Are you a Seminar-aholic?

Hi, my name is Jacqueline Hadden, and I’m a recovering seminar-aholic! In the past seven years, I have attended, and invested tens of thousands of dollars in hundreds of seminars, events and workshops. This doesn’t include all of the products that I have purchased that are still sitting shrink-wrapped in my shrine of the things I say “I’m going to” get to. A revealing truth that I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, but am sharing with you in hopes that you may break your chain…if you’re linked.

Sound familiar?
How many events do we really need to attend? How many products do we really need to buy? I would love to share five tips that will save you thousands of hours, dollars, and get you to where you want to go faster than ever.

1. Due Diligence: First, know who you’re following. Do your research and make sure that the messenger has the message that you need. More importantly, make sure that the leader is credible, and will give you exactly the experience you desire. Be aware of what is being emphasized on stage. If you are learning how to build a house from someone who is a skilled writer…have your caution cap on. Just because this leader may have taken a few classes on architecture or own a house doesn’t mean they can teach you how to build one…they are a writer for goodness sake!

2. Investing time and money: If you are needing insight into a specific area, target events that support your vision. Don’t make a decision on the number of events you want to attend per year, but how much you want to invest in the right events. You will then want narrow which events you will attend down to only the events that will feed your mission. This will enable you to spend less time event hopping, and more time growing personally, with your client base, and of course monetarily.

3. Curb your Impulse: Do you really need it? If you click on a link and up pops what seems to be the most amazing product ever…just breathe. Do your homework before you impulse buy. Find out if anyone you know has benefited from it. Get into research mode and be aware of what you are investing in. If it’s a product from someone you know and trust, just make sure that you’re buying it because you know that it is something that you REALLY need. Most importantly, remember- if it does not add value, it’s not worth the investment. Rule to live by…seek to implement, not to gather more information

4. Network deeply and wisely: When you plan out your annual event calendar, be mindful of who will be attending these events. Target events both for what you need to build your business mindfully, and socially. Approach as many people as you can, but have meaningful conversations with each of them. Not every person you meet is going to be your ideal client. As you ask them the right questions, you will soon figure out who to spend time getting to know better, and who to have short and sweet conversations with. When you begin a conversation with the RIGHT potential client, lead the conversations exactly where you want it to go. Crucial piece…LISTEN to what he or she says, paraphrase key points back to this potential client and make them feel heard. Use his or her name at least twice, and show genuine interest in what he or she does. The main objective is to establish a relationship. When people feel like they know you and can trust you, chances are…if you have what they need, they will also desire to work with you.

5. One week rule: The biggest mistake most entrepreneurs make after having a strong bonded connection is NOT following up within one week of the initial contact at an event. You have got to follow up and follow through by offering a complementary strategy session within that one week window…the sooner, the better! As they say…”strike while the iron is still hot”… a brand will not stick if the iron is cold.

Follow these five tips, and you will save yourself time, money, will become a much better networker, and can easily improve your client base. If you wish to go deeper into all or any of these five elements, please feel free to contact me for a complimentary strategy session. Jacqueline@jacquelinehadden.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jacqueline Hadden is devoted to helping you master your network connections, passionately engage your business relationships, gain cohesion with teams, and increase your bottom line. To learn how to create change, and increase revenue now, visit Jacqueline online at http://www.jacquelinehadden.com.