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Attending Conferences- Are They Really Worth It?

 

Hello Everyone:

Finally back from Las Vegas where I attended Shine last week. This is the second conference that I attended this year and my third and final one coming up in December out in California. That’s a wrap for the year of 2010.

Are attending conferences really worth it?

Yes, attending conferences are actually worth it. Here are a few things that I wanted to share with you of my findings after attending 2 conferences.

Emotional Aspect

Wow! There are so many other solo entrepreneurs, service professionals and coaches like me. I am not alone anymore. It’s a great opportunity to meet other businesses and people in the same profession like yourself. What a feeling! This is so exciting!

Yes, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Questions like-Do I have enough time to meet everyone? How will I know if I am making the right connections? Am I talking to the right people? We will address this at future blog post.

From a Marketing and Sales Perspective

It’s all about generating leads and making contacts. Marketing and Sales is so much fun. Your prospects and potenial clients are here at the meeting. Many long lasting friendships, mastermind groups and joint venture partnerships are formed from attending these events and even more.
 
Always have business cards at hand whenever you meet someone. It’s unbelieveable to still see attendees that do not carry business cards with them.

Listen up newbie enterpreneurs- be prepared and have business cards at all times. How are people going to remember you if you do not have a business card. Then again, how are people going to remember you if they have accumulated 75+ business card? Do not forget to write notes on the back of the business cards that you receive, so you remember what you talked about.

Thing to Know about Conferences and Attending Events

1) Each event is different. No two or three conferences are ever alike. Everyone has their own unique style of presenting their information. Yes, there are conferences where they provide lots of content and those that are a combination of content with a pitch fest as well as those that are just pitch fest. Always ask past prior attendees what they got out of the meeting, and why they chose to attend this event.

2) Make sure you are attending conferences that are relevant to your field and where your targeted market is located. This is a given. If you are not sure, call to find out about the types of participants going to the meeting.

How have you found attending conferences and live events? Have they been beneficial with growing your business? What are some of your tips to networking effectively at these types of meetings? We love to hear from you.

Happy Blogging!

Nov 10, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Landing an Interview with Celebrities like Kathleen Gage

Hello Everyone:

It is not everyday that one gets an interview up close and personal with Kathleen Gage. This is my first celebrity interview. You might be wondering how was I able to land such an opportunity with a marketing powerhouse like Kathleen Gage. Here are some tips on landing interviews with experts. If I can do it, so can you.

1) Do your Research

Started to follow Kathleen Gage by signing up for her teleseminars and getting to learn more about her. My specialty is marketing and sales. Inorder to continue to increase my knowledge base, both to grow personally and professionally one needs to further their education. Follow the experts in your area of specialty and target niche.

2) Attend Live Events and Conferences

Last May, attended the Radiant Success Event and that’s how I met Kathleen in person. Great opportunity to connect with not only like minded individuals, but the experts, speakers, and potential joint venture partners as well. Lot’s of visibility at these functions. What better way to seal the deal than in person.

3) What do you do after an event

Keep in touch with the people you meet. Half the time we acquire so many business cards and hardly ever follow through. Communication is key. With social media, and advanced technology in the 21st century there is simply no reason why you should not be keeping in touch with your prospects and clients. It’s not like the days of the pony express.

Enjoy the recording below. Just click on link.

Audio recording with Kathleen Gage

 Also attached is an excerpt from the book- Align, Expand and Succeed

Surrendering to a Conscious Way of Life

Kathleen Gage

I grew up in a typical middle-class home: loving parents, the youngest of three girls, a solid religious foundation, never wanting for the necessities while enjoying a comfortable life. In spite of this, I made choices that placed me in turmoil, drifting from day to day with no clear purpose, having nowhere to call home, all the while mastering the art of being unemployable.
By my 25th year I hit the lowest point imaginable. Not sure how this happened, I was quick to blame everyone but myself for the lack to which I became accustomed. I was abusing various substances to ease the pain, yet the more I attempted to escape, the greater the pain got.
My daily mantra was, “God, not another day.”
So, how did I go from this life of desperation to one in which I am blessed to do what I love, enjoying amazing abundance in all areas of my life, including clarity of mind and spirit?
I learned how to tap into an incredible source of energy that took me from a well-seasoned underachiever to an extremely high achiever.
This didn’t happen overnight. Nor did it happen without a few bumps in the road; some minor, some major.
Having come from a place of complete lack, with ever-increasing success (or what I thought success should be) I experienced something I never imagined. I became fearful of losing everything only to return to a life of desperation.
The greater the fear, the harder I pushed for success. At one point that meant getting as many awards and recognitions possible. Yet nothing would fill the secret hole I felt in my gut.

