Cash In on Your Feminine Strengths
by Linda Hollander, The Wealthy Bag Lady

You were born with the ability to make your dreams into reality. Being a woman is your base of power, not your weakness. Women entrepreneurs are the fastest growing segment of the economy. We are starting businesses at twice the rate of men and claiming our true economic power. It's not because we've been held back for so long. It's because we're good at it. Here are some ways to cash in on your feminine strengths.

1. Nurture Your Clients
Women are all about connections and relationships. From the time of birth, women are relationship-oriented. In business, this translates to nurturing clients, listening to their problems and providing great customer service.

In sales, women are able to focus on helping others rather than pushing products. They ask poignant questions, learn their customer's needs, and offer extraordinary solutions.

2. Develop Your Intuition
Some of the most talented business people can read profit and loss statements, but neglect to pay attention to their intuition. Use that famous female sixth sense. If you get a bad feeling about the character of a prospective customer or business associate, heed your body's warning instead of ignoring it. Your first impression is usually right. Listen to your inner voice.

You may need to make quiet time to develop your intuition. Have the courage to cut out the "monkey chatter," the 1,500 words going through your head every minute. If your mind is constantly processing obligations and deadlines, your creativity and intuition won't be able to surface. Quiet time allows you to listen to your own inner voice and move forward with the wisdom it communicates.

3. Seek Out Mentors
Finding a mentor is the fast-track to success. It allows you to tap into the skills and knowledge of visionaries at a higher level. Many successful businesspeople have had mentors who believed in them and pushed them to excel. Without their mentors, they believe they'd be flipping burgers in a fast food joint.

Mentors come in many forms. Some women are lucky enough to find mentors within their own families. For Patti Regan of the Regan Group, a full service marketing firm, it was her father who told her she could do anything, and helped her build her business by strategizing on how she could get clients. Over the years, he offered Patti great advice, inspiration, insight, and breakthroughs.

Many successful entrepreneurs have found their mentors high in the echelons of business. Doug Mellinger, CEO of PRT Group, a global software engineering services company, called the "number one guy at Merrill Lynch". Mellinger simply asked the man at Merrill Lynch to be his mentor, requesting that they meet every six to eight weeks so he could ask for advice and get feedback. The man was flattered by the request, and impressed by Mellinger's persistence. He said "Sure!" Today, PRT has approximately nine hundred employees and eleven locations worldwide.

4. Form Success Teams
A success team is a group of people who gather at regular intervals to help each other achieve their goals. The group intelligence activates imagination and creative energy. Being with successful people who believe in you and who are actively working on behalf of your success instills tremendous confidence. The members of your success team balance out your strengths, weaknesses, experience, and expertise, and widen your horizons.

The benefits of success teams are myriad. You will tap into the resources, skills, and knowledge of the other members. The group intelligence will help you accelerate your goal attainment, giving you a fresh perspective on projects that you are extremely close to. You'll be amazed by the degree to which a synergy of your success team works to inspire tremendous brainstorming.

5. Practice Lifetime Learning
There's a reason that women are more likely to ask for directions than men. We're willing to learn. We're also willing to change. We seek out ways to better our lives and the lives of the people we care about. Sometimes change can be frightening, but if you're looking for a sure route to personal growth, the best kick-butt self improvement course you can ever sign up for is your own business.

School is never out for the pros. Don't ever become complacent and think that you know it all. You've got to invest in yourself. Develop the mindset of a wide-eyed child always eager to learn new things. Each day brings you new problems to solve, new challenges, new things to learn. Finding mentors, attending seminars, reading books, and forming success teams are all a part of the course.

For women, success is the ability live your passionate life and do it bravely. To be fulfilled creatively, financially and emotionally, cash in on the feminine.

About the Author
Linda Hollander, the Wealthy Bag Lady, is a 20-year entrepreneur and author of the #1 best-seller, Bags to Riches: 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business. She teaches entrepreneurial women about small business success and is the founder of the Women's Small Business Expo which will take place in April 2006 in Los Angeles, California.

FREE REPORT: Top 7 Business Blunders and How to Avoid Them, go to www.WomensSmallBusinessExpo.com. FREE QUIZ: Are You a Natural Entrepreneur? go to www.WealthyBagLady.com Call 866-Women-Biz (866-966-3624)

Twisted Thinking
By Wendy Weiss

One of my new favorite books to recommend to coaching clients is "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David D. Burns, M.D. This is a book about depression. The subtitle reads: "Overcome depression, conquer anxiety, enjoy greater intimacy."

