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	<title>The Million Dollar Lifestyle Business Podcast»  |  | The Million Dollar Lifestyle Business Podcast</title>
	
	<link>http://www.successconnections.com/articles</link>
	<description>The Entrepreneur's Success Coach shares the secrets to having more freedom, more profits, and more prestige!</description>
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		<title>Three Must Read Books for “Get Real” Leaders</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/Eg7DOba5FaE/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/11/09/read-books-real-leaders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:45:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Success Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barbara DeAngelis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business book review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gay Hendricks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success   solution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Arbinger Institute]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=331</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lately I’ve been looking for new books that challenge me to think out of the box and explore new possibilities in small business success. Of course, as I take this next leap into a new level of authenticity and alignment with my genius factor, I’m hungry to learn from people who have journeyed before me.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lately I’ve been looking for new books that challenge me to think out of the box and explore new possibilities in small business success. Of course, as I take this next leap into a new level of authenticity and alignment with my genius factor, I’m hungry to learn from people who have journeyed before me.</p>
<p>I share these three must-read books for any entrepreneur, small business owner or service professional who is ready to eliminate the blocks in their way of ultimate success and is willing to unleash their own personal magic on the world in the biggest way possible.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/TheBigLeap-150x150.jpg" alt="TheBigLeap" title="TheBigLeap" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-332" /><strong>The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level</strong><br />
By Gay Hendricks</p>
<p>This book I don’t even remember how I heard about it but somehow at just the right time I was racing to the book store to pick it up. Hendricks (one of my long-time favorite authors) has unleashed a whole new level of possibility by sharing the strategies to recognize when you’ve hit your upper limit (aka when sabotage happens) and how to live fully in your zone of genius. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/how-did-I-get-here.jpg" alt="how did I get here" title="how did I get here" width="115" height="115" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-333" /><strong>How Did I Get Here? Find your Way to Renewed Hope and Happiness When Life and Love Take Unexpected Turns</strong><br />
By Barbara DeAngelis</p>
<p>DeAngelis, author of one of the first books that heavily influenced relationships for me, has brought an unexpected comfort into my life as I experience a massive transformation in my life and business. Having personally ended up somewhere I didn’t expect, and recognizing my greatest coaching is often in supporting people through this process,  How Did I Get Here is an eye opener to how to use the painful times (which by the way, we all have) as a tool to greater fulfillment.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/LeadershipandSelfDeception.jpg" alt="LeadershipandSelfDeception" title="LeadershipandSelfDeception" width="115" height="115" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-334" /><strong>Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of The Box</strong><br />
By The Arbinger Institute</p>
<p>A book that “showed up” from some unknown source, Leadership and Self-Deception is an interesting fable on how relationships can be sabotaged with one seemingly innocent self-serving decision, often made without a second thought. If you’ve ever wondered why a great relationship suddenly shifts into a war zone or how all your best efforts to connect are rebuffed, you’ll want to order this book immediately.</p>
<p>What books have been influential to you this year? Share them in the blog comments and we&#8217;ll all benefit from YOUR reading list too.</p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/small business success/" rel="tag">small business success</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/the Arbinger Institute/" rel="tag">the Arbinger Institute</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business book review/" rel="tag">business book review</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business success tips/" rel="tag">business success tips</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success solution/" rel="tag">success solution</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business development solutions/" rel="tag">business development solutions</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business development books/" rel="tag">business development books</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Three+Must+Read+Books+for+%E2%80%9CGet+Real%E2%80%9D+Leaders+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/1jIaJl" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How Much Would YOU Pay for a Burger?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/GK22FUo107w/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/11/05/pay-burger/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kevin nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales and marketing strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales technique]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=322</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Guest Author Kevin Nations
How much would YOU pay for a Burger? I&#8217;ll bet that you&#8217;d pay a WHOLE LOT MORE than you think! And the crazy lessons I&#8217;m gonna share with you in this story about BURGERS will shift your business FOREVER…
Oh yeah!
