High-Achieving Women's Blogazine

In Part 1, Tips for Building a High-end Database, we discussed the mindset necessary to build a high-end database.  This post defines the 8 tips for building a high-end database which are:

1. Get clear on your mission and  priorities
2. Build your network map and identify key influencers and connectors
3. Collaborate or build relationships with people that the ‘A-Listers’ recognize
4. Start adding value to other people’s projects and find ways to promote them
5. Speak in public and always mention social programs and projects you support (hopefully it is something the ‘A-Lister’ supports)
6. Buy their products, support their causes and utilize their services
7. Hold events and cultivate all relationships
8. Be a good listener and follow up fast

Finally, remember that success is not a destination we arrive at; it is an attitude we hold along the way.  The enjoyment of our lives is not in the outcome, but in the process.  Do not rob yourself of the satisfaction that lies on the path along the way; just enjoy every step of the journey.  Find fulfillment in the process of being a success today.

If you really want to know the entire secrets of building a high-end database, join the Global Association of High-Achieving Women’s Millionaire Success Club (Platinum Premier Success Circle).

If you want information that will allow you to maximize your footprint and potential for business growth and career success go to our Freebies Page and sign up for a wealth of free information.

Lastly, will you become a Fan (Like) of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women?

Dr. Laureen

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
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© 2010 Dr. Laureen

PS: The Global Association of High Achieving Women and Masterpiece Solutions are the sponsors of the free monthly newsletter: Elevations™. Elevations™ has three focus categories:  Your Career – Your Business – Your Life and You. If you would like to receive free monthly issues of Elevations™, please provide your name and e-mail address below.

The secret to building an effective network and a high-end database is understanding that: “givers get” and you must give authentically, strategically and intelligently.

One thing that must be remembered is that some giving will never be repaid, and if you are not okay with this up front, you’re going to be miserable. Accept it as a cost of doing networking to build your high-end database.

Remember, this is not about creating a debt that must be repaid.  You are not giving because you want to “get your slice of the pie”. You are giving because you know that when you show people how valuable you are, many of them will want to share that value and will want to connect with you mainly because you are willing to expand the pie for everyone. People sometimes repay those whom they owe – but they almost always reward those whom they respect.

If you really want to expand your reach and build a high-end database, you must be prepared do some serious work. This process requires a considerable amount of time and effort.  To rapidly build a powerful high-end database, you must develop the following mindset:

• Give to people who can receive immediate value and appreciate it strongly enough to value your contribution. The longer it takes for that value to mature, the harder it is to establish a strong emotional bond with a person.
• Give to people who have the immediate potential to improve your position in a material way. Yes, “givers get” and that is still true; but you have to give to people who can actually give back in a meaningful way or that emotional bond will fade.
• Give in ways that can be made public or at least public to the receiver’s peers so that word of your contribution has room to be recognized.
• Give in ways that don’t drain resources away from your own growth but instead complement it. You want to become better known for your “signature value” and you can’t do that while doing tasks that don’t add value.
• Give in ways that don’t look desperate. Confidence is key – you must come across as giving because you have an abundance of value to give. People can smell fear and desperation, and the way to avoid this is to accept that some giving will never be repaid – and then decide you’re going to be fine with that.

Be sure to read my next post, Tips for Building a High-End Database – Part 2 where you will discover the 8 tips for building an high-end database quickly. If you really want to know all of the secrets of building a high-end database, join the Global Association of High-Achieving Women’s Millionaire Success Club (Platinum Premier Success Circle).  

If you want information that will allow you to maximize your footprint and potential for business growth and career success go to our Freebies Page and sign up for a wealth of free information.

Lastly, will you become a Fan (Like) of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women?

Dr. Laureen

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

PS: The Global Association of High Achieving Women and Masterpiece Solutions are the sponsors of the free monthly newsletter: Elevations™. Elevations™ has three focus categories:  Your Career – Your Business – Your Life and You. If you would like to receive free monthly issues of Elevations™, please provide your name and e-mail address below.

In the past twelve to eighteen months we have witnessed a period of unprecedented economic turbulence and instability. This increased uncertainty in our economy means that planning for your company’s future has become a little more difficult. How a business owner deals with the extra risk associated with change determines how h/her business fares over the coming months and years.

