Greetings!
Times they are a changin'
You've heard of being in the eye of a hurricane? I wish I was  there! I've only been back from ERS for three weeks and EVERYTHING about my business is changing radically! Talk about hurricane winds!!
Actually, this is great. Never before have I had this kind of clarity around my business. There are a whole bunch (that's the technical term) of changes I'll be making to my business, not the least of which is the name (and of course all of the ensuing branding).
Stay tuned for the next issue when I unveil a whole new "us."
Meanwhile, In this issue, this month's guest author is Thornton Prayer. Thornton is an associate of mine who is a brand new first time published author. I was so excited for him, I told him I would share him with you!
Finally, new tips and classes to help you make more money.
Please enjoy!
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Special Guest Article -
Don't Let The Economic Recession Become Your Personal
Recession
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by Thornton Prayer
The current economic
crisis is truly an event of epic and historic proportions. With various "experts"
busily pointing out the effects of 'the crash', most of us already feel its
impact, sometimes in a very direct and personal way.
In this age of hype,
it has been be easy to overstate the impact of previous political and economic
events (September 11, 2001 notwithstanding), but not today. The latest news (layoffs,
unemployment figures, the collapse in the housing market, etc.) can leave a strong
impression. If you are personally
affected, such as being laid off or seeing your business fail, then you may
feel overwhelmed or even devastated.
It would be very
easy to get caught up in your emotions and fall into a state of paralysis and
fear. You might feel swamped by
everything you are facing, feeling confused and doubtful. If so, you might also lose your focus on
doing what it is necessary to get ahead or lose hope just when you need it the
most.
So, what can you do
to help yourself get back on track?
Consider one
essential idea to help you move forward: it is possible to differentiate what
is happening in your life from what you experience
is happening in your life.
In other words, your
own mind has the power to separate and assess the facts of your situation separately
from how you think and feel about your situation. With this skill (and it is a skill), you can re-direct
your thoughts away from your worries and toward your critical goals, allowing
you to act with focus, clarity, and purpose.
This ability doesn't
change the existence or magnitude of what you may be facing. However, being able to be "in the moment"
without an emotional charge attached to the situation is an extremely powerful
way to diminish any overwhelming fears, steady your mind and emotions, and help
you take the necessary steps to deal decisively with your circumstances.
If you feel I'm
being glib or overly optimistic, I personally have experienced everything that
I have highlighted here. I've been laid
off, had my own business go up and down, and worried about how to pay my bills.
Even so, I have
learned how to step back and re-look at challenging events from a different
perspective based not on fear but on my major objectives. Without the skill to separate my emotions
about the situation from the actual facts, it would have been very easy for me
to lose focus, become frightened, and stop taking the necessary actions to
change the situation. It has not always
been easy; however the ability to shift my point of view and re-consider each
situation is what has ultimately enabled me to do what was necessary no matter
how difficult the situation seemed at the time. Know that you can develop the
same power for yourself.
This skill may not
solve your problems quickly or easily. Your
issues may very hard to overcome even with the best possible mental and
emotional state. Nevertheless, the
ability to re-frame your perspective will help you find the courage (and the
mental and emotional resilience) to confront and address your needs powerfully
and effectively.
Regardless of the state
of the economy or your personal situation, I hope (and insist) that you learn
to strengthen your mental and emotional fortress and that you are able to overcome
any challenges you face. I wish you great
success in using this insight to help you achieve your most important goals in
every aspect of your life.
 Thornton Prayer is a coach, public speaker and now a published author. He publishes a monthly email newsletter with information about mindset and success. Please visit his website to subscribe to his ezine. If you'd like to check out the brand new book he co authored: "Collective Wisdom: Powerful Stories and Practical Advice for Achieving Success" click here.
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Classes Back by Popular Demand
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3 Great Opportunities to Study With Me in May
Opportunity the First
The Marketing Zone - Strategies to Help Your Business Make More Money - NOW!When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 9:00 - 5:30 pm Where: Networking Lounge 1934 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill
What: I'll pull back the curtain and reveal why most marketing experts (including
most of the networking gurus) have outdated information and give you the tools
to figure out what's best for your business.
I'll spill all my secrets and formulas for creating "uber hot"
marketing copy and elevator speeches. For one entire day you'll be in an optimal environment to devote the time you
need to create your marketing messages. You'll learn exactly how and where to
deliver them AND you'll be in a room of like minded business people while you: - Identify your "target market" once
and for all
- Create rock solid marketing messages that will
"wow" prospective clients
- Discover why systematizing your marketing AND
your business is critical to your success
- Create a plan customized to your business that
you can implement first thing Monday morning.
- Learn how to make more money in less time than
you ever thought you could.