Since just about every client I&#8217;ve met always thinks they&#8217;re gonna be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Guest Author Kevin Nations</p>
<p>How much would YOU pay for a Burger? I&#8217;ll bet that you&#8217;d pay a WHOLE LOT MORE than you think! And the crazy lessons I&#8217;m gonna share with you in this story about BURGERS will shift your business FOREVER…</p>
<p>Oh yeah!</p>
<p>Since just about every client I&#8217;ve met always thinks they&#8217;re gonna be &#8216;the one&#8217; who can&#8217;t raise their prices, I run into resistance around people reaching their Ultimate Value nearly daily. You know- just like some of your fears right now. &#8220;But I work with Coaches &#8211; or Artists, or prospects in Sheboygan or whatever name you&#8217;ve given to defend your decision to be small.&#8221;</p>
<p><img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/hamburger1-150x150.jpg" alt="hamburger1" title="hamburger1" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-324" />I can&#8217;t think of much more of an &#8220;in the box&#8221; (ok, bad pun) product than a BURGER!</p>
<p>I mean &#8211; really &#8211; how much can a Burger really be worth?</p>
<p>When I ask groups about this I usually get something along the lines of five dollars or so. Then lots of eye-rolling&#8230; Kevin, you don&#8217;t understand, we don&#8217;t have anything to do with BURGERS, we sell a high-end line of Consultatively Researched Analytical Practices. (Yea, I bet you do!)</p>
<p>So, the TYPICAL price raising gigs go something like this&#8230;</p>
<p>Ensure yours is ORGANIC! (Note to reader &#8211; raise the QUALITY)</p>
<p>New price = Eight Bucks</p>
<p>Try selling a triple decker with sixteen toppings and TONS of Fries (Even extra fries like Five Guys)</p>
<p>OK, Twelve Bucks &#8211; (Raising the amount of STUFF and Add-Ons &#8211; know anyone who does this?)</p>
<p>How about selling our Burgers in a sit-down joint with White Linen napkins and someone to scrape the crumbs off the table-cloth every five minutes with a live Pianist playing Debussy?</p>
<p>Twenty-Five Bucks? (Hmm, fancy Packaging or Exotic Locations for your &#8216;Soirees&#8217;)</p>
<p>I can go ON and ON &#8211; and I have live. What usually happens is that- somewhere between fifty and a hundred bucks &#8211; all the &#8216;marketing&#8217; and &#8216;branding&#8217; ideas stop changing the audience&#8217;s mind and we&#8217;re at a stand-still on selling this dog-gone Big Ticket Burger!</p>
<p>Or are we… ?</p>
<p>Imagine &#8211; your client is IN THE DESERT!</p>
<p>Three days away from food… Knowing he has TWO DAYS without food to Live!</p>
<p>And this BURGER is his Lifeline! What&#8217;s the value THEN?</p>
<p>The most comical response I&#8217;ve gotten when I&#8217;ve posed THIS question about value was yelled out from the back of the room &#8220;I&#8217;ll pay $1.2 Million for that Burger and I&#8217;m a vegetarian!&#8221; Now there&#8217;s someone who really values their LIFE! Interestingly enough &#8211; nobody looked at him like he was crazy! The &#8216;eye-rolling&#8217; wasn&#8217;t going on anymore!</p>
<p>What does this crazy story have to do with YOUR Service?</p>
<p>Some people are so darn busy piling on condiments, add-ons, improving the ingredients &#8211; finding better and better venues from which to peddle their &#8216;STUFF&#8217; &#8211; their TRAININGS, COACHING, BLAH &#8211; BLAH &#8211; BLAH!!!</p>
<p>That they get stuck in a rut of Value wondering WHAT IS MY STUFF WORTH? </p>
<p>(Not very much when you look through your current cash-flow goggles, huh?)</p>
<p>Howeverrrr&#8230; When you begin to understand the PAIN that your market faces &#8211; the specific impending doom that they will experience if they don&#8217;t get the benefit of YOUR CONTRIBUTION &#8211; then you can begin eliminating all that unnecessary talk about your silly burger&#8230;</p>
<p>And focus on &#8216;Freedom from Hunger&#8217;!</p>
<p>When I asked the dude who made the $1.2 Million dollar offer for my burger just how important all the Condiments, the Organic Ingredients, the &#8216;TRIMMINGS&#8217; were to his purchase &#8211; he replied &#8211; JUST TOSS IT OVER AS IS, I&#8217;M STARVING!</p>
<p>I wholeheartedly recommend that you invest significantly in ensuring that you deliver the ABSOLUTE BEST service to your clients. Unfortunately, when you&#8217;re focused on solving your prospect&#8217;s PAIN, you don&#8217;t get to brag about all the &#8217;stuff&#8217; you&#8217;re throwing in! (Nope, not even a little bit!)</p>
<p>They&#8217;re too starving for the darn BURGER!</p>
<p>Moral of the story is &#8211; stop focusing on the C.R.A.P. (short acronym for Consultatively Researched Analytical Practices), diagnose your Prospects PAIN, tell them you can solve it and then SHUT UP!</p>
<p>And THAT, Boys and Girls is how you sell a Burger for a MILLION BUCKS. And &#8211; how you can sell your &#8216;Stuff&#8217; for any price between zero and there&#8230; It really is YOUR CHOICE!</p>
<p>© 2009 Kevin Nations</p>
<p>***<br />
Note from Melanie: I&#8217;ve found Kevin Nations to be one of THE best at helping people create powerful strategies to sell big ticket items. He&#8217;s got a call where he&#8217;ll share his techniques for his <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/31Pano">Prospect Seduction Blueprint</a></strong> that I think you should check out on Thursday.</p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/sales and marketing strategy/" rel="tag">sales and marketing strategy</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business growth strategy/" rel="tag">business growth strategy</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/sales technique/" rel="tag">sales technique</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=How+Much+Would+YOU+Pay+for+a+Burger%3F+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/ilBmK" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Pitching or Connecting? 3 Tips for Remarkable Networking Results</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/XnuP0ekttwY/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/11/03/pitching-connecting-3-tips-remarkable-networking-results/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business networking events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking for small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking in business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success   solution]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Many years ago I ran a local networking organization in the Los Angeles area. After leaving behind my Corporate job, I craved being around people.
 I found myself getting involved in a lot of different associations, networking groups and charities all with the desire to create connections with other movers and shakers in my community.
I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img alt="" src="http://www.successconnectionezine.com/image/connector.jpg" title="Business Networking" class="alignleft" width="206" height="176" /></p>
<p>Many years ago I ran a local networking organization in the Los Angeles area. After leaving behind my Corporate job, I craved being around people.
<p> I found myself getting involved in a lot of different associations, networking groups and charities all with the desire to create connections with other movers and shakers in my community.
