Lynn Bardowski's Blog, page 6

VISION VS. GOAL: WHY DON’T WOMEN GET IT?

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I've enjoyed seeing women leaders become the hot topic in the media. It was a refreshing break from the typical media coverage women get which goes from which star gained, or lost, weight to who's in rehab. We could really use a whole year of this. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, got the discussion going with her new book, Lean In. From Oprah to GMA to Mommy Bloggers, we’re all talking about the role of women in business and as Sandberg calls it, the gender imbalance. We've come a long way, baby, but we still have a long way to go. As I was researching my book, Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl, I discovered one of the answers to the imbalance in a study titled, Women and the Vision Thing. According to the Harvard Business Review women make great strategic thinkers, but we lack the skill of envisioning.  

I didn’t need a Harvard study to tell me most women are not visionary thinkers. I know this because I’ve coached women entrepreneurs for 23 years and interview them weekly on my radio show. When I ask the question, “What is your vision?” women tend to stumble. The answer is typically a goal.  Is there really an imbalance in the workplace or is it that women just don’t get the difference between a vision and a goal?

Three Reasons Why Women Don’t Get It:

1.    Many Visionary Women Were Left Out Of Our History Books.  When I think of vision, great leaders like Carnegie, Rockefeller, Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. come to mind. I would have loved to learn the story of Coco Chanel, a visionary entrepreneur in the late 1800’s, when I was in school but she was never in my history books. Try Googling visionary leaders; only a few women are listed. When we change the history books and provide more examples of visionary women business leaders, we’ll start to change the imbalance. 

2.    Women Suffer From Vision Guilt. Women’s role in society has always been as the nurturer. We’re supposed to take care of everyone else. Creating a bigger vision in business means taking time away from our family, which makes us feel selfish and guilty. The irony is that when we create a bigger vision, we solve bigger problems and serve more people. Sounds like something a nurturer wouldn't feel too guilty about. 

3.    Women Are Taught Not To Toot Our Own Horn. Strong women who speak up are often seen as being that B word. We can be our own worst enemy, judging other aggressive women even more harshly. Sandberg says, "We’ve got to get women to sit at the table.”  Sitting at the table is only effective if we open our mouths. It starts with teaching our daughters to speak up and not be so “ladylike.” Instead, teach your daughters to be more “leader-like.” Women fear being perceived as “pushy” and, as a result, hold back on sharing their gifts. Keeping quiet about our strengths, expertise and talents reinforces the glass ceiling. Start “Biz Bragging” about yourself and own it. 

Join the discussion. Who are the women visionaries that influenced you?

Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host.  For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, read her book, listen to her radio show, follow her blog and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

Reference: Harvard Biz Review: Women and the Vision Thing

Photo credit: Pensiero via photopin cc

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY BUSINESS

Having a plan for a healthy body can be summed up in two words: diet and exercise. A plan for a healthy business can be more challenging to define. Let’s face it, it’s not a term we hear or think about often. The signs of an unhealthy business may begin slowly, then compound into frustration and overwhelm when left untreated. Many solo-preneurs are so caught up in the day-to-day of running a business that they never step back to consider their business might be sick, or worse, chronically ill. Should we take our biz in for an annual physical? Or, should we be creating daily health habits for success, like eating vegetables and exercising more? The simple answer is: both. Here are a few action steps for preventive care to create a lean, mean, revenue-generating machine.

Focus on the vision, not the goal. Lack of vision has toppled many businesses and organizations. The message we hear is that goal setting and action plans are the key to success. The "G" word is overrated. Most of my clients don't know where to begin when it comes to creating a vision statement, or the fundamental difference between a vision and a goal. Simply put, vision inspires action, goals are the baby steps that take you there. Symptoms of a lack of vision include goal setting'itis, lack of direction and working your butt off with little to no growth.

Come up for air. If you’ve ever flown on an airplane you’ve heard the flight attendant instruct you to put your oxygen mask on first in the event of an emergency. As women, we tend to forget this basic health rule. If you’re so overwhelmed that you can’t think, you can’t help anyone else, let alone your business. Avoid a biz meltdown by taking a time-out to breathe new life into your daily plan. Whether you have 10 minutes or 30 minutes, walk away from your desk, clear your mind and take a few deep breaths. If you have the time, go for a walk. Let your thoughts wander and tune in to inspired action. You’ll feel refreshed, refocused and ready to conquer the day.

