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.

Is My Dad Going to Die? Facing Death and Reality

Shift your mind drift

Several days ago, my dad went in for shoulder surgery.  The supposed” two hour” surgery turned into a very intense eight hour procedure.  They kept him overnight, then sent him home the very next day.  Less than 24 hours of returning home, he spiked a fever of 102, and was becoming delirious.  He was re- admitted and diagnosed with pneumonia and a severe bladder infection.

My stepmother called me shortly after he had gotten there and told me that she was calling the priest.  My feeling of helplessness began to crank out tears that made the recent Southern California rains look tame.  Entertaining the thought of losing my dad was not an option…but was a thought.  I closed my eyes and thought of what my mentor would say to me…“Just Believe!” Giving in to this destructive mindset was not an option, so I instead went on Facebook and posted a request for prayer and spiritual Mojo…yes, I do believe in the power in numbers!

Reality is what you make it!

Why do we do this?  How can we be in such an utter state of what seems like despair and give ourselves the “one two” slap to snap out of it?  That would be called “Making a Decision”.  My mentors have been in alignment with this powerful message in my life. ..”Your reality is what we make it”.  In this situation, I can choose to either give up by giving in, or look at my very alive Dad & set the intention that he will be just fine!

“Everything is perfect and exactly as it should be” Kevin Nations

I can choose to create my own reality.  I am making a decision to instead of fall apart, pull myself together.  I am choosing to believe and fuel the positive energy that can feed both of our souls instead of send any acknowledgment into the Universe that there is any dire circumstance.  I have also made the decision to prepare myself for the outcome I don’t want, but feed the energy of the outcome I desire.

It’s your story…you decide how it plays out!

What is your story and where is the “helplessness” showing up in your life?  Chances are pretty great that the decisions you’re making right now are the exact reasons you are where you are…or are not.  You can be the change in your own life…but first, you’ve got to decide that you want to.

“You can change your story anytime you like. Just start a new chapter and begin again. It’s your story” ~Dorothy Mendoza Row

The Hokey Pokey?

Life may not be all about the “Hokey Pokey”, but…it can be exactly what you decide you want it to be.  Even though I started to, I decided NOT to put my left foot in… but instead jumped in with both feet!   What are you going to decide to do?  You are either in, or out…your answer is either yes, or no.  It really doesn’t matter what you decide to do, but that you make a decision and do something.

“You can’t get to where you’re going with one foot out the back door” ~David Neagle~

I welcome your comments and would love for you to authentically ignite some fire to this post.