<p>I loved the connections I made but having to go to a meeting once a month proved too much of a commitment for this freedom-seeking gal. </p>
<p>I left behind local networking groups and started attending live events where education and training for entrepreneurs took place. I loved the energy at live events and began to seek out opportunities to attend and speak (which by the way, living in Los Angeles aren’t that hard to find as at least 2 – 3 events occur every week in conference season.) </p>
<p>After a while I realized that some of these networking opportunities would leave me exhausted while others would fuel my soul. Seemingly very similar, I couldn’t quite grasp what contributed to the exhaustion.  </p>
<p>Then it hit me. Some of these events I establish real connections where others I feel like I have to “pitch” something to someone in order to fit the theme of the event. I had to abandon my magic and I felt like a lost bunny in the lion den. I don’t pitch – I connect – and even after 10 years in this business I still have no idea how to do a succinct 30 second elevator speed! No wonder I felt depleted. </p>
<p>One of the events I attend every year is for very high level speakers and authors. A highlight at the event is called “Speed Networking.” The first year I went I was completely exhausted after this segment and felt a complete sense of “less than” energy from the group. I distinctly remember feeling that even though this was a significant group of players in the industry, this was not an event that was worth my time because I wasn’t experiencing my usual magic. </p>
<p>This year the same thing happened. And it finally dawned on me what was happening.</p>
<p>I’m a connector and I’m not proficient (yet) at building a connection with someone in 30 seconds. And truthfully, this event for me is more about learning and growing than it probably will be about making deals and getting new clients!  </p>
<p>I instantly made a shift in how I participated in that event. I stopped doing the speed networking and started connecting. The result? I left having created a few very significant new relationships, and the realization that I’d rather have a handful of quality relationships that will actually produce results than hundreds of business cards from people who could care less. </p>
<p>If I distill my connection process down into steps, here are three tips that can make an instant difference in your results: </p>
<p><strong></p>
<p>   1. Lead with Your Magic</p>
<p></strong></p>
<p>When you show up at an event, the very first thing you must do is crank up your inner and outer magic. It starts with what happens inside your head. If you are new, are going through a change in your business and aren’t certain how to communicate it yet, or had a significant financial set back and are feeling low, this is crucial. You must get connected to your magic so you can emanate an attractive energy. You may want to meditate or go for a walk and remind yourself of all the amazing gifts you have to give. </p>
<p>Or write out a catchy way to let people know what problems you help solve. Remember it all starts inside. Then, as my friend Joel Bauer says, you must wrap your package (aka what you wear) to be in alignment with your magic.  </p>
<p>I’ve often been told that when I walk in a room people notice because I am confident, I wear clothes that catch attention – appropriately – and I smile a lot. I lead with my magic so it makes people want to approach me. Try it…you’ll notice a huge difference. </p>
<p><strong></p>
<p>   2. Connect First, Educate Second</p>
<p></strong></p>
<p>Many years ago my good friend Adam Urbanski gave me a tip in networking situations that has served me quite well. Listen first, find out what people need/want, then educate them on what you do that solves their problem. So many times I watch well-meaning business owners “accost” the person they are speaking to with their agenda and never really take the time to get to know what their needs. </p>
<p>Building a real connection creates a reason to continue the transaction beyond that first meeting. If someone feels pitched too they will most likely rebuff your attempts to connect after the event. But when someone feels that you have truly connected and can help them SOLVE their pain, they will be attracted to you and open to furthering the dialogue.</p>
<p><strong></p>
<p>   3. Wow With Follow Up</p>
<p></strong></p>
<p>Remember the 80/20 rule? Well it works with the connections you make at live events. Know that the meeting and exchanging of contact information is that sweet “20%”. But what you do in the 80% afterward is where the traction happens.  </p>
<p>Let me first be very clear about what you DON’T want to do: just stick someone on your list and forget about them. This just screams YOU ARE JUST A LEAD! </p>
<p>Depending on the level of connection, I recommend you pick up the phone or send a personalized card. You can follow up by email and share with them a resource (we often will send our new friends a copy of the 101 Ways to Triple your Income and Time Off Tool) or an article that may be appealing.  </p>
<p>If you are really savvy, you’ll continue to connect with them via a series of automated emails or mailings (we use Send Out Cards to send a series of postcards). Then the next time you meet, you will stick out in their mind with “wow” I remember them! </p>
<p><strong></p>
<p>I’d love to hear any of your tips on how to go from “pitching” to connecting. I’m sure we can all benefit from ways to experience more of our magic as we meet new people. Post them in the comments below.</p>
<p></strong><em></em></p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/networking for small business/" rel="tag">networking for small business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business networking events/" rel="tag">business networking events</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/networking in business/" rel="tag">networking in business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/authentic business/" rel="tag">authentic business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business success tips/" rel="tag">business success tips</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success solution/" rel="tag">success solution</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business development solutions/" rel="tag">business development solutions</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Pitching+or+Connecting%3F+3+Tips+for+Remarkable+Networking+Results+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/P3rIu" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>HOW to build a responsive list (and WHY you must to it now)</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/AS4QK_i2qXA/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/26/build-responsive-list/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:18:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Urbanski]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attract Clients Like Crazy Bootcamp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attract more clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[List Building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opt in email list marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[responsive list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking sites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[targeted email list]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=303</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Guest Author, Adam Urbanksi, The Marketing Mentor
Some people think that building a following on social networking sites eliminates the need for building their own email list. I say they are fools!