Get a quarterly checkup. We all know insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Can you really afford to wait a year for an annual checkup when you could have refocused your business, and your results, months earlier? Your “doctor” can include a mentor, coach or mastermind group. Evaluate what’s working, and more importantly, what’s not. Having someone else look at your business will give you new insights that you might have missed.

Ask yourself these questions every day to keep your business, and your life, in optimal shape:

Why am I here?

What is my vision?

What is my intention?

What is the most important business building activity I can do today?

Who can help?

7 Quotes for a Healthy Body and Healthy Business:

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” ~ Wayne Gretzky

“Just Do It.” ~ Nike

“When quitting is no longer an option, you’re halfway there.” ~ Unknown

“The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” ~ Marvin Phillips

“When your legs are tired, run with your heart.” ~ Unknown

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~ Jim Rohn

“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host.  For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, read her book, listen to her radio show, follow her blog and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

Photo credit: mikebaird via photopin cc

Are You Hiding Your True Passion?

Hearing two different women business owners share the same story this week reminded me that I've heard their story before. As we discussed who they were communicating their million dollar vision to, they both started the conversation with an apology (not a good sign), and shared that the people closest to them had no idea they had started a business. Or, had a website. Or, that they were so passionate about their business they were losing sleep over it. In a good way. The conversation went something like, “I’m sorry to say that my (fill in the blank with the name of those closest to you) doesn't know I’m doing this.” I've heard this story many times over my last 23 years as a business coach and mentor. Why are are so many women hiding their true passion, afraid to open the door and share their dreams with those closest to them? The common answer is FEAR - fear of failure, fear of success, fear of putting ourselves out there to be judged by the people we know and love the most. Our inner circle knows the “real” us, right? I don’t think they do. It’s the reason I titled the first chapter of my book, “You’re Not Who Everyone Thinks You Are.”

Here are 5 Things You Can Do To Stop Hiding Your True Passion:

1. Stop worrying about what your friends, family, co-workers, cousins or the neighbor next door thinks about you. While it might be easier said than done, realize that their judgement is based on a lack of belief in themselves, not you. They are not capable of supporting you to come out of hiding because they’ve locked themselves into their own limiting beliefs. It’s their "shift", not yours.

2. Go Full Monty. Letting the real you shine through is a lot like being naked. Suddenly, there’s no place to hide and you’re out in public during bright daylight. You feel exposed and vunerable, wishing you had a pair of invisible Spanx to put on. Have you ever been on a Caribbean vacation with a “clothing optional” beach? You'd think everyone would be staring, but when everyone is naked, no one seems to really care.

3. Free Your Dreams And You’ll Free Your Fears.  Letting the real you out is scary and exhilarating all at the same time, kind of like a roller coaster. Let’s face it, it can be a wild ride. After you’ve faced the “Demon Roller” you’ll be ready to conquer the world! When everyone knows you’ve acted on your passion and purpose, there’s nothing left to stop you.

4. Take Responsibility For Keeping Your Passion A Secret. Hiding is such a convenient excuse as to why we’re not getting to where we want to be. We could totally be a success “if only”  we could get out. That excuse plays well until you show up at an event and discover that your cousin just started her own business and is soliciting everyone to get the word out. Ouch. It’s not her fault she's getting all the biz, she had no idea what you were up to.

5. Be Proud, Out Loud. If you’re not shouting your vision off the highest roof top, why would anyone believe in you, your business or your product? It takes courage, belief, persistence and determination to act on your passion and purpose. Proudly celebrate your achievement and set out to be the best in your field. As Steve Martin said, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” And don't keep it a secret.

Lynn Bardowski is a 23-year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host.  For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, read her book, listen to her radio show, follow her blog and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

photo credit: flatworldsedge via photopin cc

The Road To SuperBowl XLVII – 5 Lessons About Winning

According to the New York Times, both the Ravens and the 49ers won on the strength of their defense.

de•fense

/diˈfens/

Noun

1. The action of defending from or resisting attack.

The article states that this notion defies today's expectation that the superstar quarterback wins the game. The Ravens and 49ers, fueled by passion and belief, became an unstoppable force who's passion and belief wore down the predicted winners, both on the field and in their minds. 

