UPDATES! - June, 2009, Week 4

JUNE, 2009, Week 4
UPDATE ISSUE 1 (New Format)

The NATIONAL NETWORKER is the process of dramatic change. We expect to implement these innovations, improvements and upgrades in Beta in the month of August. Of course there will be power outages, downtime and lots of excuses masquerading as explanations (i.e., "the long time to load the site was obviously caused by Global Warming'... and that sort of baloney); but then, all the big guys have that stuff, so these abnormal events will probably add to TNNW's credibility.

1. Our Newsletter will have an updated and upgraded look, increased interactivity with subscribers and richer, more useful content than ever before. It will be easier to find and follow your favorite authors (and to forward their articles). You will also be seeing some exciting new columns from some brand new authors who have honored us by joining us -- authors with unparalleled expertise, experience, writing style and messages of tremendous importance. Authors with whom you will be invited to interact, personally and professionally. Long story short - You got people. You know what else -- the Newsletter will continue to be free.


2. Our special blended Newsfeed (provisionally called the "National Newspicker") will contain the most important top stories and breaking news from a select group of the best media resources available on such subjects as (just to name a few): networking, communications, social media, navigating the New Web, leadership, team-building, growth through joint ventures, global relationship-building, new technologies, sources of capital for smaller and entrepreneurial companies, business plans and presentations, career growth, public relations and publicity, and new contacts and tools which can use. Our TNNW Select Newsfeed will be the only feed that you will need to read every day. You will make it a Favorite. It will also be available as a high-utility gadget. One day in the future, everything will be available as a Google Gadget.

3. Our completely updated and high-utility suite of Member Services will be more readily accessible, more user-friendly and more powerful than ever before. Subscribers will want to graduate to full Membership. Our new Interactive Calendar Of Events will revolutionize the way you promote your brand, services and meetings...in fact, the NATIONAL NETWORKER will dramatically change the way in which people organize their daily schedules and utilize their precious time. You will be impressed and enthralled.

4. We will be offering more partnership, capitalization, mentoring and joint venturing opportunities than ever before. The Networker will be rolling out a bunch of DIRECT CONNECT services where we will bring good people together. We won't be just talk - we will help you (as in "hands-on") to build beneficial relationships. We are not just writing...we are action. What other social media or "connection" service can make that claim? Look forward to cutting-edge proactive.

5. We will make you glad that you joined us and became a part of our growing, interactive international community. And of course, they'll be plenty of buttons...





6. If you haven't already taken TNNW Survey #88 on LEADERSHIP ["What must an effective leader do..."], please take a moment to take it now. It is very quick, and the results promise to be fascinating. Get the survey at http://twitlik.com/Response88 . Note: The deadline for submitting your opinion and thoughts is July 10th, and the results will be published publicly on July 18th. Every noteworthy organization in the world today, whether private sector or public sector, is facing a leadership crisis. We must identify those things that make certain persons leaders, find those people and persuade them to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Weigh in at http://twitlik.com/Response88.

7. Are you part of the ONE PERCENT? Find out: http://twitlik.com/OnePercent


As always, thank you for being a Subscriber, and for reading us. By the way, the re-formatted website will be a snap to navigate. We swear (too often).

With Great Things to Come,

Adam J. Kovitz and Douglas Castle






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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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UPDATES! - June, 2009, Week 4

THE REHUMANITIZATION OF NETWORKING - Why Should I Listen to You?

Whoever You Are:

This is my newly-featured column. Adam J. Kovitz (who loves to see his name in print) appeared to me in a vision and said, "Son, I believe it is time for you to write about whatever you want to write about, instead of the usual insipid, prosaic pap that I force you write about. Go off and build a life for yourself. Make me proud. Try not to be too graphic or use too much profanity."

I ask everyone -- WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?