With the massive amount of information we are bombarded with getting &#8211; and keeping &#8211; the &#8220;email attention&#8221; of potential and current clients is something [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Guest Author, Adam Urbanksi, The Marketing Mentor</p>
<p>Some people think that building a following on social networking sites eliminates the need for building their own email list. I say they are fools!</p>
<p>With the massive amount of information we are bombarded with getting &#8211; and keeping &#8211; the &#8220;email attention&#8221; of potential and current clients is something every business owner should be very concerned about.</p>
<p>In fact, when you see or hear case studies of people who go from zero to tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits in only weeks, you can be sure those people have invested time and effort to build their own list first!</p>
<p>Having your own responsive email list has many benefits no social media or social networking site can replace.</p>
<p>Consider just these few:</p>
<p>-> YOU ARE IN CONTROL! With your own list you control who you communicate with, how often you contact them, and what format you send your content in.</p>
<p>-> GENERATE IMMEDIATE SALES! With your own RESPONSIVE list you can generate immediate demand when you develop new products and services.</p>
<p>-> ATTRACT MORE AND BETTER CLIENTS! Having your own list gives you an opportunity to create a low-risk point of entry for new potential customers. And your messages<br />
educate them about your services and allow you to invite<br />
them to work with you when YOU want to!</p>
<p>-> GET MORE REFERRALS AUTOMATICALLY! When you send out good information your subscribers will naturally forward it to some of their friends &#8211; creating more visibility for you in a very natural way (and without you ever having to ask for it!)</p>
<p>-> INCREASE YOUR PROFITS. Turn subscribers into buyers<br />
and one time customers into life-long clients &#8211; largely on  autopilot when you understand how to properly communicate with your fans!</p>
<p>And building a list is actually quite easy. Making sure it is<br />
targeted, and that it remains responsive, that&#8217;s a little<br />
more difficult, but something everyone can easily learn.</p>
<p>Here is a simple five step process to get you started:</p>
<p><strong>1. Plan Ahead!</strong> Consider how building and using your own database of fans will fit into your overall marketing activities.</p>
<p>At the very least give some thought to things like the subscriber and broadcast management tools you will be using, the type of content you will be sharing, the format and frequency of your messages.</p>
<p><strong>2. Create Subscriber Attraction Tools.</strong> It&#8217;s not enough to just say &#8220;subscribe to my newsletter.&#8221; You must give people a compelling reason WHY they should give you their contact information and pay attention to you.</p>
<p><strong>3. Build a Subscriber Catcher.</strong> Every business should have at least one website devoted entirely to generating new subscriber opt-ins. And every page of all your websites  should have an invitation to become a subscriber.</p>
<p><strong>4. Generate Visibility and Traffic for Your Offer.</strong> Even your  best &#8220;bait&#8221; and most effective opt-in page will be useless  if no one can see them. You must attract TARGETED traffic.</p>
<p>Start with people you already have as your customers and prospects. Use social networking connections, free press<br />
releases, article submissions, special interest discussion<br />
groups, and commenting on industry blogs as a starting base.</p>
<p>And remember that quality subscribers are potential customers so don&#8217;t be afraid to invest a little to acquire them. Paid advertising methods like ezine ads or PPC (Pay Per Click) are good ways to start.</p>
<p><strong>5. Deliver Value and Build Relationship. </strong>Never forget you are constantly competing for your subscribers attention, so send out information they consider relative and valuable.</p>
<p>Remember that you don&#8217;t communicate with the &#8220;list&#8221; but<br />
with one person at a time. And &#8211; this is a secret key to long term email marketing success &#8211; realize that people have more than enough information. What they really want is connection and guidance!</p>
<p>**************************</p>
<p><strong>Melanie&#8217;s Note:</strong> Adam has taught me so much about attraction based marketing. He was my first marketing mentor and truly helped me get my marketing system in place. His LAST <a href="http://www.melanierecommends.com/aclcbootcamp">Attract Clients Like Crazy Bootcamp </a>is being held <strong>November 12 &#8211; 15 in Orange County, C A. </strong>I&#8217;ll be there&#8230;I hope you will too!</p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/targeted email list/" rel="tag">targeted email list</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/opt in email list marketing/" rel="tag">opt in email list marketing</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=HOW+to+build+a+responsive+list+%28and+WHY+you+must+to+it+now%29+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/3ANNzT" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What is your Signature difference?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/-3y-jDAfLMA/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/22/signature-difference/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:28:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Success Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic business systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shawn Driscoll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[signature difference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Signature Program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success   solution]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=272</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In an overcrowded marketplace, everyone is looking for a way to get noticed.  I think one of the great paradoxes we’re all living with (and through) is that the more connected we become the more difficult it is to be heard.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By <img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sd_headshot1-150x150.jpg" alt="sd_headshot" title="sd_headshot" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-274" />Guest Author: Shawn Driscoll, Succeed Coaching</p>
<p>In an overcrowded marketplace, everyone is looking for a way to get noticed.  I think one of the great paradoxes we’re all living with (and through) is that the more connected we become the more difficult it is to be heard.  </p>
<p>You could try and get noticed by putting on a show.  And some take that route.  You could give yourself a catchy ‘persona’—and there are plenty of self anointed Diva’s, Gurus, Czars and Queens out there to be sure!  And, to a degree, these tactics work. If done right, they can be fun.  But, if done wrong, you risk becoming an inside joke.  Not the best way to get noticed and make a serious impact on the world.</p>
<p>Here’s what I think.  I think the best way to stand out is to be yourself—to find your own Signature approach or way of working (and being) and claim that.  Signature is about fully being yourself and amplifying the elements that make you memorable to those who experience you and your work.  It’s not about taking on a persona, or a kitschy title. Signature isn’t about putting on pretense.  It’s about dropping it.  </p>