Here are 5 lessons both teams taught me about winning:

Be willing to fight for your beliefs: Start every day as if it was your year to win the super bowl, regardless of the competition. If you don’t believe it, no one else will. Put your vision on a sign for the world to see and share it with your team (family, friends, customers). Your belief, vision and passion can triumph over talent and knowledge. Even an underdog can win.

Be a people builder: Joe Flacco, Ravens quarterback, is not the best in the league. His coach recognized his potential and guided him to where he is now. Seek out and recruit a winning team of motivated people who share your beliefs, and your vision. If you’re a solo-preneur, your team might include ambassadors that will bring you referrals and new clients. I frequently get asked how I motivate people. My answer is, “I don’t. Motivation comes from within. I recruit people who are already motivated and develop their potential.”

Master the basics: Vince Lombardi taught his team to succeed by mastering the fundamentals. Ray Rice, Ravens running back, is a great example of this. Ray mastered the skill of running the ball up the middle. He even has his own mantra that makes it so, “Hey diddle diddle, Ray Rice Up the Middle.” What skills do you need to practice over and over again, so that they become second nature?

Keep your head in the game: Both the 49ers and the Ravens turned around their teams in a relatively short period of time. Sure, it’s a challenge to stay focused on the end goal when the points (or sales) are down. The task can seem daunting. Instead of looking at the score board, keep your eyes on the daily activities that will continue to move your ball forward. One “play”, or one new team member, can change your entire game.

Be willing to take risks: 49ers coach, Harbaugh, chose to stick with his backup quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, when his star QB Alex Smith had a concussion. It was a risk that paid off. Listen to your gut and have the courage to try something new, even when the challenge is great. Innovation and change are necessary to grow.

I’ve never been more excited to watch the Super Bowl than this year, even though my local team, the Philadelphia Eagles, went down early. Everyone loves to root for the underdog!

Lynn Bardowski is a 23-year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host.  For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, read her book, listen to her radio show, follow her blog and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link. Photo credit: clbphoto

How To Network: 5 Inspired Tips To Make Networking, Work.

As I keynoted a conference last weekend, I reminded the 200+ attendees that they were at a networking event.  Their ideal client could be discovered in the hotel lobby or a new business mentor could be sitting in row 4.  Every time you have an opportunity to make new connections, you’re networking.  An event doesn’t need the word networking in the title in order for you to make new connections.  You never know who someone knows, or what knowledge a business associate has, that can propel your business.

photo ©2007 by luc legay, Flikr http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

5 inspired tips to make networking work for you:

Think Outside The Box:  Last year I became a 50 year old sorority “pledge”, as an alumnae initiate of Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority.  I know what you’re thinking: "Sorority?".  Yes, a Sorority is a network.  DPhiE is 55,000+ members strong, with a vision to develop women leaders to be their best selves.  The connections and friends I’ve made are priceless, and continue to grow, as I become more engaged both socially and professionally with my new sisters.  From one-on-one coffee meet-ups to happy hours and joining the Fantasy Football Team, I make the time to get involved and develop connections for life.

Share Who You Are vs. What You Do:  What’s the one question EVERYONE asks as soon as they meet you?  “What do you do?”  We’re so programmed to answer this question that sometimes we go on auto-pilot.  There’s no inflection in our voice or enthusiasm about our business, because we’ve said it a thousand times before.  It’s like listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher.  Instead, be bold and say what no one else is saying.  Stop telling people what you do.  Tell them who you are.  Who you are is so much more engaging and interesting.  When people ask me, “What do you do?”  I answer: I’m the Million Dollar Party Girl! (with lots of enthusiasm and energy).  It leads to my new connection wanting to learn more about me.  Always leave them wanting more!

Become A Connector:  Even if you’re attending your first networking event, you can make your mark by becoming a connector.  Fake it ‘til you make it.  Think of it as a party that you’re hosting and your job is to introduce the guests that don’t know each other.  You’re one of them, so start with YOU.

