Who Hates Networking?
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” inner_width=”auto” inner_max_width=”none”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” width=”80%” max_width=”1080px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ z_index_tablet=”500″] Networking, connecting, and attending Networking Events often is a highly charged subject. Why is that? I think I have some insight and I’d like to share my thoughts. From what I’ve learned over the many years that I’ve been leading and hosting networking events, people often say the same things. Ultimately, they unanimously share that they are trying to “survive” networking. For many, it occurs as a “should”, something we know we should do. However, we jump in willingly, but feel unprepared to know what to do after we say hello. Networking can be easy, or it can be challenging and difficult. With the proper training, coaching and support, it can be super fun and valuable. Without support and direction it can become a disaster, and leaves people feeling unsure of themselves, unclear of what to say or do while at the event or after. It can be expensive, time-consuming and often doesn’t net people the results they’d hoped for. What if it were easy? What if you had the knowledge and tools to be a “pro” at networking….at formal and informal events? What if you could network like a Rock Star, gain confidence, develop leadership and presence, and have others seek you out for connections and conversations? People have given me two fun names over the years: “The World’s Best Networking Coach” and “The Queen of Networking”. Well, I love people, and I’ve been well-trained. I’d love to pass this info on to you. Join me for “Networking Savvy: 30 Days to Connect and Grow” which launches on Friday, April 26th at 4 p.m. Yes, for only 30 days you will receive content, coaching, and connections…..a Big Win for those that participate. Click below to learn more and register, and invest a bit of time and money into your long-lasting career. It’s “connecting made fun and easy”. ==> Go here to learn about Networking Savvy [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Events Make Money
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” inner_width=”auto” inner_max_width=”none”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” width=”80%” max_width=”1080px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ z_index_tablet=”500″] Event Season is here and they are just terrific! Live events, online events, big and small are all here to help you grow. Events make money! Yes, they really do, and you can always make more than you spend to attend them. They are an investment. You, too, can make money, gain new connections and clients by hosting, sponsoring and attending events! In fact, right now, there are so many events happening in Atlanta and around the country that you just might get registered for all of them and reap the benefits that will come to you easily, if you just commit and show up. You may need an adventurous attitude, and a willingness to learn what’s trending in the marketplace today. It may mean digging into your checkbook, driving to an inconvenient part of town, or even flying to another city. Once you’re there, magic can happen. However, you must be prepared. You must be clear who you are, and be ready to give, share, connect and receive all of the great information that is shared by presenters and hosts. Go early, stay late, make a point to use the event for your advancement. I love sitting with new people and making new friends. I love hearing what people are up to, what cutting edge activities that make a difference in their business. Joining up with new friends for lunch and at breaks is invaluable! I can see my friends anytime, but I attend events to learn and meet and expand my network. Here are a few of the current events that I’m either leading or participating in. Join the fun! Get to these events! Events make money. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Calling All Speakers!
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”1px|||” _builder_version=”3.12″] I’ve been booking speakers for WPDN in Atlanta for 10 years, and before that, for 30 years in New England. It’s one of the best things that I enjoy doing in my business. That is, putting on fun, spirited educational networking events for my tribe. Providing a showcase for talented businesswomen speaks to my Core Values: Contribution, Generosity, Collaboration, Fun, and Making a Difference. We have an abundant amount of talent in the Atlanta area, all kinds of women leaders that inspire us, teach us, guide us, and coach us. It’s pretty darn great. And I want to share a suggestion, a message that will help all Speakers, regardless of where you are located, as you plan out and book your calendars, so that you receive maximum visibility and optimal results from the engagements you book. Plan your locations, and be daring enough to step outside of your immediate geography. What I see happening over and over, is great speakers getting booked in the same communities, speaking to the same people in a very compressed period of time. Yes, it’s great to get booked. It’s great to share your message, and speak to gain influence and new business and clients. However, think from the perspective of the audience, the people you want to serve, and what inspires them to come out and see you. Like simple economics, the law of supply and demand, if you are everywhere with the same people, in the same short monthly timeframe, your message and presence is diluted. In fact, the opposite of what you want might occur. People may stay away, only because they just heard you, know that you are speaking next week at….and the next week at…and the next month at…..There is no excitement, or enthusiasm to make the trek or investment. When I schedule Speakers, I ultimately book WPDN Members first, as it is a perk and privilege, and we want our Members to grow and be seen. Then, we look elsewhere and work with those who have contacted us about getting in front of our audience. Sometimes I chase local Speakers who are just not available on Wednesdays for WPDN….but I’ll get them, soon, one way or another! 🙂 They create a strong pull and desire simply by their unavailability and illusive schedule. They are sought after and in high demand. Position yourself powerfully. Create your professional speaker marketing materials and book yourself out of town, and meet some new people! Visit another state, a region of a state, a fledgling professional association that is just coming on the scene. Put some time between local presentations, so the audience isn’t numb and deaf to wanting to hear your message. Many of the area organizations often will contact me and ask “Who can you recommend that is a GREAT Speaker!” I want to recommend YOU! Hope you found this message targeted, and know that it is given from my heart, as I want you to wildly succeed. My Stand is #WomenProsper! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Being High-Touch in a High-Tech World