I receive more than 100 emails per hour, I belong to well in excess of 100 "social media" groups (and that's not including LinkedIn), and I literally receive dozens of news alerts, blog comments and ezine bulletins weekly. I am inundated (as is everyone else) with sensorial input. Most of what I receive is useless, meaningless junk.
For example:

- "How I get more followers on Twitter!";

- "Great App (Application) for Social Media -- MediaMashup";

- "Make money with your website...it's automatic...you can't stop earning money with this system (even if you want to!)";

- "Optimize Your Search Engine Ranking with Adwords!";

- "Coverage of the Business Roundtable Power Breakfast and Bowling Event in Izzard, Iowa.";

- "Make Your Summer The Best Networking Season of Your Year";

- "Biggest Payouts in the Industry!";

- "A Firmer Handshake -- A Better Connection";

- "Get Your Piece of The Government Bailout";

- "How Helping Others will Make Your Rich!';

- "How to get 25,000 Fans on your FaceBook Fan Page.";

- "Attitude Makes All the Difference";

- Viagra and Cialis solicitations in Cantonese;

- Offers from various corrupt, but very polite African Bankers from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, and Diptheria whose rich client died (usually in a tragic plane crash) without heirs, and who want my personal cooperation (e.g., money) to access my unlawful inheritance, which I can then share with them. Note: They have sent this message to me because they have heard that I can be trusted -- probably as much as the rest of the persons on the 'undisclosed recipients' list of their email correspondence;

- A steaming, fly-laden manure mountain of open-ended, boring, questions like: "How Are You Going to Use Linked In to make 2010 Your Best Year Ever?" ... "Do you think that Blitter will make Twitter Obsolete?"

- "Five HOT Technology Stocks to Watch."

- "Personal Success Coach wants to show you how to become a winner overnight!";

- A veritable cesspool of stuff about branding, image-building, ranking, SEO, and other pop-culture or techo-fad acronym-laden stuff which someone thinks that I should be interested in.

Lastly, there are numerous items from various "Life Coaches" who do not, in fact, have lives of their own, "Success Coaches" who have yet to experience a single, credible success in achieving anything, and a host of other panderers who want to tell me things about having plenty of business cards handy, smiling, making eye contact, preparing a "one-minute commercial" for myself, and harnessing the power of The Law of Affinity.

This material (I've alluded to what the specific material actually is) is wasteful of my eyesight, my computer capacity of and my precious and fleeting time. When you waste my time, you insult me, you keep me from accomplishing other things, and you make me indifferent to you. You will have become a part of the increasing ambient background noise in a society where everyone is loudly hawking intangible, undefinable "stuff", and nobody is really buying any of it. I will not give you a second chance. Very few other people will either.

[By the way, this is not the time to utter something trite, like: "You only get one chance to make a first impression!" -- Don't speak in cliches and "conventional wisdom" -- Don't talk down to me, as if I were as stupid as my college transcript would indicate. I would like to think that you believe me to be intelligent...most people want to be thought of as intelligent, and to be treated as if they were].

You Ask (in a cynical, skeptical, perhaps even sarcastic tone, with your hands on your hips, or with your arms crossed over your chest) -- THEN WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU, DOUGLAS CASTLE?

I Respond (with a haughty attitude) -- You will listen to me because...

1. I will tell you important things that you don't already know, and which will improve your social, professional and financial success. Each will have an immediate, practical application. You will have actions to follow. Each will give you results.

2. I will engage you, and capture your attention and interest. I won't bore you with a trowelful of crap. I will offer you information and tools which you cannot find anywhere else.

3. I will be candid, and I won't patronize you. Ever.

4. I will occasionally make you laugh...either at me, at yourself, or at others. You will (despite yourself) enjoy what I write.

5. I will talk to you on a Human-to-Human basis.

Incidentally, if you want me to listen to you, here's what you should do:

1. Get my attention, in any way that you can --

2. Tell me something important and interesting ... speak with authority ... and put your unique personality into it ... make it about you and me ... if you are eccentric, it might actually help --

3. Give me an action or actions to take. I will await your command.

Here's a rule:

"If it's not interesting to you, it won't be interesting to your audience."