Before you go:  Find out who you want to meet by checking the attendee list.  Connect with the Leader of the group and ask who would be a good connection for you.  The person running the event wants the networking event to be a success, too.  Break the ice and use social media to introduce yourself via Twitter, LinkedIn or a Facebook event page.  If you have a blog, or read one, that offers relevant content and expertise, share it on the event page or via a tweet.

At the event:  Be mindful of who you met that are branding matches made in heaven.  For example, if you meet an interior designer and a building contractor, ask if they know each other.  If not, go into “Hostess” mode and become a connector.  It could be their first event, too.

After the event: Whether it’s a business referral or someone looking for a car for their teenager, follow up with people you want to connect via an E-troduction.

Ask The Right Questions:  Two questions that will multiply your networking results are 1) What are you excited about? and 2) How can I help you?  When you ask “What are you excited about?”, you’ll connect on a deeper level and really find out what your new contact is passionate about.  They’ll light up like a candle and you’ll be the person who allowed them to share their glow.  “How can I help you?” communicates that you are interested in something other than handing out random business cards.  Listen and offer suggestions.  If you think of a referral, write it down on your business card.  I can guarantee you, your card won’t end up in the land of forgotten contacts.

Show Up As Your Brand:  We’ve all heard the saying, "you can’t judge a book by its cover".  The reality is, people do.  As soon as you walk in the door at a networking event, attendees are making a decision about who you are, and what you do, by how you show up.  Your wardrobe, attitude, energy, the whole package, should all communicate your brand.  I show up as the Million $ Party Girl.  My wardrobe is a little sassy, make-up and hair are current, attitude is always positive and my energy gets there before I do.  If you’re walking in the door looking like a hot mess because you were running late, or your first comment is a complaint about how busy you are, look in the mirror to find out why you might not be making valuable connections.  I’ve even had people come up to me and complain about how busy I am by saying, “I see on Facebook how busy you are. Where do you get your energy?”  What they are really saying is they have no time, and no energy.  My reply? “I’m blessed to live an abundant life because I’m passionate about what I do!” 

For more tips on how to show up as your brand, read: Visionista Brand Photo Shoot

Lynn Bardowski is a 23-year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host.  For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, read her book, listen to her radio show,  follow her blog, and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

STOP RUNNING AND START SUCCEEDING

During our annual New Year's family movie-thon we watched the lighthearted, family friendly and funny movie, Sister Act.  It was a double feature, so the 2 1/2 star rated (and not- so-well-received) Sister Act 2 was up next.  Instead of switching the channel, we hung in there, content to be settled in with comfy blankets, popcorn and hot chocolate.  Family togetherness at it’s best.

Who knew a line in that movie would inspire me to write this blog post?

At one point in the movie, the high school choir was ready to flee the scene after seeing last year's winning choir compete and get a standing “O".  Whoopi Goldberg’s character turns to the teenagers and says, “…If every time something scary comes up and you decide to run… y’all are going to be running for the rest of your lives.” The words brought me out of my hot chocolate coma, as I realized that’s exactly what stops so many entrepreneurs from moving forward.  Something scary comes up and they just keep running further away from their dreams.

Here are 3 scary things YOU might be running from, and what you can do about it, to rock your biz in 2013:

1.  A competitor who is perceived to be #1: Perception is a funny thing; it becomes reality.  If you perceive your competition to be #1, you will always lag behind, because you think someone out there already has the lion’s share of the business.  Even if you sell the same widgets as everyone else, there’s only ONE you.  What makes you unique?  What is your niche?  Break free from the crowd and do something extraordinary this year!  Write a book, start a blog, speak to groups, share your expertise with your ideal client, make a video.  “If you’re able to be yourself, then you have no competition.” – Barbara Cook

 

2. Fear of Success or Failure: It’s hard to imagine that people fear being successful just as much as they fear failure, but it’s true.  We’ve all heard the sayings, “It’s lonely at the top,” or, “There’s only one place to go but down”.  With success comes expectations, and some are not quite ready to put themselves out there.  So, every time success comes knocking, we close the door and run away, sabotaging our dreams.  It’s called the talent trap.  We shout out defiantly, “Take that, Success!  You can’t catch me!”  The solution is to leave your ego at the door.  Instead of focusing on what success means to you, focus on what your success will mean to others.  Who will you be taking with you to the top? What jobs will you be providing in your community?  Whose lives will you touch?  How does your success make a difference?  Tie up your laces and run toward serving others. Soon, you’ll run away from your fear.

