More On Words

Give Credit Where It’s Due

The words we use can either empower or take away. The phrases we use do the same. Just like the ingredients in a recipe, sometimes the order changes the outcome. Even in mathematics, how you “evaluate the expression” makes a difference on the results. So, what are 5 phrases that give credit where credit is due?

Instead of “You’ll have to excuse my -”

• Stay AWAY from making EXCUSES…it’s like the phrases “to be honest” (meaning you were lying before you said that” or “to tell the truth” (meaning you were NOT telling the truth before that statement) . Change your “limiting beliefs” or rid yourself of your imagined short comings.

Instead of “I’m only just the ________”

• Use “I am the _______ “  Describe yourself positively and proudly.

Instead of “I got lucky”

• Use “I planned well and worked hard” (time for you to take credit where credit’s due)

Instead of “I hold her/him in high regard”

• Give people credit directly for the THINGS they do right.

Instead of “I’m getting too old”

• Use “I feel good!”  Stay away from eroding vitality by speaking negatively about aging.

Identify the words and phrases that undermine your success and rob others of their dignity.  Purge powerless words from your vocabulary.

Like attracts like….what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach

Hearing Is Worse

Hearing About A Problem Is Worse Than Experiencing It

It Is Likely To Stop Them From Doing Business With You Ever

The Customer Dissatisfaction Study conducted by the Verde Group and Baker Retailing Initiative at Wharton found that negative word-of-mouth influences future patronage up to five times more than the person who experiences the problem first- hand.

Other key findings include:

* 31% of consumers tell one or more friends about the problems they experience in a store.

* On average, consumers tell four other people about their negative shopping experience.

* Almost 50% of shoppers said they avoided a particular store in the past because of someone else’s negative experience.

Negative TALK does cost business!  Many times when we hear about “word of mouth” we think of “buzz” or “branding” or putting that “positive spin.”  However, are we trying to run before we can crawl?

Positive talk is great.  Negative talk has potentially more power to move your business and you life in the other direction.    Human nature finds that we are more likely to talk about our negative experiences and more likely to act (or react) to hearing about those experiences.   After all is is easier to NOT buy something than it is to buy it.

So, if we’re always spinning the positive, we could “overlook” the ten negative items that are driving business/people away. 

Sort out the problems first.  It will have a much bigger impact on your bottomline and make the good things you do, more effective.

Like attract like…what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc 

 

Mastermind Moment: The Guy Across The Street

“You Don’t Have To Be A Slave To The Way The Guy Across The Street Does It.”

-Kristi “ism”

There’s much to be said about “striking out on your own” and creating your own definition of “get ‘er done”! We’ve seen that so evident in West Texas. The pioneer spirit runs thick here!

Keep in mind as an entrepreneur you walk where many won’t go. In fact, only 20% of the people have the “dream power” and fortitude to pursue their dream. Are you a dream supporter or a dream stealer?

 

First, do you CARE if you’re a dream stealer?  And secondly, how do you know if you’re one?

 

One simple word resonates OFTEN from the mouth of a dream stealer.  SHOULD!  Here’s what you SHOULD do!  You SHOULD be making this happen…..  If you want to get this, you SHOULD do this!  A dream stealer “shoulds” on people left and right…which is just like shi……g on people.  Shoulding and sh…….g!  They are one in the same.  A dream stealer either is watching the other guy across the street; imitating the other guy (and glad to share with you how you SHOULD be a cheap imitation of them, too!); or they are “the other guy” and they are so SOLD on their way that they’ll should on everyone around.

 

Now, SHOULD can sometimes be “disguised” however, just like shi……g - it all smells the same and the effect is the same.  Sometimes, SHOULD is delivered in the “salesy” tone of “let me INVITE YOU to do this…..” or with the “predatory” feel, felt, found delivery.

 

Yes, I’m passionate about “shouding on people” because just like discriminating against someone or stealing their dream, I believe that “shoulding” steals from someone’s spirit and their soul.  Keep in mind, your CLOSEST FRIEND and family members, will more than likely be the first people to SHOULD on you.  Why?!  It’s human nature.  Do we not take for granted those who are closest to us?  Do we not have an EXPECTATION that they’ll understand our “not so sensitive” ways?  Poor Thomas Edison, if he had listened to the people who SHOULD on him, we would be all in the dark and frankly, you wouldn’t even be reading this blog!

 

Take a moment before that habitual, insensitive SHOULD creeps out of your mouth.  And think,  “if I say that, who will that serve.” (this person or ME…and my ego!) Is there a better way to say that, that honors the other person’s uniqueness?  Can I package it in a way that shows all my support and care with every breath?