Tell me about what you know; what you are actually interested in; something which have a personal passion for. Don't be conventional. Conventional people never change anything, and they are boring as hell. Take your personality out of the moth balls (by the way, have you ever smelled moth balls?), brush it off and tell it, in no uncertain terms that it is your greatest personal asset. It is what separates you from the rest of the crowd.

Please stay tuned for my first real article, which should be coming up soon.

Thank you, one and all.

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle

*Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/douglascastle http://twitter.com/TNNW_BUZZWORKS
*Check me out: http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/douglascastle

THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW):
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THE REHUMANITIZATION OF NETWORKING - Why Should I Listen to You?

SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand

By Karl Smith
South Africa Bureau Chief

It is generally agreed that the way we see things through the eyes of our minds has a significant impact on our own success. This picture is also referred to as our frame of reference, our paradigm…a perception of reality through which we integrate, evaluate, and interpret new persons, events and ideas… I have worked with thousands of people in my career and I was often frustrated by the many change management and teamwork interventions we embarked upon because it was a decision made by the top executives. None of these intervention experts even considered our current frame of reference relating to change, teamwork and other issues. They failed to invest time to see where we come from, our frame of reference. If everyone could live by this principle to always attempt to understand one’s frame of reference, which perspective we come from when we speak or do something, then it will be must more happier or productive place.

When we employed our first Xhosa speaking staff member at one of the many companies where I worked, some of my staff were up in arms, because in their minds he had no planning skills for the many school related projects for which he was responsible. It was only when I told them that he hails from a community where you provide for unexpected guests because of their culture to be hospitable when they showed empathy for his challenge. Through my facilitation to always understand where people come from I have build a formidable team who achieved success beyond expectations. Today, that staff member is a Chief Executive Officer and I have many other similar success stories. You foster better business relationships if you understand where people where they come from. It is a skill so needed in business today from employee to the boardroom, to connecting with people and to dealing with difficult people. The ability to show “empathy”, to put yourself in the shoes of others, to exchange places is a vital skill in building business relationships. “Seek first to understand” requires deep paradigm shift. We typically seek first to be understood. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to answer.

I am a keen reader and I frequent coffee shops with a book in the hand. One day, I overheard the manager shouting at a waiter for accepting and paying for an order without having the delivery note signed. The poor waiter cringed and he tried to explain that the manager was not there when the delivery arrived and that he just wanted to help! In my mind the manager should have listened and understand that somewhere along his short life this young waiter was taught to be helpful in the absence of a manager. He should then have empowered the waiter by explaining the procedures and then give him a second change. What a benefit to the waiter and the manager! You see networking skills benefit people wherever they have interaction with others.

Extract from Karl’s book entitled, “Beyond The Business Handshake - Dare To Build High- Trust Business Relationships. Karl is the owner of Business Networking South Africa, a division of ExecuEdge Consulting- a successful consulting and business relationships training company.

Visit www.businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za to see Karl in action, see what Karl’s clients says, book Karl to speak or to do in-company training, attend a public event, subscribe to his newsletter or to use the free networking resources or him at karl@businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za

For more, check out Karl's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand

SALES AND MARKETING: Appreciation Marketing

Sales and Marketing with Bill Doerr

15 Second Executive Speed-Read

In the highly competitive, over-crowded marketplace of 2009 where more media seems to produce fewer results there's a growing concern among small business owners about how to best use increasingly limited resources to achieve their marketing objectives. Enter Curtis Lewsey, author of his latest book, Appreciation Marketing / How To Achieve Greatness Through Gratitude. The principles and practices he shares may hold some of the answers that many, perhaps even you, are seeking!

The Magic Wand of Marketing

If I gave you a 'magic wand' for your marketing, you'd probably use it to create a steady stream of highly qualified prospects who all know you through the influence and prestige of people you know in common. That's the positive consequence of having developed a network of people who know, like and trust you personally and respect you professionally. Over time, you'd find you have more people to process than time to do so. Nice picture, right?

