Overland Park, Kansas, United States
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About
Articles by Alana
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Lean on Me: Building Community in the Wake of 9/11
Lean on Me: Building Community in the Wake of 9/11
By Alana Muller
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Team Think: Lessons on Collaboration from the Mayo Clinic
Team Think: Lessons on Collaboration from the Mayo Clinic
By Alana Muller
Contributions
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What do you do if you want to level up your presentation skills for career growth?
Here's a tip you may not have considered before: When possible, use a microphone. A friend who is hearing impaired told me once that he appreciates it when speakers/presenters -- rather than asking, "can you hear me in the back?" -- simply utilize a microphone. It is more inclusive and ensures that everyone can hear, whether or not they are willing to tell you if they can't! And, of course, when audience members ask questions, repeat the question so that everyone can hear it. Not only will the audience appreciate the repetition -- and possibly, restatement -- of the question, it will give you time to formulate a cogent, compelling response.
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What do you do if you want to level up your presentation skills for career growth?
Know your audience! Remember: Adults learn in three different ways: 1. Visual Learning: This is all about what people see. Provide slides with compelling images that tell a story to draw in these learners. 2. Auditory Learning: This is all about what people hear. Modulate your voice to engage your listeners. Paint the picture with words so they can see your point in their mind. 3. Kinesthetic Learning: This is all about getting hands-on with the content. Create exercises that allow learners to roll up their sleeves and engage with the content in a tactile way. By leveraging all three learning styles, you are guaranteed to draw in your audience and engage them in ways that make your content memorable and meaningful to all.
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What do you do if you want to level up your presentation skills for career growth?
If you really want to deliver a powerful presentation that engages the audience and ensures they know that you know your stuff, get rid of your notes! Speaking directly to your audience, without notes, allows the presentation to flow more naturally, conveys your expertise, and allows you to connect with your participants. Don't be worried that you might forget a point -- nobody will know but you! And, if you need help staying on point, create a couple of slides with compelling images and, only if necessary, a few words. Your visual aids serve as "background noise" to help you keep your place in the presentation and provide your audience with the clarity it needs to stick with you during your talk.
Activity
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When the going gets tough, who do you turn to? It's gotta be someone you trust would take your call anytime night or day... and, by the same token…
When the going gets tough, who do you turn to? It's gotta be someone you trust would take your call anytime night or day... and, by the same token…
Shared by Alana Muller
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Hot off the press! My pal, Pamela Potts, has just published her first book, "Every Leader is a Coach." It's a very useful tool for anyone who is…
Hot off the press! My pal, Pamela Potts, has just published her first book, "Every Leader is a Coach." It's a very useful tool for anyone who is…
Shared by Alana Muller
Experience & Education
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Coffee Lunch Coffee
View Alana’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
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Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Board Member
SevenDays - Faith Always Wins Foundation
- Present 3 years 7 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
Faith Always Wins Foundation promotes dialogue for the betterment of our world through kindness, faith and healing. FAWF is the organizer of SevenDays: Make a Ripple Change the World events.
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Board Member
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
- Present 14 years 9 months
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Equity Champion
Generating Income For Tomorrow
- Present 2 years
Economic Empowerment
I am proud to serve as an ally and champion for KC G.I.F.T. , a small-business accelerator that provides Black business owners in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods with equitable access to financial support through grants, marketing services, and free business resources and education.
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Board Trustee
Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee
- 3 years
Civil Rights and Social Action
JCRB|AJC advocates and educates, on behalf of the Jewish community, to eliminate injustice and discrimination at home and abroad.
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Board Member
Village Shalom
- 10 years
Health
Village Shalom seeks to enhance the quality of life for older adults - See more at: http://www.villageshalom.org/about-us/#sthash.axTHz6lv.dpuf
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Advisory Board Member
Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS)
- 7 years
Education
Innovation is what will grow our economy and ensure that every family prospers in an increasingly competitive global market. Our students must acquire 21st century skills to be successful in the "Innovation Generation." Blue Valley's Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) inspires students to succeed in the critical areas of Bioscience, Business, Engineering and Human Services.
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2017, 2018 Co-Chair; 2015-Present Planning Committee Leader
SevenDays, Faith Always Wins
- Present 10 years 4 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
SevenDays® promotes interfaith dialogue by engaging all people to discover commonalities and overcome evil with acts of kindness. Specifically, for one heavily programmed, highly concentrated week in April of each year, and supported by other activities and by a youth movement at other times of the year, SevenDays® seeks to bring together the community.