<p>Signature is….</p>
<p>… claiming your brilliance and being willing to show it off a bit</p>
<p>…being authentic</p>
<p>…being grounded in values that guide you no matter what is going on in the market</p>
<p>…expressing your point of view, your creativity, your unique take on life and business</p>
<p>…standing confidently and clearly in your message</p>
<p>…having a style or approach all your own</p>
<p>…being different because you ARE different</p>
<p>…creating an experience for your clients, customers, prospects and those who experience your work</p>
<p>…taking the lead more often than you follow</p>
<p>…a willingness to step out of convention and challenge assumptions (especially your own)</p>
<p>…making an impact with your gifts, talents and strengths</p>
<p>…taking a stand for something of meaning to you and to others</p>
<p>…trusting your own wisdom as much as you trust the insight of your mentors and advisors</p>
<p>…finally being ok with who you are…and who you aren’t</p>
<p>It may seem like a tall order.  At first, it may even feel scarier than playing a part, right? I don’t intend it to be.  In fact, when you finally grasp that all you really have to do is be yourself, you may breathe a sigh of relief!  When you let yourself off the hook about having to ‘get it right’ or do things exactly like others are doing them, you begin to recognize your signature difference.  That’s when things get exciting!</p>
<p>Finding your signature difference is about finding the place where what you do and who you are is strong, clear and confident.  I’m often asked how to figure this out.  So here are 5 really straightforward ways to uncover your unique brilliance or find your Signature difference.  </p>
<p>1.	What is the experience you want your customers, colleagues and others to have when they interact with you and your company?  What words do you want them to use when talking about you and your business?  These can become the “signature” elements you put in place to stand out.</p>
<p>2.	Think about the 5 proudest moments in your business life.  What words, phrases, feelings and images come to mind?  Consider how these might showcase the best and brightest about you and your business…and how that might just be your “signature” difference.</p>
<p>3.	What compliments do you hear over and over again?  If you don’t do it already, I highly recommend keeping a file dedicated to all the random and not so random feedback, compliments, thank you’s and appreciations you receive.  These are clues to your signature approach and to what people value most in working with and around you.  This is where </p>
<p>4.	Make a list of the 5 most favorite clients or customers or projects you’ve ever worked with.  What was it about those experiences that made them so memorable for you?  What were the results?  What was unique about these 5?  What was similar?  This is like a little treasure hunt leading you to your signature ‘thing’!</p>
<p>5.	Fast forward 3 years.  You’ve achieved more than you could have hoped in the last 3 years.  Your local newspaper is coming to interview you to share your success story.  What have you accomplished? What are you known for?  What are you proudest of?  What stands out about you to get you noticed and acknowledged?  </p>
<p>To find your Signature Difference, join Shawn in her upcoming <a href="http://bit.ly/1xvsVH  ">Create Your Signature Program </a>.  </p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/authentic business systems/" rel="tag">authentic business systems</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/authentic business/" rel="tag">authentic business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/signature difference/" rel="tag">signature difference</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/shawn driscoll/" rel="tag">shawn driscoll</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/signature program/" rel="tag">signature program</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=What+is+your+Signature+difference%3F+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/4D9R9O" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Three C’s of Genius Leadership</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/YNCL5-BU6Wg/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/20/genius-leadership/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:45:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Leadership Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genius Factor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership characteristics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership skill development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[performance leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success   solution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success connections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teamwork leadership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the months wore on it became painfully obvious. My grand plan had gone horribly off-track. With pride and excitement, my team and I spent many days at the end of 2008 planning for a $1.5 million year. By February, part of that strategy had crumbled as a key partner in one of my programs extracted themselves. By June it was terrifyingly clear that something was very, very wrong. Something bigger than the economy and the rampant competition of other business coaches. Clients were dropping, our lead sources had slowed to a crawl, and I was starting to panic.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the months wore on it became painfully obvious. My grand plan had gone horribly off-track. With pride and excitement, my team and I spent many days at the end of 2008 planning for a $1.5 million year <img src="http://www.successconnectionezine.com/image/freedom.jpg" width="210" height="223" hspace="6" vspace="9" align="right" />in 2009. </p>
<p>By February, part of that strategy had crumbled as a key partner in one of my programs extracted themselves. By June it was terrifyingly clear that something was very, very wrong. Something bigger than the economy and the rampant competition of other business coaches. Clients were dropping, our lead sources had slowed to a crawl, and I was starting to panic.</p>
<p>My brain was swirling with negative chatter: “I know HOW to do this! Why are things feeling like they are falling apart? Crap, there is no way I’m going to hit my mark now. What’s wrong with me?”</p>
<p>I had lost my mojo. Damn. I don’t lose my mojo. </p>
<p>Now what?</p>
<p>First I did what all good leaders do. I got depressed, withdrew from the world and focused on all the reasons I failed. When I stopped my pity party I did what all good transformationalists do – I turned within and to my support systems for guidance. </p>
<p>This is where my truth was revealed to me.</p>
<p>I had overused my core strength – collaboration – to inhabit my comfort zone at the expense of fully living my brilliance. </p>
<p>Everything I had built was designed for OTHER PEOPLE’S good, rather than my own. As I revitalized my truth, I also came face-to-face with something ever scarier. I had to be willing to let everything not built on my truth fall away and rebuild from my own place of power.</p>