3.  Getting stuck in the “Comfort Zone”: The comfort zone is just like the Twilight Zone; it’s all in our head.  Being “comfortable” is not so great.  It dilutes our self-esteem and confidence and prevents us from living an abundant life.  We run from scary things by procrastinating, insuring we’ll never face the contact we should call, the client we need to meet, the networking group we should join or the seminar we should attend.  The only solution, as my Mother used to say, is to, “Build a bridge and get over it.”  Start with small successes: attend a networking event with a friend, hand out a product sample to a potential customer and ask for their feedback, join a social group like a book club.  Do something everyday that makes your heart flutter with excitement.  Embrace that we live in an imperfect world.  Every experience may not end as you expected; that’s OK.  Your confidence, and in turn your success, will grow exponentially.  Be bold in order to be fearless!

To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest. – Martin Luther King

Lynn Bardowski is a 23 year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker, mentor and radio show host. For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, listen to her radio show,  follow her blog, and "LIKE" her Facebook page. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

DOES ANYONE KEEP NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS?

Does anyone keep New Years Resolutions?

I asked this question of Lisa Bien, B!en Marketing Group founder, as we chatted on my radio show and shared success tips for women entrepreneurs. Lisa is the ultimate "make a plan and stick to it" kind of person. Here's her advice on how she get's it all done.

New Year, New YOU? …perhaps an improved version of YOU and your business! As the New Year approaches, we all begin to think about making New Year’s resolutions – Here are a few suggestions on resolutions.

Try to make daily resolutions, or as I like to call them, “New Day resolutions.” The benefit of having a daily resolution keeps me focused and it is a daily reminder of my priorities and what I am working towards.

One of my New Day resolutions is to be appreciative. Every morning when I wake up, I start my day with my “appreciation” list. Sound crazy? Maybe, but it works. Here are a few things that I appreciate: my boys, my family and my friends. Then, off to the gym. Yes, all this before 6 a.m.! The gym is my place. It’s where I collect my thoughts for the day, get focused and think about the news of the day, my clients and how I can be the best version of me. I appreciate the importance of good health, mind and body. A dear friend of mine once said to me – “you have to take care of you before you can take care of others.”

This year, make a New Day resolution to take care of YOU. Don’t make promises to yourself that put pressure on you or seem daunting. The things that make you appreciate life carries over into everything you do – it’s important not to forget these “perks” that keep us going.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Before I lost 50 pounds I thought the weight would never come off, but it did – slowly and steadily. When I started my business, it seemed overwhelming, but like my weight loss, slow and steady has become my business approach. Slow and steady is a lot easier than fast and furious so we have a better chance at success.

For Me It’s All About the Goals

I have always been goal oriented in my personal life – when I put my mind to something, I do it. I have applied my same tenacity to my business so that I can accomplish the objectives that I have set for its growth and success. I don’t care if I accomplish them at a slow and steady pace, just that I accomplish them, and that is key. Pace isn’t as important as the goal. As 2013 approaches try to think about daily goals, from losing the extra 10 pounds – to spending time ON your business, not just IN your business. Take it day by day, and then it will not seem so overwhelming.

Whatever it is you are resolving to do in 2013 – either in your personal life or in your business or marketing strategy – ask yourself if you are moving in the direction of your goals?

Focus, have clear proprieties and set goals, but most importantly, remember to enjoy what you do.

Go forth into 2013 with focus, goals……. and an appreciation of the little things that make big differences. Happy New Year to all!

