Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

3 Steps to Easy Networking

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photo courtesy of Wu Yi, Unsplash

Have you ever walked into a networking event and wanted to walk right back out because you were nervous?

You are not alone.

Walking into a room full of strangers can be intimidating for most people, but particularly if you are an introvert.

Networking is essential to one’s  success, so, here are 3 tips to make your next networking event a breeze.

Perfect your pitch

The key to making great connections is knowing how to talk about yourself and your work with a powerful introduction. Your introduction, sometimes called an elevator speech, is a brief description of the products or services you provide and the clients you serve.
Writing a great intro is the first step, but it’s important to rehearse it before an event. The way we write and the way we speak are very different. Saying your introduction out loud will help refine it so it’s more conversational. It will also build your confidence so when you’ll know exactly what to say when someone asks, ‘What do you do?’.

Have a few ice breakers ready

In my work with clients, I often hear “I never know what to say” or “How do I start a conversation?” Here are a few ice breakers to start a conversation with anyone in the room.
“I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m (name).”
“What brings you to the event?”
“What do you do? / Tell me about your business”

Prepare your Mindset

Before you head into your next event, take a few minutes to get into the right frame of mind. Begin by take a few deep breathes to calm your nerves. Then, set your intention for what you’d like to get out of the event. Do you want to connect with a certain number of connections? Are you looking to meet someone in a specific industry – perhaps someone who can be a referral partner? Having a goal in mind will give make your networking more targeted, reducing an nerves that creep up.
Looking for a network to make great connections and find support? Join the Strong Women Support Network.

4 Steps to Planning a “Must Attend” Event

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photo provided by rawpixel-com, Unsplash

If you’re like many entrepreneurs, hosting an event is probably on your calendar this year. If not, it should be!

What better way to establish yourself as a thought leader while gathering a room (online or in-person) full of prospects and giving them a taste of your magic?

Events offer a number of opportunities to promote a new offering, get publicity for a book or simply make new connections.

Here’s a step by step guide to get you started:

Select the Topic

Got an idea for a program you’d like to host? Great. Before you start planning the logistics, your first step is to do some research with your target audience. Events require time and money, so it’s important to gauge the interest and need for the topic before booking a venue. Asking a few clients for their feedback on the idea or post a question to your community on Facebook or Twitter will help determine the interest and also give you insight into the questions or hot topics you should address during the event.

The Format

Now that you have the topic narrowed down, your next step is to determine the best format to deliver the content. Virtual webinar? Small group workshop? Large scale conference?

The content and subject matter often dictates the format. For an introduction or overview of a topic, a virtual webinar may be the best fit. If your topic is more in-depth and requires more training, an in-person workshop works best.

Choose a Date

Selecting the date seems simple, but is often the most difficult part of the process. There are a few things to consider when picking a date including the prime day and time for your target market. For example, hosting an event for corporate executives in the evening is ideal, since they may not be able to leave work during the day.

Also, beware of any holidays that may coincide with the dates as that will impact attendance.

Finally, remember to leave enough time to market the event. It takes anywhere from two weeks to six months to market an event properly. Make sure you have enough lead-time to promote the event so you can fill those seats!.

Select a Venue

If you’re hosting a virtual event, you still need to pick a “venue.” Think about where will you host the event online: Facebook or Zoom or will use an teleconference service like Free Conference Call or Instant Teleseminar?

For in-person events, the size and format of your event will determine which venue you select. For smaller events, you can rent a space at locations ranging from the public library to a local cafe to a yoga studio. If you’re looking for a more professional setting, a co-working space or conference room could provide the perfect location.

Now that you’ve got the basics nailed down, it’s time to promote the event!

Host an event in 2018? Let us show you the way! Begin by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

A Few of My Favorite Things…2017 Edition

Every holiday season I look forward to Oprah’s Favorite Things list. I love exploring the carefully curated list of her top clothing items, home goods and food recommendations.

It inspires me to think about my own “favorites” list. What are the things that inspired me this year? What products, books and gifts would I recommend to others?

I posted this question to my Facebook community recently and loved watching the excitement as people shared their favorite beauty products, office supplies and recipes.

I’ve selected some of my favorite items that I’ve enjoyed throughout the year and wanted to share them with you.

Here’s my list:

What I’m watching

Mel Robbins TEDx talk. I love Mel’s no nonsense style and sense of humor. The talk is an inspirational reminder of the power we each hold inside of us and how to get out of our own way. After all, you are 1 in 400 trillion!