Here are 8 tips for planning effectively in changing times:

1. Stay abreast of economic indicators

2. Revisit your business and marketing plan

3. Review current projects and re-prioritize as needed

4. Communicate your plans effectively to staff

5. Consider outsourcing some activities to cut cost

6. Assess exposure to known risks and dependencies and develop a plan of action

7. Continue to innovate, re-purpose and re-invent

8. Keep an eye on the cash at all times

Change must be understood and managed in a way that all can cope effectively with it. One of the best ways of coping is to have an effective plan for times of change.

Love, Success and Greatness

Dr. Laureen Wishom

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

One of best ways to make sure that your actions produce more results is to develop a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. State the end results in one sentence that even a child can understand and remember.

One of the best goal statements ever recognized was President John F. Kennedy’s goal statement of sending a man to the moon whereby he simply said:  ”to send a man to the moon and bring him safely back home within this decade”. This one simple statement involved thousands of people to carry out the details, perform the work and it cost billions of dollars.

Although your initial goal statement may be more than one sentence, the goal is to get the statement down to a one sentence goal statement that produces maximum results.

To develop an action plan that will produce more results, follow the below steps:

1. Enlist support from others.

2. Set up milestones and develop a reporting system.

3. Create an advisory team.

4. Monitor progress and make adjustments.

5. Form mutually beneficial alliances with others.

6. Work your plan regularly and continuously.

7. Keep your allies on your side and your enemies at bay.

8. Celebrate progress along the way and at the completion of the project.

Finally, when you have a plan of action that you follow consistently, you are better able to produce more results.

Love, Success and Greatness

Dr. Laureen Wishom

Million Dollar Solutionist™

Twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

I received a call from a potential client and here is what she asked: “I recently had the opportunity to talk with a CEO of a major company who was willing to share some words of wisdom with me at the recommendation of a mutual friend.  He gave me a lot of information and I decided to ask him why he was willing to give me so much information when I am going to end up being his competitor. The CEO’s departing words were: ‘I am not worried at all, because I can produce it faster than you can consume it’. “What was he trying to tell me and do I need a business mentor to ensure proper growth?”

My response was very simple:  “You are part of a marketplace that thinks in terms of scarcity, where people compete for limited opportunities. The CEO thinks in terms of abundance and unlimited opportunities”.

I told the client that when someone comes to him for help, he should give them everything that he can. I suggested that he must find a mentor and in turn become a mentor.

Studies show that organizations that have launched well-planned mentoring programs report lower employee turnover, higher productivity and more employee satisfaction.

Here are a few things that successful mentoring makes possible:

• The development of a strong and capable leadership with a line of succession
• The opportunity to improve the organization’s scorecard
• The ability to connect people within the organization
• The  capability to upgrade skills and knowledge
• The opportunity to not only attract but to retain the best people

Just remember that mentoring does add something to the people you mentor and it adds something to you. Through the mentoring process, you practice diagnosing situations and designing effective responses. You become more skilled in giving feedback and drawing out what is considered ‘untapped potential’. You will also experience the satisfaction of seeing someone reach higher and achieve more and you build a reputation for ‘growing people’.

Having a reputation for ‘growing people’ is worth millions; if you want to success great remember this: ‘the more you give the more you receive’.  Mentors are not a luxury, they are a necessity.

If you would like to know more about how to avoid time wasters and how to form collaborations, partnerships and strategic alliances which will impact your bottom line, become a member of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women. Membership does have its privileges and it will definitely impact your bottom line.

Love, Success and Greatness

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

In part 1 of HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD AND AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION, I discussed the first two ways to stand out in the crowd and ahead of the competition: 1. Stand out by doing different things and 2. Stand out by doing things differently.

Outlined below are the two additional ways for standing out:   They are:

3. Stand out by stirring emotions

Did you know that clients will surely remember you when you stir their emotions in a positive way?  It’s time to rev up the warm fuzzies.  Start by making people laugh and have some fun throughout the interaction. Whatever emotions (e.g. having fun, feeling powerful, showing empathy and being successful) are important to your clients; make them feel it in a big way.  Be sincere, and don’t hold back on the ‘drama’ (in this case ‘drama’ is a good thing).  You must act big to make them feel big.

4. Stand out by being consistent

If you are always something or never something (whether good or bad), then you are standing out in that way. That’s because consistency makes your message stick. It’s important to decide how you want and need to stand out in the minds of your target audience and always behave or present yourself that way.  Remember that anything done consistently creates a brand reputation. What do you need to be or do consistently?

