Mastermind Groups Create Sanity Net for Entrepreneurs
August 28, 2008 by Mary Ellen · 1 Comment
“It’s just not a good climate for an entrepreneur. Maybe after the election things will change.”
I listened in amazement thinking, “Shall I just stick my head in the sand in the meantime?”
Navigating the chaos requires a consistent focus and positive mindset. I’m not suggesting a Pollyanna-ish approach where you look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Define the type of support that works for you and create it for yourself. For example, In 2002 I answered an advertisement for a group coaching call. Although only one other participant showed up, the group’s founder and leader, Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee chose to keep the program. Our weekly calls evolved to a monthly mastermind meeting that continues today.
Napoleon Hill, in his classic book “Think and Grow Rich” defines mastermind groups:
Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for attainment of a definite purpose.
Hill talks about the economic advantages of surrounding one’s self with good advisors, and then alludes to the more significant synergistic result of a mastermind group:
No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind.
Karen Van Cleve, Rachelle and I can point to significant accomplishments as a result of the time we’ve spent together. We’ve each defined and achieved specific goals in our business and personal lives. Just recently, Karen was instrumental in getting a speaking engagement for me; Rachelle helped me win a book contract. From online achievement – Rachelle has one of the oldest and most successful personal motivation newsletters on the internet – to coaching prowess – Karen balances a multitude of clients from the Tony Robbins organization with her own – our trio has found a way to weave our achievements into a source of inspiration and learning for each other.
Our calls continue to be a sanity check. Because we’re not in the same social or business circles, we can provide unbiased viewpoints and suggestions. None of us are timid about reading, thinking and implementing ideas; sharing our experiences and helping each other move to a new level has been invaluable. We’ve investigated exercise, nutrition (two of three of us now live a vegan lifestyle), positive thought and more.
Any number of forums exists for organizing a mastermind group; one of the resources to investigate is a mastermind group resources blog. Numerous books and articles exist as well, from how-to to evaluation and all topics in between.
The real payoff comes from what you do with your mastermind effort. Challenge yourself. Yes, the encouragement is terrific; the support and unconditional acceptance is awesome. The occasional kick-in-the pants from someone I respect has also done me well. My point is, make your mastermind work for you. The “it’s not a good climate” comment may have come from someone in a mastermind. It just didn’t happen to be mine.
Chicos capitalizes on customer loyalty
August 25, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
Most Baby Boomer women identify with (or at least know of) Chicos, a women’s clothing retailer known for colorful clothing and great patterns. I frequently cite Chicos as an example of customer loyalty. The ongoing passport program from Chicos offers five percent savings to customers once they exceed $500. While the Chicos card is important, the beauty of the discount comes from the computer because store clerks always volunteer to look you up. Additional coupons arrive in mailed catalogs and special surprises such as Birthday discounts add to offers.
As the Olympics come to an end, I’m amused to read more and more about “Mom of the Olympics” 57-year-old Debbie Phelps, Mother of eight gold medals winner, Michael Phelps.
“She completely articulates who we are as a brand,” says Chicos President
Michele Cloutier.
Chicos prominently displays “The Debbie Phelps collection” on its website and goes on to say:
“You can spot a Chicos woman anywhere and you’ve seen this one in the stands at
Bejing. Here’s what a certain champion swimmer’s Mom has packed for her son’s
unprecedented gold medal run…”The story made national news (and continues to play well). In Friday’s USA Today, Dan Mintz, founder of China-based ad agency DMG:
“Phelps is a phenomenon, and his mom, Debbie, is a pillar of strength.
(She’s) the hero behind the hero, and now the star behind the star. That’s a
powerful combination for brands to associate with.”
The Debbie Phelps story illustrates power of brand identification. Even though Chicos had no formal endorsement program in place, the chain has earned untold amounts from association with Phelps and his Mom. What’s more interesting to me is the bounce the stores get from women watching the games. Chicos President:
“Customer have been coming in and asking for what she’s wearing. They’re saying,
‘I want that jacket,’ and they can describe it perfectly.”
Comments such as this illustrate the power of social media in action. Debbie Phelps, visible because of her son, created a flurry beyond expectation as women noticed what she was wearing. Not all brands can capitalize on such moments. Chicos, positioned for opportunity, can only hope that a forthcoming official partnership boosts sagging sales.
Meanwhile, the ongoing visibility underscores the importance of customer loyalty. Debbie Phelps chose Chicos because it was already “her store.”
Question for entrepreneurs: how can you use endorsements to advantage in your business?
Customer Service Opportunities Happen Daily
August 23, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
In the space of an hour (6:00 – 7:00pm Wednesday) I walked into ten different hotel lobbies within three miles last week. I was inquiring about hotel rooms during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and I was in near-proximity to Fiesta field. An amazing thing happened: instant customer service analysis.