 

If you CARE about whether you’re a dream stealer or not, take a moment - take a deep breath and envision what it would be like to say something caring and supportive to someone that’s important to you.  Make a gratitude list so that the attitude of gratitude and energy will seep out of every pore.

If you don’t care, keep on shoulding…because it’s all about YOU anyway…

 

Like attract like….What Are You Attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach

  

The Power of Words

6 Poison Words

As we prepare for the biggest networking event in the Basin, here’s a reminder that it takes only 7 to 15 seconds to make a great first impression. It then takes an additional 56 contact times to change that first impression. Along with image, comes the impact or words - words that you speak, on your card and even on your website.

Is your website a customer focused site? Because it is truly “all about them”. Check it out by using the following website to give you some feedback: www.futurenowinc.com

I’m sorry, folks, but most people really don’t want to know about you, their primary focus is ‘What’s in it for me?’ For your marketing materials, to “speak to your clients or prospects” they must address that question.
So, what are six poison words that we use often that become “obstacles” in our road to great connections?

HONESTLY - hmmmm….so what were you saying to me before you said that word?

TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH - so before you said that….you were lying??

JUST - It minimizes who you are, what your offering or even communicates if you think your prospect or client’s need is important. Put the word JUST in front of anything and you discount everything you say.

GREAT - Unless you say it with sincerity…it sounds fake. Watch your words…is everything, GREAT?

HELP - If you don’t have relationship with someone and you say you want to “help” them it instills doubt and suspicion.

SHOULD - Never, never, never “should” on anyone. You come across as condescending or superior.

A friend of mine uses, I would “invite you to” or “I would recommend” however, remember when you’re using “I” it’s all about you. And, EVERYONE is wondering “what’s in it for me?”

Like attract like….What Are You Attracting?

Coach Maria Elena, THE Champion of Connections

Attraction Marketing Coach, cpcc & Social Capital Strategist

Win At Word of Mouth

5 Things You Can Do To Win At Word Of Mouth

#1 Identify mavens, connectors and sales people.
Network like crazy! Find out who has the connections, who can make the connections and who are in sales (suprisingly enough…they can help you navigate through a company). These people “buy into” the importance of connections! However, be cautious of those “who think” they are “connected”.  Sometimes, they’re connections are giving them “negative word of mouth” and they haven’t a CLUE that’s happening.

#2  Give Them A Place To Meet

While there’s many people who like the “one on one” type meeting, that can be extremely time consuimg.  If you’re someone with “time on your hands”, then it is the best way to utilize that time.  However, if your time is limited, do you have a POSITIVE place to connect with many people?

#3 Offer Relevant And Desirable Information

People need information in order to spread the word.  In order to “evangalize” , they need to feel supported and engaged.

#4 Listen

Two ears, one mouth….there’s a reason for that ratio.  Need I say more?

#5 Jump In and Participate

Be willing to assist and engage.  Word of Mouth is a three step process, plan, strategize and engage!

Go for it!  Like Attracts Like - What Are You Attracting?

Coach Maria Elena, THE Champion of Connections

Attraction Marketing Coach, cpcc & Social Capital Strategist

Mastermind Moment: Your Network

“Your Network Determines Your Networth.”

-Donna “ism”

“Your Network Determines Your Networth.” WHO you know and WHO KNOWS YOU WELL are important in determining your net”worth”. It is from their testimonial that positive OR negative word of mouth will come from.

From their mouths, statements such as “doesn’t return phone calls” or “doesn’t return emails” to “is a great communicator” will all add to your social capital reserves or drain from them. How’s YOUR network?

I believe that the BIG CHALLENGE in developing your network is that you don’t think of it until there is a “valley in your marketing” or a “lull in cashflow”.  However, that’s the absolute WORST time to think of it because you cannot microwave relationships.  Relationships all take time.

Meet someone just for the sole purpose of pushing your agenda on them and they will “smell” that predatory energy a mile away!

Your NetWORK takes work and is your social capital “bank account” for testimonials and referrals if you work it well and nurture it always.  Ever have someone call you up that you haven’t heard from in ages and “want” something from you?  Does “feeling used” sum up how you feel when that happens?

Engage your network always in meaningful connections and GROW your network often….YOU NEVER know who some IS, who they INFLUENCE or who they will BECOME.

Here’s an event that will help you grow your network NOW… Business Expresso Registration LINK 
Wishing you Avalanches of Abundance this week….

Coach Maria Elena, THE Champion of Connections
Attraction Marketing Coach & Social Capital Strategist

Fire-Proof Your Career or Build Your Business

Networking WORKS If You Know How To Work It!