Click here to listen to the playback of my full interview with Lisa

About the author

Lisa Bien is president and founder of B!EN MARKETING GROUP, a South Jersey-based company that offers personalized service in analyzing, targeting and tracking marketing strategies in all communications platforms, both traditional and digital. Lisa holds a Masters in Education and has been an adjunct professor at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, for nine years, teaching courses that include Public Speaking, Media Relations Writing and Public Relations Case Management. She is also in high demand as a guest speaker for a variety of topics for corporate events to marketing seminars. For more information, please visit www.bienmarektinggroup.com or call Lisa today at 609.314.0952.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fortune Is In The Follow Up

 

 

 

You know who makes the best customer service experts? Bartenders. I had the opportunity to interview entrepreneur Stella Collington on my radio show, Million $ Party Girl Talk. She spent 20 years as a professional bartender before taking the leap to join the ranks of entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams, as a Diamond Independent Business Partner with Rastelli Direct. When describing how she stumbled upon her purpose and passion, Stella’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Rastelli’s foods have literally been in front of her for almost half her life, but she didn’t really “see” them until she went to an event, Rastelli’s distributor business launch, seeking a business opportunity for her boyfriend (not herself). Stella was going to stay for a few minutes, just long enough to drop off his information. Instead she left with a new business that spoke to her heart.

Her vision is to Stellavate (I love that) everyone’s life by providing quality farm to family food, so you can have more time to Stellabrate your life. 20 years behind the bar taught Stella how to be a great listener and excel at customer service. She doesn’t sell, she serves. Stella’s passion even shows up in the name of her website: eatpaylove.com.

As Stella puts it, the fortune is in the follow up! Here’s some of her tips excerpted from my interview:

Lynn: Most sales, and opportunities, are lost from the lack of follow up. What are your top customer service tips?

Stella: Follow up can be daunting and causes great F.E.A.R (False. Evidence. Appearing. Real.) in many business people. Does this sound like your business? But, there is a fortune to be had! I have a system I follow and it keeps it simple, yet effective.

 

TOP 3 TIPS

·        Contact your connection 24-48 hours after the initial meeting. Remember key words of the conversation by being a GREAT listener. People love to know you actually HEARD what they had to say. It can be business or personal…the key is to keep the conversation about them.

·        Ask your clients their preferred method of contact. (e.g. phone call/text, email, social media). If you’re wondering why your contact is not calling you back it might just be because they prefer a text.

·        Set APPOINTMENTS to follow up and qualify your leads. Your time and their time are valuable.

 

When was the last time a business called you after the sale? Rarely, if ever. Continued service after the purchase is very important. It’s one way you can stand out from the crowd.

Make sure you always thank your clients. I have a consumable product so it’s very important for me to make sure it has arrived safe and sound. Once I have been assured I will let my client know I will be back in touch once they have used the product. Good time for that appointment.

The back office of my website provides all the information I need to track purchases from the initial purchase to delivery and is a very valuable tool. Use the resources that are available to you and, if you don’t have them, there’s an app for that.

I question my clients about their needs by asking about their family size, products interests, budget, etc. Serving also means making sure my service is a value for them. By learning who my clients are I can follow up on a regular basis built around their needs and schedules.

We are all so busy with life these days…a valued service that offers convenience, time management and saving money is priceless!

“One unhappy customer is one too many.”

Bon Appétit!

 

Lynn Bardowski is a 22 year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker and business coach. For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, follow her blog, milliondollarpartygirl.com and "LIKE" her FB page,https://www.facebook.com/MillionDollarPartyGirl. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.

 

 

 

WE HAVE THE CURE!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of www.DanaRomanoPhotography.com

You’ve been invited to a networking event. You are excited. You know this is what you need.  This event is going to help catapult your business to a new level.  You are going to meet people who can support you and connect you with the people who need your service/product. 

It’s the day of the event, and you are feeling a little nervous.  Butterflies in the stomach, you feel like somebody put lead weights in your shoes! What is all of this?  You are a successful business person, who loves what you do.

It is the dreaded condition known as “Network-itis”, and you my friend are not alone in suffering from this condition. The good news is that this is a curable condition.  It is easily remedied. Why?  Because you already know, you have got to “network to get work”

Here are some “cure-alls” to getting rid of Network-itis once and for all.

1.      Take small steps.  Rome wasn’t conquered in a day and either will your networking skills. 

2.      Go with a friend or fellow business acquaintance.  There is strength in numbers, and walking into a room where you know no one can be a little intimidating.  Walk in with a friend, (but don’t hang on to that friend, remember you are here to meet new people).