Read the full story and many more ~ Get your copy of Align, Expand and Succeed and enjoy an abundance of gifts with your purchase. http://www.aesbook.com

 Happy Blogging!

Oct 26, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Be in the Blog Spotlight! How to get More Visibility!

Be in the Blog Spotlight! How to get More Visibility!

Be in the Blog Spotlight

Hello Everyone:

Learning to let go of our blogs and putting  it out there is the hardest thing to to. I realize it is our baby and the fear of what people might think when they read our blog post. Will they like us and will they come back for more! What do you do when no one notices you or even visit your blog? Such a sad shame. Then you start to internalize and get feelings of “What’s wrong with the picture? Nobody loves me! The reality is once your blog is out. You got to be visible! How do people know you or even find out about you?

How to Get More Visibility

Guest Blogging

Be a guest blogger- That is writing a blog post for someone else’s blog. This will not only get one noticed and provide more visibility. When readers from the other blog sees your post and wants to know more about your services/product they will visit your site. There is also a little bio that is printed at the bottom. How cool is that! You are being marketed!

Here is an example: Yvonne A. Jones   from Maintain a Success Circle in Direct Sales & Relationship Marketing (click on Yvonne’s name to get to her actual site for more info) asked me to be a guest blogger for her weekly “Monday Writer” series on her blog.

This is what the guest blog post looked like 4 Reasons Why Customer Service is Critical to the Growth of your Business

Comments

Why bother commenting? Yes, I admit in the beginning I was shy and did not want to write the first comment because other people may judge me. It’s nothing serious. The reason why you comment on other blogs is that you send a message to the blogger that they wrote valuable content or not and if it made a difference of some kind or impact. Commenting is a good thing. Restaurants always want you us fill out their comment cards to let them know what the experience was like and how they can continue to provide great service. We learn things from one another. Since I love using WordPress, there are so many new materials that comes on board. The blog posts that I frequent will provide updates that I am not aware of. So I give them credit and Thank them. What happens then? Magic!

A) The blogger just noticed that their blog post was a resource and helped someone that makes them feel good
B) This blogger will probably want to check you out and find out more about who you are and what you are all about
C) The readers who frequent her/his blog will notice your comment and will want to check you out as well

Just feel the love! It’s all about reciprocating people.

Tweet This, FaceBook, Share this and Digg that people

Do not forget to have a tweetme, facebook share, Share this and Digg buttons on your blog. These are plugins that you can upload to your wordpress site. Why are these buttons important? Do I really need one? Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Linked In can provide visibility and exposure to your blog. When readers visit your blog and find your information valuable then they want to share it with their friends and others who needs to see your stuff. What better way to get noticed and more visibility then getting syndicated all over Twitter and Facebook. No fun tweeting your own blog articles. Having others tweet and retweet your material makes you more of an expert.

Blog Challenges

Evaluate if a blog challenge is right for you first. It is a chunk of time that you have to committ to. How is it going to be received with your readers? If you do not have a lot of traffic visiting your site or you want to challenge yourself to blog on a consistant basis then participating in a blog challenge is right for you. Being in a blog challenge has it’s rewards.

A) Meet other bloggers and like minded people
B) Other blogger will tweet and comment on your blog post
C) Get customer and new clients

Also you can join the Continuity Blogging Community on Facebook, and continue to post your blog post and get more readers and connect with other bloggers

This was a fun blog post. I have so many more tips, but these are the core ones to get you started. If you want more blogging information. Fill in the opt-in box on the upper right hand corner and I will send the latest buzz on what happening in the blogging world.

Happy Blogging!

 

 

 

 

Oct 06, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

4 Tips to Find or Start a Mastermind Group

 

Hello Everyone:

Received so much feedback from my readers on how to join or find the right  mastermind group that I wanted to write a follow up blog post. Thank you for your questions. I appreciate all your feedback and support.

How does one find the right mastermind group? Here is more information to guide you in making this big step that will help grow your business. I realized there are many people that have already participated in mastermind groups and may not have had such a great experience. While there are those who are trying to find a group that will have fair balance and create great alliances. Many are already in successful mastermind groups and reaping the rewards. Being in a mastermind group is like being in a collective- the sharing of information, knowledge, experiences and taking action. This will grow your business exponentially. All members are supportive and hold each other accountable for their actions.

