How to make expanding your network fun
and easier than ever before

Have you ever gone to an event and:
found yourself cornered by someone trying to pitch to you as a potential client?
felt under pressure to ‘sell yourself’ to others?
or just found the whole thing uncomfortable and false, and nothing has come of it?
We’ve all been there.

If you are tempted to go to events, networking or otherwise
then you are, most likely, surrounded by potentially fantastic collaboration partners
and people who are only too happy to recommend you to others
but you need to choose carefully
(without hesitation, I recommend this one ;-D
>> ‘Queens of the Green’ Golf Society <<
and the booking deadline is this Friday 26th April)

Now the key to attracting promising connections
is to be genuine, natural
and to present yourself with confidence
then you’ll find you are actually surrounded
by opportunities you are looking for…

When you make the most of an event
you can literally change the course of your career overnight.
If that appeals, then
after Tip 1 – Show up -
yes! You have to get there
(and you’ll need to book your place to do that
>> ‘Queens of the Green’ Golf Society <<)
here are a few more tips…

Tip 2 – Keep it short and sweet

Be confident and ready to share what you do in under 30 seconds.
I’m a huge fan of memorising a short statement
in response to the (dreaded) question, “What do you do?”

Personally, I like this template:

I work with [INSERT SPECIFIC GROUP OF PEOPLE]
who are having the challenge of ……..[INSERT SPECIFIC PROBLEM].

For example, “I work with women in leadership,
who are having the challenge of loving doing it in their own way
and creating a sustainable business or organisation”

Tip 3 – Stay true to a clear intention

What do you want to come out of your event networking?
Be specific about what you intend to experience
so that you’re assured of achieving your outcome.

Here are several good options to choose from:

* Meet someone who will be interested enough in what I do
to recommend me to others
* Connect with someone who can introduce me
to a resource I’ve been needing
(think virtual assistant, collaborator, web designer, etc.)
* Connect with a like-minded colleague,
share a few stories and ‘off load’ a bit
* Be noticed by the event host and get on their radar
(this is a perfect reason to attend events
if you want to connect more closely later on with the host)

Tip 4 – Go to give, not to get

Showing up at an event with order forms for your products or services
is not only cheesy, but it sends a message of desperation, or ‘Me!Me!Me!-ness’.
That includes leaving flyers or business cards on tables.
All you need to do is ask for a business card
and let your new ‘partner’ know you’d like to follow up with them.
A simple email or phone call a couple of days after the event,
focused on setting up a time to talk
and get to know each other better
is all you need to keep your energy and commitment to collaborating going.

You’ll be truly surprised by how many opportunities
you can create for your business or career,
just by following this one simple step!

Now if you want to and you can make it
you are welcome to put all of these suggestions in to practice
with a wonderful group of women, in a fun environment,
in the Midlands, UK on May 10th

click on the link for more information
>> ‘Queens of the Green’ Golf Society <<
remember, the booking deadline is this Friday April 26th.

Whatever you choose to do, will you share how you get on?

Much love,
Karen Footman,
Mentor to the School for Heroines

Are you asking your clients and colleagues
these four critical questions?

Are you asking your clients (or colleagues) questions
that will cause them to stand tall? Or stay small?

Q1: Do you invite them to notice that the story they are telling themselves…
is keeping them where they are?

Q2: Do you ask them to do things that scare them …
and then hold them to it?

Q3: Do you remind them about what they told you they wanted…
when their behaviour suggests they’re backing off?

If you aren’t regularly holding your clients (or colleagues) accountable to
what you know is possible for them,
then you are selling yourself short and them too.

Here are two critical distinctions that I’m delighted to share with you.
I’m inviting you to integrate these truths in to your coaching
- in fact – start by applying them to yourself where they are new to you
and your clients (or colleagues) will love you
because the results they are experiencing from working with you are…
outstanding.

Truth 1:
Dare to ask your clients (or colleague) challenging questions
without prompting an ‘ouch!’ reaction,
by asking them with compassion.
Check your intention is to speak to their heart with your truth
- which means NO judgement.
You will notice they will feel safe with you and are consequently
open to being guided by your questions.
(Then you can risk asking the one thing that could get you fired
…but will make all the difference )

Truth 2:
Hold your client (or colleague) in your heart and your mind
as someone with unlimited, enormous, potential.
NB: If you aren’t doing this already…
whatever you are holding in mind instead will be getting in the way.
When you consciously perceive your clients as strong and courageous -
you give them the opportunity to
borrow your strength and your belief in them
to get them through to the other side of their struggle.

Which reminds me…
Truth 3:
Leaders, mentors and coaches who are committed
to supporting others to stand tall,
need leaders mentors and coaches who
see them standing tall.
No one is ever ‘done’.
So stay open and surround yourself those who will lead, mentor and coach you.
In fact if you are within touching distance of The Midlands, UK on Friday 10th May,
I have that one covered for you too!

