Visioning energizes actions, attitudes and opportunities


I had the opportunity to work with a group of dynamic women this weekend, facilitating their journey to update their vision for 2009. WOW! Every year I am surprised by the power of this simple ritual.
(Tia Ribary, Kate Thornton, Sherrie Harries, Kathie Nelson, Carol Gunn)

I was introduced to Visioning or Treasure Mapping, as some call it, in the mid ’90’s in my last career. I began to see the value of this tool when I started my own business in 2002.
Barbara MacKay, NorthStar Facilitators

What is a treasure map? John Kalench, founder of Millionaires in Motion, defines it as “a collage of pictures that stimulates your visualization process. It’s made up of pictures of what you want to have, do and be! A gallery of carefully chosen pictures that represent to you chosen outcomes you want to create in your life. It contains pictures specifically of those outcomes and others that strongly suggest the feeling or essence you want as well. It can be any size.”

Check out some of the Treasure Maps we created! Watch for more as our participants submit their final products.

Ana Matiella, ACMA Social Marketing
Here is mine…not quite finished but has some of the key components! I am stepping OUT!
Want to create your own treasure map? Email us for our “how-to” workbook. The workbook includes a bonus that connects your annual goals to your vision to create quarterly initiatives to move your vision forward!
I believe outrageous success is possible for you in 2009….regardless of the economy! The trick is in how quickly you adapt, dig in to your niche and serve your core market.
To your success! Kathie

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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Run with the Big Dogs! How hanging out in the Big Leagues can help you play a better game.


Did you start your business with a BIG dream? Do you find yourself wondering what happened? Sometimes all it takes to re-connect to your vision is to get out of your own back yard.

I attended a conference in Dallas in July. I arrived exhausted. Knowing I would be leaving town I was working in hyper-speed (no, that is not only speed at which I operate) trying to make sure everything that needed to happen happened. You probably know what I’m talking about.

This was my state of mind when I arrived at the eWomen Network Conference (blog post below) and ran into Nancy Juetten, PR Brain from Bellevue. This chance interaction kicked my brain into action. I realized I had, due to life circumstances (motorcycle accident in July 08, 5 months in a wheelchair and a few other life happenings), lost sight of what I was really working for. A scary insight for someone like me who coaches on this all the time and values practicing what I preach.

Throughout the 3 day event I connected with professionals from all over the US and Canada. As I shared with them my specialty and learned more about their goals, needs, and passion it occurred to me that somewhere along the line I began settling for less than I imagined. Basically I had returned to pitching in the minor league. Many I encountered were pursuing big goals and making them happen. A person of action, I asked myself what needed to change so I could get back in the game.

THEN I heard Michael Gerber share his original vision for the E-Myth. Michael started out with a vision to help broken businesses. His vision changed when he realized something was missing. He is now pursuing, building, and realizing his BIG dream in The Dreaming Room. This finishing touch to the weekend pushed me over the top to get back on track and gave me permission to return to my own dreaming room.

Here are a couple of quick reminders to inspire you to action as you begin to envision 2009:

  1. Visit your “Dreaming Room” often.
  2. Hang out with others who are playing in the Big Leagues. Find them in your own back yard, blogging, connect through social networks or attend events in other areas.
  3. Ask yourself where you might be compromising your dream.
  4. Check your calendar. Does it reflect what you value? Does it contain a balance of activities that move you toward your dream? If not, what needs to change? Insight: How you schedule your time represents what is important to you. Plan your calendar on purpose.

I believe we are given dreams and an ability to acheive them (The Dream Giver, Bruce Wilkinson). Don’t squander your talent by settling for less than you imagine!

Have some successes? Please share!

Here are a couple from my corner just since July:

  • Scheduled to shoot video for 12 one minute strategic sales tips in 3 weeks with Spirit Media
  • Working with editors, layout designers, and publishers to redesign our information products
  • Drafting a book proposal to bring a fresh idea to networking that doesn’t currently exist in the market…(it is under wraps for right now)
  • Working with WordPress expert to convert current website and blog to the latest in technology and support our reader community goals
  • Recipient of the Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon Lifetime Acheivement Award
  • Networking with Nancy Juetten, DIY Publicity Expert

Can’t wait to hear from you! Network strategically….

