IAM893- Author Helps People Get Inspired to Make a Change
Podcast Interview with Paula Orezi
Paula Orezi is the Author of a motivational poetry book titled: From Me to You and Co-Author of the #1 International Best Selling book: Experts & Influencers: Women's Empowerment Edition. She earned a Master’s in Business Leadership from Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has a passion to speak and help people get inspired to make a change that will create a positive and win-win outcome. Her experience includes mentoring others and leadership development. Her messages are for business-minded professionals or anyone wishing to start their own business and need help to overcome mindset beliefs, be organized, and conduct sales through relationship-building.
- CEO Hack: Being very organized (ii) Blogging (iii) Daily investment
- CEO Nugget: Make sure you speak daily positive affirmations
- CEO Defined: Being a change agent
Website: https://www.paulaostore.com/
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Transcription
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00:20 – Intro
Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast.
00:46 – Gresham Harkless
Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I AM CEO podcast and I have a very special guest on the show today at Paula Oresi of paulostore.com. Paula is awesome to have you on the show.
00:58 – Paula Orezi
Thank you so much for having me. It's such an honor.
01:00 – Gresham Harkless
No problem. The honor is definitely all ours. And before we jump into the interview, I want to read a little bit more about Paula so I can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing. Paula is the author of a motivational poetry book titled From Me to You and co-author of the number one international bestselling book, experts, and influencers women's empowerment edition. She earned a master's in business leadership from Heising, a school of business at Nova South, Southeastern University, and a bachelor's in organizational management from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
She has a passion for speaking and helping people get inspired to make a change that will create a positive and win-win outcome. Her experience includes mentoring others and leadership development and her messages are for business-minded professionals or anyone wishing to start their own business and need help to overcome mindset beliefs, being organized, and conducting sales through relationship building. Paula, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?
[restrict paid=”true”]
01:52 – Paula Orezi
Oh, I'm so ready, Gresh.
01:54 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Well, let's do it then. So to kick everything off, I wanted to rewind the clock a little bit and hear a little bit more about how you got started. Could you take us through what I call your CEO story? We'll let you get started with the business.
02:03 – Paula Orezi
Yeah, so with like everyone, you start off thinking you wanna be something. I wanted to be a doctor at first and that changed after I got into college. I was one of those that changed their degree 3 times. So I finally landed on business And I'm like, when I was completing my business degree, and I had the opportunity to travel to China in 2008 for one of the classes that was titled Cross-Cultural International business class. And I got inspired because I'm like, man, like what would it be like to do something that I can carry around the world possibly? Because my intention to get a degree was to really go back to the workforce and just contribute my skillsets in that manner. But that is one way I could do it.
But then I thought, man, how can I help to kind of get outside of the box, think outside the box, other than going to corporate, living the cookie-cutter life? I'm not a cookie-cutter person. Everyone always tells me, Paula, you're gonna, you need to be a speaker. You need to, you helped me out with this. And I thought differently. Now I'm gonna start making this change. So then I started thinking, okay, what can I do to help motivate someone? And so 8 years ago, I did write that poetry book, the Motivational Poetry Book because I feel like with poetry, you could read a book, of course, but with poetry, it's always like such a right-time word, it's like an on-time word. So that's why I really started that book.
And then I said, you know what, I really want to do something that's going to help to, you know, overcome some of those mindsets, those beliefs that I've had where I grew up thinking, oh, I'm not good enough to start a business, or I can't, what can I do? What can I help to contribute? I'm not that good. I'm not that great. And then I actually started the Paula O's store with a t-shirt titled, I'm good enough. And that started the seed. And then I started to kind of go from there with being part of like this book that co-authored, to be part of, is how can I share my story in helping other people to overcome their own mindset in belief systems?
When I started to do that, I started to become more successful in getting my own business started and getting some of my speaking engagements going. And it's all because I overcame some of those mindsets, those belief systems that were robbing me of my future. And so me being a CEO now and in where I'm at now, it's because of the journey of having to overcome those mindset beliefs, having to help other people as well, and seeing the fruits of that for their own lives. And so that's when I started this business. And it's a two-part business, it's entrepreneurship, but then it's also having a speaking part of it that kind of co-exists because it's great to be able to sell things, but it's awesome when you have a person behind it, and being able to speak about things like your story.
So a lot of this is coming out from my own story, my own journey, and helping other people to understand that you have a journey, you have a purpose as well. And what are you going to do with that? Whether it be to start a business or whether it be to contribute to the world in some way, shape, or form.
