Category: Networking

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Entrepreneurs Networking Professional Development

Network Marketing:  The Magic of Entrepreneurship for Women

First meeting of Women's issues support group meeting, group therapy concept

Ever since ‘becoming an entrepreneur’ in the early 80’s, I have never lost my admiration and appreciation for females choosing to ‘fly solo’.

Their determination, energy and unrelenting focus toward success are powerful indicators that never quitting has unlimited possibilities. Comparing traditional employment to building a network marketing business is, among other things, the difference between a defined/predictable paycheck and unlimited rewards.

Self-motivated women are the best example of overcoming obstacles, discounting naysayers and never giving up on their dreams.

Over the years, I have personally participated in networking marking. However, while no longer representing a specific company, I continue to support women in that arena through mentorship, purchases and belief.  I have witnessed women who went from the starting gate to across the stage recognition for their hard work. I have dear friends who have learned to balance home life with entrepreneurship, who have continued to believe in their company and risen to the top.

It is my belief that one of the cornerstones for success in network marketing is the strong and consistent emphasis on personal and professional development.

In most traditional work environments, the ‘job’ equals a ‘paycheck’. Stay the course, do what’s expected and benefit on pay day. While I can’t acknowledge through my own experiences, I question how much enlightenment is derived from a traditional ‘9 to 5’ job.

Women have always been traditionally eager to learn.

When you think of what it takes to be a mom, to making a household run smoothly, to meet the demands of community and family,  I’d venture to say ‘learning while doing’ are cornerstones have endured to create female success. Network Marketing is all about learning!  Whether it’s product knowledge, team work, self-confidence, building relationships, time management, learning and implementing are all key factors for success.

Community

I will never forget my first network marketing conference in ’96 (The People’s Network/TPN).  I was not a student of personal development. I did not know who Les Brown or Zig Zeigler were.  I had never before attended a rally. I became 100% hooked. I couldn’t wait to read, to learn and to build my team.  I couldn’t wait for the next conference and the one to follow. The opportunity to be with like minded individuals, to build an income without limits and to be motivated  and rewarded by my own efforts all had major appeal. I can only imagine that now, 20+ years later, what I’ve described continues to infuse women with the belief that they, too, can reach for their own unlimited success.

Business Models

Sure, there will always be skeptics.  Of course, people will continue to view the network marketing industry with distain and distrust.  True there are companies who have fallen short of promises and folded. Is that not the case, however, of some mainstream businesses in general? (Sears, Sport’s Authority, K-Mart, Blockbusters to name a few).  For example, as pillars of the network marketing industry, Amway, AVON and Mary Kay business models have stood the test of time because of their unwavering commitment to their representatives and to personal/professional development.

Women are natural nurturers.

We embrace, care and support others as part of our DNA.  What better way to demonstrate these attributes than through a system whose entire platform is based on support and teamwork?  If you represent a company that has demonstrated consistency, unwavering values and great products/services, than the only missing piece is your own determination and effort toward success.  Women have that drive. They reflect to their family, their team, their company and to their customers commitment and integrity. Reward comes with diligence.

I would not want to imply that network marketing is easy.  I don’t underestimate that as with any worthy endeavor – patience, perseverance and time are necessary for desired results. Reality is that for any woman to be successful she has to be willing to face trial and error, spend time and money and be committed to staying the course.  While, it may take months or even years to reach determined goals, history has proven by combining tenacity and focus one can unquestionably create winning outcomes. I wouldn’t bet against a woman who has that kind of drive and ambition!

Networking Marketing is a Business

It is in everyone’s best interest to take women in seriously.  Network marketing is a business.  It’s in the business of engaging, sharing and moving products and services through a time tested system.  Women who represent this model deserve respect. They deserve encouragement and support. The industry is the perfect vehicle for women and especially those who have families and the responsibilities that home life requires.  Network marketing offers flexibility. It offers long term opportunity.

While there are those who will discredit the industry, believe it is flawed or misrepresents itself, there are thousands of women who make it work, benefit from the model and are empowered in ways that traditional businesses don’t offer.

Self-motivated women who believe in themselves are an asset to our economy. It serves all of us to pay attention, to encourage and to realize the huge contribution they continue to make in the world of commerce.

Read the original article here.

What are your experiences in network marketing?

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Branding Life Networking Professional Development

Be Memorable!

One of my favorite sayings is, “Why show up unless you want to be remembered?” I follow this with, “Leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.”   In other words, be remembered for the right reasons.

There are actually two aspects to being memorable – how you dress and how you behave and in many ways they are  equally important.  Show up beautifully and professionally dressed with a bad attitude and you’ll be remembered but not for the right reason.  Have a great attitude and show up unkempt and it will be difficult for anyone to get past your appearance.  So, what is the answer to being remembered in favorable light?