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”1px|||” _builder_version=”3.0.62″] Webinars, Shwebinars, Social Media, Twitter, Pinerest, Facebook…..it’s endless. Free this, free that, the internet is chock full of information. And, it’s available to us all. There is never a lack of information, and all you need to do is type in the subject matter in the “search button”. Voila! The information you requested appears for you to gobble up and utilize immediately. Sometimes it’s easier to stay at home, work from home, see clients from home, and then we get homebound. Not so good. We forget what it’s like to be with people. People buy our services. People buy us. And according to the popular song made famous by Barbra Streisand….”People who need People are the luckiest people in the world.” So true. As entrepreneurs, we need people. This is High-Touch. Today, an antidote to the clutter of the web, is a Signature Talk which you design and can be given anywhere your target audience attends. Do you have one? Have you designed one? Is it effective? I’m often told by people that they have a signature talk or presentation. People tell me, “I’m comfortable speaking in front of groups.” But the truth is, most people are ill-prepared for such an important marketing strategy for their business. They are talented, smart, and would deliver a great service. However, most miss the mark in creating, delivering and monetizing from their presentations. They have simply not been trained and coached. They are not practiced, don’t know how to use a/v, a mic, or how to engage manage a room. They remain in monologue, lifeless. This can be a simple fix, and you’re worth it. During my lengthy career, I’ve spent a significant time teaching workshops and coaching corporate executives on the fine art of “Executive Presentation Skills”. I used to work for a company in Boston that was the leader in this field, and my clients came from Delta, The Coca-Cola Company, Eli Lily, Proctor and Gamble, Sharp, Merck….bla bla bla. It was great fun. And, I’ve been giving presentations, delivering training, and facilitating workshops for my entire career. I have developed a muscle. I am effective. And, I’d like to help you, get more clients, make more money and live with more freedom and joy…..by helping you craft a talk/presentation that delivers! I’ve loved providing this service in a VIP Day with clients, and celebrate with them as they share the results. The day focuses on you, organizing your message, highlighting your unique system, engaging your crowd, developing and extending your offer….and all the little details that make the difference. I invite you to reach out to me and schedule a complimentary Cash Infusion Call, focusing our time on your speaking and your message. My stand is that Entrepreneurs Prosper. Speaking is a tool that leads to prosperity, and making your impact. Your future depends on you! Your clients are waiting for you! I’m ready to serve you. Let’s link arms and do this. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Cold-Calling: Overcoming Phone-a-phobia
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”1px|||” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”1px|||” _builder_version=”3.0.62″] To cold call or not to cold call, that is the question! Some say cold calling is dead. I say cold calling can be just one of an entrepreneur’s sales strategies. It is one bow in the quiver of sales tools that every entrepreneur should employ as they build their business. As part of a well-rounded marketing and sales strategy, it can suddenly surprise you when you get to take a “next action”, or even get the long-desired “yes”! Cold calling is a crapshoot. You either get somewhere, or you don’t. So, if you are someone who envisions success, then why not see yourself successful. Progress fuels productivity. In fact, some days I think cold calling is actually fun. Why, you ask? Because I say it’s fun! Life shows up in our view, so create a happy, joyful and successful view and give it a whirl. Have fun, play with wild abandon, and of course, do not be attached to the outcome. You just might end up with a very profitable day! I once had a friend who wore a silly hat, a court jester’s hat, when he had to smile and dial. He did this to take all significance out of what he was doing. He was intentional, success-oriented, but wanted to lighten up his “fear factor” and call reluctance syndrome. I loved that idea! So, in the past, I’ve worn silly noses, placed sticky note hearts along the border of my lap top monitor, and did a silly dance to get myself into “state” before I began my calls. Yes, I was afraid. Mindset plays a big part of getting ourselves ready to pick up the phone. So why not create a state of readiness and being of service. Most of us have no problem if our phone rings, but it’s a very different feeling when we hold the dial pad in our hands. Let’s look at some ways to overcome our phone-a-phobia! Know who you are calling and why. Be sure they fit inside of your ideal target market. Be clear on the purpose of your call. Is it to set an appointment? Request a speaking engagement? Offer a product or service? Be upbeat and “smile” through the phone lines. Enthusiasm is catchy! Bring a sense of play and joy to the exercise of calling. Just do it to do it. Be clear on what to “ask” at the end of your call. Have a next action ready to suggest. Be purposeful in turning your cold call into a warm possibility. Be prepared for rejection. No’s are clear, and there is always an “ask” after a no is received. Create an incredibly powerful conversation opener. Delivering this opening line with confidence and ease, will determine how the rest of the call will go. Never start with “I’m so sorry to interrupt you….”. Rather, “I’m excited to share….” Don’t rely on cold calls as your main sales tactic. It’s only one method of many that are available for us today. Use them as a beneficial part of your overall marketing and sales strategy. Be willing to have fun, be generous and make a difference, regardless of the outcome! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]