In summary to stand out from the crowd and the competition you must:

1. Stand out by doing different things
2. Stand out by doing things differently
3. Stand out by stirring emotions
4. Stand out by being consistent

You can start by committing the next thirty days to identifying three ways where you can stand out in the marketplace and develop an implementation plan.  The more you stand out the more you outclass the competition.

Mark your calendar for the June 8^th teleclass entitled: “IS YOUR ‘FEAR BEAST’ OUT OF CONTROL OR HAS IT BECOME A PERMANENT WARDROBE ACCESSORY?” This teleclass will cover how to handle the fears associated with career change and career transition; the 7 tips for keeping your fear under control while taking your career and business up a notch in challenging times; the 7 tips for managing stress when fear prevails and how to break free of your fears and start reaching your dreams.

It is also the preview call for the launch of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women. This first-ever membership association is designed for high-achieving female career professionals and women business owners who want to ignite their careers and businesses through the use of the association’s innovative professional development tools, masterminding, platinum-style coaching, and leading-edge business growth and career success strategies. Be sure to register for this teleseminar at: http://tiny.cc/nf7q5 I will be giving away some powerful career and business growth materials valued at $500+.

Love, Success and Greatness

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

Studies show that online career networking continues to grow in popularity. Web 2.0  technologies have provided a new channel where job seekers, recruiters and executive search consultants can connect.

When looking for sites to post your online bio, consider networking sites such as Linkedin.com and ziggs.com have developed sections specifically for job posting, job searches, and career networking. The membership-driven career sites such as ExecuNet.com, RiteSite.com, and TheLadders.com, offer member-to-member networking opportunities. This list of online site would not be complete without social media sites such as: Facebook.com, Twitter.com and online discussion forums and blogs.

Your online bio should include the below three components.:

1. Value proposition: Demonstrate your experience in solving specific problems. Include examples of how you deliver value to the employer’s bottom line.
2. Expertise: Be specific, position yourself as an expert versus positioning yourself as a generalist. Most companies are looking for professionals with deeply niched expertise. They are looking for that ‘perfect fit.’
3. Executive brand: Include your innate qualities that differentiate you from others. State what you are ‘know for or recognized as’. Your brand must communicate a clear  marketable value proposition and a unique and authentic promise of value.
4. Keywords: Since recruiters rely the networking sites heavily to identify and research candidates, use allot of keywords and phrases.

When you submit your online profile be sure that it is complete. Many sites have some type of gauge that displays the percentage of the completeness of your profile based on the number of categories you complete.

According to LinkedIn, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to find opportunities through their site. Don’t forget to keep a log of all of the sites where you have posted information about yourself … and any blogs where you have posted comments.

Remember to edit, edit, and edit again. You may need to do a dozen or so revisions before you get it just right. Eliminate extra words, use descriptive words, keep the sentences short but varied in length and write in the third person.

I will be hosting a special teleseminar on May 19^th entitled: “IS YOUR ‘FEAR BEAST’ OUT OF CONTROL OR HAS THE ‘FEAR BEAST’ BECOME A PERMANENT WARDROBE ACCESSORY?”  It is the preview call for the debut of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women. This first-ever membership association is designed for high-achieving female career professionals and women business owners who want to ‘take it up a notch’ in their careers and businesses through innovative professional development tools, masterminding, platinum-style coaching, and leading-edge business growth and career success strategies. 

Love, Success and Greatness

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement: As a Career Success and Business Growth Expert, Dr. Laureen, hailed as the… “Million Dollar Solutionist™ teaches high-achieving women around the world how to move up the corporate ladder, change careers, start a business, create multiple streams of income and vision their way to success. Get her FREE articles and advice at www.gahaw.com

In today’s competitive job market, your resume must be a professional marketing piece that  sets you apart from your competitors. The days of preparing a chronological history of your work experience and expecting it to generate interviews are long gone. Your resume must be a marketing piece that is targeted to a specific audience and  demonstrates value.

To ensure that your resume is compelling, it should focus on the following key components:

1. Accomplishments – List accomplishments that tell a ‘brief’ story. Include the scope of the challenges, issues or problems, the solution or actions you took, and the quantifiable results you delivered. Make sure your accomplishments include dollars, percentages or comparative figures. (You cannot have too many numbers in your resume.  Numbers indicate results and employers want the best resulted-oriented people as possible.)