My perspective was colored by the appearance of the lobby and the person behind the desk but the personal interactions were priceless. If ever I might be drawn to the mystery shopper career, this little exercise dissuaded me.
At Quality Suites, San Antonio, the desk clerk said, “I’ll be with you shortly” without making eye contact. He continued to help the customer on the phone, rocking incessantly in his office chair, chewing gum and asking specific reservation-type questions. The conversation drug on and on; at six minutes, with no further interaction or acknowledgement, I left.
Across the street at San Antonio Homewood Suites, a middle aged woman explained to me that she could accommodate one of the three days about which I inquired. There was no apology or recommendation for the other days.
At the Clarion, I expressed surprise at the non-smoking suite price of $189. The desk clerk was nice but he laughed at my naiveté. “It’s a big weekend,” he said gently.
As I got more involved with my analysis, I checked with every facility on the east side of the freeway. The Pan American Motel 6 clerk told me I’d have to add $2.99/day for internet. When I asked for the total with internet included in the room rate, he said “Just add it up.” Around the corner from that experience, I interrupted dinner in the lobby to get an answer from the Alameda Comfort Inn desk clerk.
A final stop at the Staybridge Suites produced a real surprise. One of the youngest clerks was most helpful, answering all my questions courteously and offering to have me inspect the room. He assured me the dates in question were there and my friends could be accommodated. Unfortunately, my friend called later that evening to make the reservation and no rooms were available.
Even though I had no interest in staying in these properties myself, the quest took on an interesting aspect as it proceeded. I’d suggest that every facility organize such a mystery shopping trip for its own benefit. What I learned:
- The competitive aspect of the business (so many hotels within the area) made me think that service could have a significant impact on revenues
- Clerks without uniforms generally created a less professional impression as did those who slouched, chewed gum, or failed to meet my eyes
- Obvious disregard for my interest/inquiry happened in three of the ten stops
- Two of the ten clerks were outstanding; because of their presentation, I’d recommend those properties to others, given the opportunity
If you had the chance to audit your front desk, how would it rate?
The Magic of Questions
August 18, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
“One of the greatest lessons you’ll ever learn is how to ask for what you want. Canfield and Hansen show you how.” –John Gray, author of Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.
The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen addresses questions with inspirational stories, quotes and page after page of common sense. The book offers simple tidbits such as “Asking improves your chances of receiving by 200%.”
Questions set the stage for everything. As you begin to question, you move from bystander to participant. Questions probe problems and uncover needs.
- What are you doing in this area?
- How is that working for you?
- Where do you expect to be in 18 months?
- How will that be different from where you are today?
Questions direct and control.
- I think we’ve made a lot of progress; how would you like to proceed now?
Questions require participation.
- On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being weakest and 10 being strongest, how would you rate the quality of this blog? What would it take to make it a 10?
Because questions seem so natural, they’re seldom regarded as important. Yet the most skillful of conversationalists, salespeople, consultants and marketers use questions on an ongoing basis. Developing and discussing the interests of others takes questions. The tiniest sprinkling of curiosity opens the door to other opportunities such as long conversations or events full of meaningful interactions. Gauging customer reactions involves questions. If you work on your business, you must examine it with questions in order to make progress.
What kind of questions move you forward? What speaks to your soul and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone? The questions peppered throughout The Aladdin Factor force one to think. “Am I willing to do whatever it takes to get what I want?”
How can you more effectively use questions in your business and your life? When will you begin?
Next step?
August 15, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
Seven hundred thirteen files make up the folder called “Reading.” If something looks interesting I toss it there. Once per quarter I delete everything that hasn’t come to the top. It’s my system.
I clean my inbox weekly. Most of the time, the reading I’d like to do takes second place to client projects, current board items and books. Copyblogger nearly always makes the cut because it offers compelling content concerning writing for the internet.
Today’s post “The 3 Secrets to Massive Online Marketing Success,” could be required reading for any entrepreneur. Just three points, explained succinctly, applied to any effort:
- Take action
- Have a plan
- Your secret sauce is you
Enough said. Read the post. What’s your next step?
Got Stuff to do? Get doing. Dump Meetingitus.
August 14, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
In her post, “I need people who do things” Mary Schmidt touches on the fine line of inspiration versus perspiration and the disease I call analysis paralysis. My playbook says combat overwhelm with action.
I recommend the rule of three. What three things need to come out of this meeting? Then, stay relentlessly on task. If it’s a committee, coordinate schedules and task assignments. Move everything through to task assignment. Who’s responsible for this item?
Automatic. Effective. Quick. These are adjectives (note the power of three) to describe any meeting, any marketing opportunity, and any assignment.
