it will… it always does.
Here are some of the exercises that you will be participating in as you read the book:-
Personal Brand Audit
Personal Values List
Brand Yourself Credibility Statement
Personal Persuasion Audit
Brand Yourself Strategic Plan
Brand Yourself Market Plan
Brand Yourself Communication Plan
It also includes Jump the Q’s ten vital Action Steps to design, create and build a powerful and persuasive brand. The process we outline leads you through a number of action steps to build, position and market your best personal brand.
The Action Steps include:
• Action Step 1. Discover your existing personal brand
• Action Step 2. Determine your brand target audience
• Action Step 3. Define your true personal brand
• Action Step 4. Dominate your market as the Authority
• Action Step 5. Design your unique personal brand
• Action Step 6. Develop your brand’s signature style
• Action Step 7. Devise your personal brand marketing plan
• Action Step 8. Decide your desired outcomes, resources & skill set
• Action Step 9. Deploy and disseminate your brand message
• Action Step 10. Deliver your personal brand promise
We also walk through the principles of positioning yourself as the AUTHORITY in your industry.
We have posted this article on Facebook. We’d love your thoughts and insights on the Brand Yourself book.
Remember to grab our gift especially for you… and it will be on it’s way, if you haven’t already.
I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself and ‘Live As You Are Called’.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
Email: info@jumptheq.com
PS Grab your hard copy of the Brand Yourself book.
PSS. As we mentioned earlier, you NOW belong to a bold group of “Jumpers” who take leaps of faith, knowing the safety will arrive. Tell us on socials where you are at in your brand story journey so we can support and encourage you, because we know your journey is important and someone is waiting to hear your story…
PSSS. This book is for doer’s who are scrappy and resilient… so I hope that’s you.
by Rachel Quilty | Thursday, December 14, 2017 | Personal Branding, Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
Have you ever been down the rabbit hole…?
The Rabbit Hole Serves A Purpose…
So, as I emerge from my rabbit hole, I have a deep, deep appreciation for mothers, working mothers, single mothers and mothers of children with special needs.
I also have a fuller understanding of the impact of cultural norms and childhood events on my own and my client’s success.
Having now spent six years immersed in childhood trauma and its impact on our psychology on teens and adults, I know this understanding will contribute to more compassionately serving clients and supporting their personal brand journey.
My journey has also deepened my understanding of my personal brand purpose and my personal brand mission…
Lewis Carroll had an uncanny way of bringing in deep questions in the middle of seemingly innocuoussituations. Alice in Wonderland, who goes down a rabbit hole, gets acquainted with a crazy world that lay buried beneath the ground. She finds everything about this world so bizarre, that she wonders whether she is dreaming.
While pondering about the illogical turn of events, Alice also wonders about who she is and what is the purpose of her life.
I love this quote… from Alice in Wonderland.
“Alice: Well, I’m looking for a white rabbit. So, um, if you don’t mind…
Doorknob: Uh? Oh!
Alice: There he is! I simply must get through!
Doorknob: Sorry, you’re much too big. Simply impassible.
Alice: You mean impossible?
Doorknob: No, impassible. Nothing’s impossible! Why don’t you try the bottle on the table?
Alice: Table? Oh!
Doorknob: Read the directions, and directly you’ll be directed in the right direction. He he he!”
Disney – Alice in Wonderland
Like Alice have you ever thought…” It would be so nice if something made sense for a change.”
Our past has more to do with our future then we think, our past creates our future purpose, because you cannot lead people where you have never been. And there is purpose in your pain, your past and your circumstances, if you don’t let it be wasted.And to show my appreciation and to support your transformation into your true potential…
I am gifting all my clients a FREE hard copy of my book, “Brand Yourself”. Just help me with posting and handling.
After 12 months of researching, writing and finally documenting in an instructional manual a few years ago; the “Brand Yourself” book substantiated and crystalised Jump the Q’s systematic and strategic approach to building your personal brand.
There is no catch. I want to be there on your personal brand story… I want to hear about your message and your mission. I want you to be all God intended you to be.
And because it is the perfect time to close one chapter of your life and open a new chapter, the Brand Yourself book will be a valuable resource. I promise – you have nothing to lose, except your old image.
It’s time for you… It’s your turn…
As you can imagine we only have a limited number of hardcopy books and once they are gone they are gone.
Grab your copy today. Right now in fact. You don’t want to miss out. This is the perfect opportunity to give yourself a gift – reinvent your personal brand.
I recently asked myself “Why are some clients so successful, and others are not?”
And I have concluded that there are two reasons:-
1. Failing to follow instructions or direction and
2. Not understanding their life purpose or “Why?”
Those who become super successful recognise that beyond their craft or occupation is a calling and a cause that is uniquely theirs. It is their personal brand purpose; their ‘Why’ and at its heart is your desire to become more, experience more and to serve more in your unique way.