<p>It became an extraordinary opportunity to practice the Three C’s of Genius Leadership:</p>
<p><strong>Courage  &#8211;  Conviction &#8211;   Confidence</strong></p>
<p>I had to have the courage to face my mistake and move beyond it. Forgiving myself for going astray was as important as knowing what to do next. I also knew without a shadow of a doubt that this mistake and the pain I felt about it was also shared by many others. I would have to reveal my story so that others would know they are not alone. Scary. But when have I ever shied away from a challenge? Ugh.</p>
<p>I had to reconnect to my conviction. When you build on other people’s strengths or what other’s say will work, it’s easy to lose your way. Its tempting to squash that small voice inside that is screaming the truth when you over rely on third-party input. The minute I lost my way I also lost my conviction. </p>
<p>Part of reconnecting to my conviction meant I had to stop looking for validation outside of myself. I had to find that part of me that was obsessively driven no matter what people said, how they responded or whether or not they like me. I had to liberate myself from the chains of approval!</p>
<p>I had to recover my confidence. To run a successful business we have to have confidence. Part of the confidence that I had been lacking was the ability to 100% trust my instincts. As a leader, you are often called to make quick decisions. You won’t have all the facts but if you trust your intuition, you can’t go wrong. </p>
<p>What I learned was my intuition is always right. But sometimes, it didn’t look or feel right in the moment. When I would look back on times I trusted my intuition about someone or an opportunity, I would later see the facts that supported it. In the times I chose to not trust my intuition, it costed me a fortune emotionally, physically and financially.</p>
<p>In our world today I see leaders everywhere who have lost their way. A façade gets created, a lie is told and all of a sudden the lie becomes the reality. Settling into the comfort of financial stability, easy work or riding someone else’s coat tails becomes less painful than expressing your true genius.</p>
<p>If you are lucky, you will recognize the signs you are capable of more and respond to the call. Remember to reconnect to your Three C’s of Genius Leadership to uplevel your game.</p>
<p>I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. </p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/leadership strategies/" rel="tag">leadership strategies</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/leadership skill development/" rel="tag">leadership skill development</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/teamwork leadership/" rel="tag">teamwork leadership</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/performance leadership/" rel="tag">performance leadership</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/leadership characteristics/" rel="tag">leadership characteristics</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Three+C%E2%80%99s+of+Genius+Leadership+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/1tXBnP" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Can I Have Wealth and Make a Difference?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/jetcnmHdGdc/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/16/wealth-difference/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:54:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneur coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[get real revolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leverage fast track]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[making a difference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success mindset]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth and success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth meaning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a way to be wealthy AND make a difference. It starts with being clear about your values and using unique, often over-looked strategies for aligning what’s important to us in a way that propels you forward. Melanie Benson Strick helps you delve into your core values and determine what wealth means to you. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/magnify-160-160-150x150.jpg" alt="magnify-160-160" title="magnify-160-160" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-262" />The other day I was coaching a client in our Leverage Fast Track program. This is someone who is a brilliant healer and gifted in helping others live a healthy life. <strong>Her commitment to people has never wavered…but her ability to make good money with her gift has often been the challenge.</strong></p>
<p>What do you do when you want to make a difference and money is not the focus for your business?</p>
<p>I asked my client what her top 3 values were. They were things like, “inspiring, making a difference and creating connection.” I then asked her where “wealth” was on her list.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough….<strong>wealth wasn’t even on the list.</strong></p>
<p>Hmmmm… a clue is revealed!</p>
<p>Many struggle with this seeming paradox. Some of the challenges I hear around this are:</p>
<p>“I don’t want to gouge people for the service I offer.”</p>
<p>“The money just isn’t important to me.”</p>
<p>“I don’t know how to make more money doing what I love.”</p>
<p>I totally understand. Sometimes making a difference and making money seem to be at war, totally opposing directions. Many of us see the so-called “transformationalists” taking advantage of people who need to learn their gifts. We see wealthy people as bad or stuck-up and we don’t want to be that way. We experience a lack of integrity in many who have the gift of creating and keeping their wealth.</p>
<p>But here is what I know. There is a way to be wealthy AND make a difference. It starts with being clear about your values and using unique, often over-looked strategies for aligning what’s important to us in a way that propels you forward.</p>
<p><strong>The first step is to do a Values Alignment. </strong></p>
<p>This excerpt from <a href="http://www.ultimatesuccessgenerator.com">The ULTIMATE Success Generator</a> system should give you a kick start in the right direction.</p>
<p>Make a list of all of your values (if you aren’t familiar with or don’t know your values, this tool is an excellent place to start.) </p>
<p>Now you need to tell yourself the truth. </p>
<p><em><strong>Where did wealth show up on that list? </strong></em></p>
<p>Is it even ON your list? Where it shows up is a clue to how much focus and attention you give wealth. Remember, what you focus on is what you get more of.</p>
<p>The next steps may need to be customized for you but the essence is to identify what would have to shift in your mindset, habits, skills and environment to make wealth more important in your values.</p>
<p>The truth is, when you have more money, you can make more of a difference. You have access to more resources which will enable you to help more people. So making money is a GOOD thing, isn’t it?</p>