On a very different note – if you’re looking for something to add to your binge watch list, check out Parks and Recreation. Amy Poehler and company provide non-stop laughs in this comedic view of life in the parks and recreation department of Pawnee, Indiana.

What I’m reading

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown. After reading her previous books, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong, Brene became my go-to resource for all things related to vulnerability, courage and bravery. In her latest book, she dives deep into the quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone.

What I’m listening to

Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations podcast. I’m a huge fan of Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday, a weekly TV series of interviews with the world’s top thought leaders and change makers. The series delivers inspiring viewpoints and countless “aha” moments! Now, you can listen to it on-the-go with the SuperSoul Conversations podcast.

What I’m savoring

My list of favorite things would not be complete without a sweet treat! This year I fell in love with Levain Bakery’s chocolate chip cookies. How can you not? The cookies are the perfect mix of chewy and crunchy, while the chips provide a gooey center. The next time you’re in New York City, check them out. It is worth waiting in line!

What I’m grateful for

YOU! Yes, you! Whether you are a new member or have been part of the community for years, I am truly grateful to have you here. I appreciate all of your comments and engagement and look forward to bringing you more valuable content in the year ahead.

Now, it’s your turn! If you were to create a list of Favorite Things, what would you include? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Are you hitting an upper limit?

Have you ever lost your voice on the morning of a speaking engagement?

Or missed a flight and had to cancel an important meeting?

Perhaps you are getting ready to go to concert only to realize the show was the night before?

Some would say it’s an accident. Others call it bad luck.

While on the surface, it can seem like a coincidence, on a deeper level these incidents are a sign of hitting an upper limit.

As Gay Hendricks describes in The Big Leap, we typically hit an upper limit when we’re trying to move to the next level. Whether it’s a promotion at work, expanding a business or taking the next step in a relationship, navigating this new territory stirs up our underlying fears. That in turn causes us to self-sabotage.

Have you ever noticed when things are going well – you’re in a great relationship, clients are flowing in, your eating well and exercising – and then, BAM! You get in an accident, get sick or it seems as though “the other shoe” drops. That’s the upper limit.

There are four main reasons that cause an upper limit problem:

Feeling like you’re not good enough – New opportunities can bring up thoughts such as What if I can’t do it?; What if I can’t deliver what I’ve promised?; What if I don’t meet the expectations?

Fear of leaving your tribe behind – When you’re taking a big leap into new territory, you may meet resistance from friends or family. Perhaps they tell you you’re changing or no longer what to spend time with you. When this happens, naturally we want to stay where we are. You hit an upper limit and hold yourself back.

New level, new devil – Have you ever turned down a job because it seems like it will be too much work?

Fear of outshining others – Perhaps you turn down an opportunity because you don’t want to outshine a sibling, parent or friend.

How to break through the upper limit

So what can you do to prevent hitting an upper limit?

1. Raise your awareness – Make a commitment to become aware of patterns that lead to upper limits. Behaviors like worrying, getting sick, breaking agreements or deflecting compliments are good indicators that you’re approaching an upper limit.

2. Shift old patterns – By raising your awareness of upper limit behaviors, you can identify the pattern and change course before you sabotage yourself.

3. Write a new story – When old patterns and fears creep up it’s time to flip the script. Instead of spiraling out of control, adopt a playful attitude towards yourself. Embrace a sense of wonder about what’s causing you to hit your upper limit.

Have you hit an upper limit? How did you handle it? Share your story over on Facebook or Twitter.

How to Land Speaking Engagements (in Just One Hour)

Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:
  • The two most overlooked opportunities for speakers
  • How to leverage your network and get booked to speak
  • A free resource to land speaking engagements fast

The question I hear most often from entrepreneurs is “how to I get more speaking engagements?”

Leverage your network

There are many ways to get speaking engagements, but the fastest way to find speaking opportunities is to start with your current network. Make a list of all of the groups you belong to: networking groups, associations, parenting groups, fitness classes, meet-up groups and more. Now, put a star next to the groups that attract your target market and offer to speak at the next meeting.

Then, reach out to your colleagues and find out where they network and where they speak. Ask for an introduction to the meeting organizer for those groups. In just a few hours (or perhaps minutes), you can land a speaking opportunity.

Ready to get booked to speak? Sign up for your 30-minute complimentary consultation.