Kathie


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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Reality Sucks When Networking Doesn’t Work


I overheard a conversation this past week at a networking event between two business professionals. The comment that drove this post was “None of my networking in business organizations paid off”. (I always cringe when I hear that.) The woman continued to share what did work for her; social networking, specifically “meet-up“s. Her profession? Interior Design. His profession? Realtor.
This sounded like a brilliant conclusion. If you are trying to meet consumers who will buy interior design, they are not typically at business networking events AND unless you are networking at “partner rich” events (i.e. Realtors, contractors, window coverings, etc.) you will not likely make as many quality connections. There is nothing more frustrating than attending networking with the hope of making good connections and walking away empty handed.
It made me wonder, are we simply swallowing the “how-to’s” hook, line and sinker without evaluating our own business model, personality, sales style, and target audience? I hope not! Here are a couple of things to think about as you personalize your networking efforts.

If you are networking for lead generation and getting less than desired results, ask yourself:
1. Is it the group? Not rich enough in prospects, partners or opportunties? Are you fishing in the wrong pond?
2. Is it you? Are you not asking the right questions, engaging the right people, and following up?

If you’ve invested dollars in membership and time in an organization, be sure to evaluate the above. Before jumping ship, make sure it isn’t you. If it is, you will take your troubles to the next organization.

Suggestions for face to face social networking
http://www.meetin.com/
http://www.meetup.com/
http://www.biznik.com/

Google “meet up” and your city. Happy Networking!

 



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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Listen to My Interview on the Jackie Jones Challenge Radio Show


I was recently interviewed by Jackie Jones who has an internet radio show “The Jackie Jones Challenge” on http://www.smallbizamerica.com/. The focus of the show was on how to find more business in your own backyard. In the interview, I give advice on how to:
  • Start profiting from what you’re already giving away for free
  • Grow your piece of the pie even when the economy shifts
  • Benefit from knowing who your target markets are “psychographically”
  • Attract more business by getting more specific not less specific
  • Get the market research information you need on a budget
You can listen to a podcast of the show here.
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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Sales Secret from Mexico – Start the Conversation


Laying on the beach in sunny Puerto Vallarta for nearly 2 weeks, I was gently reminded of one of the simplest secrets to more sales. It boils down to getting a conversation started. War stories have been told and many have experienced the vendors in Mexico whether on the beach or at the market. I had to listen to many a bragging story poolside about how one of our comrades negotiated a great deal. For those of us from America it can become sport for us. As I had time to reflect, I realized these people make their living making it easy for you and me to take home mementos of our experience or local goods. There are so many of them. I wondered how they could compete. It made me curious. They all use the same approach. Some with more finesse than others but their goal is simple; to engage you, the tourist, in conversation about their product. With most of us sunbathing, book reading or napping, you might wonder how they could succeed without being a big nuisance. I have to admit, during the first few days, they were a little distracting but when you realize their culture and business model I found it is fairly easy to adapt. Their techniques were varied. On the beach or by the pool they might whistle to get my attention. Others times they called gently, “hey lady!” and held up their wares. One guy came through our beach at the same time every day calling out in his ringing voice “Muffin man, muffin man! Line up 2 by 2 to get your fresh muffins!” They were very gracious when my reply was, “no, gracias.” However, if I did take an interest in their wares by taking a long look or asking a question, they were quick to start a conversation. Describing their product and asking me a question in return. In contrast when we were in the market downtown, we were regularly invited into the shops to take a look around. “Looking is free” they would comment. Or my favorite, “You like this? Today for you, senora, is almost free.” While I giggled from time to time as I observed and participated in the sales process it drove home the point. The sale starts with a conversation. Do all sales conversations end successfully? No! But I was reminded, the more conversations you have, the more sales you will get. I know that sounds obvious but it made me ask myself the following question, which I will in turn ask you.
  • How many techniques do you employ to start a conversation with your prospects, customers, and partners?
  • Are you comfortable with the conversation starters you are using today? If not, what else might you do? Get creative.
The more conversations you have, the more your sales will grow! Another AHA from the beach: Why some of the vendors do better than others. They remember their customers. We first visited PV last year. One of the vendors we purchased from remembered us. Amazing! Out of all the people strewn out along Banderas Bay. His friendly greeting and inquiry about the earrings I bought last year was just another confirmation that the business basics are the same everywhere. Our new friend is Daniel. He works the beach every day during the tourist seasons. We learned a little about his family. Now that we know him and he knows us, we wouldn’t dream of buying jewelry from anyone else. Sounds familiar doesn’t it. Start the conversation. Build rapport. It is about the relationship! Happy Selling!
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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Lessons Learned from the Wheelchair


First of all, let me start with a statement of gratitude. My faith in a living God who is distinctly interested in me gave me a peace and trust that this incident would be for my good. I am grateful that this abrupt change in my situation, which could have put my life and business in a tailspin, has not. Rather the opposite. I’ve focused, driven deeper into the niche I want to serve and will be using what I learned to plan for a record breaking 2008.