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Board Member, Vice President
Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
- 10 years
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Book Awards Coordinator
Smith College Alumnae Association of Greater Kansas City
- Present 31 years
Education
Publications
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Seeing Relationships Through a Veteran's Eyes
Coffee Lunch Coffee
Submissions and postings in support of the book, Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Guide for Master Networking.
Other authors -
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Own Meet and Greets: Five Tips to Maximize Your Time at Conferences and Events
Optometric Management
See publicationIt can be critically important for physicians to be seen as active, engaged members of the community — both locally and on a national/global scale — if they want to grow their patient base, gain access to clinical trials or seek opportunities for personal or professional growth. One way to accomplish this is to make the most of conferences and events.
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A Necessary Ending
Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc.
See publicationRecently, I left my position as president of Kauffman FastTrac, a global organization that trains entrepreneurs to start and grow companies. After leading the firm for the past four years, having interacted with a diverse range of entrepreneurs, I now have the urge to pursue some entrepreneurial concepts of my own.
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Entrepreneurship: A Timeles, Ageless Passion
Forbes.com
See publicationEntrepreneurship is a timeless passion that transcends age. Despite our perceptions and preconceived notions of who an entrepreneur is, or what he/she “looks” like, the universal passion for entrepreneurship is not the sole territory of the young.
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What Messages Are Your Numbers Sending?
Thinking Bigger Business Media
See publicationIf you are like many entrepreneurs, you started your business based on a passion. Maybe your passion is technology or sustainability or customer service … or financial statement analysis. Financial statement analysis?! Not likely!
Naturally, you have a gut instinct or feel for the business, your sales, what’s working and what isn’t. However, at least once a year, every small business owner should take time to carefully review the financials to back up his or her instincts with real…If you are like many entrepreneurs, you started your business based on a passion. Maybe your passion is technology or sustainability or customer service … or financial statement analysis. Financial statement analysis?! Not likely!
Naturally, you have a gut instinct or feel for the business, your sales, what’s working and what isn’t. However, at least once a year, every small business owner should take time to carefully review the financials to back up his or her instincts with real numbers. Here are some things to look for. -
Helping Veterans Pursue Entrepreneurial Dreams
Forbes.com
As Americans, we often find much to debate—and disagree upon—related to our nation’s policies and affairs. One topic on which the vast majority of us can agree, however, is the appreciation and respect that those who serve or have served in our nation’s military so richly deserve. At Kauffman FastTrac®, we pay homage to this selfless group by working to assist military veterans as they transition from military service to civilian careers. Specifically, our attention turns to entrepreneurship.
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CAPS Off to High School Students Who Embrace Entrepreneurship Early
Huffington Post
High school students are realizing their entrepreneurial dreams thanks to an innovative high school program, Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies, scaling in the suburbs of Kansas City.
Other authors -
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Drawing from the Well of Experience
Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc.
See publicationMaybe you don’t have a Nobel Prize, but you do have valuable expertise to share.
It’s not easy to go out into the world and connect with strangers, hoping to impress them, be of use to them, get information from them that could become a game changer for you and perhaps even make a new friend. That’s especially true if you are somewhat introverted.
So how do you take the plunge, with grace, acumen, wit and purpose? -
The Power of the Smith Network
Alumnae Association of Smith College
See publicationBusiness consultant and networking expert Alana Muller '93 views the Smith alumnae global connection as one of the most valuable aspects of her education. Here she recommends how to make the most of it.
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Ready... Set... Network!
Alumnae Association of Smith College
See publicationBusiness consultant and blogger, Alana Muller, says networking can actually be fun and create a mutually beneficial relationship for you and your contacts.
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Boomer Entrepreneurs: Living Longer, Starting Up Their Ideas
Huffington Post
See publicationI recently came across a 2011 TEDxWomen talk by Jane Fonda in which she discusses life's "Third Act." Now 75 years young herself, Jane explains the concept: Americans are, on average, living 34 years longer than their great-grandparents did, so those age 50 and older are, in essence, living a second adulthood. She described aging as an opportunity to realize one's full potential, noting that she found most people over age 50 are less stressed, hostile or anxious than their younger peers. She…
I recently came across a 2011 TEDxWomen talk by Jane Fonda in which she discusses life's "Third Act." Now 75 years young herself, Jane explains the concept: Americans are, on average, living 34 years longer than their great-grandparents did, so those age 50 and older are, in essence, living a second adulthood. She described aging as an opportunity to realize one's full potential, noting that she found most people over age 50 are less stressed, hostile or anxious than their younger peers. She even referenced studies that found they are happier. But while lifespans have increased by a full three decades, our culture has not...