I happened to catch a Dolly Parton interview not long ago and she shared rather openly the truth of how she always looks ‘impeccable’.  Dolly goes to bed with makeup (extreme, don’t you agree?) and with a wig by her nightstand.  Should an emergency force a quick exit, she wants to show up exactly the way she wants you to see her!  Well, I’m not suggesting any of us follow her lead, however, I am suggesting that how you show up in the world is exactly how you want others to see you.

For 29+ years I’ve had a signature style – I always wear cowboy boots.  Admittedly, it’s a bit different and always is a bit decisive, however, every day – yes even in warm weather – I wear cowboy boots.  Exceptions:  beach or at L.A. Fitness!  If Barbara Bush always wears her 3 strands of pearls, Larry King wears suspenders and Elton John his unusual glasses, I guess there’s a reason!  They have each created a singular style and it’s noticeable and expected.  How does this apply to you?  It is not too late to consider ‘creating’ a specific style.  Begin collecting scarves, unusual pins, unique color themes – anything that starts to create a change in your appearance.  Remember what I said earlier?  Why show if you don’t want to be remembered? Your appearance is the very first thing that creates a response.  Adding vibrant colors to your wardrobe, a consistent accessory or anything that sets you apart is a great way to attract others.  Appearance opens the door to conversation and connection.  Poor appearance is surely a door closer.

The same is true of your behavior.  Are you kind, generous, neat, punctual and a woman of her word?  Or are you moody, cheap, sloppy and perpetually late?  How you show up is how your life plays out.  How many times have you made excuses for a messy car to a passenger, apologized again for tardiness or split a dining check down the middle to the penny?  How many times have you made commitments and had to change the plans?  How reliable are you?

When it comes to being memorable, appearance AND behavior are the two factors that will either engage or turn off others.  It really doesn’t matter if you think you’ve ‘got it together’.  What matters is do others respond to you the way you want them to?  One could stay, “I expect others to accept me as I am” and I agree with you.  That being said, however, how you choose to represent yourself has a lot to do with self-respect.  When you feel positive, look positive and greet the world with a confident ‘YOU’ your confidence strengthens, your outcomes improve and you leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.

Might this be worth a shift in your thinking and choices?  Only you can decide that for yourself.   As always, I welcome your feedback/comments.

Categories
Entrepreneurs Networking

Discover the 80 – 20 Rule!

I know, you think it’s 20% of the people do 80% of the work OR maybe you’ve heard or read it under different descriptions. Well, I’ve decided to give 80-20 a new relationship:  80% is showing up and 20% is following up!

Others often comment they see me everywhere! IF someone sees me everywhere, doesn’t that imply they’re there, too? The truth is, I do participate often at events in my area.  They may be info seminars, after hours, mixers, regular monthly membership meetings or any other networking opportunity that I believe can produce value.  I like to show up.  Connecting with friends, colleagues and creating new relationships are reasons to show up. You never know who you will meet and the difference you can make it someone’s life. You never know who you will meet and the difference that person can make it your life. The reality is, if you don’t show up, you’ll never know!  

Sometimes, just the thought of changing outfits, getting in late day traffic and being sociable is enough to cause me to think twice about showing up.  Would I rather switch into my sweats, engage in a book or watch mindless television after a full day?  Sometimes, simply “YES”.  Well, what usually happens is I force myself to get up, get out and get going.  With few exceptions, it results in my having a great time.  I’m seen – I’m engaged – and I undoubtedly create new contacts.  When I get in the car,  revisit the event, this is the familiar message that fills my head:  ‘This is what you would’ve missed had you NOT shown up!’

Showing up is a critical part of building one’s business.  How can anyone expect to be ‘top of mind’ if you remain invisible? Sure, there’s social media, email and phone. They are, without question, relevant in today’s crowded and competitive marketplace.  However, for me, showing up – creating conversations – being present for possibilities is 80% of the marketing game. What’s the point of showing up if you don’t want to be remembered AND if you don’t follow up with the contacts you meet when something of mutual benefit is possible? One of the most significant strategies you can implement right now is follow up.  

Reward is in the follow up.  Rarely does anything of monetary value happen between chicken wings, artichoke spread on crackers and wine. The social, networking scene for the most part is a crowded event where conversations are loud, business cards are exchanged (After all, you need a real estate agent, a new insurance agent or financial planner right now, correct?) and the way people think business is conducted.  

I approach it differently. Who might I meet – the few treasures I can discover among the crowd –I think I can assist or might be genuinely interested in speaking with me and learning about my organization? I don’t push a business card on anyone and only ask someone for their card if I believe there’s something of value for both of us. I request someone’s card when I intend to follow up!  Notice, I didn’t say, if.

