September 14, 2009
Networking PR
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Accelerator, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program, is the catalyst that enables first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult your business to the next level. The mission is to empower you with the tools you need to grow your business to more than US$1 million in sales and provide you with the skills to make yourself a better entrepreneur and leader.
Along with structured educational content focused on the core areas of first-stage businesses, the Accelerator Program affords you the unique experience of learning from and connecting with the world’s most influential entrepreneurs. If the business organization to which you belong isn’t lifting you higher and you meet the membership qualifications, apply.
Oh, by the way, I’ve been invited to host a workshop tomorrow for members to guide them to creating fabulous, 50-word bios that make clear what makes them memorable, remarkable, and successful. I can’t wait.
March 30, 2009
Networking PR
1 Comment
Berry Zimmerman, a Profit Mastery® workshop facilitator and owner of BizEnrich, conducts workshops in the Pacific Northwest and provides strategic business development guidance for small- and medium-sized businesses. He purchased a Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity eToolkit before midnight last night, so he will soon be sipping tea from his very own Prosperi-Tea cup as my special gift. And, since he lives and works in Bellevue, I am delivering his gift to him personally as we sip tea and ponder how to enrich our businesses and our lives. How is that for personal service?
Speaking of which, while attending the sold-out Total Networking event organized by Score More Sales’ 
Lori Richardson and friends at Qwest Field last Friday night, I was heartened to learn that my concern over how disconnected we all have become is not my concern alone. Gayle Hallgren-Rezac & Judy Thomson — co-authors of ‘Work the Pond’ — brought this point alive while describing a situation not uncommon among business travelers today. They said that between noise canceling headphones, ear buds, and other technology, airline passengers often travel across the country and the world without speaking a word, while sitting shoulder-to-shoulder and sometimes on overnight flights. They said we’ve taken being connected to the extreme, and we are missing out on quality personal connections that are literally within reach.
That’s why I really look forward to connecting personally with Berry Zimmerman over a really good cup of tea. We’ve met each other briefly at a couple of networking events, and how he serves the marketplace has my interest in a big way. Visit his website to learn if engaging a Profit Mastery workshop facilitator is what your business needs to enrich its bottom line.
This leads me to issue a networking challenge for this week.
- What single thing can you do this week to advance a new business connection?
- Can you call someone on the phone to thank them for their business or offer a tip from which they can certainly profit?
- Can you send a hand-written card to acknowledge someone’s birthday?
- Can you forward by email a HARO lead that is perfect to showcase one of your best vendors, colleagues, or co-collaborators?
- Can you spend a bit more time than your client was expecting to deliver even more impact for the investment made through your work together?
- Can you talk to the person on your next airline flight and find out the single thing that gave the “wow” to their week? (This tip comes from Savvy Networker Zita Gustin).
If you continue to keep others at arm’s length, you just might find that your boldest intentions for your business will remain well beyond your grasp. That is certainly food for thought in challenging economic times such as these.
March 13, 2009
Networking PR, Social Media Marketing
2 Comments
Have you noticed how Caller ID, email, online social networks, and other filters you’ve set up in your life and business keep people at arm’s length? Does anyone pick up the phone anymore?
Call me old fashioned, but I am deliberately picking up the phone more often to connect with clients and customers. People really appreciate it. Many are even a bit surprised — and pleasantly so. Even if you leave a phone message with an authentic, connecting message, you are demonstrating a refreshing approach to staying in touch in today’s tech savvy world.
Speaking of which, here is a rant for the day. When I sign up to “follow” someone on Twitter who I know well and receive a programmed email reply that says, “Thanks for followng me. Please buy XYZ,” that turns me off in a big way. That isn’t a real connection. That’s a sales pitch.
Next time someone clicks to “follow” you on Twitter and you have a quick minute, visit his/her profile so you know a bit about those who have taken an interest in you. Then, demonstrate what you learned when you send a tweet in return. You’ll be a whole lot faster to really connecting as opposed to issuing a canned reply. Everyone wants to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s a great gift you can share with others that means the world to them.
And, the next time you sit down to write an email, ask if a phone call would deliver a higher impact, more meaningful connection to serve both parties. If so, pick up the phone and say “hello” and see what magic manifests next.