The Reality of Marketing

Wake-up time! If the above scenario doesn't exactly reflect your own reality, take heart. It doesn't have to stay that way. But you do have to do something differently in the future than you've been doing in the past.

Curtis Lewsey and his new book Appreciation Marketing may hold the answer to what you need to do to get better marketing results.

I met Curtis over a year ago at (what else!) a business event. Everyone I was meeting was buzzing about "that guy" across the room.

When I got the opportunity to meet him, I understood why everyone was his 'raving fan'. He was on a personal mission to enjoy the reality suggested by the old saying, "See 2 people a day to bring (financial) freedom your way". Curtis believed it and was living that truth with everyone he could at every chance he got.

As a recent Sacred Heart University grad, Curtis was developing quite a business for himself. Like Johnny Appleseed he was committed to 'sharing the word' about keeping-in-touch to stay-in-mind and create value-for-all with his people -- small business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs.

Since then, he's impressed me more by his actions than his rhetoric. Although both are very impressive!

Common Sense and Common Practice

Curtis shared that, according to a recent CNN poll, a majority of smaller firms are expecting a decrease in revenues for 2009. Most also indicated that they plan to invest less on their marketing in 2009, too. Folly? I'd say so. Understandable? Absolutely. On the surface, it seems to make sense. But, it's a costly strategy in the long-run.

The problem isn't that an investment in marketing is bad. Investment in bad marketing is bad! And, in 2009, a throwback to the 'good old days' where marketing meant building relationships with your market members may be back in style.

It's The Relationship That Matters!

Curtis has achieved a level of success at an age when most people are still trying to get traction on their careers. Part of why he has achieved so much so quickly is his network of people who know, like and trust him. "I've got close to 4,000 people in my database whom I've met personally in a 1:1 setting and I know a) what they do and b) who is most likely to benefit from their expertise". That . . . is awesome!

Connecting is Not Enough

As laudable as knowing 4,000 people is, it's not enough to realize value from those relationships. Curtis also knows he must stay 'top-of-mind' with these people or he risks falling off the 'mental shelf' in the category he wants to occupy with them.

Old School is Cool

"In a Google age, you can always find a cheaper alternative for anything". So we're all at risk of being viewed as a commodity. And the only way to differentiate a commodity is on price -- and a lower price is a sure-fire strategy to marketing Hell.

An alternative approach is to develop a personal relationship between you and your prospects, clients and centers-of-influence so you can leverage the relationship in a mutually beneficial manner.

Curtis likes to say, "Success reflects the connections you make and the relationships you maintain over time". It's the quantity AND the quality of your relationships with people that matter, isn't it?

Tomato Gardening

One chapter in his book is called Growing a Tomato Garden. The term 'Tomato' stands for 'Top-Of-Mind-Awareness-Through-Others'. The garden is your network and the fruit of your labor in the garden of connections is very, very sweet indeed!

Attitude of Gratitude

Curtis says, "Basic etiquette -- recognizing people and appreciating them is a key factor in building a relationships. You need to be thankful for the people in your life. You also need systems to help you implement and maintain an appreciation strategy".

Chocolate-Frosted Dog Crap

Curtis cautions, "Once you're committed to TOMATO, it's imperative not to lose your authenticity as you implement a keep-in-touch communication strategy".

One of the book's chapters is "Chocolate-Frosted Dog Crap". It sums up what doing the right 'thing' without the right 'attitude of gratitude' is all about.

Keeping in touch just to keep-in-touch, without the requisite commitment to the relationship you have with someone is hollow and mechanical -- just like putting chocolate frosting on 'dog crap' and then calling it 'chocolate cake'. Sooner or later the subterfuge will be painfully obvious.

Resources

If you're interested in leaving more about the Appreciation Marketing principles and practices, get yourself a copy of Curtis' latest book: Appreciation Marketing. It's due out in early July 2009 and addresses the topic in greater depth and detail than space allows here.