Do you make it easy for those words to exist in your world? I sat in a meeting where every single idea was disputed. The multiple publicity tactics (postcard mailing, email blast and website posting) were discussed, assigned and tossed aside because one voice pointed consistently to the problems. One person made it clear that none of the others had the capacity to produce a solution and he was far too busy to do it all.
This syndrome destroys creativity and challenges productivity; it causes people to say, “What’s the point?” Meanwhile, the naysayer is frequently unaware of their poisonous verbiage. How do you combat this kind of negativity in your world? Or, do you?
Ineffective meetings go on all the time. Even an on-time, productive meeting can fall short: a participant emailed a list of five ideas (good ones) that she thought of during another recent meeting, but didn’t bring up due to time constraints.
My solution is, get doing. Put forth your rule of three and meet. What ideas do you have to overcome meetingitus?
Celebrate! Celebrate Your Birthday! Celebrate Life!
August 11, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
My very special friend Jane Bradley, a painter, jewelry maker and artist extraordinaire, can turn any occasion into a creative event. Today I experienced a fun and unusual birthday spa day fashioned by Jane.
We are all one year older and a communal birthday party is in order,” the invitation said.
“As this is a birthday party for all of us, I am asking each one to bring a small gift of under $15. Please bring the gift wrapped and enclose your name, phone number and email. When you arrive you may place the gift in a basket by the front gate and when you leave, you may select a gift from the basket. After opening the gift, please call the “giver” and enjoy another opportunity to visit with a new or old friend.”
From teenagers to retirees, business owners to office workers, activists and authors to executive directors and consultants, women joined the fun. They gathered on the steps, inside and out. The sat and chatted on one of Jane’s three patios, comparing notes, catching up, and telling stories.
I saw dozens of girlfriends and met many that I’d not seen before as we walked around a table filled with food or took our turn for chair massage, tarot card readings, wig sampling, psychics, eye make-overs by Channel, and more.
Jane’s spa day celebrated another year of abundant life. She shared with us that she makes an annual birthday contribution – in memory of her late son Marc – to the Good Shepard Center. This contribution helps to feed homeless men with mental or physical challenges.
What a great concept! How perfect to celebrate the many blessings and opportunities we each have. It is an abundant life. I salute Jane, for the idea, the effort to put it into action and for a fabulous time. Sunday August 10 is now marked as one of my favorite Sundays ever.
How do you define crazy?
August 9, 2008 by Mary Ellen · 2 Comments
Oh, you probably don’t experience it yourself. Maybe you just see it in others. Think. Do you encounter the crazies?
- A web designer hasn’t updated his site in four years
- You hear a good idea, take notes and put them on top the TV
- A service provider covets “The Four Hour Work Week” for herself (without the time to complete the book)
- Your book club doesn’t even pretend to read anymore although you still meet
- A business owner hires a consultant and then won’t take time to meet
- You cancel appointments at the last minute in order to grab time to finish proposals
- A ‘networking’ opportunity includes all the same people
- You figure seeing and being seen is better than nothing
- An entrepreneurs postpones an appointment for that afternoon
- You move a potential vendor out three weeks because you really don’t want to deal with that now
- A completed project has been three weeks waiting approval
- You tell yourself “If it’s important, they’ll send another message.”
Think about it. The definition of crazy: doing the same thing you’ve always done and expecting different results. How crazy is that?
Sound familiar?
Women Make a Difference Friday Networking Event Offers Albuquerque Entrepreneurs a Sanity Check
August 3, 2008 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
Is yours one of 50,000+ news releases begging for coverage?
Albuquerque, like many cities now has only one daily newspaper to its name after the loss of The Tribune earlier this year. A variety of weeklies and a few monthlies offer information to a declining list of readers. In addition to the printed word, radio and television stations abound although the list of news providers is fairly short. What happened to traditional press?
In a web 2.0 world, the definition of press has expanded considerably to include bloggers, podcasts, news aggregators and dozens of other new media purveyors. For the traditional reporter, life is faster and more cluttered. Research almost invariably begins on the web and therefore, the online media room is a natural solution.
Spamming traditional media sources with your press release – sending it to them unsolicited and in a non-personalized manner is absolutely verboten. HubSpot, an inbound marketing company, offers research showng more than 50,000 press releases monthly. In an effort to increase news release effectiveness, HubSpot built a press release grader that rates your release and offers tips to increase its effectiveness.
If it’s time you looked at leveraging blogs, social media and your own news to help your company get found online, then you’ll be interested in “Let the Buzz Begin,” my presentation about online media rooms.
Women Make a Difference is a monthly luncheon that lets women connect without requiring organizational membership. Make a reservation and get started on your own action plan for publicity now.