February 25, 2009
Event Promotion, For Women Only, Networking PR
3 Comments
Abandon the isolation that can be part of owning your own business. Here is your call to action to leave your office and connect with other business people to see what magic you can manifest for your business, your customers, and the marketplace. Now more than ever is the time to make authentic, winning connections with others. The good news is that in the Seattle area, several great opportunities to do exactly that are upcoming.
I’ll be among the panelists who are contributing to the Thriving in Challenging Economic Times event taking place on Sunday, March 22. I give the Sammamish Chamber props for making every panelist look like a rock star on their website. Why not make plans now to attend, benefit from the lessons to be learned, and connect with some fabulous people? Below are the convenient links, the dates, and the admission fees. Choose the event that works best for your schedule, needs, and budget.
- Thriving in Challenging Economic Times, Sunday, March 22, 2009, Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, Celebrating Women in Business, $25
- TOTAL Networking, Friday, March 27, Qwest Field Event Center Concourse, $44
- 2009 Women in Business, Thursday, March 12, Hilton, Bellevue, $95 for members, $125 for non-members
In related news, on Monday night, about 60 great folks came to The Village Bellevue to learn a few tips about social networking, DIY publicity, sales, and managing money. Betsy Talbot, the Women in Business Blogger for Examiner.com, posted a good summary of the event highlights, and you can read it here. Just for 
grins, my 11 1/2 year old son gets a shout out in Betsy’s blog post. He actually solved his Rubik’s Cube puzzle during the event. As someone who has never figured out how to do that in my lifetime, I would consider that an “alert the media” moment for sure. Kyle credits the how-to video he found on YouTube for showing him the way. Isn’t that something?
When I attend these events, I don’t think first about what I can sell. I think about what I can give to others to support their success. I met some pretty remarkable people, and I’ve already made some powerful introductions to help them connect with the right people with whom they can do business and add value.
As for my own “wins” so far, I am pretty pleased. Since Monday night’s contribution at The Village Bellevue, I’ve received fan mail about my 15-minute do-it-yourself publicity talk. One person posted a public compliment to LinkedIn, and another posted a public compliment at BizNik. I received dozens of new ezine subscriptions, a new invitation to speak to a group, and four new event registrations for upcoming Publici-Tea™ Workshops. Those are fabulous results for showing up and taking an interest in others.
If you could use results like these, make plans now to attend the events noted above. Great connections and other great things await. I’ll be at the Thriving in Challenging Economic Times event, sponsored by the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. I hope to meet you there.
October 24, 2008
Networking PR
4 Comments
When “Get Booked on Oprah” Expert Susan Harrow was in town, I wanted to make sure I introduced her to all the fabulous business owners I know who are worthy of both Susan’s and Oprah’s attention. I hosted a Great Gals Gathering at my home, and a great time was had by all. Here is a fun blog post one of my Great Gal Guests posted today — complete with photos — and tips to help you host a similar gathering of your own.
And if you love fun photos, check this one out from the Grande Sized Publici-Tea. There is something rather compelling about just the right visual aid. Doesn’t it make you want to know the back story? Or perhaps the lack of a back story?
July 14, 2008
Media Savvy 101, Networking PR
1 Comment
I’ve been out of touch for a few days because I attended the eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo 2008 in Dallas, Texas with about 3,000 other women business owners and a few men besides.
Robyn Spizman, nationally recognized television personality, lecturer and author of dozens of how-to books, was among the top notch speakers at the event, and she offered a sound bite worth repeating. She said if you break down the word “media” into two parts, the first is “me” and the second is “do it again.” Her point was that consistency is key when sharing your story with the media. Keep at it, and great results will flow. She also made clear the importance of showcasing your WOW, just in time to bring attention to her own latest WOW — the book entitled “Where is Your WOW?”
Spizman says that WOW is that indefinable “something” that makes you really stand out. WOW happens when you and your business, ideas, and abilities exist in that very small zone called distinctive. You do something that’s so fresh, innovative, and impressive that you are memorable. And you make it look effortless.
She offered at least three ways to showcase your WOW.
1) Always ask, “How can I help you?”
2) Be the first to say “hello.”
3) It’s better to be interested versus interesting. Spizman credited this tip to Pat Burns.
Those are great tips. I can’t wait to read the book for even more great ideas.
