There is something unique and special about nonprofit organizations. They help make the world a better place on many (often unnoticed) levels. Charitable contributions to these organizations have many benefits, with the most important one being the most obvious one: You should give back to your community. Donations of your time and/or resources help to better your community, and the public notices when companies or individuals make a real effort to improve their surroundings and/or other important world matters. The opportunities with a nonprofit organization are endless and very helpful.

There are numerous reasons for your pageant platform to support nonprofit organizations, and any reason that motivates you to support a cause is a good one. Contributing to these causes can help change how others in the community or pageant industry view you and/or even affect how the judges make their decisions about you during a competition. It also can have a dramatic impact on somebody else, especially a person that lives with the condition of whatever cause you support. Picking a cause that you believe in and making your community a better place to live in is good for business. 

As the founder of The Tic Family Clic (which focuses on Tourette's awareness and education), I strongly believe that having others to get involved who are outside of the organization is critical, especially when it comes to enrolling others who have influential platforms of which they can help spread awareness. Any nonprofit organization or charity would gladly find a way to create a win-win for those who are supporting in whatever way that they can as the organization itself is receiving benefits from those who are helping their cause.

Just imagine if you could have a nonprofit organization speak highly of you and promote your pageant platform to express their sincere appreciation for your time and contribution to their cause. Again, if you're not already apart of an organization, I would highly recommend that you find one that you're passionate about and get involved. 

Here's how to get started with discovering which nonprofit is right for you and learn the best ways to get involved:

*Decide on a cause you would like to support.

*Do some research on organizations that support that particular cause.

*Do a thorough examination of those organizations to determine which one is the best fit for you.

*Choose the organization you feel the strongest about and get to know their vision.

*Start supporting the organization.

Getting involved with a charitable cause could be one of the best decisions you ever make, for you and your platform. It might very well boost your reputation and platform to heights you never thought were possible. The morale boost and the feeling of effective teamwork will go beyond the platform and extend to other areas of your life.

Written by Tom-Tom Singleton, Founder/CEO of The Tic Family Clic 

I recently received this question, and I have received this question multiple times in the past. I thought it would be best to write a blog post about it and cover the topic as in-depth as I can. Another contestant came to me and said in a very frustrated voice, "I can't sell ad space for the program book, I don't know anyone to sell ad space to". 

After taking a few moments to calm down I asked her to bring out a sheet of paper and a pencil, so I could help her brainstorm. You see, it's not that we don't know anyone that we can sell ad space to, it's that we're not thinking in the right mindset. I immediately began to ask her questions, such as Who sold you your car, where do you get your hair done, do you work out at a gym, who is your doctor, who teaches any hobbies or special interests that you have, etc. After I started asking her questions and she was immediately responding with an actual name I had her write that down on the paper. After about 30 minutes we had over 25 names on the list. What you have to do is sit down and ask yourself who do you know, who do you do business with, who do your friends and family do business with? Once you start thinking about it, you will come up with a multitude of names of potential sponsors for your program book ads.

So, sit down, pull out a sheet of paper and a pen or you can do this electronically if you'd prefer and ask yourself who do you know. Listed below are several questions you need to be asking yourself, this will help you get started. 

who do you know what your bank? 

Who Sold you your car?

who does your hair?

Where do you work out?

Who does your makeup?

Who is your doctor?

Who Sold you your house? 

Where do you buy your clothes? 

Who took your last photograph? 

What's your favorite Bakery? 

What's your favorite restaurant? 

Where did you buy the last gift for someone, such as a baby shower?

Who planned the last event you attended? 

Who do you know in direct sales?

Who Sold you your car insurance? 

Who did the mortgage on your house? 

Who do you know who teaches dance lessons? 

Who do you know who teaches a foreign language?

 Who do you know who teaches anything? 

Who do you know that has a daycare or works at a daycare? 

What do you know that has a pet service? 

Who is your pets veterinarian? 

who do you know that has braces, who is their orthodontist?

 who do you know that wears glasses, where did they get them?

who is your dentist? 

Who do you know that works for a catering service?

This should give you a great start on finding businesses to approach, good luck!

By:  Kerry Kathleen

www.kerrysstudio.com 

There is no time like the present to get used to being interviewed and I am not referring to the Judges interview during your pageant.  I am talking about getting interviewed by the media.  This is a different type of interview and the sooner you can start grooming yourself for this type of attention the better.  

