How Does an Advancer Do Her Advancing?
An Intriguing Inside Look
Introducing Pat BurnsCorporate & Entrepreneurial Advancer
ThePatBurns.com
If you’re wondering about the first two women, my TNNW interview with Christine, “The Freedom Formula”, was published September 2008. The article on Morgana Rae, “True Secret of Wealth: Romancing Your Money” just came out late December. (For links, see end of this article.)
How Pat and I first connected
Yes, I met Pat Burns the very first time I attended N.E.W. Entrepreneurs ─ she was the speaker that evening! I was immediately struck by the knowledgeable points in her presentation, but even more so by the super-positivity and all-around self-confidence she seemed to radiate. After the meeting I introduced myself – we clicked, we stayed in touch ─ and she soon invited me to do some editing on her pride and joy, her forthcoming book: Grandparents Rock: The Grand-parenting Guide for the Rock-n-Roll Generation.
So ─ who is Pat and what is she all about?
As you read on, you’ll soon see it is a challenge ─ perhaps even impossible! ─ to simply summarize this multi-faceted woman. A brief Welcome page write-up on her web site, ThePatBurns.com , makes an attempt to explain:
Pat Burns is a delightful and slightly wild woman whose chronological age (typical baby boomer) doesn't even come close to her experiential age of 180! Pat has traveled the world for business, pleasure and singing with a choir (now, she just sings in the shower.) Yes, Pat has seen it all ─ but she's definitely not ready to say she's done it all.
Pat's extensive talents are wrapped up in three projects: ThePatBurns.com, Grandparents Rock enterprise and along with her partner Barry Ackerman, the hugely successful Orange County Children's Book Festival. As cofounder, she serves as the Executive Director of the Festival.
So -- what’s on the menu for an “Organizational & Entrepreneurial Advancer”?
The various menu items on ThePatBurns.com provide an overview of Pat’s breadth of scope: her talents, services, activities:
About Pat | Expertise & Services | Media | Resources
Expertise and Services
For starters, let’s click this item and see what Pat is offering to the world. The list is truly staggering:
· Business Executive and Entrepreneurial Coaching
· Corporate Consultant
· Group Teleseminar Training
· Book Writing and Publishing
· Responsive Emcee and Professional Platform Speaker
· Business Branding, Marketing and Packaging
· Mastermind Sessions
· Trendy Event Planning
· Make-it-Happen Introductions
· Chic Millionaire Events
· Exclusive Community Membership
· Organization and Delivery
· Non Profit Consultations
· Corporate Sponsorship Programs
A number of client testimonials are interspersed in this list. Under “Trendy Event Planning”, here’s a typical one I can’t resist sharing:
“As the founder of the Enlightened Wealth Institute I always knew our special, high-end events would be over the top when Pat Burns was in charge. Her design and vision transformed a meeting room into an unforgettable experience. Her ability to read the audience was a talent I leaned on and trusted. Her WOW factor even impressed my wife… and that’s saying something!”
~ Robert Allen ─ 5 times New York Times best selling author and founder of the Enlightened Wealth Institute
Now let’s look at another testimonial, this one under “Make-it-Happen Introductions“. It seems living proof that Pat “owns” connections of astonishing quality as well as quantity ─ all over the world.
“You never think that one phone call can save someone's life but that's what happened. I have a friend in Africa who was at great risk due to the political situation in Kenya and she needed immediate assistance. Pat Burns is so connected around the world and when I shared my friend's situation, she knew who to call. In one phone call, my friend was taken care of. You really are unstoppable!”
~ Cynthia Kersey, best-selling author of Unstoppable and Unstoppable Women ─
www.unstoppable.net
Resources
On Pat Burns’ Resources page, we find this impressive list:
· Event Production Meeting and Event Planning & Production
· Audio/Visual Film and Tape Production, Audio Recordings & Photography
· InternetWeb Design, Google AdSense, Search Engine Optimization, Myspace & Facebook
· Copy Writing and Editing Copy Writing, Proof Reading & Editing
But let’s stop with the web site ─ it’s time to speak with Pat in person, to learn about the amazing Advancer’s world directly from the source. So I start by asking:
Can you briefly describe what you do, Pat? What’s your “elevator speech”?
“Explain briefly?” laughs Pat, “I’m not sure I can… Basically, here’s what I am:
· -- An Enlightened Corporate and Entrepreneurial Advancer
· -- Business identity, marketing and relationship expert
· -- Published Author of the #1 best selling book Grandparents Rock:
The Grandparenting Guide for the Rock-n-Roll Generation
· -- An Associate producer of a soon to be released film, Back From the Edge
· -- A Literacy Advocate
· -- Co-founder of the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. “
Wow, Pat! I want to say “Wow” here, but that’s an absurd understatement! So I’ll just move on and ask: What makes you and your company unique? In other words, what is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
“In record time I help great and giant thinkers and dreamers bring their businesses to a higher level and their visions and passions to reality.”
What is the primary mission of what you do in your professional work? In your artistic and humanitarian activities?
“There are several activities of mine that I am very happy to say are providing service and happiness to thousands of people.
First off, I am the cofounder of Southern California’s most successful family literacy event. It is called the Orange County Children’s Book Festival. The annual Festival is held the first Sunday of October. This past Festival attracted over 25,000 attendees, 89 authors and illustrators, 78 exhibitors, professional storytellers, five stages of entertainment and education and featured celebrity Jamie Lee Curtis as our main stage presenter. It truly is a wonderful gift to Orange County.
In addition, my book Grandparents Rock: The Grandparenting Guide for the Rock-n-Roll Generation is helping multi generations find new ways to connect at a very disconnected time.”