05:02 – Gresham Harkless
Nice. I absolutely love that. And the secrets to you said you switched your major 3 times. I came in as an undecided major. That's a secret. So you just come in saying, I don't even know already from the beginning. And then you just figure it out from there. But I absolutely love, you know, you talking about the journey from there on and so to where you're doing now, because I think so many times we forget about the journey in our lives and evolution and kind of understanding who we are, but you used a phrase of robbing yourself.
And that's so powerful to me because I think so many times we can let mindset or self-limiting beliefs rob us of the true greatness that we have within. So I love obviously the products and everything you're able to create but also the speaking and being able to tell your story to remind us of how important it has been for you, but also how we can unlock that kind of secret or that next level within as well. Yes, totally. Awesome, awesome, awesome. So I know you touched on it a little bit. Could you drill down a little bit deeper so we can learn a little bit more about what we can find in the store also like some of the things and how exactly you go through your speaking and engaging with people?
06:06 – Paula Orezi
Yeah, so I have the 2 parts where the speaking engagement portion, being part of the podcast, being part of speaking platforms. I'm the type when I used to go to listen to someone that I really love, I would want to order their product or brand mission like just anything branding like well based on their business. I'm like, I want that T-shirt. I was the girl. So that's why I created the Follow-A-Store because sometimes you know when you are speaking and you are providing a message and you are sharing your journey in the business world, people resonate with your product. It's almost like their keepsake, their little friendly reminder of, oh yeah, I remember Paula speaking. I remember what her message was about.
And I remember how it touched me. I remember some of the steps that I took because I listened to that speaker or her. And so those are those things that I've created on the Paula O's store end of things to kind of help kind of, you know, that keepsake journey. And then also, one another part of the business is that I created a mini course because I figured that, hey, it's one thing to speak, but it's better when you can provide actual things that are going to be, how could I say bite-sized for someone when they go home after speaking engagement? So having a mini course is basically developing that, like we're talking about limited belief in mindset, making sure that people have something that they can follow or go through so that they can create their framework.
Because a lot of people want to do something, but they don't know how to get started. And so laying that foundation is what this course provides. And so that's on the website as well. And so we try, what I try to do is basically try to say, you know what, listen, you have a gift, you have a calling and we are all responsible for discovering what that is. And If you could just tap into what that is, you would be flourishing. And so that's really the idea and the takeaway of what I offer.
07:53 – Gresham Harkless
Nice, I absolutely love that. I'm glad you talked about it because what I heard was even a journey within itself of someone hearing you speak and want to be kind of reminded and have a piece, you know, of all it is that you're doing as well. So they get, you know, something from a store and then, you know, having the, I guess, framework by which they can execute on finding their gift and being able to understand how to get that out into the world and being able to kind of take the course through there gives you all of those different pieces in different ways by which people can be reminded they can remember and obviously see and have that speech but also be able to create those actual steps in order to implement that into their lives.
08:27 – Paula Orezi
Exactly yeah because I was always the one that I would go into the speaking not for myself but I would go listen to other speakers and I would be on an emotional high, but then I'd be like, okay, what? I'm in an emotional high, but I need action steps. And so it's great when you can have someone to have that emotional high, but then also create that action step while they're in that state of mind to actually start doing the work, the hard work.
08:50 – Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And the work that sometimes we forget about, but yeah, absolutely. It's something like, you know, you get that high, you get that experience, and then you wanna know how to implement that so you can continue to kind of build upon that momentum. So I love that you created stuff for that. Awesome. So I want to ask you now for what I call your secret sauce. This could be for yourself or your business or a combination of both, but what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?
09:14 – Paula Orezi
I think what sets definitely what sets me apart is that my, brand is focused on being yourself. You can't be anything else but yourself. And that is a differentiator all by itself, right? Because I can't, there's not another Paula or Rezi out there. And the great thing about being myself is that I have my story to tell. Now my story may have a similarity with others, but no one can say word by word, verbatim, that they have the exact same story as myself. So setting, putting your story into your business, into your brand, into your speaking topics, it does help put a human side to you. Because people are connected eventually, human to human. You are going to buy something, that's great.
But you have to initiate a feeling to be able to start making that decision to buy something or connect with someone. So I think being a storyteller and having your business out there helps to set you apart because a lot of people in a lot of businesses I do see are trying to mimic other people's storylines. That's all great and may provide success, but it's not going to keep the longevity of your business because you have to be yourself to be able to keep giving over and over. And that's all you can do is be yourself. So when you come from that standpoint as a business, it really does help to set you up for success.