In a future article we will Case Study the results of clients who have followed the directions… essentially nothing is impossible, merely impassible until you follow the directions.
So often, people are looking for meaningful work and my job is to support you as you delve into your life purpose and greater mission.
________________________________________
This is what Julie said about the book, “Brand Yourself” …
Hi Rachel,
Your book Brand yourself is one of the best books I have ever read on finding your purpose. Even though I’ve read it – I’m reading it again … and loving it. It’s a super book.
Warm regards, Julie “
Julie Lewin, International Medical Intuitive,
________________________________________We’d love your thoughts and insights on the Brand Yourself book,so we have posted this article on Facebook.
Remember to grab our gift especially for you… just pay for the postage and handling and it will be on it’s way…
I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself…. and “Live as You are Called”.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
PS. Grab your free copy of Brand Yourself hard copy. Just help us with postage and handling.
PSS. You NOW belong to a bold group of “Jumpers” who take leaps of faith, knowing the safety will arrive. Tell us on socials where you are at in your brand story journey so we can support and encourage you, because we know your journey is important and someone is waiting to hear your story…
by Rachel Quilty | Tuesday, December 12, 2017 | Personal Branding, Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
Have you ever been at the cross roads …?
That you need confirmation that you’re going in the right direction?
So, as I walked into the young girls darkened room, I didn’t hear a word …but what I saw … confirmed my direction…
…the light flooding in from the street formed a huge cross on the bedroom wall. I had my answer – life was about to change forever.
We were on the right path and we were meant to take the children.Tomorrow, I want to share a branding lesson from Nicole Kidman which illustrates this concept.
I call this a Kiaros moment… it was confirmation of a new season, of an opportunity to fulfill purpose, to change destiny…
Now for some professionals reading this, you may be thinking, “What has this got to do with business branding or even personal branding?”
These defining moments reveal what is important to you… your personal brand values can be identified in these moments.
Let me, make a very important branding distinction between a cult brand like Apple and a successful brand.
Most businesses and successful brands stop at the “How” and “What”. They can outline their product features/benefits and their brand values – what’s important to them and how they will achieve that.
But they don’t know or can’t articulate their “Why”. What is their brand purpose? Why are those product/service features important? What do they mean to their client? How do they serve their client’s deepest desires and counter their deepest fears?
To build a brand movement, to create a cult brand, to establish a brand legacy… you must know your brand purpose. Your life/brand experiences, the lessons you learnt, your motivation and drivers, your brand story is aligned to your life/brand purpose.
However, more importantly these defining moments reveal purpose.
Your personal brand purpose is manifested in the connection of defining moments that collectively are your brand story. “Why” you are here, is hidden in those moments of epiphany, revelation or aha.
________________________________________
Let me explain by continuing with a snippet of my brand story…
I decided to prioritise … I made the executive decision to reduce our clientele to long term clients only and not to take on new clients, if we weren’t able to support them 100%. We decided to refund some clients also.
So outwardly we seemed quiet, however, within Jump the Q’s offices we were in strategic planning, research and development mode as we prepared underground for the evolution of Jump the Q.
Let just say, I have worked harder in the past four years than in the previous four years… which is saying a lot because during that time I wrote a book (two actually), hosted 3 day events, created and launched the Brand Yourself Action Plan, spoke regularly on stage here and in the USA and provided regular media commentary.
However, that seemed a walk in the park…
Over the past four years, life was a series of challenges to research, understand and manage the children’s extreme behaviours and the underlining psychology behind chronic childhood developmental trauma.
During this time, I produced a comprehensive Behaviour Management and Care Plan addressing the critical care needs of these children which is being produced into a resource for stakeholders.
Due to our experiences, I made significant submissions into the Department of Education and the Department of Communities- Child Safety Review recently.
As some of you will know, prior to becoming a Personal Branding Strategist, I was an Industrial Relations advocate for an Industrial Organisation in the electrical industry and regularly wrote submissions and lobbyed Government. My last role with this organisation was as the Executive Manager -Policy charged with determining the strategic direction of the contracting industry.
I was uniquely qualified to research and prepare a submission on resources directed to childhood trauma and child safety having experienced caring for children outside of and within the system and being very comfortable writing submissions. The submissions were several hundred pages.
The epiphany I had when I stood looking at that Cross on the wall was that I was on purpose. And I knew the children had come into our lives for a reason. And as I hit the send button on our submission three years later, I knew I had contributed to my God given assignment for this chapter of my life.
Many people believe their destiny is fixed, but I would challenge that and say your decisions direct your destiny. I do however, believe your life purpose is a life-time assignment.
Your “Why” is pre-determined. You were made and positioned here to be purposeful.
I also believe that we can fulfill purpose in degrees. And that each of us has a craft, calling and cause to fulfill, if we are prepared to commit to the process of evolving our personal brand and focusing on our ultimate mission.
________________________________________
Jump the Q Action Step
So, let’s Jump the Q and take immediate action towards determining your purpose and complete a mini Action Step.
