In addition to connecting 80 women last Monday night and having the best time in the process, I also wanted to set a tone for the New Year that would motivate and inspire everyone who attended. After each of the attendees introduced herself and shared a success from 2008, I added a few thoughts of my own. Kelley Taylor requested a copy of my tips, so I thought I’d share them with everyone at the same time. Thanks for the nudge, Kell! Here’s what I said:
I want to call forth your ability BIG TIME in 2009. Here are three things I want to challenge you to do. And please, join forces with some of the incredible women here tonight to make this happen.
1. Use your gifts. Even if your calendar isn’t 100% booked with clients, figure out a way to continue your practice.
- Keep putting out what you do via direct mail, email, phone calls, flyers and networking.
- Barter – Offer your services/products in exchange for something you want or need.
- Give it away in demonstrations.
- Teach what you know.
- Change your offerings to match your clients’ needs.
2. Get out there in a big way. When I look around at you all and think about how you’ve come into my life, it was through following this advice. Here are some of the ways we’ve met:
- Go to networking meetings (EWN, WBDC, FNEW, etc.)
- Join BNI.
- Join Toastmasters.
- Start a blog or newsletter.
- Call 20 people in your Rolodex and ask them what their goals are for 2009.
- Make a commitment to one person here tonight for an action this week and follow up.
3. Stay positive!
- Make a date with someone you meet tonight and arrange coffee, tea or lunch.
- Throw a party! Collaborate with women you’ve met and send out the invitations. Make it pot luck. It doesn’t have to be expensive. We need to see and hear each other. Invite me!
Extra Credit assignment: Do all of the above.
10 comments
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January 19, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Lucy
Such inspiration! Thanks for these wonderful motivational tips. Lucy
January 19, 2009 at 5:29 pm
janepollak
Which will you do, Lucy?!
January 19, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Lucy
Number 1 is on my list, definitely…there’s always room for improvement. Thanks.
January 20, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Diane
I think throwing a party is first on my list! I’m thinking February. Will follow up with you when I pick a date!
January 20, 2009 at 2:28 pm
janepollak
Do what I did. Pick a date, send out the invitations, then figure out what you want it to be. Everyone is going to come, so all that’s left is deciding what it will look like.
January 20, 2009 at 8:44 pm
kelleytaylor
You’re the best, Jane. Thanks so much for posting the tips and better yet, the wisdom you share.
Kelley
January 26, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Carrie Wittenstein
Jane, this was the perfect follow-up to our coaching call this morning. YES! I need to connect and be around other inspiring people – including you! That’s why we’re meeting on Wednesday to do a “Mind Map” and again in March at your “Get Real” workshop. I also have Toastmasters tonight, lunch with a colleague on Wednesday and a meeting over tea in February! It feels great to plug these things into my calendar. I look forward to each of them and know that even if I’m not busy (right now), I’m doing all the right things to keep the wheels moving forward! Thanks, as always, for your inspiring reminders!
January 26, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Michele
Jane, You continue to be such an inspiration! When we spoke last year, I was re-vsioning my consulting practice. I set a goal for the number of clients that I would work with and a goal for the revenue that I would reach. I exceeded my client goal, but missed my revenue goal. Your 3 tips for 2009 are excellent. I’ve already incorporated many of them into growing my business plan for this year. They’re amazingly on target. I know they are going to make the difference. Thank you!
January 26, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Dara
My daughter and I are starting a business which requires developing and sourcing new products. One of our products is a new game which will carry our brand. The whole purpose is to get people together, provide a way to connect—just as you mentioned. We invited 7 other women to join us tonight to demo the game.
It’s important that we all step outside what’s comfortable and stretch, including asking people to help us when needed. Wish us luck with tonight’s game!
January 27, 2009 at 9:20 am
janepollak
@ Carrie
You truly embraced the message and are now a messenger as well. I know it works if you work it, because it’s how I’ve been living my life for many years now. Thanks for being a fellow evangelist for connection.
@Michele
Thank you! I love hearing how women have succeeded implementing these ideas. I appreciate your sharing your success.
@Dara
I want to come play! Sounds like the next Trivial Pursuit…