- Finally understand how you could walk away from
your business and still be making make money from your past efforts.
Plus,
I'll give you the "insiders scoop" and train you how to deliver
the most powerful elevator speech possible. When you're done you'll have
all the tools you need to completely impress anyone.
Finally you'll get some brand new information about how your mindset
directly impacts your success and what to do about it. How Much? Only $197 for the entire day! Email me for more information or click here to register. You will receive a "Welcome" email confirming your spot and providing you with Logistics, Opportunity the Second:
Marketing 101
How
to get your perfect clients to "show up" for your business services
and workshopsWhen: Monday, May 11, 2009 from 10:00am - 12:00pm Where: Networking Lounge 1934 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, CA What: In this class you will learn:
- Exactly how to create and publish an email
newsletter that gets rave reviews
- How to get people on your email newsletter list
- How to find strategic partners and who to look
for
- A system for creating amazing marketing copy
for any occasion
When
you're done you'll be ready to implement a marketing campaign that gets
results! How much? Only $47 Click here to register Opportunity the Third:Ezines Made Easy - Creating Your Money Making Email Newsletter
When Monday, Mary 11, 2009 from 12:30 - 2:30pm Where: Networking Lounge 1934 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, CA What:Take advantage of the profitable world of educational marketing with your very own ezine. You'll learn the basics of good newsletter housekeeping including: - What platforms (like Constant Contact or Email Brain) are best for your needs and how to decide
- The essential parts of a successful newsletter
- Tips for growing your list (including what not to do)
- Where to get content, so it's not all you
- and more!
All without YOU feeling overwhelmed. When you're done, you'll be fired up and ready to create your first ezine! How much? Just $47. Click here to register. Special unannounced super bonus. Sign up for both Marketing 101 AND Email marketing 101 and pay just $77! Save 18%! Click here to sign up for both classes and receive your special bonus pricing. ****************
Want to work one to one with me? Click here and my assistant will email you all of the information and an application. |
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Quote of the Day
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"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken"
-Mike Robbins
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Networking Tip of the Month
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Follow up vs Stalking
I recently read an article about the ten things you should do right after a networking event. (Sent to me by Lisa Nichols - check out HER cool business - thanks, Lisa) After I got over the initial shock of how much time the author's suggestions were likely to take, I re-read the article, concentrating on how it might feel to be the recipient of this persons suggested follow up strategies. My reaction - I'd feel like I was being stalked! They say that the fortune is in the follow up, but if I had someone I barely knew emailing me, sending me a "Send Out Card," "friending me" on Facebook and Twitter, and calling me, I would wonder why that person has so much time on their hands and why they are desperate to talk to me. I'd also be bracing myself for the ensuing sales pitch (oh and that was only 6 of the 10 things suggested!!) So Here's My Take: It IS a good thing to follow up. In fact I receive compliments after every networking meeting because of how well I do that. Here are Karen's top 3 follow up strategies that help you connect without stalking the person you met. 1) Email is a beautiful thing. Most people appreciate a note saying "Hey, I like your (whatever)" or "here's that person I promised to introduce you to." When you do that - Chose ONE method of communication. Either call OR write OR email. Not all three. If there's no response and they specifically expressed an interest in connecting with you after the meeting, it's OK to try to connect again, maybe using a differnt form of communication. After a time though, lack of response indicates lack of interest. There are better uses of your time. 2) Straight out of last month's networking tips. Don't put everyone who's card you've collected on your ezine list as a way to "follow up" with them. This is actually against the law. IF you get permission from them to send your email newsletter that's fine. You will need to be able to document that they did. You could call them or send them a personal email inviting them to your list, but if they don't want to receive emails from you resist the temptation to ask forgiveness rather than permission. It doesn't make you look good! 3. Do whatever you need to do to remember people - but be smart about it.OK I will admit it. As the junior senior moments come faster and more frequently, I have the memory of a gnat. So, I make ALOT of notes. I will admit to writing on the backs of business cards, on notepaper, napkins - whatever so I can remember who I met and what I committed to helping them find. BUT there is a smart and a not so smart way to handle that. It's probably best if you don't whip out a pen the moment you are handed someone's card and start making notes (not so smart). There are a couple of reasons for that |
Attn Workshop Leaders:
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Are your workshops based in the SF Bay Area?
Do you wish you could just find someplace affordable, professional and private to conduct your training or workshop?
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Good News!
The Networking Lounge has space for you!
Rates are affordable, starting at just $50 for half a day - or less, depending upon your needs. The space is clean and professional and we can even help you offer refreshments to your participants.For more information, go to our website and scroll down to the bottom to see rates, room layout and details, or you can simply email us for a tour or more information. |
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