Boy was I naive! Unfortunately, so many people make that mistake and never realize why their networking “plan” seems all EFFORT and no gain!

Not to mention the thousands of dollars you spend a year going to events. I’ve talked to so many entrepreneurs who tell me they’ve come up empty-handed. No REAL contacts, referrals or business. Such a shame!

Don’t be a Professional Event Attender!

Know WHY you are going and WHAT you intend to get out of it BEFORE you even by the ticket to attend.

In order to make the best decision, you need to get clear. I know. I know. That sounds like such a cliche’ … but it is true. Clarity and focus will yield results. Trust me.

You need to decide at the beginning of the year which events will HELP GROW your business.

So what now?

The best way to go to get clarity is to plan ahead. I ask myself these questions BEFORE I even decide to attend any event, meeting or seminar. I suggest you ask yourself these questions too. They will have a huge impact on your networking and connection success. The key here is to be as detailed and as specific as possible.

QUESTION 1: Why am I going to this seminar or event?

QUESTION 2: What do I want to get out of it? What specific information or connection am I seeking to grow my business?

QUESTION 3: Exactly who am I looking to connect with? Why?

QUESTION 4: What can I offer that connection in return?

QUESTION 5: What outcome do I want to see from attending this event?

QUESTION 6: How will attending this event and making this connection make a difference in my business bottom-line? What part will it improve (i.e. sales skills, team building, etc)?

QUESTION 7: How will reaching this goal impact my personal and professional life (i.e. more time with my children, vacations 3 times a year, increase revenue by 25%, etc)?

OK, so I stuffed a few more in there. Forgive me Asking yourself these questions will keep you on target and make the connections you need to make.

QUICK TIP: I like to print the sheet out and keep it nearby so I can stay “on point” when at an event or conference. Works wonders! You will see a big improvement in the quality of your connections leading to referrals and more business.

Remember:

It’s not about quantity, it’s about QUALITY.

Go be magnetic!

Rhonda Cort

P.S. Hot! Hot! Hot! 17 INNOVATIVE, POWERFUL ways to supercharge your networking mojo! CLICK HERE

Here is a concise list of 5 important mindset shifts you must make—BEFORE any of the other secrets will work for you. If you don’t make the shift, success will be very hard to achieve.

LAW #1 – Everyone is a connector or a potential client. Period. Oh boy! This is one of the biggest and foremost mistakes I have seen (and continue to see) tons of people make—whether I’m in New York, Rome or Tunis.

Never, never, never pre-judge anyone! You cannot disqualify someone as a client, partner or a gem connection before having spoken with them. Don’t be superficial and go on looks like most people do. Your gem connections may not come nicely packaged in a plush velvet bag—but wrapped in paper.

No, I’m not being snobby—just making a point. There are people who never talk to those who do not appear to be in a position of power. I have gotten stellar ideas and contacts from waiters, chauffeurs, garbage collectors and maids. We are all needed and we all have wisdom to contribute.

“Become a student of people!”

How do you connect with everyone in a genuine way?

Foster a genuine love of people and talk to each person you meet. Be interested in them and curious to find out what their story is. You’ll be amazed at what happens.

LAW #2 – Always have an open mind and adapt ideas to your situation. Listen to what others have to say in all industries, not just your own. Think of how their ideas and successes can be changed to fit your needs. Be creative and cross-pollinate. I have gotten some really great ideas from people who have absolutely nothing to do with my industry.

LAW #3 – Authenticity breeds success in the connection kingdom. Be yourself. Yes, I know you’ve heard this one many times lately. That goes to show just how important it is. You need to be yourself at all times for some important reasons.

• When you are yourself you are more confident and comfortable. Two things necessary for stellar connections with other people.
• You don’t have to worry about keeping up a front. You are you and that’s not hard to repeat. Consistency in interaction is key!
• You portray an atmosphere of openness and honesty. Crucial to projecting a sense of integrity and building trust.

LAW #4 – Invest in yourself continuously. Make sure you set aside time and money to attend events, seminars and courses. Also investing mentoring, coaching and masterminding has quickly boosted my income. I cannot stress this one enough!