Visit www.appreciationmarketing.com as well. There you can register for The Apppreciator e-newsletter that features case-studies and 'best practices' you can use in your business. Of course, you can contact Curtis directly at: 203-331-2575 or email him at: curtis@appreciationmarketing.com.

Epilogue

Sensing our time was running out, I asked Curtis for a 'parting word of wisdom'.

"Never lose sight of the importance of making connections and building relationships. It's not all that difficult but you must do a little bit every day".

In the last chapter of the book, "The Popcorn Principle", Curtis explains how a system to do something like popping pop corn or keeping-in-touch . . . asks that you have faith . . . that you trust . . . the system will work.

You may not have connected with as many people as Curtis Lewsey, but if you adopt the principles and practices of his Appreciation Marketing, you can enjoy more success than most.

Thank you Curtis. I appreciate the time and wisdom you've shared here with us all.

Curtis Lewsey is an author who shares business wisdom that builds relationships and revenues for his small business clients. His latest book: Appreciation Marketing is coming out in July 2009. For more information, call him directly at 203-331-2575, email Curtis or visit his website: www.appreciationmarketing.com.

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Bill Doerr is CCO of SellMore Marketing. He helps professionals and other service providers to market their problem-solving expertise simply, effectively and affordably. You can reach him at www.sellmoremarketing.com, by email at billd@sellmoremarketing.com or by phone at 860-798-6964.
For more please see Bill's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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SALES AND MARKETING: Appreciation Marketing

OPTIMIZING YOUR IMPACT: The Most Important Question to Answer to Impact Your Market

Optimizing Your Impact with Jeff Schomay

You have a project, vision, message, endeavor, idea, or business that is incredibly important to you, but it can’t go anywhere unless you can get others interested and engaged. Whether you realize it or not, on any given level, there is a single job that you must constantly and continually do successfully: design your interactions to cause people to want to “engage further” instead of “pass.” But how do you do that? It all comes down to one question: “Who Cares?”

I know it sounds over-simplified, but truly, you ability to fully answer that question will directly affect the impact you make on your market. Let’s look at it closer.

“WHO cares?” The first half of the question is all about your target market, and as with any kind of presentation, if you want a positive response, you must know your audience! Note that “who” does not focus on who you are or what you do. “You” don’t even come into the picture. It’s all about “them” and understanding their perspective. Beyond a profile of demographics gathered from your market research, you’ll want to really get a feeling of what it’s like to be them, so that you’ll be able to speak their language. Here are some points to consider:

• What is their situation?
• What are their passions, desires, needs, fears, frustrations?
• How do they communicate, how do they learn?
• What do they surround themselves with? Where do they hang out?

“Who CARES?” The second half of the question looks at why they would be interested and how they would engage you. It’s all about getting in their shoes! Your material is only worth the extent to which it resonates with “them.” What is your presentation sounding like from their perspective? Here are some more considerations:

• How does this benefit them?
• What resonates and why?
• What is on their mind on in their life right now?
• Do they have similar interests?

Once you really understand who you are speaking to and how to present to their perspective, you will not only be able to design your presentations better, but you may find new insights about your material that could be optimized for an even better market response.

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Written by Jeff Schomay

As a professional juggler and a practiced film writer and director, Jeff Schomay has a very unique perspective on making an impact on your market. He does branding and advertising for individuals and businesses to great results.
www.Inspire-Your-Buyer.com
jeff@inspire-your-buyer.com
(c) 2009

For more, please see Jeff's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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OPTIMIZING YOUR IMPACT: The Most Important Question to Answer to Impact Your Market

LASTING IMPRESSIONS: Michael Jackson Died Today, June 25, 2009

Lasting Impressions with Sian Lindemann

I don’t often speak about the super “star” complement of artists, for as today, it is often such a wide gap between those who are emerging and someone like Michael Jackson who has been triumphant at the “top” of his game.

There is “often” no way one can actually relate to the plight of someone so extremely gifted.