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For Your Entrepreneurial Toolbox: A Strong Support Network
TheWayWomenWork.com
See publicationBuild Your Support Network! Why? Successful women have the right networks, mentors and sponsors. BUT we regularly hear from women (especially in developing and emerging markets) who report not having mentors or knowing where to start to get the right support.
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Are You an Entrepreneur?
Thinking Bigger Business Media
See publicationHow to tell if you are ready to take the plunge.
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The One-Two Punch to Networking: Learn, Then Do... ASAP
Huffington Post
See publicationThough some may shudder at the notion of "networking," when it comes right down to it, networking is simply connecting with others in hopes of building mutually beneficial, enduring relationships. It's more than starting and carrying on conversations; networking is really about creating community and deepening one's sense of belonging.
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The Boomer Entrepreneur: Never Too Old to Launch a Business
CNBC.com
See publicationIt's becoming less frequent that we hear of someone's "traditional" retirement. With people feeling healthier and living longer, coupled with a down economy that has reduced retirement savings, many Americans of traditional retirement age are choosing to continue working or even go back to work - for themselves.
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Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking
Alana Muller Enterprises, LLC
See publicationCoffee Lunch Coffee offers an accessible, relevant, immediately actionable approach to professional networking for anybody interested in connecting with others, getting involved in their community, seeking to advance their career or looking to build social relationships. It will help you formulate a strategic mindset around networking while creating a game plan to get out there and connect.
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Entrepreneurship Education: One Size Does Not Fit All
Huffington Post
See publicationTo serve as many clients as possible at an affordable price point, companies strive to find the right balance of product features to appeal to the masses. Not surprisingly, they usually find that one size does not fit all. In fact, those companies that can nail "mass customization" -- the ability to provide unique and special features on core products to appeal to niche markets -- find the answer is part art, part science. Such is also the case when serving the educational needs of…
To serve as many clients as possible at an affordable price point, companies strive to find the right balance of product features to appeal to the masses. Not surprisingly, they usually find that one size does not fit all. In fact, those companies that can nail "mass customization" -- the ability to provide unique and special features on core products to appeal to niche markets -- find the answer is part art, part science. Such is also the case when serving the educational needs of entrepreneurs. We know entrepreneurs come in any number of varieties. Some are idea people, true innovators who...
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Win Their Loyalty: Ensure Your Customers Feel Special
Forbes.com
See publicationGuest post written byAlana Muller, president, Kauffman FastTrac®While the battle for customers is sometimes based on price or features, it often is more emotional - a matter of demonstrated care and consideration for the customer's attention. To better explain, allow me to share a few favorite examples: Zappos, Square and Frida's. When possible, I choose to buy my shoes and a few other items from Zappos. It's not because I save a bundle - I don't. It's not because there are no shoe stores in my…
Guest post written byAlana Muller, president, Kauffman FastTrac®While the battle for customers is sometimes based on price or features, it often is more emotional - a matter of demonstrated care and consideration for the customer's attention. To better explain, allow me to share a few favorite examples: Zappos, Square and Frida's. When possible, I choose to buy my shoes and a few other items from Zappos. It's not because I save a bundle - I don't. It's not because there are no shoe stores in my neighborhood - there are plenty. And, though Zappos' selection is quite vast, I can find a...
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Build a Great Team, Then Plan to Grow
Forbes.com
See publicationWhile not the only predictor of long-term success, one very important component of a great company is a great team. Unless you plan to operate a one- or two-person shop, your business, large or small, must rely on a productive, motivated team of individuals in addition to yourself. Plan to build a team with which you can share your vision, that will be nearly as excited as you are about the prospects for the firm - now and into the future - and that will help shape the culture of the…
While not the only predictor of long-term success, one very important component of a great company is a great team. Unless you plan to operate a one- or two-person shop, your business, large or small, must rely on a productive, motivated team of individuals in addition to yourself. Plan to build a team with which you can share your vision, that will be nearly as excited as you are about the prospects for the firm - now and into the future - and that will help shape the culture of the organization. And, as you engage in the hiring process, resist the...
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Build Your Business Within an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Forbes.com
See publicationGuest post written byAlana Muller, president, Kauffman FastTrac®If you are a would-be entrepreneur considering a new company, here's an important tip: Wherever you choose to locate your firm, make sure there is an entrepreneurial ecosystem in place to support your efforts. Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation, advises aspiring and established entrepreneurs to "Wake up every day knowing the one or two people who you must talk with. Put it on your list of action items for the day. Do not rest…
Guest post written byAlana Muller, president, Kauffman FastTrac®If you are a would-be entrepreneur considering a new company, here's an important tip: Wherever you choose to locate your firm, make sure there is an entrepreneurial ecosystem in place to support your efforts. Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation, advises aspiring and established entrepreneurs to "Wake up every day knowing the one or two people who you must talk with. Put it on your list of action items for the day. Do not rest until you connect with them." Quite a bit of buzz surrounds the expression "entrepreneurial ecosystem." And,...