Is NETWORKING just for solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, small business owners, public relations people or marketing people? NO! NO! NO! Networking is for everyone - it is where you might find your future employer (or employee); a mentor that will help you “fast forward” your success; a mentee you could leave a legacy with; your next golf partner; the “in” with a company president that you need to meet. Whatever your “profession” networking works - it is more than “schmoozing” it is CONNECTING.

To attend an event that shortcuts your success in networking, click here!

Here are some key points to take action on in networking:

1. First, BELIEVE in who you are. You are the BEST you there is so go in there with that belief. People want to associate with enthusiastic people…not “oh woa is me people.”

2. Know, that the BEST WAY to engage people is to LISTEN. Get to know who they are; what they enjoy doing; why they do what they do…get them TALKING. It is very rare to have someone listen (unless it’s listening for that opportunity to break in and speak next). However, to really listen….it’s an unusual and refreshing gift you could give to someone else!

3. Know, what you do; why you do it and who you do it for. How do you benefit people? Write it down and keep it to ONE sentence. It is much better to answer with this one sentence when asked “What do you do (for a living)?” Keep from boxing yourself in or placing unknown obstacles in your way by NOT using a title….titles have “baggage” from other people’s experience.

4. What’s the latest and greatest thing you’ve done to “save the day; solve a problem; or serve someone?” Keep this TOP OF MIND when someone asks you, “what’s up?” or ” what have you been doing lately?” Being prepared with this answer makes YOU much more interesting. Again, keep it to one to two sentences, remember, LISTENING is first and foremost…so you’ll flip the conversation back to them by answering quickly (and meaningfully) then saying “so tell me more about (what you do)?” OR something they brought up earlier in conversation.

5. Know your story! It is ideal when it is 7 but no more than 10 sentences long. This is not the dreaded “feel, felt, found”. It’s the storybook version that gives a wonderful happily ever after….however, here I go on and on….you’ve got to practice…experience it…and you can do that on Tuesday, August 29th….hope you’ll join me…

Join in on an event that gives you the 5 basics of networking and then you practice it in a way that takes the “work” out of networking, click here!

Doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results is the definition of INSANITY. What you resist persists….so, isn’t it time you make networking WORK for you!

Like attracts like….What Are You Attracting? Coach Maria Elena

“Bringing People Together To Create, Cultivate & Capitalize on Connections”

Give Them Ownership

5 Things Companies Do To Launch GREAT Buzz Campaigns

One, is to give them ownership! Some call it “buy in”, others call it “engaging people”, some even call it “exposure”, however, really letting loose of ownership and being in relationship with potential advocates will get that “buzz” going! So, what are the other 4 things?

1. Look for those who are passionate and positive

Remember, even “negative people” repel “negative people”! It’s important that a person or group of people speaking positively on your behalf be people who leave a good impression on who you are, your service and your company.

2. Educate Your Advocates

YOU are the professional in your business so it is your responsibility to share with your advocates the BEST about your business.

Start with teaching them:

1. Top 3 Reasons People Do Business With You or Interact With You

2. Top Obstacle That You Often Encounter

3. Who Your Competitors Are

4. What Makes You Different From Them

3. Give Them Ownership

For example, The Business Expresso 5 Minute Networking Event happening in the Permian Basin on Tuesday, August 29th, is one that engages some wonderful advocates of CONNECTIONS…(what sets US apart are the people WE bring together!). If you want more info on this event or are interested in attending, paste this link into your browser:

Click Here For the Business Express Event!

or paste this link:

https://www.5minutenetworking.com/ExternalEvents/OurEvent.aspx?id=30e1ad51-c5ad-41b2-b230-c15f12f9a1ae

4. Teach Them One Thing At A Time

We get “excited” when someone offers to help us or refer us. Because of this we have a tendency to “vomit” all the info we know about our business on them. STOP! And know that this is natural….slow down and share one item at each meeting to truly engage them instead of overwhelm them!

5. Stay Away From Over-Controlling Or Limiting Affiliations

Control freaks beware! Controlling advocates or telling them to only connect with “you” or “your group” is a recipe for doom! Advocates volunteer their contacts, testimonials and reputation from the goodness of their heart….expecting it could “kill” that desire….controlling it will only get you “negative word of mouth” in the end. At first, they will be positive however, some underlying “thing” will not feel right. Then “suddenly” they will turn on you because they will figure out that those controlling ways are not for them…..they left the playground monitor and the school attendance monitor….in grade school and are not seeking them in their professional life.