LAW #5 – Always tell the truth. I cannot begin to tell you how important this one is. Tell the truth even if it’s embarrassing or inconvenient. If you’re ever tempted to impress someone by lying, always remember…

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
- Warren Buffett

Be magnetic to success!

Rhonda Cort

THE DEATH OF SOCIAL MOJO

Back in the day, people had social skills and etiquette was taught at home and in schools. By the time I was in middle school, social and etiquette classes were as common as dinosaurs – now only found in museums.

I hate to admit this, but my parents sent me to a private school where we had such classes. I grew up in the south so you can imagine the rigorous training we had.

However, having been born near Boston, I had a “proper” Yankee accent the southern kids made fun of. Oh well! Who hasn’t been made fun of?

DO YOU KNOW WHAT WEAK SOCIAL MOJO IS COSTING YOU?

Today, manners and social know-how are lost to many entrepreneurs and business owners. This is not to be taken lightly as it could cost you thousands, if not millions depending on the size of your company!

Don’t believe me? Read this post about a conversation I had with Coach Deb (Deborah Cole Micek) on a cruise earlier this year…an eye-opener! Also check out a short video I taped with The Millionaire Marketing Mentor, Adam Urbanski, about the importance of magnetism.

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION

It’s time to take the Social Mojo Strength Test

Your social mojo can be observed and measured at any given time. It is actually a wonderful way to measure your return on investment when it comes to attending events, seminars, networking groups and conferences.

Click on the following link to download (PDF) and take The_Social_Mojo_Strength_Test
It is short and to the point. There’s a special surprise at the end too!

Sending you magnetic mojo!

Rhonda Cort
“Your Presence, Power and Connection Specialist (TM)”

P.S. Don’t forget to let me know what you think by sharing your comments below. My post is NEVER complete without your input. If you like this post, share it with your friends and colleagues using the social network button below! Spreading the wealth and love brings more to YOU!

Enjoy this wonderful guest post by my friend and colleague Jeanna Gabellini. Don’t forget to listen to here call on April 14. It’s going to be powerful!

There are several circumstances that kick us into high gear. That gear where your mind says, “OH MY GOSH!! I’ve got so much to do to make this happen.”

Some circumstances that my clients report massive action overdose are:

• Cash-flow crisis
• Giving presentations
• Moving
• Preparing for a long vacation
• Launching a new business, product, or service
• Creating a website
• Hosting a party
• Business travel
• Preparing for a child’s birth
• Handling the affairs of a deceased friend or family member
• Selling a house or business

So, I’m sure being the mover and shaker that you are, you can add many more action stimulants to this list.

It is very important to avoid the frazzled state that comes with massive action overload. You may be asking yourself if this is even possible. Not only is it possible, it’s a crying shame to have it be any other way than an easy, flowing process to get the job or preparation done.

You have to start with a bit of strategy. Always start with the end in mind. What is your ideal outcome for this event or project? How do you want to feel during the execution of it? It’s not okay with me that you get all amped up in a negative way when you have something big in front of you. Totally unnecessary. Really!

Next, you’ve got to write all those actions down. Get them out of your head and on to the paper. Don’t delay this step. You instantly feel grounded by making a list. Then, check to see if all of your action items are congruent with your ideal outcome.

Delete any actions that don’t really need to be done to get your desired outcome.

Can you delegate any items? I know this one is hard for all you do-it-yourselfers and don’t-want-to-impose-on-anyone types.

Now, after all that is complete, you have to make a decision that you’re not going to worry about getting it all done at this moment. In fact, you need to make a decision to do the things on the list that will give you the most relief first. Then go for the ones that seem easy or fun. Don’t get attached to the order in which you “think” they are supposed to get done..

You see, you feeling joyful or at ease while being in action is the only thing that will make this job get done in excellence. It will also keep you sane. Feeling good trumps massive action when it comes to manifesting things in a speedy and delightful way. And if getting the job done with ease isn’t one of your ideal outcomes, then you need to shift your tolerance for pain. The easy way out is always the best way.