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How to Turn an Idea into a Startup: Begin with a Business Concept Statement
Forbes.com
See publicationFor entrepreneurs, it is often easier to come up with a variety of ideas for new businesses and more difficult to actually implement those concepts. A business concept is a bridge between an idea and a business plan. It focuses one's thinking so that the entrepreneur can identify the specifics of his/her proposed venture. Converting an idea into a business concept requires thinking about how the product or service will be sold and who will buy it, the benefits of the product or service, how it…
For entrepreneurs, it is often easier to come up with a variety of ideas for new businesses and more difficult to actually implement those concepts. A business concept is a bridge between an idea and a business plan. It focuses one's thinking so that the entrepreneur can identify the specifics of his/her proposed venture. Converting an idea into a business concept requires thinking about how the product or service will be sold and who will buy it, the benefits of the product or service, how it is differentiated from similar ones,...
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Optimism Should Be at the Top of an Entrepreneur's Checklist
Huffington Post
See publicationOptimistic entrepreneurs are the most successful kind. They are energetic and fun to be around, and it is exciting to be party to their startup endeavors. Sure, they require a good heaping dose of realism, too, but their passion and conviction ooze through every pore of their being and their enthusiasm is downright contagious. One might wonder if my colleagues and I simply see the world through rose-colored glasses, especially in a questionable economy. I say, we're seeing things in their…
Optimistic entrepreneurs are the most successful kind. They are energetic and fun to be around, and it is exciting to be party to their startup endeavors. Sure, they require a good heaping dose of realism, too, but their passion and conviction ooze through every pore of their being and their enthusiasm is downright contagious. One might wonder if my colleagues and I simply see the world through rose-colored glasses, especially in a questionable economy. I say, we're seeing things in their appropriate light. Just last week, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, in conjunction with LegalZoom, released its inaugural Startup Confidence...
Honors & Awards
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Emerging Leader Award
Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee
The inaugural recipient of this special award which recognizes an individual who is devoted to justice and the well-being of the community, has demonstrated community leadership, and embodies the potential for a lifetime commitment to making the community a better place in which to live.
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Turner School of Construction Management Instructor of the Year
Turner Construction
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NextGen Leader
Kansas City Business Journal
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Innovative Thinker
435 South Magazine
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Most Influential Woman
Kansas City Business Magazine
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Howard T Jacobson Emerging Leader Award
Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
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Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City
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Mike and Karen Herman Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship
Herman Family Trading Company
Organizations
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WIRED KC
Top Tier Member
- PresentWomen In Real Estate Development (WIRED) is comprised of women in the commercial real estate industry, investing, developing, or brokering commercial real estate transactions AND/OR women who aspire to be brokers, developers, or investors. We focus on commercial real estate, commercial investing and developing CRE (more than 4 units of multi-family).
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Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce
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- PresentThe Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a community of members that create, identify, and enhance business opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied organizations through advocacy, promotion, and facilitation of the success of the LGBTQ+ business community and its allies to foster a more inclusive and vibrant economy in Kansas City and across the Mid-America region. Its guiding principles are equality, inclusion, economics, and education.
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Leawood Chamber of Commerce
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- PresentThe Leawood Chamber pursues business prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
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Asian American Chamber of Commerce
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- PresentThe Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City was formed in 1998 as a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote business and cultural relationships among members of the Chamber, local and national corporations, and the general public. The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City is the largest Asian American organization in the Greater Kansas City area.
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International Women's Forum
Past President, Kansas Forum
- PresentThe International Women’s Forum was launched in New York City in 1974, when the first generation of women leaders was breaking the glass ceiling in professional sectors from finance to fine arts. Forum founders lacked access to “the old boys’ network,” so the new women’s network was born–to provide professional and personal support, to aid each member’s success and to inspire the women who follow. Women supporting women is more important today than when IWF was founded 50 years ago. The…
The International Women’s Forum was launched in New York City in 1974, when the first generation of women leaders was breaking the glass ceiling in professional sectors from finance to fine arts. Forum founders lacked access to “the old boys’ network,” so the new women’s network was born–to provide professional and personal support, to aid each member’s success and to inspire the women who follow. Women supporting women is more important today than when IWF was founded 50 years ago. The International Women’s Forum now connects more than 8,000 preeminent women leaders in 76 Forums in 33 countries around the world. We are the only organization of this scale that builds significant relationships between C-level women across countries and careers.
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