10:34 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So this could be like an Apple book or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?
10:45 – Paula Orezi
Well, I am first of all, very organized. And I mean, I would just say thank you for Google, Google for sweet products, because I am a spreadsheet person. I have to have a task list on Google and I have to make sure that everything is checked off and there are dates aligned with, you know, a to-do list. So I'm one of those types of people. Now, for those who are not, there are ways you can be that way. And so that's how I keep myself organized. But then how do I keep myself fresh and new and up to date with today's world I attend a lot of free masterclasses.
There are a lot of free masterclasses that are out there that like if I need to build more on a skill set that I may not have as a business owner, I'm going to go out there and sit in on a free masterclass because there's a lot of people that are out there, they're just providing free resources and opportunities for you to, you know, gain a skill set or help or get some knowledge of something that you may not have knowledge about. Like for example, this year, a lot of people are probably thinking, oh my goodness, I never knew how, I didn't even know how to use Zoom, right?
Not myself, but others. So using opportunities like free master classes has truly been the best-kept secret type of thing for me because I would then in turn, you know, utilize it. And then I can see certain aspects of my business is like, it's like, oh wow, that actually helped my business. For example, marketing is not the most effective thing for me that I'm doing well, but I can say going to free master classes listening to others, and having resources at hand is going to help me to put small steps into place to get my business out there noticeable. Another thing I would say is blogging.
I definitely, blogging is, I know it's like everybody says just blog, but realistically blogging is a way to kind of see who your customers are and kind of get behind their thinking. Because when they comment on your blog or you're interacting with the community through your business page, whether it be through your blog or your media, social media site, it really does help you to understand who you're talking to and you get ideas for next wave of your business from there as well. And then a third one I would say is daily investment. Daily investment, what I mean by that is spending time building your business is very important because you can be lazy if you stop.
If you stop for a couple of days or weeks, you can become very like, okay, I'm used to this level of success, I'm just gonna stay there. No, you should always be building because you're not building for yourself. You're building to help someone else at all times and someone else doesn't always need your help. So putting those daily investments, like I use calendar blocking. So if I have a day job, I would work 9 to 5. I would go home and say, okay, from 7 to 8:30 is gonna be my time block to contribute to my business. Whether it be attending a free master class that night or whether it be, you know, just listening to a podcast or, just actually adding a blog post. Those are the things that I'm doing daily to keep my business going.
13:42 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome. And so I wanted to ask you now for what I call a CEO nugget. And this could be a word of wisdom or a piece of advice. It might be something you would tell a client, someone you were speaking to, or potentially if you were to hop into a time machine, you might tell your younger business self.
13:55 – Paula Orezi
Oh man, let me tell you one of the things that I would say to myself and to others out there is to make sure you speak daily positive affirmations. This is very important because you have to speak positively about you and you have to speak positively about your business. Even if your business is not even on paper, speak positively about it because you get what you speak.
14:16 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. And so now I wanted to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. We're hoping to have different quotes, quote CEOs on the show. So Paula, what does being a CEO mean to you?
14:27 – Paula Orezi
For me, being a CEO means you really are a change agent. Being a change agent, when I say being a change agent, it means you're using your skills and your talents to shape the world around you. So basically for me, I think of it as we are all contributors in some way, shape, or form, whether it be positive or negative, you're contributing in some way, shape, or form. So having that ability to use your skills and talents is really what I look at as a CEO, whether it be again, contributing to the workplace or contributing as an entrepreneur, you're contributing in some way, shape, or form to shape the world around you.
14:59 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Well, Paula, truly appreciate that. And I appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do was pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know. And of course, how best they can get a hold of you, get a copy of your book, and find out about all the awesome things that you're working on.
15:13 – Paula Orezi
Yeah, I just want to let the listeners know that, hey, you have people that are standing by you, people like myself and Gresh and others that are out there who are readily available to provide resources to get you to get started on your own journey of discovery of what you're here to do on this world in this world. And I could definitely help with that. Of course, you can reach me by emailing me info at paulostore.com or you can go ahead and visit the website and see what we've got paulostore.com we look forward to connecting with you of course I'm on social media I'm on Instagram and Facebook page which is at paulostore So feel free to visit and don't be afraid to ask questions.