Mini- Action Step 1: Identify Your Personal Brand Defining Moments.
Take a few minutes to start writing down your life/brand moments and save the document as we will need it again later. Within the Brand Yourself Academy we go deeper into your personal brand moments and brand values but today I just want you to start jotting down your life experiences.
Write down significant, memorable, unusual events of your life. Record your memories. Things that stand out. Record what you felt were important moments.
Authors, Dan and Chip Heath of the best seller ‘The Power of Moments’ identify that defining moments will have one or more of the following four elements: –
1. Elevation: Defining moments rise above the everyday in sensory pleasure
2. Insight: Defining moments rewire our understanding of ourselves or the world
3. Pride: Defining moments capture us at our best – moments of courage, moments of courage
4. Connection: Defining moments are social.
Defining moments may also capture a negative experience from embarrassment to moments of trauma, heartbreak or grief.
Please note the aim is to quickly identify events and experiences which may have an impact on our purpose. You may wish to capture the beliefs and ideas that arose at the time.
Please connect with a counsellor if you feel you could experience an escalated reaction to this process.
Tomorrow, I want to share a brand lesson from Nicole Kidman, so tune in…
I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
Email: info@jumptheq.com
PS. If you scrolled down to here, the snapshot is …
Your personal brand matters and it’s a good time today to reflect on your personal brand values and direction. Download our
Brand Yourself Blueprint and Work Journal. Start discovering your brand purpose today…
PSS. I have a gift that I am getting ready for you… More later.
PSSS. You belong to a bold group of “jumpers” who take leaps of faith, knowing the safety will arrive. Tell us on socials where you are at in your brand story journey so we can support and encourage you, because we know your journey is important and someone is waiting for you…
by Rachel Quilty | Monday, December 11, 2017 | Rachel Quilty's Brand Story
Make this moment of decision matter…
The deep, silent night was pierced by an insistent ringing …
There are windows in time dedicated to certain activities…
At this hour, it had to be a family emergency. With my heart beating rapidly, I woke my husband with a push, “Your phone is ringing.”
I remember being grateful that it wasn’t my phone, my family emergency… I know but I am only human!
I could hear my mother-in-law crying as I listened to my husband’s call. She said, “The children would need to go into Foster Care.”
In their mid 60’s, my mother-in-law and her husband had promised to be the legal guardians of two young children, following the death of their father, but their behaviour so extreme as a result of grief and childhood trauma.
I heard my husband say, “Don’t let them go into … “.
After my husband relayed the conversation to me. I said, “Call your mum back and make sure she understands – we will take them.”
It was a simple decision … we would take them. Their escalated behaviours typical for Foster Children… not normal by any standard. But what’s normal, right? A cycle on a washing machine…
In retrospect, I see how our decisions had lead to this moment. In 2010, my husband and I had decided to become Foster Carers. We believed that we had a lot of love to give and that there were plenty of children who needed parents/ carers and lots of love.
So, by September 2013 we felt positive we could help these children. But it wasn’t without reservations. We were about to change our life irrevocably and the lifestyle we knew and loved would change dramatically.
Have you ever questioned your decisions? I started to wonder if we were doing the right thing.
As the time came closer to take over their care, I knew I had to have a conversation with God…
I said to God, “I really need to know if we are doing the right thing. And I need a big sign, probably neon to know we are on the right path.”
I don’t know about you but discerning God’s purpose for my life has at times been hit and miss. Hence, the need for a BIG sign.
On this particular night, I walked up the dark hall into what would be the young girl’s bedroom and I knew what I was meant to do.
Tomorrow, I will tell you what happened.
Lastly, I just want to say …I am sorry.
I am sorry that you haven’t heard from me for some time and this is coming out of the blue. However, I believe that it’s no accident that you are reading this, and that I am reaching out to you now.
The thing I am sorry about is that I broke a promise. Actually, I have broken several heartfelt promises to family, friends, colleagues and clients that I really care about.
I want to show my appreciation and thanks to you for letting me re-connect. As many of you know, personal branding is an evolutionary process that underlines your professional success and I would add your personal growth.
As I revealed above, life is full of moments, some seem innocent though are likely to be the most impactful.
At this time of year as we close one chapter and start another …and what it represents and where we would like it to be.
With this in mind, I want you to use our Brand Yourself Blueprint and Work Journal as a reflection tool.
By way of an apology… this is my gift to you.
Tomorrow, I will tell you what God said to me…
I look forward to sharing your personal brand story and assisting you in its journey.
Look after yourself.
Many regards,
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist and Chief Dream-caster at Jump the Q
Launch your own personal & business brand with:
Jump the Q – Personal Brand Consulting
Web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Social: RachelQuilty
PS. If you scrolled down to here, the snapshot is … Your personal brand matters and it’s a good time today to reflect on your personal brand values and direction. Reflect with our Brand Yourself Blueprint and Work Journal.