So why am I recommending a book about depression to my clients? This book is about a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy. The word "cognition" means "thought" and this book is a common sense look at changing the way people think and thus changing their behavior.

In "The Feeling Good Handbook" Dr. Burns lists "The Ten Forms of Twisted Thinking" that occur when people are depressed. These ten forms also exist when people are not depressed and they exist within many, many sales professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners. If you use any of these twisted forms (and most of us do in one way or another) it will negatively impact your sales. I am listing all 10 so that you can judge for yourself. The following list of "Twisted Thinking" is paraphrased from "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David D. Burns, M.D.

1. All-or-nothing thinking

Everything is black or white. If a situation falls short of perfect, then it's a total failure. An example of all-or-nothing thinking is dieters who have one cookie and then proceed to eat the entire bag since they've already blown their diet. Another example would be sales people who because they do not have the time to make 100 calls in a day make no
calls.

2. Overgeneralization

Seeing a single negative event as a never-ending pattern of defeat. People who overgeneralize use words such as "always" or "never." "Cold calling never works for me." "Prospects always reject me."

3. Mental filter

Picking out a single negative detail and dwelling on it to the exclusion of everything else. An example: You receive many compliments from your associates about your presentation. If, however, you receive even one mildly critical comment you obsess about it and forget about all of the positive comments.

4. Discounting the positive

You reject positive experiences by insisting they "don't count." If you do a good job, you may tell yourself that it wasn't good enough or that anyone could have done as well.

5. Jumping to conclusions

You interpret things negatively when there are no facts to support your conclusion. There are two categories here:

**Mind reading: You arbitrarily conclude that someone is reacting negatively to you with no evidence to back that up. You arbitrarily conclude that a prospect does not want to speak with you with no evidence to back that up.

**Fortune telling: You predict that things will turn out badly. Before a prospecting call you tell yourself, "They're not interested." "I'm bothering them." "They'll probably say no."

6. Magnification

You exaggerate the importance of your (or your company or product or service) problems and shortcomings. You also minimize the importance of your (or your company or product or service) desirable qualities.

7. Emotional reasoning

You assume that your negative emotions necessarily reflect the way things really are. "I am uncomfortable making cold calls" therefore "People do not like cold calls" therefore "Cold calling does not work."

8. "Should" statements

You tell yourself that things should be the way you hoped or wanted them to be. "I should have made that sale." "Musts," "ought's" and "have to's" are similar offenders. Should statements that are directed against yourself lead to guilt and frustration. Should statements that are directed against other people also lead to anger and frustration. "My prospect should call me back."

9. Labeling

Labeling is an extreme form of all-or-nothing thinking. You attach a negative label to yourself or to others. Example: You make a mistake and then say to yourself, "I'm a loser."

Labeling is quite irrational because you are not the same as what you do. These labels lead to anger, anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem.

You may also label others. When a prospect does not respond as you had hoped you may tell yourself, "He's a jerk." Then you feel that the problem is with that person's character instead of with their thinking or behavior. This makes you feel hostile and leaves little room for constructive communication.

10. Personalization and blame

You hold yourself personally responsible for an event that isn't entirely under your control. An appointment with a new prospect is cancelled because that prospect has left the company. You think, "If only I was better at prospecting, this wouldn't happen."

Some people do the opposite. They blame other people or their circumstances for their problems and they overlook ways that they might be contributing to the problem. Blame doesn't usually work very well.

About the Author
Wendy Weiss, "The Queen of Cold Calling," is a sales trainer, author and sales coach. Her recently released program, "Cold Calling College," and/or her book, "Cold Calling for Women," can be ordered by visiting http://www.queenofcoldcalling.com. Contact her at wendy@wendyweiss.com. Get Wendy's free e-zine at http://www.queenofcoldcalling.com.

© 2006 Wendy Weiss

Should I lead with the business
or the product?
By Kim Klaver

That's a popular question.

Some people insist you lead with the business (and they tell you to offer the product as a last resort only if the prospect says No to the business); others say they'd rather lead with the product.

However, there is NO best way for all. Just like there's no product for everyone.

Here are five questions to help you decide what YOU should do.