Q4: Can you afford not to get out of the office for few hours,
learn something new
and have more women of influence,
as your friends and collaborative partners?

I didn’t think so
Find out more by clicking the link below to find out more,
whether golf floats your boat or not:

>> ‘Queens of the Green’ Golf Society <<

Finally, thank you again, for continuing to be such a loyal subscriber.
Remember, I do appreciate hearing from you too!
Let me know if there is a project I can support you with,
or if you have any questions?

Much love,
Karen Footman,
Mentor to the School for Heroines

NB Bookings must be completed and paid for before Friday 26th April
>> ‘Queens of the Green’ Golf Society <<

Get around THE REAL obstacle in your way
this Spring (it’s not what you think)

I’m working on a new project where I’m bringing women leaders
together with golf, for the fun of it. Interested? Read on:

Do you take heart as a leader?

Here at School for Heroines we care deeply about supporting
those who want to inspire & motivate others, but who are being held back in some way.
We resource them to lead their own way & create sustainable personal businesses,
whilst making the most of their time, energy and money.

Do you realise that as you share your experiences
you give other people the courage to move forward in their life?

Are you open to assessing your readiness and to helping us to support you
by taking a few moments to complete our quick self-coaching questionnaire?

>> Click here to go to the questionnaire <<

You could win the opportunity to take part in a very special,
Intimate Inner Circle Q & A Master Class
where we’ll be responding to the unique challenges facing a very select group and resourcing them personally to start succeeding today, from inner certainty, in fresh and practical ways.

Ready?

>> Click here to go to the questionnaire <<

Much love, magic and sparkle,
Karen Footman,
Mentor to the School for Heroines

3 reasons why you may be missing out on referrals

Last week in the Inner Circle we got in to a great discussion about referrals.

It can be frustrating can’t it, when you know clients have been more than satisfied
with the work you’ve done with them yet it seems to have ended there.
Sometimes you sense they’re unwilling to refer you because it doesn’t reflect well on them
having sought your help in the first place.
Whatever the reason it’s an obstacle ready to be dissolved.

Here’s my insight:

1. Your client often doesn’t know when they are talking
   to someone who would be a good referral for you. 

   How clearly are you educating others about when it’s a good time to make a referral?

   Specifically, how do you articulate what you do?
   e.g. are you a work/life balance consultant – or -
   a resource for working parents who want to be successful at work
   whilst not missing out on a moment with their kids?

   Maybe, like me, you’re a lifestyle & business mentor – or -
   a resource for women leaders & coaches who want to inspire & motivate others;
   I guide them to lead their own way & create sustainable personal businesses
   whilst making the most of their time, energy and money
   Notice the difference?

2. Your client doesn’t realise that you want them to give you referrals.

   Most people just don’t ask.
   Maybe it’s in the language…
   Asking for a ‘referral’ sounds formal doesn’t it? 

   However, if you were to simply make people aware that
   should they be looking for help of the kind you are offering
   you are open to a conversation with them:
   I make a point of saying that I am open and willing to have a conversation
   with anyone wanting to change direction or shift focus in their business career
   who doesn’t want to sacrifice themselves or what’s important to them in the process.
   This makes it easy for others to spread the word.
   Are you making it easy for them?

   Maybe you feel ‘icky’ about it
   asking for a referral can feel uncomfortable can’t it?

   If you are uncomfortable in any way -
   specifically, I find my clients often feel ashamed,
   this will be overriding anything you are saying.
   Acknowledge the feeling – and clear any discomfort.
   What is a part of you frightened of?
   Tune in to it. Confront it.
   When you do, your invitations to spread the word
   will take on a very different resonance.

3. Your clients forget. Or you do.

   Maybe you asked once, but you didn’t want to bug them
   so the subject never came up again 

   Make it easy for others to share your great work
   by creating resources that are of service to those you want to attract:
   write articles, blog, make videos or audios – whatever you are drawn to;
   send them out to clients past and present and invite recipients to pass them on
   with a clear invitation to contact you via one preferred method
   e.g. share a blog post like this one including a clear invitation for feedback;
   if it resonates, in our case, via our Linked In group.

   Finally – reward those who do recommend you
   with something they will appreciate.
   I reward clients who refer me with personal gifts
   including ‘cherished client’ rates, bonus coaching sessions
   and invitations to special on-line Master Classes,
   flowers, books they’re interested in:
   you get the idea!

   It won’t be long before you’ll be easily and effortlessly
   attracting the referrals you surely deserve.

   >> What’s your experience of
   getting your clients to refer you
   and what have you learned? <<

Will you tell us?
Even better – share this question with others who may be interested
and perhaps you’ll be rewarded too?

Much love, magic and sparkle,
Karen Footman,
Mentor to the School for Heroines