I always advise getting started with a podcast or radio interview, get your message perfected first, then start looking at local news coverage or internet TV shows.  Most contestants ask me what they should talk about or pitch to a host, the answer is simple, talk about something you consider yourself to be an expert on and your passionate about.  Your Platform should be coming to mind, as this is something you are passionate about, which makes it easier to come up with content.  

Start making a list of things you'd be agreeable to be interviewed on, then from that list, choose one or two to get started.  In our next post we will talk about how to create a sample topic, summary and sample questions.  Stay tuned!  

By Kerry Kathleen

Interested in getting interviewed by media outlets, check out Pitch like a B*tch Media.  

As a seasoned Judge on the Pageant circuit, one thing I notice about contestants during the interview process is whether they are investing in themselves or not.  What do I mean by that?  I can tell if they are investing time and effort into becoming a better person by improving themselves on some level.  

Here are a few ideas that seem to help other contestants keep in check.

1. If you don't have one, get a hobby.  Is there something you've always wanted to learn?  Take a class, start a garden, volunteer for a local shelter on the weekends.  Spend some of your time on something that interests you.  
   
2. Exercise.  Keeping yourself healthy is vital, whether you are in pageantry or not.  Keep a routine, treat your time at the Gym like an appointment you are keeping with your body.  
   
3. Always be learning.  Keeping your mind and interests active shows continual self improvement.  Learn a new language, travel to a new location, take note of the world around you, even if its just down the street.  
   

By:  Kerry Kathleen

Are you looking to build your platform, get interviewed and get Sponsors to fund your pageant?  Sign up for our membership today!  

Part of the reason I started this magazine (besides my love for the Pageant Industry) was to offer a place of support for contestants that are building their platform and those that are getting ready to exit the industry.  Many Contestants can feel overwhelmed and a little depressed as their reign comes to an end.  Pageantry, like the modeling industry, can only go on for so long and the time for change comes too quickly.  Our goal has always been to help contestants build a strong platform that they can use to step into a new career or business when the time comes.  

After working with many contestants...this is what I have found to be helpful advice...

1. Get a mentor, someone who you want to mirror in life or business.  Their advice is priceless.
2. Make sure you stay healthy, eat right, exercise and take care of yourself first.
3. Never let anyone tell you what you do isn't important, your platform provides hope and inspiration for many.
4. If things are not working, don't be afraid to make changes.  Change is part of the process, embrace it.
5. Be kind to other contestants, don't get caught up in petty gossip.
6. If at any time you feel depressed, help another person.  The fastest way to forget about your problems is to help someone else with theirs.
7. One day your looks will fade, so feed your mind, then your body.  Don't get too caught up on the outside.
8. Mistakes are part of the process, everyone makes them.  
9. If you are feeling alone, just know there is support out there, just ask for help.
10. Enjoy the journey, its the part that lasts the longest.  

I was talking with one of my coaching clients recently and she was expressing her frustrations with securing Sponsors for the pageants she participated in previously.  After doing some initial probing about her situation, I deduced that she was experiencing the anxiety that everyone experiences when locating and interacting with potential sponsors.  I've listed a few tips to help you overcome that anxiety and get your Sponsors secured.  

1.  Change your mindset. Most contestants feel they are asking or "begging" for money when it comes to getting a Sponsor.  You have to change the way you look at, see it from their point of view.  A business wants to have some type of return on investment or see the value in participating in the program.  If you approach it from that viewpoint, you will be able to sell them on the benefits of advertising in the program book or by donating a smaller sum to help defray your pageant costs.  

2.  Have a plan.  Next, make a plan.  Write down your financial goal of how much you'd like to raise in regards to Sponsorship and what you are willing to do personally to get it.  Have a deadline in mind, this will keep your plan in action.  Write up a list of professionals and businesses that you can approach, think of everyone who you or your family does business with.  For example, who cuts your hair, who does your manicure, who took your last photo, where do you bank, what restaurants do you frequent?  Once you get started you will have a lot of possibilities and potential businesses to call.  Don't be afraid to ask for referrals either, your friends can be a great resource and you can reference their name when you call.