Jeanna Gabellini

_________________________________________

Jeanna Gabellini, Business Attraction Expert, is hosting a FREE call April 14th at 9am PT/12pm ET -3 Proven Strategies to Lightening Speed Success! She’s nailing the top 3 things that cause pain in business and how to turn those nasties around. Reserve your seat to be there live or get access to the play here http://www.masterpeacecoaching.com/lightningpreview

How would making 4 figures an hour change your life?

I know what you’re thinking… It’s April 1st and all types of jokes are flying around on the Internet.

BUT…

THIS is NOT an April Fool’s joke! This is the most serious I have been in my life. You’re about to discover why…

Can you imagine what that feels like? Have you had a painful experience like this?

Maybe you’re feeling that pain RIGHT NOW? Maybe you have lost your business, like me? Or your job?

Perhaps you are not in such a tight spot, but you want to make more money to pay off bills, take your family on vacation, grow your business, buy that new car or plump your savings account?

No matter what your situation, what I have to share is life-transformational…

I don’t tell you this to brag, I share this so you know that I’ve learned a thing or two about making big money — fast. I’d built a 4-figure an hour business in less than 4 short weeks applying what I know over and over again. And now I’ve got it down to a science!

By the way, did I mention I made 4 figures an hour:

• WITHOUT a list…

• WITHOUT big marketers…

• WITHOUT a website…

• WITH less than $25…

• ALL by myself…

• IN LESS than 4 WEEKS!

Did I mention I made 91% profit? Yes, this is one  of the least expensive, simplest methods I’ve seen. No one else out there (on or offline) is revealing this information AT NO COST.

But now, that’s about to change…

Would you like free access to my simple 3-steps
that will help you quickly identify which skills, passion
or expertise you can turn into 4 figures an hours?

In this Mind-Blowing, No Hype Teleclass you will learn:

The #1 question you need to ask yourself to start earning 4 figures an hour. You’ve been
sitting on a GOLDMINE for years! (Most entrepreneurs don’t know this!)

I will hold your hand and walk you through the exact 3-steps I used to quickly identify which skills an be turned into cash. Yes, this is the exact 3-steps that ignited my 4-figure-an-hour business…

I will include case studies, ideas and tons of information to get you started!

The most critical mindset shift you need to make before doing this. Don’t even bother with what I’m about to teach you if you’re not willing to do this!

Quite simple. People are in pain. I get email every day. I hear from business owners who
desperately need new clients or they will sink — taking everyone depending on them down
too… Fathers who are out of work. Single moms, like me, who are where I was. Panicking.
Waking up at night worrying about the bills.

My mission is to educate as many people as I can who may be in a position, better or worse
than I was, to live a life free of FEAR. Having the key to getting cash quickly using WHAT
you have, WHERE you are… What would that mean to you?

Join me and my fabulous co-pilot Felicia Slattery

“Make 4 Figures An Hour Doing What You Love! “
Free Live Teleclass Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 8 PM Eastern

5 PM PT / 6 PM MT / 7 PM CT

SIGN UP BELOW NOW…Easy as 1-2-3!

1) Enter your first name and email address in the form below. Click on the button.
2) Check your Inbox or Spam folder for a confirmation message from Rhonda Cort.
3) Click on the link inside to confirm and receive a 2nd email with the call details.

www.magneticmojo.com/4figureteleclass

Make 2010 your 4 figure year!

Rhonda

P.S. After you sign up, don’t forget to share the wealth and tell your friends using the social media networks below.

This year, I discovered when and how I’d been bitten by the entrepreneurship bug.

I know it’s late, but hey, the answers show up when you need them and when you’re ready to see them.

My parents realized I had artistic talent the moment they put crayons in my hand. I remember drawing clothing, animals and houses like other 2-year-olds. It was fun! By the time I was 5, I was always designing something or constructing various “projects”.

One day, I wanted to make something special. My parents bought me cardboard – yellow and orange. I drew a moon on the orange one and a sun on the yellow. After cutting them out, I drew a face on each one with an ink pen. In my mother’s sewing basket, I found some white cotton thread. I poked a hole in the bottom of each shape, put the thread in and fastened it with a knot.