15:52 – Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. And we will definitely have those links and information in the show notes. And Paula truly appreciates that reminder as well too. So many times I often say you never get anything you don't ask for. So a lot of times people want to help, people want to be there for you. And sometimes all you have to do is ask. So I appreciate you opening up the airways for yourself and for myself and so many other people to be able to help people. That's one of the greatest gifts that we have. I appreciate you for giving to us and taking some time out with us. And I hope you have a phenomenal rest of the day.
16:19 – Outro:
Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.
00:20 - Intro
Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast.
00:46 - Gresham Harkless
Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I AM CEO podcast and I have a very special guest on the show today at Paula Oresi of paulostore.com. Paula is awesome to have you on the show.
00:58 - Paula Orezi
Thank you so much for having me. It's such an honor.
01:00 - Gresham Harkless
No problem. The honor is definitely all ours. And before we jump into the interview, I want to read a little bit more about Paula so I can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing. Paula is the author of a motivational poetry book titled From Me to You and co-author of the number one international bestselling book, experts, and influencers women's empowerment edition. She earned a master's in business leadership from Heising, a school of business at Nova South, Southeastern University, and a bachelor's in organizational management from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
She has a passion for speaking and helping people get inspired to make a change that will create a positive and win-win outcome. Her experience includes mentoring others and leadership development and her messages are for business-minded professionals or anyone wishing to start their own business and need help to overcome mindset beliefs, being organized, and conducting sales through relationship building. Paula, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?
01:52 - Paula Orezi
Oh, I'm so ready, Gresh.
01:54 - Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Well, let's do it then. So to kick everything off, I wanted to rewind the clock a little bit and hear a little bit more about how you got started. Could you take us through what I call your CEO story? We'll let you get started with the business.
02:03 - Paula Orezi
Yeah, so with like everyone, you start off thinking you wanna be something. I wanted to be a doctor at first and that changed after I got into college. I was one of those that changed their degree 3 times. So I finally landed on business And I'm like, when I was completing my business degree, and I had the opportunity to travel to China in 2008 for one of the classes that was titled Cross-Cultural International business class. And I got inspired because I'm like, man, like what would it be like to do something that I can carry around the world possibly? Because my intention to get a degree was to really go back to the workforce and just contribute my skillsets in that manner. But that is one way I could do it.
But then I thought, man, how can I help to kind of get outside of the box, think outside the box, other than going to corporate, living the cookie-cutter life? I'm not a cookie-cutter person. Everyone always tells me, Paula, you're gonna, you need to be a speaker. You need to, you helped me out with this. And I thought differently. Now I'm gonna start making this change. So then I started thinking, okay, what can I do to help motivate someone? And so 8 years ago, I did write that poetry book, the Motivational Poetry Book because I feel like with poetry, you could read a book, of course, but with poetry, it's always like such a right-time word, it's like an on-time word. So that's why I really started that book.
And then I said, you know what, I really want to do something that's going to help to, you know, overcome some of those mindsets, those beliefs that I've had where I grew up thinking, oh, I'm not good enough to start a business, or I can't, what can I do? What can I help to contribute? I'm not that good. I'm not that great. And then I actually started off the Paula O's store with a t-shirt titled, I'm good enough. And that started the seed. And then I started to kind of go from there with being part of like this book that actually co-authored, to be part of, is how can I share my story in helping other people to overcome their own mindset in belief systems?
When I started to do that, I started to become more successful in getting my own business started and getting some of my speaking engagements going. And it's all because I overcame some of those mindsets, those belief systems that were robbing me of my future. And so me being a CEO now and in where I'm at now, it's because of the journey of having to overcome those mindset beliefs, having to help other people as well, and seeing the fruits of that for their own lives. And so that's when I started this business. And it's a two-part business, it's entrepreneurship, but then it's also having a speaking part of it that kind of co-exists because it's great to be able to sell things, but it's awesome when you have a person behind it, and being able to speak about things like your story.
So a lot of this is coming out from my own story, my own journey, and helping other people to understand that you have a journey, you have a purpose as well. And what are you going to do with that? Whether it be to start a business or whether it be to contribute to the world in some way, shape, or form.
05:02 - Gresham Harkless
Nice. I absolutely love that. And the secrets to you said you switched your major 3 times. I came in as an undecided major. That's a secret. So you just come in saying, I don't even know already from the beginning. And then you just figure it out from there. But I absolutely love, you know, you talking about the journey from there on and so to where you're doing now, because I think so many times we forget about the journey in our lives and evolution and kind of understanding who we are, but you used a phrase of robbing yourself.