Here are the four things to look for when shopping for a mastermind group. You can also use these principals to start your own mastermind group.

1) All parties involved must have a vested interest in each members growth and development. If people are joining just to get information for themselves and not reciprocating then this defeats the purpose of a mastermind group.

2) Same level group members. Do not mean to be so selective, but here is the reason why. If there are 6 members in a mastermind group. One is an expert with 10 years in business and the other five members comprise of experiences ranging from 0- 2 years. Yes, all the members from 0-2 years benefit greatly from input and feedback coming from the 10 year veteran. What benefits is the 10 year veteran getting out of being in this group? After a while they feel like they are not getting a return with time and energy invested and they leave.  Be selective- Have a good balance with the level of expertise in your group so together everyone learns and benefits from one another.

3) Diversity is key! The purpose of a mastermind mind group is to have a group of like minded individuals with the same mission to succeed and their grow their business.  Participants should not be competitors. With Business Networking (BNI) group each member is from a different specialty and they are not in competiiton with one another.The same should go for your group. For example- there are the 6 members in one mastermind group; an internet marketer, business coach, speaker, massage therapist, chiropractor, and a writer. Take it a step further each one has unique skills like marketing, selling, blogging, joint venturing, teaching, etc… Imagine how powerful this mastermind group is and what each member’s business will evolve within the next month. Powerful stuff!

4) Committment- I am not asking you to marry me! This means that you show up and be present for your regularly scheduled meeting, participate and follow through.

Remember it takes 5 fingers to move a hand. It’s not about how much toys and stuff you acquire in life, but the adventure of meeting others and helping everyone getting to the mountain top. See you all at the top.

We love to hear your experiences and what you got out of your mastermind group.

Happy Blogging!

 

Oct 04, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

5 Benefits of Joining a Mastermind Group

 

Hello Everyone:

I always look forward to participating in my mastermind group. Some of you are wondering what exactly is a mastermind?

The concept of Mastermind Group came from  Napolean Hill and his book titled “Think & Grow Rich”.

The “Master Mind” may be defined as: “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.”

Here are 5 reasons why you should join a mastermind group. Thinking of starting or forming one? Why not! There are so many benefits and advantages to being part of a mastermind group.

1) Group of like minded individuals with the same mission to succeed and their grow their business.

2) Supportive environment that meets on a regular consistant basis. Talk about a confidential, non-judgemental and a safe environment.

3) The group holds you accountable when you share your aspirations and provide updates of your progress from the last meeting. Talk about taking action!

4) The information exchanged from each of the members is simply priceless. Each member is as unique and diverse as the next member with their special talents and capabilities. In our group, some of the skills that are shared and disclosed are blogging, coaching, internet marketing, law of attraction, online & offline business, sales, speaking, teaching, and so much more. Each member can be at different levels of their business from novice, newbie, intermediate to expert. We all learn from one another.

5) The synergy that is held within the container. Everyone is united for the purpose of sharing and assisting one another to reach new heights in their success. It is simply amazing with the results seen down the road from one meeting to the next.

Have I convince you of the benefits of participating and joining a mastermind group. Mastermind groups are the latest buzz word everywhere you look.  There are groups forming as we speak, and they are very easy to set up.

Are you currently in a mastermind group? Share with us what your experience has been.

Happy Blogging!

Sep 27, 2010 | 7 comments | View Post

Are you Sharpening Your Saw?

Hello Everyone:

Attached is the fourth airing of the “Sales Success Mindset” radio show. “How Often are You Sharpening Your Saw?” This is one of the seven habits from Stephen R. Covey’s Book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. Running a business can be a juggling act. Making sure that you are taking care of yourself physicially, mentally, socially and spiritually is also critical to finding a harmonious balance. Enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with CoachJaneLee on Blog Talk Radio
Sep 25, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

How are you organizing your business?

Hello Everyone:

How are you organizing your business?

Attached is the latest recording to the Sales Success Mindset radio show.  Do you have a business plan. How often do you look at your business plan. Whether your plan is a quarterly, twice a year or annually, having a business plan is very important to the growth and the survival of your business. Need to monitor and track your progress.