I was ready to try them out. My kites. My cardboard kites.

(Insert that screeching halt noise)

“Uh, Rhonda, kites aren’t made of cardboard. They won’t fly.”

I would agree with you, but you see, no one told me this. No one said it couldn’t be done. My parents never put limits on my imagination or my ideas. I am forever grateful to them! (Remember: Nurture a child’s imagination by keeping your limitations to yourself)

THE BIRTH OF AN ENTREPRENEUR

The yellow kite whispered to me,

“I’m bright and sunny. I’m prettier than the orange moon. Take me out first!’
- The Yellow Cardboard Sun

He enchanted me and I took him out. I ran across the lawn and down the street. The yellow cardboard sun fluttering in the wind behind me, hitting the green grass from time to time.

Yipeeee! I had my kite and I was having fun.

My enthusiasm must have attracted some of the neighborhood kids because before I knew it, I was being followed by a small group of them.

I stopped. They asked to see the kite. I let them. (My parents taught me to share. LOL!)

One little boy, well little compared to me now, asked if he could buy the kite. Now I won’t take credit for the sale. I would have gone home and made him one free of charge if he had only asked. Anyway, I told him he could buy it.

He ran home and came back minutes later. He handed me $3.67. He must have emptied his piggy bank.

Wow! I was thrilled. This was the first time I earned anything. However, as I walked home, a sinking feeling came over me. I spent 10 minutes making a kite and someone gave me $3.67?! I must have done something wrong! That was way too easy!

So what did I do? I went home and hid the money under the sofa. Never to touch it again. I never told my parents what happened. I forgot it even happened.

Years later, when I was an adult, my mom asked us who put the $3.67 under the sofa. I fessed up and we all laughed. Not even then did I realize how important it was. It changed the direction of my life forever. This year, the story hit home.

My only regret? I didn’t go out immediately and sell the orange moon!

WHAT I REALIZED

Whenever I feel like I can’t go on… Whenever I question my choices… Whenever I feel like giving up…

I remember the little 5-year-old girl with the cardboard kite. I remember it vividly, a yellow sun with a pen-drawn smiley face and white thread string. I remember running around my neighborhood near Boston with a huge grin on my face. I remember how proud I felt when the kids flocked around me. I remember the 3 crisp dollar bills in my hand. I remember the clanking noise the 67 cents made in my pocket as I skipped home…

My heart knows I was born to be an entrepreneur. No one and nothing can change that…EVER!

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION

Reflect. Reflect deeply about what compelled you to become an entrepreneur or business owner. When did it all start? I am not talking about the fact that you want to spend more time with your children. As a single mom I know that is a major factor, but there is something deeper you are overlooking. I guarantee it.

It is something huge, something important that defines WHO YOU TRULY ARE. Trust me when I say that this will give you the inspiration to move on — from failure to SUCCESS!

I support and believe in you!

Much love,

Rhonda
“Your Presence, Power and Connection Specialist(TM)”

P.S. I love writing for you, but my posts are never complete without you sharing the love. Take a moment to share your thoughts or perhaps your own kite story. It’s not me – the grown-up Rhonda – asking. It’s the brown-eyed 5-year-old girl asking you to share… Now how can you resist her?

It happened to me last night. I was at a CEO mixer with hundreds of people. It was a wonderful evening and well worth my time as I walked away with 6 hot prospects, 3 potential JV partners and quite a few connections. So all is wonderful in my magnetic world this morning!

However, it never ceases to amaze me how people can be so tactless when it comes to networking. I REALLY wish this woman I “met” would read my “Networking Mojo Kit” — after all it is absolutely FREE.

HERE’S HOW TO BLOW IT WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS & JV PARTNERS…

I just had a wonderful conversation with a prospect and was taking a sip of water before moving on when a woman walks up to me.

STEP ONE: She leans in and squints to see my name tag and says, “Hi Rhonda.”

STEP TWO: She shoves her business card in my hand.

STEP THREE: She says, “Nice to meet you” and walks off!

Hmmm, not very magnetic. Right? I just stood there thinking, “Did that just happen?” She didn’t ask me about what I did. She didn’t ask for my card. Basically, she left all the “power to contact” in my hands. A huge no-no since most people never follow up!