Don’t get me wrong. Although money may not directly result from a developing relationship, there’s a much better chance for it to happen when a conversation continues, a thank you note is sent, an invitation to a future event is offered or a referral is given. Your ability and commitment to consistently follow up builds your reputation and that’s worth its weight in gold. The respect you create, the relationships you cultivate and the professionalism you deliver will ultimately result in business.  

You must show up and follow up if you want to distinguish yourself from your competitors. By doing so, you are strengthening and building your share of business. Don’t believe me. Test it for yourself and let me know.  You have the first quarter of 2018 to prove me right or wrong.

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Life Networking

Defying My Age

The expression, ‘Do what you love and love what you do’ is the very foundation of what I am all about. For 20+ years I’ve had the joy, privilege and satisfaction of supporting female entrepreneurs and business women. With a background in education, franchise development, publishing, community involvement and as a professional speaker/author, I know firsthand that the wide variety of my personal and professional experiences have and continue to have an impact on women local to Greater Atlanta and nationwide. At 73+, I haven’t even considered slowing down, sitting around or ‘throwing in the towel’! I love the realization that women want to learn from others who have paved the way, who are eager to emulate other’s success and who acknowledge the benefits that come from a mutually satisfying mentor/mentee relationship.

Fourteen years ago, I founded an organization whose mission is to: encourage and facilitate the growth, performance and integrity of professional women by creating opportunities to foster relationships through a creative exchange of information and referrals. Having been very successful in business and knowing that I could translate my success and pay it forward by helping others, I have never looked back. While women my age are most likely retired, living in 55 and over communities, playing golf, cards and socializing with their peers (and I admire them for choosing what is fulfilling for them), I, on the other hand, feel abundant joy every time I learn that another woman is applying my lessons, my experiences and taking the lead toward her success.

My female platform, Xperience Connections, is a licensed program. The women who step up to become leaders are supporting women in their community, applying valuable lessons for both personal and professional growth, bringing business to their doorstep AND are viewed as a catalyst for the success of others. One participant wrote the following about my program:

“What may appear as simply another “networking event” on your calendar is so much more than that when you attend an Xperience Connections (XC) event. Bonnie Ross Parker, the Founder, has created an experience where women come together to inspire and honor one another. I have heard women say countless times and with tremendous gratitude that they felt valued, heard and supported at XC meetings. Within this unique networking model, underlies the Founder’s intent to treasure each woman’s unique contributions and passions – a true culture of honor.” Susan Brown, Impact Coaching

I love being an example of what is possible as the ‘grandmother’ to Xperience Connections participants. I am grateful that I continue to have the desire, the energy and commitment to inspire others to achieve their own greatness. I have no plans to retire as long as I can provide my enthusiasm, my energy and the value of my experiences.

Categories
Networking Professional Development

Everybody’s Networking! Are YOU in the game?

There’s no denying that social media is now a key player in the networking arena.  Regardless of which ‘platform’ you prefer, being able to connect, converse and stay in touch through the internet has and will continue to have a major impact on building relationships and business. That being said, networking is not going away.  In fact, more and more ‘local’ and ‘national’ networking organizations are on the scene stronger than ever before.  Why is that so?  Because, in spite of the ease and availability of online communication, the importance of face to face networking, real time connection and building relationships in one’s local community continues to be valuable.  Perhaps it’s safe to say, both online and offline business building will continue to remain relevant.

As for me, I’m a face to face networking gal.  I like hugs, eye contact, familiar faces and re-connecting with individuals who come and go in my life.  I prefer sitting and sharing, complimenting and engaging in real time.  There’s something special about recognizing someone at an event, introducing someone you know to someone they need to meet or finding out what is happening in the lives of people I see that are where I am.

Networking for both relationship building and business growth cannot be overstated. Sure, one can sit in front of a monitor all day to do both.  However, the value you get from being at an event, listening to a speaker, conversing with individuals being together at a table and possibly brainstorming I believe are some of the most effective ways to share about you and the passion you have behind the products or service you offer.  People are more likely to remember you, refer business to you and want to spend time with you when you show up, listen and help them with the challenges they face whether personally or professionally.

Networking remains the #1 way to achieve what you want and deserve. When you connect effectively, you get effective results.  When you remain steadfast in having a servant attitude, you get results.  When others see that you stand out because you are sincere and generous, you get results.  Never underestimate what you can accomplish when you network.  Never underestimate who you may meet or who will meet you!  There’s power in networking. If you are NOT in the game, you need to be!  All it takes is to: Get Up!  Get Out! Get Going!