<p>For additional support with getting your mission and money aligned, join us in the new <a href="http://www.getrealrevolution.com">Get Real Revolution</a>, a weekly show dedicated to liberating people from the blocks that hold them back from their life purpose.</p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/wealth meaning/" rel="tag">wealth meaning</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business mindset/" rel="tag">business mindset</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success mindset/" rel="tag">success mindset</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/leverage fast track/" rel="tag">leverage fast track</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Can+I+Have+Wealth+and+Make+a+Difference%3F+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/2fqHyr" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Creating Seven Figure Success and Real Passive Revenue by Franchising Your Business</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/CWCcNbKQh20/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/15/creating-figure-success-real-passive-revenue-franchising-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Success Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan Burrell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneur’s success coach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[franchise your business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to franchise your business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[passive income opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success   solution]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Melanie Benson Strick chats with Dan Burrell, Area Developer and Area Director for Jersey Mikes Subs in California, who took a HUGE risk and brought the ultimate sub sandwich to Southern California a few years ago which is now exploding into a planned 300 stores in So Cal.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have a great business that needs to get out there in a bigger way, franchising may be the way to go. But where do you start? How do you get other people to buy your franchise? What do you need to know to create real passive revenue through this model?</p>
<p>Meet Dan Burrell, Area Developer and Area Director for Jersey Mikes Subs in California, who took a HUGE risk and brought the ultimate sub sandwich to Southern California a few years ago which is now exploding into a planned 300 stores in So Cal.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll also learn:</p>
<ul>
<li>How to know if your business is ripe for franchising</li>
<li>The art of selecting the best franchisees (85% of people will not be right for you)</li>
<li>Simple strategies to get involved in your community which lead to high growth dividends</li>
<li>What you MUST do to get your franchise off to a fast and profitable start (miss these steps and you may be doomed for failure)</li>
<li>Why the pace of growth can make or break your business and success</li>
<li>The most important aspect of your business growth &#8211; employees &#8211; where to find them and how to create unlimited success through them.</li>
<li>This call is FR*EE for all ULTIMATE Wealth &#038; Success Circle members. Not a member? Join now to access this call.</li>
</ul>
<p>This call is FR*EE for all ULTIMATE Wealth &amp; Success Circle members. Not a member? <a href="http://www.ultimatewealthandsuccesscircle.com/">Join now to access this call.</a></p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/how to franchise your business/" rel="tag">how to franchise your business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/franchise  your business/" rel="tag">franchise  your business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/passive income opportunities/" rel="tag">passive income opportunities</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Creating+Seven+Figure+Success+and+Real+Passive+Revenue+by+Franchising+Your+Business+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/4bhN8c" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A New Order of Business?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/k3k8pUGb6cA/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/14/order-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:03:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Success Strategies]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[get real revolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melanie benson strick]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=248</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Change was in the air. Just like it is now for many of us on the entrepreneurial journey. But this time I feel the change differently. I’m hearing a bubbling up of dissatisfaction of the “status quo” through words, blog posts and twitter shares. Find out more about the Get Real Revolution!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One October about 10 years ago I went to visit my brother in Connecticut over Halloween. As we hiked around his neighborhood with my then one year old nephew for trick-or-treating, I knew that winter was fast approaching as I was surrounded with signs of seasonal change: tree limbs were stripped bare as their golden leaves fell from the trees, the air had turned to a crisp chill where you could actually see your breathe, and sweaters and boots were essential which rendered my typical Southern California attire of  shorts and flip flops useless.</p>
<p>Change was in the air. Just like it is now for many of us on the entrepreneurial journey. <strong>But this time I feel the change differently.</strong> I’m hearing a bubbling up of dissatisfaction of the “status quo” through words, blog posts and twitter shares. It seeps into every conversation and coaching call. And it goes something like this:</p>
<p>“I’m tired of the over-hyped, massive pitch approach to sales. I don’t know who to trust anymore.”</p>
<p>“I feel like I lost myself and the business I’ve created isn’t me. I hate it.”</p>
<p>“How come all those ‘experts’ are rich and I’m not – but I’m doing everything THEY are doing!”</p>
<p>“I want to feel connected to my mission but I feel like I have to abandon it to be profitable and successful.”</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m in a dark night of the soul&#8230;and I don&#8217;t know which way to go.&#8221;</p>
<p>“I want to feel connected to something REAL, where I&#8217;m more aligned with me!”</p>
<p>A while back I read a book by Gay Hendricks called “The Upper Limit.” It’s a poignant message to warn us all of the dangers and pitfalls of settling for something less than our genius. </p>
<p>What I’ve learned is <strong>the moment that someone committed to making a difference gets comfortable then somehow, someway the Universe will shake us up, stir the pot, and realign us on the path to our greatness unfolding.</strong></p>
<p>It’s time for a new order of business. Its time to reconnect to what’s real. Its time for many of us to drastically shift our approach and join <a href="http://www.getrealrevolution.com">The Get Real Revolution</a>.</p>
<p>If this has struck a chord for you…I hope you’ll join me in making a stand. I’ll be hosting a weekly show called The Get Real Revolution, every Tuesday at 11 am PST/1:00 pm EST and you’re invited.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ll be sharing more about my own &#8220;dark knight of the soul&#8221; and what its meant in my own business this year. But most importantly, I want to hear from YOU! Live callers are encouraged.</p>