The uniqueness of an artist like Michael Jackson is so rarely achieved. And thus, why is it, when someone like him achieves the “golden ring” is it so hard to remain in a position of “elite status?”

We, as humans, are the problem.

Currently, we aspire, as a culture, to achieve success, joy, creative self- expression, individualism, freedom, and we revere those who achieve that position…Then why is it, that once particular individuals achieve that status, we attempt to drag them into the mud. It is clearly the 180 degree opposite and define the worst qualities of mankind, rising to the surface to diminish someone like him, via greed, fear, lust, and the rest of the seven deadly sins.

I am personally not a “bible thumping” religious person. But it seems every person through out history who has achieved a state of operating in “inherent” goodness, is crucified.

Jesus, Buddha, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy, John Lennon, Elvis, and lastly, Michael Jackson. Certainly there are others who have achieved, fame and success in a variety of different endeavors, and in this case, the arts.

I am reminded today of the bible quote and I will have to paraphrase….”First we must become as little children, before we can enter the kingdom of heaven”…..Michael Jackson did, a true “pure heart,” as I, for one, do not believe that any of the accusations imposed on Michael Jackson, were true.

I believe that greed and envy were the intentions of those that accused him of misbehavior…I do not know, I do not care. Acquitted in a court of law, Michael Jackson walked free. Who are human beings to judge him so harshly, where for 40 + years, Michael Jackson was an inherent sound track backing up each of our generation’s existence, influencing music, dance, media, video, movies, and interracial acceptance.

I am so terribly saddened today, not by the fact that Mr. Jackson has found peace, but by the ongoing and continued media frenzy that follows him even after his death.

Peace on this earth is found not in the ability to have like -mindedness…but in acceptance and reverence of the essential need for differences. It is the only way in which we learn from one another, the value of our humanity, the value of the earth on which we reside, and the extraordinary gift, of which we are a part, called “life.”

Sian Lindemann June 2009
Executive Director - Sian Design
Creative Business Development - Artist Management
http://www.siandesign.com
http://www.siandesign.blogspot.com


Please check out Sian's TNNW Bio for more information.



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To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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LASTING IMPRESSIONS: Michael Jackson Died Today, June 25, 2009

FRANCE: What is Your Contribution?

by Thierry Mazué

French Bureau Chief

Business success rarely happens overnight. From my own experience, I can tell it took time and hard work. In addition to this, when I take a look at the past 20 years, I can tell you this: Things I'm most proud of are the people I had a chance to help.

I am not looking for any kind of recognition here. It's really about them. It might have been on a business or personal area, but what really made a difference each time has not been money, deals or successes. Most often, it has been time spent in order to help somebody else: with an issue with their boss, or with a customer.

Over time, what happened is that whenever I could manage helping them solve that issue, I never asked for any kind of return. From time to time, I told them straight away: You don't owe anything to anyone, especially me.

Enough about me. I want to tell you a story about a guy I know, Alain.

Alain joined the 1st BNI chapter I created in my town. He is a successful lawyer and has been an extremely consistent provider to his business group. I can tell he gives qualified referrals all year long. He is one of the 5 top producers in his BNI chapter.

We had a conversation once. I wanted to get to know him better, know the man besides the businessman. What I've learned really impressed me.

He is part of the 10th Family association.

Where I live, he and other people found out that whenever you select 10 families, one is often going down, having severe problems, for whatever reasons. The most frequent scenario is this: Dad looses his job, and the family starts struggling financially. No more vacations, children start to feel the hard times are here, they are not longer doing so well at school, it gets hard keeping the family home...

As soon as they detect the situation, 9 other families gather and find out ways to give the 10th family real support. I am talking about support, warmth, real human relations. This is not about money. The 9 families stay focused on helping the 10th one until it's back on tracks.

And guess what : you'll never know who was the 10th family... until it's actually part of the association, helping another 10th family and the members of the family tell you.

What a beautiful contribution this is! I can't find a better to network. Can you imagine this? After recovery, this family starts helping others in the very same way they have been helped. Gratitude is definitively a core value here.