What is your WOW? And, how are you sharing your story with the world?
I’ll share more highlights from the eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo 2008 in the days to come. Stay tuned.
June 18, 2008
Event Promotion, Networking PR
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I am a big fan of connecting with other women business owners at networking events. It’s proven to be a powerful way to expand my dream team, learn new things, and find new ways to contribute. I’ll be attending Jazzy June at the Tacoma Convention Center on June 26 for the first time because I can’t wait to experience the event my colleague, friend, and 2008 SBA Women in Business Champion Rachael Costner has been bringing to market since 2002. Here is another link to make it easy for you to read more about it. In addition to owning Sands Costner, a Tacoma-based advertising and marketing agency, Rachael is the creator of the Women’s Resource and Business Directory. This is a comprehensive online directory of businesses and resources for the community, business owners, leaders and those seeking direction, along with an online calendar of events and half-rate advertising opportunities for non-profit organizations.
I am pleased to announce that Rachael will be my special guest at the August 15 Publici-Tea™ Half-Day Workshop I’ll be hosting in the South Sound. Yes, I am taking the Publici-Tea™ beyond my Bellevue, WA backyard, and I can hardly wait. Rachael will offer plenty of small business marketing tips and resources to add tremendous value for every guest who attends. Why not make plans now to join us so you can get your DIY publicity machine in perfect order in time to earn fabulous results for fourth quarter? I can’t wait to meet you — at Jazzy June and at the August 15 Publici-Tea™.
May 27, 2008
Networking PR
No Comments
Don’t miss this story in today’s Seattle Times about a topic that is bound to get you talking. Elaine Porterfield, the newest team member at Main Street Media Savvy, has written a provocative and useful piece about office gossip and its impact on the workplace and your reputation. This is a must-read piece to take to heart. And if you love Elaine’s writing, she’s now on the team and ready for action. Bring on the projects. We are ready to serve!
May 23, 2008
Networking PR
2 Comments
My good friend Zita Gustin is connected to some pretty amazing people, and Best Selling Author Bob Burg is one of them. Burg wrote the book “Endless Referrals” which arms business owners with a system to gently and persuasively develop and cultivate relationships that result in a network of endless prospects and referrals.
Combining humor with hard-hitting bullet points of information, Burg’s programs offer event guests access to information to help them develop and cultivate win-win business relationships, master the art of positive persuasion, and dramatically increase their bottom lines. You can read all about and register for this 4-hour workshop taking place at Lincoln Square Cinemas on June 10 by clicking here. Enjoy savings when you sign up before June 3.
And, while you have your planning calendar at hand, decide now to join me for breakfast on June 6 at the North Seattle Community College. I’ll be talking about how to create a fabulous local publicity basket by picking the low hanging media fruit. You’ll leave with names and numbers of media people who will be thrilled to receive and report on your news. You won’t want to miss this. Register at this link.
And, to Zita Gustin, happy birthday to you. I am very glad you were born.
May 15, 2008
Business Success, Networking PR
1 Comment
Business owners and managers seeking to build a powerful army of advocates for their products and services are invited to make plans now to attend the Thursday, June 12 lunch meeting of Marketplace Ministries in Auburn to hear from 31-year, award-winning entrepreneur and multi-unit hot tub, spa, and home sauna retailer Alice Cunningham. Cunningham is co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub Company (www.olympichottub.com). This is the oldest spa and hot tub company in the Northwest. Cunningham is responsible for sales and marketing for the company, which has annual gross sales of nearly $11 million. An accomplished public speaker, Cunningham was named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2006. Event guests will learn proven tips to:
- Help their own customers become strong advocates for their products and services;
- Spend less on advertising and reinvest the funds back into their companies;
- Ensure that customers continue to do business with them and recommend them to others.
Date Thursday, June, 12, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Copper Falls Restaurant on the Auburn Golf Course
29630 Green River Road SE
Auburn, WA 98092
(253) 876-1957
http://www.auburnwa.gov/golf/
Cost: $20
Register: Online registrations are preferred – visit this link — or call (253) 859-0832, extension 309.
Questions: Ask Marketplace Ministries Contact Bonita Cooper or send email to marketplace@riveroflifefellowship.org, or visit the website.
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