<p>If this inspires you, let&#8217;s build our community together. Leave a comment below, share this post or the <a href="http://www.getrealrevolution.com">Get Real Revolution</a> page with your community <strong>and let&#8217;s make a stand for complete alignment with our genius</strong>. </p>
<p>I&#8217;m excited&#8230;are you? =-) </p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/get real revolution/" rel="tag">get real revolution</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/authentic business/" rel="tag">authentic business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business success tips/" rel="tag">business success tips</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success  solution/" rel="tag">success  solution</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business development solutions/" rel="tag">business development solutions</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success connections/" rel="tag">success connections</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=A+New+Order+of+Business%3F+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/17hdNO" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tell-Tale Signs You Have Entered Liberation School</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/successconnections/jMsf/~3/EW88yFXxpoA/</link>
		<comments>http://www.successconnections.com/articles/2009/10/06/liberation-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:32:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Melanie Benson Strick</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Success Strategies]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.successconnections.com/articles/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We enter Liberation School when we go unconscious to our authentic, highest purpose and try to fill ego-based needs, or just get by with the basics. The more we fight it, the more it hurts. Melanie Benson Strick reveals how to liberate yourself from a business rut and welcomes you to the Get Real Revolution.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m wondering….have you ever had a time in which you felt like everything you had worked so hard for was falling away no matter<img alt="" src="http://www.successconnectionezine.com/image/liberationschool.jpg" class="alignright" width="176" height="199" /> how hard you pushed or tried to keep it on track?</p>
<p>Or maybe you are working harder than ever but people are not responding. Your cash flow dries up and clients are dropping faster than flies. </p>
<p>Or perhaps you have entered into the proverbial “dark night of the soul” and you find yourself exhausted, emotionally distraught and completely freaked out?</p>
<p>These are three tell-tale signs you have entered Liberation school. If this is you, let me be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS. You are in the midst of a powerful experience where you are being liberated from a mediocre business and/or life that you have become comfortable in. </p>
<p>The reason it hurts is because you got stuck there. And like ripping a band aid off a hairy arm, it hurts. But it’s temporary.</p>
<p>I’ve recently undergone my own personal transformation. In the middle of it I turned to my friend Michele Christensen for some coaching and she said to me, “Melanie, congratulations. You’ve entered “Liberation School.”</p>
<p>“But I don’t want to be in Liberation School” was my response. I’ve built up something really good. I LIKE IT!!!! (Child like tantrum feelings arising…breathe, breathe, breathe.)</p>
<p>“Yes, but you were not playing the game at the level you are meant to. You got distracted with other people’s priorities.” (Argh, dang it, I know this one!)</p>
<p>Sound familiar?</p>
<p>We enter Liberation School when we go unconscious to our authentic, highest purpose and try to fill ego-based needs, or just get by with the basics. The more we fight it, the more it hurts. </p>
<p>Now let’s explore how to make it through Liberation School without going crazy.</p>
<p>First, accept it and surrender. You have to accept that somehow you got off course and you are being guided back to your truth. Your true calling, your more authentic gifts, your right path. To shorten your stay in Liberation School you have to stop fighting it and surrender to the journey. There is a learning here to make you more powerful.</p>
<p>Second, explore the learnings. You have gifts waiting for you in Liberation School. If you explore these gifts and come to embrace the learnings it will propel you beyond your wildest dreams of success and happiness. If you are not sure what the learnings are, then get <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/jumpstart/">coaching support</a>. A good coach is trained to help you understand these learnings.</p>
<p>Third, make a new decision. My good friend Stephan Stavrakis told me once that the fastest way to end a dark night of the soul is to make a new decision. The new decision I made was to embrace where I had gotten off track and create a way for people to be wildly successful while BEING 100% REAL! </p>
<p>Hence the launch of The Get Real Revolution. A place where people create wildly fulfilling businesses simply by getting connected to what is real with themselves, their prospects and their clients. My new decision got me excited for the first time in months. My passion came back to life. My new decisions feel really aligned with who I am at my core…not what the experts have told me I SHOULD be in order to attract the right clients. I’m happier. </p>
<p>Now, what’s your new decision? Maybe you just don’t know it yet but you know you just want to get out of Liberation School. That’s cool too…but I invite you to share it below. It’s the first step to a powerful and revitalized you that won’t be affected by what’s happening around you.</p>
<p>I’d also like to invite you to invite the people in your life who are ready for real, juicy, powerful, positive, inspiring connections within the business community. Invite them to participate live in the Get Real Revolution with us. Let’s build our new community together and have fun!</p>
<div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/authentic business/" rel="tag">authentic business</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/melanie benson strick/" rel="tag">melanie benson strick</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business success tips/" rel="tag">business success tips</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success  solution/" rel="tag">success  solution</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/business development solutions/" rel="tag">business development solutions</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/success connections/" rel="tag">success connections</a> <a href="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/search/get real revolution/" rel="tag">get real revolution</a></div><p align="left"><a target="_blank" class="tt" href="http://twitter.com/home/?status=Tell-Tale+Signs+You+Have+Entered+Liberation+School+from+@melcoach+http://bit.ly/1rvKBw" title="Post to Twitter"><img class="nothumb" src="http://www.successconnections.com/articles/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png" alt="Post to Twitter" /></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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