 

Listen to internet radio with CoachJaneLee on Blog Talk Radio
Sep 18, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Are you ready for The Ultimate Blog Challenge coming up in August?

Hello Everyone:

Recently, completed a 30 day blog challenge back in June 2010 which was not an easy task trying to keep up with the Jones. There were times when I just did not have the energy to write aside from all the other distractions. It takes time to build the momentum. Very pleased that I was able to complete both the 30 day and 7 day mini blog challenge using two different sites. A Facebook Fan Page “Continuity Blogging Community” was created to continue with the relationships that were form from the challenge.

Now, there is the Ultimate Blog Challenge coming up in August hosted by Michele Scism and Michelle Schaeffer. The original 30 day blog challenge was created by Connie Ragen Green and the one this past June was hosted by Jeanette Cates and Connie Ragen Green.  So are you ready for another 30 days?

Here are some tips to make blogging easier when participating in a 30 day blog challenge.

1) Preparation is important. Just like running a marathon, going on a diet or blogging being prepared is key. Get all your materials ready.

2) Do you have a game plan? Are you going to repurpose your material or what are some of the new articles you will be posting?

3) If you have difficulties coming up with a blog post every day or will be on vacation, write a batch of articles and then schedule them for publishing at a designated time. I will definitely, be using this method more frequently.

4) You do not have to blog and come up with materials all by yourself throughout the 30 days. Why not interview others in your field? Have a guest blogger post on your blog. Conduct a blog exchange. What about doing a video blog for the day? There are so many ways to create content.

5) Have fun with it. Write materials that are targeted to your niche market.

Everyone comes out a winner from a blog challenge. The blogger provides valuable content and the reader finds you as a resource. This in turn makes you a credible source –expert and you engaged your readers. Who knows maybe a sale or a joint venture. Just think of the possibilities.

Share you comments with us of your experiences with a blog challenge.

Happy Blogging!

Jul 21, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post

Blog Talk Radio Show- Revisited

Hello Everyone:

Today’s blog post is about my conversation with Rosey Dow, who host her own Blog Talk Radio Show “Let’s Get Real! Marketing”.  Met Rosey back in May 2010 at the Radiant Success Event out in Raleigh, North Carolina. If you have not attended this conference, I strongly advise that you attend next year which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia in April 2011. It is unbelievable what happens after these events and the connections one has made with other participant. It just spirals and turns into new joint ventures, partnerships as well as friendships. You get to work up close and personal with The Five Fabulous Successful Business Divas- Ellen Britt, Kathleen Gage, Marnie Pehrson, Janis Pettit and Denise Wakeman.  This was my first conference as a solo entrepreneur and small home based business owner.

Rosey shared about her success and experience as the host of her own Blog Talk Radio Show. One thing that I enjoy the most was how easy it is to set up your own blog talk radio show and managing the switchboard. This sounds like so much fun.

Here are some key take aways that I learned from Rosey with starting a Radio Talk Show.

1) Schedule shows 3 to 4 days prior to recording.

2) Always be prepared prior and close to the end of the show to provide your contact information, so listeners can get in touch with you if they should have further questions.

3) Thank your guest and listeners for attending.

Thank You Rosey for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to share with us your experience with hosting a Blog Talk Radio Show. Now, I am determined to set up one too. More information to follow.

Have a good day. Happy Blogging!

Jul 19, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Follow Friday on Twitter

Hello Everyone:

Do you #Follow Friday on twitter or hash tag #FF @name of tweeter and tweet it to others. That is what everyone usually does on Fridays. We thank others who have re-tweeted our tweets, helped us or made us feel good. Have you wondered how many people actually go and checked out the people you #FF? After a while it is like streams and streams of #FF and we have no idea why we should even follow them. Unless they write the reason.

Here is an example of uniqueness and standing out from the rest of the competition. Helen Raptoplous writes a blog post titled “Follow Friday on Twitter” where she introduces five bloggers that you can preview and meet on a personal basis. By reading this post, I get to find out more about ”spotlight” bloggers and check out their websites.

Listed below are Helen’s recent Follow Friday on Twitter blog posts.

Follow Friday on Twitter #12
Follow Friday on Twitter #11
Follow Friday on Twitter #10
Follow Friday on #9 

Click on the screen shot of Helen’s website to get a larger view.
What are some of the things that you do to make your business stand out from the rest of the competition? Share your comments with us.

Happy Blogging!

Jul 16, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post
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