Beyond Success Online

Lori B. Johnson’s BIO

Lori Johnson is the founder of Your Best Image, Professional Image Development. Ms. Johnson has been developing successful images for 20 years and has been quoted in multiple publications including Men’s Health, Boston Women’s Business Journal, and the Boston Globe. Her clients include Massachusetts Department of Employment Training, Fidelity Investments, Pearle Vision Eye Wear, Harvard University, and WBZ News and Radio, Lori is a past President of The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) New England Chapter and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, a 1500 member business organization.

You can find out more about Your Best Image Services at http://www.yourbestimagepid.com,
Lindedin Site http://www.linkedin.com/in/yourbestimage or by Contact Lori at lori@yourbestimagepid.com 866.286.5405 .

http://www.yourbestimagepid.com/ 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. Please share with us what prompted your involvement with Your Best Image, Professional Image Development.

Lori: I have known since I was a young girl my calling in life is to help people feel better about themselves. I wanted to use my artistic and creative talents combined with my professional training and experience (engineering / construction / business management) to develop a business that would allow me to fulfill my calling.

2. There is no typical day in the life of an entrepreneur. Please share with us a sample of your day, start to finish.

Lori: You will often find me at my computer to begin my day and end my day taking care of communication (email, vmail, Tweeter, Linkedin, Facebook), marketing, program development, article writing, and financials. The middle of my day I am out at client meetings, networking events, board meetings, and doing many of my image development services (see my website for details http://www.yourbestimagepid.com/individual_services.html.).

3. What are your ‘can’t live without’ Smartphone or desktop applications?

Lori: I rely on all the Microsoft office products. I use them on my Iphone, laptop, and desktop.

4. What are your tricks for time management?

Lori: Staying ahead of my schedule, organizing every aspect of meetings and events well before they happen. I keep my calendar full and up to date.

5. What was the best advice you received when you started your career?

Lori: Follow your “gut instincts”. Don’t listen to “the naysayers.” Don’t give up.

6. Given the current economic climate, what has been your strategy for building awareness of SocialSteamr? ( what you do for short term and long term growth)?

Lori: I keep a close eye on upcoming trends and dive in head first. I am typically there and knowledgeable long before my competition. Current examples: social media, live conferencing, and Smartphone technology.

7. What is your proudest achievement as an accomplished entrepreneur?

Lori: My business has hit the 20 year milestone this year. I have been profitable for all 20 years.

8. How do you achieve balance in your life?

Lori: Balance is very important to me. I plan time for physical exercise, hobbies and interests, learning and growth, spiritual connection, social friendships, and family. Everything is written into my calendar so I am sure there is time set aside.

9. Your top 3 book recommendations?

Lori: My book list is very long, I am always reading, couldn’t possibly pick 3. Email me, I will forward my list. Lori@yourbestimagepid.com

10. What are your most rewarding charitable involvements?

Lori: I am a breast cancer survivor, as a result I do a lot of volunteer work for cancer research. I am also involved in many organizations that help disadvantaged people better their current situation. I do not believe in just giving money, food, or shelter; it is important to me that the charity I’m involved with focus on changing the person’s situation and helping them move on and become as self-sufficient as possible.

11. Who has influenced your career the most?

Lori: I have had so many mentors, friends, business associates, employers, organizations, etc. influence and help me over my 38 year career; too many to name. I am grateful for every one of them.

12. What is your advice for someone interested in entrepreneurship?

Lori: Be sure what you plan to develop is something you are passionate about and enjoy because you will work hard, long hours. Seek help and advice from others. Do your homework before you begin; start with a confident plan to make a positive return on your investment of money and time.