I am an entrepreneur at heart. I have clients, appointments, networking events, and speaking engagements (not to mention my volunteer activities)….just like you. Juggling all this, first from a hospital bed and then from a wheelchair, gave me opportunity for a fresh perspective and understanding.

  1. First and foremost, anything that can be done fully mobile can be done from a wheelchair (except driving when your right leg is the injured body part.) It doesn’t mean that it is easy, just that it is possible. It all comes down to your choice, perspective, and drive.
  2. Not all buildings that say they are ADA accessible have an accessible restroom. Something to consider if you are out and about for any length of time. Thank God for Laura, my newest team member, who helped me navigate some of those buildings.
  3. When it comes to networking, some people will make a point to speak to you, others will make an effort not to. This is curious because some of these people knew me but didn’t recognize me in the chair because they wouldn’t make eye contact. I am still trying to psychoanalyze that phenomenon. I realize I was below eye level when looking around the room, but the wheelchair was pretty obvious. What is the story we have in our minds about those who may be handicapped?
  4. People are generous with encouragement and support. Offers to help came flooding in. Follow through is another matter. This left me wondering. How many times have I done the same thing? Someone is in need, I offer help. I wonder at my intention. Do I really want to help or only if it is convenient? Follow through is a challenge in most settings. Our lives are so busy. Is it possible to be different when someone we know needs us?
  5. Some people love giving. I experienced the spirit of generosity in ways I had not imagined. Some of my friends served in such a way that showed their delight in helping. Some offered to pick me up and drive just so they could spend time with me. This was humbling since I knew they run on a tight schedule and what they sacrificed to do this.
  6. We all have limitations. I already knew this, so it wasn’t new learning, but when all is said and done, we all have something. Some of us physical, some in our minds, some in resources, some in skill set. What I know is this; when we fix our eye on a meaningful goal and believe it can be accomplished, regardless of our limitations, it can be achieved.

I learned alot about myself too.

  1. I have trouble asking for help when I can’t see clearly how I can reciprocate. I am used to being able to return in kind more value than the information or assistance I request. In this scenario I had to ask for help solely counting on others kindness. This was hard!
  2. I am pretty independant. For those who know me, they say, DUH! Of course you are. I had trouble not attempting doing things myself before asking for help. It didn’t even occur to me to ask until I had tried it first. My independent spirit can be both a strength and weakness.
  3. I can get a lot done when I can’t be out and about! I already knew this in part but the leaps my business has moved forward in the last 90 days has been phenomenal. Partially due to my limited mobility and partially due to adding Laura James to the team. I could not have accomplished or even done business as easily without her contribution. As I become more mobile you will see her highlighted in the coaching and training arena.

The good that is coming out of this season of life outweighs the pain. 3 weeks more of limited mobility before I hope to pass “GO” and be fully mobile again.

My advice for the day: Stay focused and perservere! You will learn more and go farther! It’s your choice.


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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

Cold Calling Secret


Cold calling is not my favorite thing. If you’ve heard me speak my stance on cold calling is, Why? Why cold call when you can network your way into warm leads.I attended a workshop put on by the Institute of Management Consultants here in Portland and gained some insights from Cold Calling expert, Kathy Maixner of Selling Smart
that changed my mind.
Now I know why I’ve always liked Kathy! Her fresh perspective on cold calling is very similar to my take on networking. I came away with 5 simple insights about cold calling.
1. Cold calling is just a contact. It is not the sale. 2. Be crystal clear on your target. 3. Be prepared. Do your homework on the company you are calling. 4. Have a script. Create a vocabulary that works for you. Make it meaningful. 5. Get over yourself.
I realized some people feel about networking the same as I do about cold calling. When I took the “sales” out of networking, contacts were easy. Kathy showed me, when it comes to initial contacts, whether cold calling or networking, it is just a point of discovery. If cold calling is in your future, back up and rethink your objective. First to learn more, then to get an appointment to explore mutual benefit. Happy Selling!    
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To your success!
Kathie Nelson
http://www.KathieNelson.com

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