Remember, you're the one leading, so choose what suits YOU. And no, it might not be the same way your upline tells you to lead. But the two of you might not have the same taste in music either, and that doesn't bother anyone, does it?

The questions:

1. What really excites you more: The product or the business?

2. What do you identify with more: the product or the business?

3. What do you believe you can do better - talk about the product (and your experience with it) or the business?

4. Where do you have more credibility and believability? With your product experience or your business (this or previous business) experience?

5. What is your tolerance for rejection? It's 10-50 times more if you lead with the business than the product.

There is no best way. There is only the what works best for you way at this time. So follow your inner voice. Once you have given that an honest try, you can always experiment with another approach.

After all, isn't the entire thing an experiment? We don't know the outcome for sure, do we? So start with as many advantages as you can: Know yourself, act on that information. Then you will have given yourself the best chance possible.

About the Author
Kim Klaver is Harvard & Stanford educated. Her 20 years experience in network marketing have resulted in a popular blog, KimKlaverBlogs.com, a podcast, YourGreatThing.com and a giant resource site, BananaMarketing.com which features hundreds of stories, tips, books and CD programs for those who want to learn the art of network marketing.

Ten Ways You Can
Support Your Downline
By Audrey Okaneko

Very often in direct sales, folks will ask “how can I help my downline?” Here are ten suggestions of ways to support your downline:

1. Prepare a series of emails that you’ll send to the new person, either one per day, or one per week, depending on how much material you cover. These emails can contain any combination of the information below, or they can contain information on how to host your first party or how to get your first customer.

2. Send a list of phone numbers. Include your phone number, your uplines phone number and the phone numbers to the various departments at your company.

3. Send a list of links to the company, where to order, where to view downline information, where to view personal monthly sales, and where to read about the compensation plan.

4. In addition to all of the prepared emails and prepared literature, either call or email your new recruit at least once a week for the first month.

5. Most companies offer many support materials. Send a list of what is available and what each of the products are.

6. Create a Yahoo Group, or a team website with message boards where you can communicate with your group on a regular basis. This website or group will be available to not only those you sponsor, but also the folks they in turn sponsor. This creates an overall strong group connection with everyone learning and sharing together.

7. Make sure you establish a relationship with the downline of your first level recruits. You never know when your first level person might quit, or might become inactive and you don’t want to lose their downline as well. Establishing a relationship with those in your 2nd level, 3rd level etc, helps to ensure everyone’s overall success.

8. Offer incentives to your entire group. One time offer a prize to the top seller. Another time offer a prize to the person who sponsors the most during the contest time. I know some folks who have offered prizes like a fax machine. Other prizes might be sample products, or full size demo products. You might offer a business book, or any other tools that will help your downline increase and build their business. Incentives can be a month long or even a quarter long. I know a few times, I’ve received plaques and awards for year long overall sales or sponsoring.

9. Either through a newsletter or through your team website or Yahoo Group, offer articles relevant to your company or product line. Invest the time to find articles that will be beneficial to your team members.

10. Recognize birthdays. Everyone loves to be told “Happy Birthday”. Make a point of sending a card or small gift to your downline on their birthday. Small gifts would be more appropriate for top achievers, while cards are more appropriate for the rest of your group.

By following these suggestions, you’ll contribute to building a strong, solid team.

About the Author
Audrey Okaneko has worked from home since 1983. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited at www.scrapping-made-simple.com

Blogging to Increase
Home Business Profits
By Sherry Frewerd

Blogging has taken off. Everywhere you look there’s a new blog on one subject or another. How can you, as a home business owner, incorporate a blog into your business method to increase your overall profits? Blogs have many applications and there are a number of ways that they can help you either advertise your business, a current promotion or idea. Here are few ideas for using a blog in your business:

Content Management - By using blog software, you can efficiently mange the content of your website. Good content management system software allows you to add multiple authors, multiple blogs and static pages to your website. It enhances readability and as a result generates traffic to your website.

Organizational Updates - Blog software gives you the option to sort blog entries chronologically. The latest entry is given first place for better readability. You can also post to your business blogs via email.

Develops Effective Customer Relations - A blog increases credibility and boosts customer relations of an organization. A well-written blog entices the curiosity of a visitor and increases business. Readers can ask questions and clarify any doubts through the same blog.