And that's so powerful to me because I think so many times we can let mindset or self-limiting beliefs rob us of the true greatness that we have within. So I love obviously the products and everything you're able to create but also the speaking and being able to tell your story to remind us of how important it has been for you, but also how we can unlock that kind of secret or that next level within as well. Yes, totally. Awesome, awesome, awesome. So I know you touched on it a little bit. Could you drill down a little bit deeper so we can learn a little bit more about what we can find in the store also like some of the things and how exactly you go through your speaking and engaging with people.
06:06 - Paula Orezi
Yeah, so I have the 2 parts where the speaking engagement portion, being part of the podcast, being part of speaking platforms. I'm the type when I used to go to listen to someone that I really love, I would want to order their product or brand mission like just anything branding like well based on their business. I'm like, I want that T-shirt. I was the girl. So that's why I created the Follow-A-Store because sometimes you know when you are speaking and you are providing a message and you are sharing your journey in the business world, people resonate with your product. It's almost like their keepsake, their little friendly reminder of, oh yeah, I remember Paula speaking. I remember what her message was about.
And I remember how it touched me. I remember some of the steps that I took because I listened to that speaker or her. And so those are those things that I've created on the Paula O's store end of things to kind of help kind of, you know, that keepsake journey. And then also, one another part of the business is that I created a mini course because I figured that, hey, it's one thing to speak, but it's better when you can provide actual things that are going to be, how could I say bite-sized for someone when they go home after speaking engagement? So having a mini course is basically developing that, like we're talking about limited belief in mindset, making sure that people have something that they can follow or go through so that they can create their framework.
Because a lot of people want to do something, but they don't know how to get started. And so laying that foundation is what this course provides. And so that's on the website as well. And so we try, what I try to do is basically try to say, you know what, listen, you have a gift, you have a calling and we are all responsible for discovering what that is. And If you could just tap into what that is, you would be flourishing. And so that's really the idea and the takeaway of what I offer.
07:53 - Gresham Harkless
Nice, I absolutely love that. I'm glad you talked about it because what I heard was even a journey within itself of someone hearing you speak and want to be kind of reminded and have a piece, you know, of all it is that you're doing as well. So they get, you know, something from a store and then, you know, having the, I guess, framework by which they can execute on finding their gift and being able to understand how to get that out into the world and being able to kind of take the course through there gives you all of those different pieces in different ways by which people can be reminded they can remember and obviously see and have that speech but also be able to create those actual steps in order to implement that into their lives.
08:27 - Paula Orezi
Exactly yeah because I was always the one that I would go into the speaking not for myself but I would go listen to other speakers and I would be on an emotional high, but then I'd be like, okay, what? I'm in an emotional high, but I need action steps. And so it's great when you can have someone to have that emotional high, but then also create that action step while they're in that state of mind to actually start doing the work, the hard work.
08:50 - Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And the work that sometimes we forget about, but yeah, absolutely. It's something like, you know, you get that high, you get that experience, and then you wanna know how to implement that so you can continue to kind of build upon that momentum. So I love that you created stuff for that. Awesome. So I want to ask you now for what I call your secret sauce. This could be for yourself or your business or a combination of both, but what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?
09:14 - Paula Orezi: I think what sets definitely what sets me apart is that my, brand is focused on being yourself. You can't be anything else but yourself. And that is a differentiator all by itself, right? Because I can't, there's not another Paula or Rezi out there. And the great thing about being myself is that I have my story to tell. Now my story may have a similarity with others, but no one can say word by word, verbatim, that they have the exact same story as myself. So setting, putting your story into your business, into your brand, into your speaking topics, it does help put a human side to you. Because people are connected eventually, human to human. You are going to buy something, that's great.
But you have to initiate a feeling to be able to start making that decision to buy something or connect with someone. So I think being a storyteller and having your business out there helps to set you apart because a lot of people in a lot of businesses I do see are trying to mimic other people's storylines. That's all great and may provide success, but it's not going to keep the longevity of your business because you have to be yourself to be able to keep giving over and over. And that's all you can do is be yourself. So when you come from that standpoint as a business, it really does help to set you up for success.
10:34 - Gresham Harkless: Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So this could be like an Apple book or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?
10:45 - Paula Orezi
Well, I am first of all, very organized. And I mean, I would just say thank you for Google, Google for sweet products, because I am a spreadsheet person. I have to have a task list on Google and I have to make sure that everything is checked off and there are dates aligned with, you know, a to-do list. So I'm one of those types of people. Now, for those who are not, there are ways you can be that way. And so that's how I keep myself organized. But then how do I keep myself fresh and new and up to date with today's world I attend a lot of free masterclasses.