And my question to everyone of us will be: When was the last time I've helped somebody, and told them after: You don't owe anything to anyone, especially me?

From Paris, France
Thierry Mazué
Referral Institute: France

For more information, please see Thierry's TNNW Bio.



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FRANCE: What is Your Contribution?

U.S. NEW ENGLAND: The Dream Party is a Unique Form of Networking

by Noelle Southwick

U.S. New England Bureau Chief
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

Meet Tara Sage Steeves

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, Tara is founder and president of Create Your Life!, LLC and The Dream Party™. She specializes in dream fulfillment. She has created a unique networking event called the Dream Party that asks you to “come as you aspire to be in 5 years”. Additionally, Tara offers Dream Day Retreats, Dream Circle group coaching, individual coaching for dream fulfillment and a book called “Are You Pregnant with a Dream?” Her book is like a self-directed workshop with exercises and inspiration to support bringing dreams into reality.

A Turning Point

When Tara opened her life coaching business she went to networking events to get the word out and to meet new people. She had success collecting business cards but felt there was something missing. She wanted to connect more deeply with people and to know what was important to them. She described networking events as “stuffy and not a lot of heart”.

One day after returning from a transformative vacation she realized something had to change. Through self-reflection she realized she wanted room to nurture and experiment with her dreams and desires. She thought about running away by traveling around the world but realized there might be another solution. Her solution and new passion was the Dream Party. Initially she wanted to create a space for herself, one that allowed her to expand her life and nurture her dreams. In so doing she created an event that has allowed hundreds to consider and grow their dreams as well.

The Annual Rhode Island Dream Party

On Friday, October 2, 2009, at the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston, RI the Dream Party attendants will have a chance to examine what is possible. It is an event that offers participants to come as they aspire to be in 5 years complete with costume and props if desired.

There is plenty of connection at this event. The event was created connect people more deeply by knowing each other’s passions. Since people are talking about their true desires it is easy to want to support them in reaching their dreams. People at this networking event greet each other with “what’s your dream?” Tara reports, “It’s magical.”

The Dream Team

Tara hand selects a team of experts known to produce results in order to support participants in getting on the path to their dream life. They offer assistance and design action steps to success. For example, a travel agent can support getting to a dream destination anywhere in the world. If buying a home is your dream, a realtor can offer advice and education. A business expert can encourage starting your own business. With the Dream Team, participants leave with the necessary tools to have dreams come true.

Unique to the Dream Party

Tara has come up with some imaginative ways of creating an unusual experience. For example, upon entering the event-goers cross over an enchanting Footbridge to the Future where they are welcomed to the year 2014. The “Should” & “Impossible” Shredding Station will aid in the removal of personal obstacles and old beliefs that may impede living the desired dreams. Enter the Time Machine and write a letter as if it's 5 years from now and you are already living your dreams.

Networking to Grow the Event

Tara has been networking to get the news out about her unique event. She attends traditional networking events and shows to share her passion for dream fulfillment. She is active on Facebook and other on-line social networks. Additionally, she has created a partnership with Aspire magazine to sponsor her event. She writes articles for the monthly publication as well. Her website and Create Your Life! Newsletter also helps her to get the word out about the Dream Party.

Social networking is where Tara is focusing much of her networking energy these days. With 5 years in business now, he says her experience has taught her it’s more efficient. In addition to being an efficient use of time social networks allow a focused audience who is more interested in what she has to offer. Tara is also focusing on joint networking with other women owned businesses.

More information

Tara offers dream support through private life coaching, workshops, groups and the annual Dream Party event. To find out more or to buy her book visit http://www.createyourlifeinc.com/ or call 401-569-7017.

“Asking people ‘what’s your dream” really gets to the heart of what people want
in their life. It’s a whole new way to make connections.”

~ Tara Sage Stevens, Create Your Life! LLC

For more information, please see Noelle's TNNW Bio.

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