Needless to say, without revealing the name of her company — the initials are R.P.I. But if she doesn’t wise up soon, her company may R.I.P. (Rest In Peace — if you didn’t get it).

If you were her, would you want to know you’re repelling people? Voice your opinion by leaving a comment below…

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION!

Next time you meet someone make sure you project your most magnetic presence:

1) Look them in the eye, smile and shake his or her hand while introducing yourself.

2) Ask them an intriguing question that creates a positive connection. What do you like most about your work? What are you passionate about?

The world has become so virtual that people are craving human connection. When you look them in the eye and smile, you’re creating an instant connection. Let them know you see them and acknowledge them. Asking them what they are passionate about or what they like most about work puts them in a positive mood.

You want to be remembered in a positive light. Too many conversations go down the “what’s not right” road, take the other one.

To your magnetic success!

Rhonda Cort
“Your Presence, Power and Connection Specialist (TM)”

P.S. After you’ve shared the love and left a comment:

• If you don’t have my “Networking Mojo Kit”, get it now. Just fill out the form in the column on the right.
• Check your inbox or spam folder for an email from “Magnetic Mojo”. Click the link inside to confirm and you will receive a second email with the link to the “Networking Mojo Kit”.
• Try out my suggestions. It’s got some great information on how to be even more spectacular networker in just 3 simple steps!

Great question Sheila! This situation is a huge stumbling block for entrepreneurs and business owners world-wide. Why? Because you never know who you’re talking to, who they know and the first impression lasts FOREVER (for the most part). If you come across as rude or abrupt, it could cost you loads of money and some great connections. Everyone should be treated with the utmost respect even if you do not wish to stay connected.

It’s also a timely question, tomorrow I have to go to a VIP mixer where I’ll be mingling with over 500 CEOs. Yikes! That’s enough to make anyone nervous. However, once you discover my #1 secret to magneticallydisengage from a conversation seamlessly and fluttering to the next like a butterfly…you’ll never feel like the socially awkward duckling again.

There is another reason you should never stay too long in a conversation that should be over. Not having the ability to leave a conversation that is going no where takes away time you could spend connecting with people you can help — and who could help you. You owe it to your future clients to get your message out there, to the RIGHT people.

Now let’s dig in…

SCENARIO ONE - You have absolutely no desire to stay in touch with the person you’ve been speaking to and you want to move on. What should you say? Try your own version of this phrase and be sure to use the person’s name (if you remember it, that is).

“Liz, thanks for connecting. There are so many wonderful people here. I don’t want to take up all your time. Let’s get to know some more people. Have fun!”

SCENARIO TWO – You do wish to stay in touch or follow up, but you don’t want to spend all evening talking to them and miss your opportunity to connect with a few other people.

“Tom, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Let’s set a date and time to reconnect before moving on to meet more people.”

SCENARIO THREE - You meet someone and strike up a conversation at the bank, in the grocery store or out and about.

“It’s been nice chatting, but I’ve got a few errands to run now. Have a great day!”

Don’t worry if you see them again in passing. Just smile, nod and keep circulating. The fact that you mentioned meeting other people lets you off the hook and them too. Perhaps they wanted to move on and didn’t want to hurt your feelings either. It’s a win-win situation for all!

Great! Aren’t you glad you never have to be stuck in a conversation that should have ended again?

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION!

The next time you go out, try one of the 3 ways to politely disengage from a conversation whenever you can. The more you practice, the smoother and more natural you will be at it.

To your magnetic success!

Rhonda
“Your Presence, Power & Connection Specialist”

P.S. Have you got a way you like to politely end a conversation or a funny story?  We’d love to hear it. Take a moment to share your comments below…and if you like this post use the Social Media buttons above the video to share the love!

Are you making costly networking mistakes? Do you REALLY know how much poor networking skills and mistakes are costing you?

What a waste! Most entrepreneurs and business owners spend tens of thousands of dollars going to events, attending workshops and invest hours and hours of time and effort networking – only to leave empty-handed, without the connections, business and partnerships they were looking for.