I keep on wanting to say Wow… So ─ can you briefly describe how you got started in all this, and how you arrived where you are currently?
“Yikes… are you serious?” Pat laughs.
Well, yes I am…
“OK, then! Basically, I love adventure. I am somewhat fearless and I see, think and react well with BIG picture ideas and thinking. As long as I can recall, I never thought I couldn’t do whatever I set my mind to. I am also a very good salesperson which really is how, in my opinion, anything gets done.”
And this “Advancer” title, this persona you created ─ how or when did that come into being? I heard you say in a recent conference call that you just started calling yourself that ─ and people, clients, started coming?
“That’s exactly right!”
So ─ which of your projects are you currently most excited and passionate about?
“Well, just this week I have been brought on to help advance several new businesses and it is very, very energizing. I am helping a new Internet based browser go public with an IPO and helping a global outreach company launch their new outsourcing business.“
That’s definitely exciting! Now let me ask: How much of your work is focused specifically toward women?
“None, really. My work focuses on all genders and ages.”
What are some of the ways you promote your various enterprises?
“It’s pretty much word of mouth and not staying home. In other words… network, network, and network. For example, I met my newest client on a Southwest Airlines flight… How nuts is that???”
- Really crazy! Now ─ whom does your network currently include? How far does your network extend?
“I am what is called a HUB. I know a ton of people.”
What has been the best about building a network: Positive experiences? Benefits, expected and unexpected?
“Really good question. I would say: Always knowing that on any given day, I can reach numbers of people for advice, help or connections.”
What challenges (if any) have you found in your networking experiences? Unexpected events?
“Not really…”
Bottom line – What do you feel is really working well for you?
“Getting out and being with people… lots of people.”
Besides networking, how else are you promoting your company? What do you view as the primary vehicle and what makes it more important than others?
“Networking is the primary method for promoting my company because people aren’t familiar with my term “advancer”, so it’s best done in person where I can explain or give examples.
I also market myself by speaking to networking groups, conferences, chamber meetings and fundraisers also through the media. I’m often contacted to do interviews for radio, internet and print publications. And that, combined with my reputation for advancing businesses, leads to referrals.”
How would an entrepreneur who wants to bring their business to a higher level, contact you and where and when would you begin?
“I feel it’s important to understand that every project, business or company will need an advancer at some point. I remember when Mark Victor Hansen and I were working together and he once asked me; “How would anyone ever find someone like you?” Through ThePatBurns.com web site, it’s easy to contact me.
There’s an important distinction in your question of where and when to begin working with an advancer that I’d like to address. My skills are best used at the founder or executive level where the expectations and accountability can be clearly defined and measured. That’s where I begin… at the top. How I begin is always by way of a mastermind session with complete and open dialog.
An important element of my work is the inclusion of spirituality and love. This is a non negotiable component for my work and life. It is actually stated in my contract. Being an “Advancer” is a special gift not given to many. I acknowledge this gift by bringing spirituality and love to my work."
What’s the achievement you’re most proud of at this time?
“I would have to say the OC Children’s Book Festival. My business partner Barry Ackerman and an astonishing all-volunteer committee have built in just 5 years a huge community event.”
What are your plans and goals for the future, especially regarding networking activities?
“I’m going to continue to expand my network by offering conference calls and facilitating introductions..”
I know your conference calls bring together amazing people, Pat – thanks so much for inviting me to one just last week!
Now -- Anything else you’d like to add for our readers? Perhaps words of encouragement and / or inspiration?
“With the United States just days away from officially starting its biggest change in decades (also creating a ripple effect around the world), it certainly is a stimulating and thrilling time for out of the box and unbelievable opportunities.”
Yes, absolutely!
“Now don't think I've got my head in the sand… I hear the woes of the media and know that many people are wringing their hands with worry. But I also have the fun and privilege of “hanging out” with genuinely amazing people and if you'll allow me … there’s another side to consider that I'd like you to believe.
Here are my ‘Advancer’ Top 10 Opportunities to look for this year:
-- New ideas and innovations are launching
-- New ways of using technology are being discovered
-- Countless new businesses are starting this year
-- Every new business will require new team players:Accountants, attorneys, marketing specialists, financial backers, Internet experts, copy writers, graphic designers, managers and sales people to name a but few
-- The world is getting smaller and creating opportunities to expand globally
-- There will be fabulous real estate opportunities for investors
-- High consciousness thinkers are gathering together in groups around the world to form think tanks for Mother Earth and her people
-- There is a need for “advancers” to work with businesses and individuals formulating strategies towards many powerful global causes
-- More people will be learning to simply let go and learn to begin again fresh and new
-- There will be greater cooperation and looking beyond race, color, religion, gender and social economic status and begin a time of humanitarian unification.”
It’s all tremendously inspiring, Pat ─ Thanks so much for everything you’ve shared!
“You’re welcome! I wish you and all your readers love and joy, good health and well being. But not just that… I also wish you'll see new hope in the New Year living with blessed prosperity and continual gratitude.”
# # #
Links to Women’s Networking articles mentioned at introduction:
Christine Kloser: http://thenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/2008/09/freedom-formula.html ,
Morgana Rae: http://thenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/2008/12/true-secret-of-wealth-romancing-your.html
Pat Burns Contact Information:
www.ThePatBurns.com
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Ann Barczay Sloan, M.A.
Author & Editor / Creative Writing Coach
www.GeniusUnbound.com
www.linkedin.com/in/Ann BarczaySloan
Women's Networking Editor,
www.TheNationalNetworker.com
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