3.  Pick up the phone.  This is the hardest part for most contestants, but it doesn't have to be.  Keep in mind when you are calling on a business (on the phone or in person) you are offering them an opportunity to gain exposure to a new audience.  All you want to find out right now is whether they are interested in more information or not.  Once they are, email them or call on them in person to discuss their potential Sponsorship.    

By:  Kerry Heaps

Are you struggling with Sponsors?  We are hosting a virtual workshop to help contestants secure sponsors, walking them through finding sponsors, what to say and how to close them.  To sign up for our Gaining Pageant Sponsors Virtual Workshop click here.

Not sure if pageant training is right for you? Fill out our form, lets chat! https://kerrysstudio.wufoo.com/forms/... 

Should your child participate in a pageant that has participation trophy/crowns? These are some talking points to consider.....

A few tips on dealing with businesses when you are selling ads in the program book... 

Do you struggle with selling advertising in the program book or finding sponsors to pay for your pageant entry fees? We have created a product just for you! Make the process of funding your pageant a breeze! http://kerrysstudio.com/products.html

If you purchased a dress for your pageant that showcases your arms, such as sleeveless, cap sleeves or a spaghetti strap dress, you will need to sculpt your arms as these will be on display when you are on stage. Sculpting your arms can take longer, so the sooner you start the better. Most personal trainers advise starting 3 to 6 months prior to your pageant, doing these exercises daily. We have listed below the top 3 exercises for sculpting your arms.

• Close hand push up.  This exercise is good for developing your arms and shoulders as it targets your triceps as well.  The best way to do this exercise is to get down on all fours and place your hands on the floor under your shoulders and lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor.
• Chin ups.  Chin UPS can be very effective for your biceps, if you're unable to do a full chin up not to worry. Doing a half chin up is just as effective.   A strong handle bar is required for this, do not attempt to try this at home.  Grab the bar and hang at arm's length and pull your chest up to the bar as far as you can.
• Small weight - strength training.   Using small hand weights, 3 to 5 lbs only, can help sculpt your arms if used in a workout type routine. If you use this routine, 30 minutes a day is the minimum to get good results. Use the weights  to lift over your head, for curls, and lifting to the side.  In 10 to 20 increments, for example, do 10 sets of curls,  pausing only four a few seconds between each.

Again, routine is crucial in any of these exercises, as the arms are the most challenging to remove fat and sculpt.

By:  Kerry Heaps, Kerry's Studio

One of the most dreaded questions in the pageant interview, “Tell me about yourself?” As a judge, I never ask this question. The question itself is truly irrelevant. However, other judges will sometimes ask this question whether it's on stage, or during your private interview.  It's best to be prepared to answer this question, as you may also get this question during a job interview as well.

You need to know why they ask this question in the first place. Some judges feel that by asking this question they will get a well-rounded answer of who you truly are, what makes you tick and what you're all about.  However, you get just the opposite as the question is too broad, leaving contestants feeling that they must elaborate on every detail of their life.  Overall, it's a bad question but you may be put in the position where you will have to answer, so it's best to be prepared and practice your answer now.

The best way to answer a difficult question such as this, is to think about yourself, the pageant you're in and think about your platform. Jot down on a piece of paper just a few things (maximum of 3) about you.  Whether it's a hobby, your outlook on life, or why you are competing.  Next, jot down three items about your platform and why it's important to you. Lastly, jot down three items of your future plans. Those can be about school, your career, or personal things you may want to accomplish.

Next, pick the two most important items in each of those categories that you would want to discuss in an interview. Then start formulating your answer and how you would answer that question.  For example, if there are two items on your list that you would like to accomplish such as traveling the world and learning new languages. You would want to formulate that into an answer to say some of the things that I would like to accomplish is to be able to travel the world and learn new languages such as Mandarin and French. Then make sure the next two items that you picked flow easily as you talk, you don't want the answer to be too long or too short but to give them a good overview of who you are, where you're at and where you would like to go.

if you are asked this question during a job interview take the same approach.  Write down three things that you would like to accomplish professionally during your career whether it's educational, personal development or career development. Then take the top two answers from each category and make sure that they each flow into the other.  Practice your answer and make sure that you feel very comfortable with answering that question and make changes as needed as you move forward in your pageant career.

By:  Kerry Heaps, Owner Kerry's Studio.  For a complimentary consultation to see if our one on one training is a good fit for you and for Kerry's Studio fill out our form.