Boost Product Sales - A blog describing your products attracts customers to your website. Simultaneously, it keeps customers informed on the latest developments about the products or services of your company/business.

For your Target Market – Blogs aimed at a target audience or market will help establish your credibility in that particular area, bringing more traffic and sales your way.

Blogs on Technical Subjects - Blogs filled with relevant and detailed technical information on various issues are invariably used by service professionals. These blogs enhance their knowledge and credibility about the subject, problem solving issues and much more.

Tool for Internal Communication - A blog can play a key role in effective communication within your business. Working especially well in direct sales or network marketing businesses where teams of individuals communicate with one another regularly. It displays all the latest events and the future programs of an organization.

Quite obviously, blogs, when used for more than a personal journal can help your home business immensely. Another tool for you to utilize to increase your business and profits, blogging is something that every home business owner should try.

About the Author
Sherry Frewerd publishes ‘Website Building Mom’ websitebuildingmom.com where you can find free information, reports and ebooks created to help you build a professional, money-making website.

Networking for Women Entrepreneurs: Connecting is the Key To Magical Networking
By Jill Lublin

Something strange happens to many women when they approach networking opportunities. They suddenly forget how to connect, simply going through the motions of shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Networking becomes a chore -- part of a business plan that is carried out with apprehension and some degree of loathing. It doesn’t have to be this way. Networking magic happens through your connections - and your connections can create the fulfilling life you’re looking for.

Your First Step: Start With Your Heart

Real connections come from true, heart-felt, and honest interactions. Shed your business persona and be yourself. If you have a line drawn between your personal and business connections, then erase that line. Start connecting with others as if each person might end up as your best friend. It’s a simple formula for connecting from your heart with other entrepreneurs: Be yourself, and you’ll naturally attract like-minded, quality people. People you meet are more likely to introduce you to their friends and associates if they like you.

Honesty, curiosity, and vulnerability are keys to success. Intimate connections are the foundation upon which we build satisfied lives and the best connections are heart-centered connections. Don’t think for a minute that success in business requires a stoic business persona. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Maintain an attitude of service

Great connections are the ultimate life and business builders and all great connections are based on a positive attitude of serving. Yes, it’s true that we can’t stay in business for long if we give everything away. But, there’s a fascinating paradox that I’ve discovered in my many years of networking and creating connections. The more I give, the more I get.

Approach each interaction with an eye toward providing service. Find out what your prospect needs, and if you can’t provide the answers, then steer her towards someone you know. You’re not giving your business away, but you are always thinking of ways you can be of service to others. A service-oriented attitude is perhaps the most magical networking tool available. You’ll be amazed at how swiftly and abundantly it comes back your way. Simply put - the more you give, the more you get.

It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you

Those with the largest database of business cards don’t necessarily win. Unless you’ve honestly connected with the most influential people in your database, having their names will do you little good. Put your energy toward creating close connections with those who can have the most positive influence in your life and don’t limit your search to business connections.

Think in terms of how you can help these people by connecting them with others you know, by providing a unique service, or simply by being a friend. Make yourself available and they’ll respond in kind when you’re in need. Ask yourself: Who are the most influential people in my industry? Who are the people with whom I’d most like to associate with? Then, start developing strategies to meet these people. It’s most important to connect with those who are most like how you want to be. And don’t for a moment believe that some people are out of your reach. Aim high and you’ll reach high.

Connecting isn’t a solo trip

Great networking isn’t about out-maneuvering your competition. The best networkers think in terms of collaboration, not competition, even with their fiercest competitors. How might two or three of you band together to provide products or services to more high-end, high-paying customers? How can you enlist the help of people around the globe in your R&D efforts?

Connecting by its very nature is collaborative. Instead of collecting business cards and sending out brochures, seek out people with whom you might collaborate and build strong connections. You might meet someone with a brilliant idea who’s looking for a partner with your expertise. Or, you might form a mastermind group to brainstorm innovative ways to improve your business while holding each other accountable for implementing these new ideas. Best of all, you’ll create new friendships that enrich your life.

About the Author

Jill Lublin is an internationally acclaimed speaker, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and best selling author of the books, Guerilla Publicity and Networking Magic. She is CEO of the strategic consulting firm Promosing Promotion and is working on her third book. Need her advice, contact her via phone at 415-883-5455, or email: info@promosingpromotion.com

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