3.      Be Prepared. Business cards? Check. Looking good. Check. Have your 60 second personal commercial ready. Practice it in front of a mirror, to your significant other, your best girlfriend.  After 16 years of public speaking I still practice what I am going to say in my car on the way to an event. And yes, people look at me twice. But I don’t care. I am going to go in there and look like I know what I am doing, (even if I am not so sure!)

4.      Extend a hand and a smile.  You will be amazed what these two simple gestures will do for you in confidence and your business.  You are not the only one who has Network-itis. People will remember you for your kindness

5.      Be true to who you are.  This I know is easier said than done.  It will take practice. But when you are true to yourself, people appreciate the honesty that comes with that presence.

You still may not be comfortable with networking but with the above tips, it should help ease the pain.  So, whether you like it or not, force yourself to get out there and network, you’ll be glad you did and your business will thank you for it.

 

 

Robin Tracey, known as the "You got to Network to Get Work" Guru, is a national speaker, 16 year solo-preneur and 

Co-Founder of Interconnections for Women networking group.  For tips and tricks on how to get your "network" on go to www.interconnectionsforwomen.org

 

Hear Robin's inspiring story and expert networking tips on Million $ Party Girl Talk Radio 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talk-exchange-radio/2012/11/29/thursdays-show

 

25 Empowering Theme Songs For Women

Every Visionista needs a theme song!

 

Music empowers, inspires, motivates and gets our creative energy flowing. A feeling that you can conquer the world comes over you as you turn up the volume, open the car window and let your hair blow free in the wind. We put it on replay when we need it most (even if it’s just playing in our mind) – an important meeting with a client, a presentation in front of a crowd or entering a room of strangers at a networking event. Music gets our mojo going. Just watch any YouTube video of a baby intuitively moving to the beat. It’s proof that rockin’ out to our theme song is in our DNA.

 

Helen Reddy had never written a song before when she penned I Am Woman in 1971. She set an intention to write an anthem that would inspire women and woke up with the lyrics in her head. The song is a fond memory for my sister and I. When we got our “period”, becoming women, our mother opened the stereo, took out her Helen Reddy album and blasted the song throughout the house. As a teenager we didn’t know whether we should laugh, cry, hide or just roll our eyes. Looking back as the mother of two daughters, I can reflect on the message my mom was sending to us. She wanted us to know we were women, we were strong and we could do anything.

 

Not only did I Am Woman become an empowering anthem for women’s rights in the 1970’s, it stood the test of time. In 2010, when Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director (The Hurt Locker), the orchestra played I Am Woman as she exited the stage.

 

Many great songs have been written since Helen Reddy set an intention, tuned in to inspiration and led the way for women’s empowerment. Katy Perry’s Firework is a song that’s on frequent replay in my mind when I need to get my Million $ Party Girl on. Here’s my list of 25 empowering songs that will leave “the doubter”, and any limiting beliefs, at the door.

 

25 Empowering Songs for Women

 

I’m every woman – Whitney Houston (& Chaka Khan)

 

Simply The Best – Tina Turner

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Hold On – Wilson Phillips

Coming Out Of The Dark – Gloria Estefan

Hero – Mariah Carey

Beautiful – Christina Aguilera

A Woman’s Worth – Alicia Keys

Feeling Good – Jennifer Hudson

Firework – Katy Perry

Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

Give Me Everything – Afrojack & Ne-Yo

Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

A New Day Has Come – Celine Dion

Play On – Carrie Underwood

Settlin’ – Sugarland

Titanium – David Guetta & Sia

I Am Woman – Jordin Sparks

This One’s For The Girls – Martina McBride

Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

Hit The Lights – Selena Gomez

Red High Heels – Kellie Pickler

Born This Way- Lady Gaga

 

Lynn Bardowski is a 22 year entrepreneur, best selling author, national speaker and business coach. For insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and vision, follow her blog, milliondollarpartygirl.com and "LIKE" her FB page,https://www.facebook.com/MillionDollarPartyGirl. You may republish this article in full, as long as you list this paragraph and provide a link.