It’s hard to meet new people at a function—and it’s not necessarily because they’re shy. We’re in love with our ideas, processes and methods. Most of the time, we are in our heads, not our hearts and we don’t make a powerful, leveraged connection with our audience when we talk about what we do.

I remember quite vividly when I first started networking. I remember people’s eyes glazing over, trying to stifle yawns and painfully faking interest as I cheerfully plowed through my speech. Oblivious.

Secretly, I KNOW they wished they hadn’t asked me, “Rhonda, so what do you do?”

Yes, you may laugh at me! I laugh at myself all the time. We’ve all been there and done that. No one, and I mean no one, was born with these skills. This is EXCELLENT news! You can learn them quickly.

Not having a clear, concise AND magnetic marketing message is the reason business owners fail at networking.

We’ve all been there and done that. No one, and I mean no one, is born with these skills. This is EXCELLENT news! You can craft your magnetic marketing message quickly – in 4 simple steps using my friend and mentor, Adam Urbanski Magnetic Marketing Message formula.

Here’s the formula:

IDEAL CLIENT + BIGGEST CHALLENGE + BIGGEST BENEFIT + CALL TO ACTION = MAGNETIC MARKETING MESSAGE

I coined the outcome “Magnetic Leverage”, because that’s EXACTLY what this powerful formula does! You become magnetically attractive to the RIGHT people and referrals AND you are leveraged as the “go-to” expert.

Now let’s break it down:

STEP 1: YOUR IDEAL CLIENT

Who is your ideal client? You’ve got to name them. This will increase your magnetism. For a long time, I had a major problem with this. I thought I’d be leaving money on the table and excluding people.

After the first time I used it at a networking meeting a woman immediately came up to me and said, “You were speaking to me. I loved that!” Others came up to speak with me after she did (some with personal interest and others with referrals). I didn’t get out of there until 1 hour after the meeting was over. Every time I tried to leave, someone was waiting to speak with me.

I was like, “YES!”

STEP 2: YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS’ BIGGEST CHALLENGE OR DESIRE

You’ve got to mention your target markets biggest challenge desire. Otherwise, how will they recognize you as their savior?

STEP 3: THE BIGGEST BENEFIT OF WORKING WITH YOU

People don’t buy your process; they buy solutions, results and benefits. Make it easy for them to choose you by mentioning exactly what outcome they can expect.

STEP 4: A CLEAR CALL TO ACTION

Last, but definitely not least, you’ve got to tell them what to do next. Most entrepreneurs and small business owners drop the ball here. They don’t want to sound sales-y or pushy.

At the end of your message, add that you have a special report, article or audio that you’d like to give them. The gift must solve the biggest challenge your prospect is having.

Okay, now you’re ready to roll.

***TAKE ACTION NOW***

YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR THE WEEK

• SIGN UP for my weekly ezine and receive my “Networking Mojo Kit” absolutely FREE (a $97 value)! Just fill out the form in the column to your right. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm. You’ll receive a message within minutes containing a link to the kit!

• INSIDE THE KIT:
  The Networking Mojo Manual – 3 Simple steps to networking mojo bliss! Gives you innovative ideas about what to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the event or function.
  The Networking Mojo Worksheets – Worksheets lead you step-by-step! Includes the Magnetic Leverage Message template and examples.
  The Networking Mojo Checklist – 2 Checklists no networker with mojo should leave home without! It’s got innovative ideas for networking. You won’t be disappointed!

• INVEST a few minutes to read through it, do what it says and instantly improve your results!

To your magnetic success!

Rhonda Cort
The Magnetic Woman
“Your Presence, Power and Connection Specialist(TM)”

P.S. Creating your Magnetic Leverage Message will instantly improve your networking magnetism. Download my “NETWORKING MOJO KIT” absolutely FREE (a $97 value).

Just fill out the form on the column to your right ===> Check your email to confirm and you’ll immediately receive the link to download it!

“For every obstacle there is a solution-over, under, around or through.”
- Dan Zadra

Do you like my quotes? Search for #magneticquotes on Twitter!