Remember, like attracts like….what are you attracting? - Coach Maria Elena

Mastermind Moment: Take Care of People

“How You Take Care of People Determines How You’ll Take Care of People” - Ramon”ism” Whether they’re the secretary at your child’s school; the CEO of a major corporation; the teller at the bank or credit union; or the person you most need to meet….how you take care of people determines how you’ll take care of people. It’s not just WHO you need to know but how well you take care of people and REALLY who knows YOU well. The bottom-line is that you never know who someone IS, who they are CONNECTED TO or who they will BECOME!

Working for non-profits, I saw this Mastermind”ism” play out many time with donor and volunteers.  A donor would donate a relatively small amount and watch how we stewarded it and how it was acknowledged.  Was the acknowledgment to their wishes?(not everyone wants plaques and lavish “thank yous”)   Was the donation spent wisely?  Was there feedback on how the donation was utilized?  The same would happen with volunteers….they would donate two to four hours and watch…how did we treat them?  Were they recognized for their involvement?  Were they THANKED?!  Strange as it may sound, some people don’t thank other people.  In fact, 97% of the population will not thank other people in even a simple, quick thank you note.  Strange isn’t it that we wait to THANK only GRAND events?

How the “small stuff” was treated would determine if we got any “big stuff” at all.  And the same is true with your treatment of people.  My office team who is predominantly the people who answer when someone calls my office will tell me “He was nice!” or “She was rather rude” or “Wow! He was kind of arrogant and demanding.”  That feedback is heard LOUD AND CLEAR by me and frankly, anyone leading a business or office is getting that feedback from their receptionist, front line people, secretary, janitor, etc.

How YOU treat people at what ever encounter you have with them is watched (and the story REPEATED) to many other people that are influenced or connected to that person.

So, step back and moment to plan, do, review!

Plan:  What would you like people to SAY about their interaction with you?  Develop a vision of what that sounds like, looks like, feels like!
(here’s usually where I’ll get the comment “Maria, I don’t care what other people think!”…and that’s fine!  Realize that you are cutting off a RESOURCE (your social capital) and not utilizing or engaging it in a profitable way.  However, it is still your choice!)

Do:

• Talk to 3 of your closest friends and ask them “how do you see me treating people”;  “what do you like best about me?”; ” where do you think I need to improve?”
• Talk to 3 of your clients/customers.  Ask them, “why do you do business with me”; “what do you think I bring to the table”; “when you tell other people about me (referrals or recommendations) what do you say”?

Review:  Review the VALUABLE answers you received.  If your client is saying, “I tell them to refer business to you because I KNOW you’re going to ask me if I’ve told anyone about your service”, then ADJUST.  That’s not what you want people saying about you!   Remember, Word or Mouth is a “double-edge” sword, it can raise you up or cut you down…in one comment!

Like Attracts Like……What Are YOU Attracting? - Coach Maria Elena

Why 5 Minute Networking?

True enough…many local people are good at attending a networking event. However, many of us congregate with people we already know. IF that is the strategy for you at the event to “deepen a relationship” then you’re right on cue! However, if you can’t even shake hands because you’ve got a drink in one hand and a plate of food in another….then it’s time to do something! Because you are in serious danger of wasting your time!

The #1 fear of people (in and out of business) is speaking in public; #2 breaking into conversations #3 death….how’s that for priorities! As an extrovert, that can be a callus thing to say because I do understand how extremely challenging in can be to come up and begin conversations with groups of people who are already engaged in discussion.

You could “work the room”….however, getting up the nerve could take some “time” (a precious commodity!) You could just “get over your shyness”….good luck with that….many a “rough and pushy” people have I heard tell a shy soul to just “get over it!”

5 Minute Networking makes all that stuff go away…..and gives you a chance to practice, in repitition, that you feel quite confident when you’re on your sixth introduction…and not only that… you just met six people that you needed to meet to grow your business! Bonus to that is that you can avoid the “networking mongers”! (Definition: Networking Monger….those people focused on “selling you something” at the event. Every moment they are dominating the conversation with their salesy conversation or quips & quotes from their business….that predatory energy permeates every moment with them!)

Here’s a link to register and participate in an upcoming Business Expresso 5 Minute Networking Event in the Basin…. (you’ll need to copy & paste this into the address bar of your browser).

https://www.5minutenetworking.com/ExternalEvents/OurEvent.aspx?id=30e1ad51-c5ad-41b2-b230-c15f12f9a1ae

It’s a win/win/win for everyone! Like attracts Like…What Are You Attracting? Coach Maria Elena, Attraction Marketing Coach & The Champion of Connections