2. Value Proposition – Make sure your resume is about what you can do for the company versus a long list of responsibilities. Today’s resumes must demonstrate how you have impacted the top or bottom line, the stake holder’s or shareholder’s value. When you list accomplishments without the bottom line impact, you dwarf your value proposition.

3. Personal and Executive Brand – Your personal brand is what makes you different and unique and your executive brand is your unique promise of value. Both brands are about leverage what makes you exceptional so that you stand out from the myriad of people who offer seemingly similar talents and expertise.

I hope that these three resume components will help you prepare a compelling resume that will set you apart in today’s job marketplace.

I will be hosting a special teleseminar on May 19^th entitled: “IS YOUR ‘FEAR BEAST’ OUT OF CONTROL OR HAS THE ‘FEAR BEAST’ BECOME A PERMANENT WARDROBE ACCESSORY?” It is the preview call for the debut of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women. This first-ever membership association is designed for high-achieving female career professionals and women business owners who want to ‘take it up a notch’ in their careers and businesses through innovative professional development tools, masterminding, platinum-style coaching, and leading-edge business growth and career success strategies. http://tiny.cc/nf7q5

Love, Success and Greatness

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement: As a Career Success and Business Growth Expert, Dr. Laureen, hailed as the… “Million Dollar Solutionist™ teaches high-achieving women around the world how to move up the corporate ladder, change careers, start a business, create multiple streams of income and vision their way to success. Get her FREE articles and advice at www.gahaw.com

I received a call last week from a potential client who wanted to know what constitutes a  personal brand.  I told her that there are four elements that comprise  a personal brand.  They are:

• Personal Appearance (be sure to take into account your clothing choices, style – not fashion – and personal hygiene)
• Personality (this includes your personal goals and values as well as the way in which you conduct and present yourself)
• Competencies (the skill sets that enables you to perform your job better than others)
• Differentiators (the benefits you bring to the table or what you offer different from others)

I also told her: “As you define the components of these four elements, your personal brand will evolve from combining personal appearance, personality, competencies and the differentiators that set you apart.  By looking at yourself through the prism of these elements, it will enable you to see where there is room for improvement or where you can highlight your abilities.” 

I informed her: “When you have a well-developed personal brand statement (results of the four elements), turn it into a story-like message that you can deliver to hiring managers and recruiters.  Over time, your brand will expand and your story will change as your skill sets, experience and knowledge increases.  It takes time to build a solid personal brand and it is an ongoing process.”

My final tips:

• Keep your bio and profile current
• Network as a way of life
• Stay in touch will your key contacts
• Brand yourself every chance you get

My closing words: “Be a giver and sharer of information and do something that will ensure that you are always remembered.” 

I will be hosting a special teleseminar on May 19^th entitled: “IS YOUR ‘FEAR BEAST’ OUT OF CONTROL OR HAS THE ‘FEAR BEAST’ BECOME A PERMANENT WARDROBE ACCESSORY?”  It is the preview call for the debut of the Global Association of High-Achieving Women. This first-ever membership association is designed for high-achieving female career professionals and women business owners who want to ‘take it up a notch’ in their careers and businesses through innovative professional development tools, masterminding, platinum-style coaching, and leading-edge business growth and career success strategies. 

Love, Success and Greatness

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement: As a Career Success and Business Growth Expert, Dr. Laureen, hailed as the… “Million Dollar Solutionist™ teaches high-achieving women around the world how to move up the corporate ladder, change careers, start a business, create multiple streams of income and vision their way to success. Get her FREE articles and advice at www.gahaw.com

I received a call today from one of my former clients asking what secrets I could share with her on how to turn more of her contacts into relationships.  Here are the tips I shared on how a contact blossoms into a relationship.

 1. Figure out who they are and what they want.
2. Determine your compatibility with them.
3. Find out how you can help them get what they want.
4. Begin dialogue on a regular basis that has information they can use.
5.Try to learn more about them as time progresses.
6. Realize and be aware that people reveal their true selves over time.
7. Pay close attention to signs and follow your instincts.
8. Do what you say you will do.
9.  Make sure they know your needs and desires.
9.5.    The best way to win the connection is to first win the person.

The secret is this: The more they like you and feel they receive value from you, the more likely it is that the relationship will grow and prosper.  The rule of ‘give and take’ is: before you can take, you must give.

, Career Success and Business Growth Expert