There are a lot of free masterclasses that are out there that like if I need to build more on a skill set that I may not have as a business owner, I'm going to go out there and sit in on a free masterclass because there's a lot of people that are out there, they're just providing free resources and opportunities for you to, you know, gain a skill set or help or get some knowledge of something that you may not have knowledge about. Like for example, this year, a lot of people are probably thinking, oh my goodness, I never knew how, I didn't even know how to use Zoom, right?
Not myself, but others. So using opportunities like free master classes has truly been the best-kept secret type of thing for me because I would then in turn, you know, utilize it. And then I can see certain aspects of my business is like, it's like, oh wow, that actually helped my business. For example, marketing is not the most effective thing for me that I'm doing well, but I can say going to free master classes listening to others, and having resources at hand is going to help me to put small steps into place to get my business out there noticeable. Another thing I would say is blogging.
I definitely, blogging is, I know it's like everybody says just blog, but realistically blogging is a way to kind of see who your customers are and kind of get behind their thinking. Because when they comment on your blog or you're interacting with the community through your business page, whether it be through your blog or your media, social media site, it really does help you to understand who you're talking to and you get ideas for next wave of your business from there as well. And then a third one I would say is daily investment. Daily investment, what I mean by that is spending time building your business is very important because you can be lazy if you stop.
If you stop for a couple of days or weeks, you can become very like, okay, I'm used to this level of success, I'm just gonna stay there. No, you should always be building because you're not building for yourself. You're building to help someone else at all times and someone else doesn't always need your help. So putting those daily investments, like I use calendar blocking. So if I have a day job, I would work 9 to 5. I would go home and say, okay, from 7 to 8:30 is gonna be my time block to contribute to my business. Whether it be attending a free master class that night or whether it be, you know, just listening to a podcast or, just actually adding a blog post. Those are the things that I'm doing daily to keep my business going.
13:42 - Gresham Harkless: Awesome. And so I wanted to ask you now for what I call a CEO nugget. And this could be a word of wisdom or a piece of advice. It might be something you would tell a client, someone you were speaking to, or potentially if you were to hop into a time machine, you might tell your younger business self.
13:55 - Paula Orezi
Oh man, let me tell you one of the things that I would say to myself and to others out there is to make sure you speak daily positive affirmations. This is very important because you have to speak positively about you and you have to speak positively about your business. Even if your business is not even on paper, speak positively about it because you get what you speak.
14:16 - Gresham Harkless
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. And so now I wanted to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. We're hoping to have different quotes, quote CEOs on the show. So Paula, what does being a CEO mean to you?
14:27 - Paula Orezi: For me, being a CEO means you really are a change agent. Being a change agent, when I say being a change agent, it means you're using your skills and your talents to shape the world around you. So basically for me, I think of it as we are all contributors in some way, shape, or form, whether it be positive or negative, you're contributing in some way, shape, or form. So having that ability to use your skills and talents is really what I look at as a CEO, whether it be again, contributing to the workplace or contributing as an entrepreneur, you're contributing in some way, shape, or form to shape the world around you.
14:59 - Gresham Harkless: Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Well, Paula, truly appreciate that. And I appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do was pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know. And of course, how best they can get a hold of you, get a copy of your book, and find out about all the awesome things that you're working on.
15:13 - Paula Orezi: Yeah, I just want to let the listeners know that, hey, you have people that are standing by you, people like myself and Gresh and others that are out there who are readily available to provide resources to get you to get started on your own journey of discovery of what you're here to do on this world in this world. And I could definitely help with that. Of course, you can reach me by emailing me info at paulostore.com or you can go ahead and visit the website and see what we've got paulostore.com we look forward to connecting with you of course I'm on social media I'm on Instagram and Facebook page which is at paulostore So feel free to visit and don't be afraid to ask questions.
15:52 - Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. And we will definitely have those links and information in the show notes. And Paula truly appreciates that reminder as well too. So many times I often say you never get anything you don't ask for. So a lot of times people want to help, people want to be there for you. And sometimes all you have to do is ask. So I appreciate you opening up the airways for yourself and for myself and so many other people to be able to help people. That's one of the greatest gifts that we have. I appreciate you for giving to us and taking some time out with us. And I hope you have a phenomenal rest of the day.
16:19 - Outro: Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.
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