Nominate The Heart Link Network
Filed under: Business for Women, HLN Spotlights, Inspiring Articles, Networking
Hi women entrepreneurs! This is Laura Wells, President of The Heart Link Women’s Network.
Those of you that know me, know how passionate I am about the Direct Selling industry. I love helping a woman go from “I don’t know if I can do this…” to “I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to!”
Direct Selling consultants especially, need to understand that women do business with those that they like and trust. Direct Selling consultants who build relationships at a Heart Link Network event are setting the foundation for business to take place naturally. When she gets “linked” and develops relationships, her business grows!
Before Dawn recruited me to be the President for The Heart Link Network, I was a top performer with a direct selling company that focused on kitchen-tools… I was with that company for about 8 years.
My first experience with Direct Sales was when I got invited to a kitchen-tool party. I was 23 years old, and I will admit… I had to be DRAGGED there. I had heard from friends about these types of parties and a few of their bad experiences. I imagined a sales consultant holding customer’s car keys hostage until a purchase was made.
My friend said she’d go WITH me and that the “kitchen lady” would be cooking a dessert. Well that did it! Hey – I’m from the South, what do you expect? If you cook, I will come!
I arrived and sat in the back corner. While I was chatting with the people around me in the living room, I looked up at the front where there was a display of kitchen tools on a table. The kitchen lady started making the Banana Split Pizza… brownie for a crust… chocolate syrup, banana and strawberry slices… oh-my-goodness. She explained what she was doing step-by-step in a fun way. Before I knew it, the pizza was made. That was it? It was so simple!
I was hooked. I got my kitchen KIT and was so excited – like a kid at Christmas. I didn’t know what half of the stuff was supposed to be used for, but yay! Fun toys! My supportive mother-in-law purchased a bunch of stuff, and so did her friends. I survived!! I succeeded! Well, I won’t mention how many crusts I burned. Or how many times I accidentally put sugar in a recipe that called for salt. Or the time I literally BLEW UP my hosts microwave and chocolate went ALL over her kitchen counter, in her stovetop, and stained her cabinets. Good lord. Did I mention to you that I’m also extremely clumsy? I am so glad that the company I was with carried insurance on their consultants mishaps… I am pretty sure they implemented that policy when they received my consultant agreement.
When I moved to Texas I joined another company, and was very successful with that company as well, by immediately applying the same principles. With both companies, I led training calls for consultants. People do business with those that they LIKE. We support our friends in their endeavors. Women are naturals at nurturing.
The Heart Link Network is designed to help women in business create those REAL relationships with each other; The Heart Link Network is a marketing tool for women to connect with each other in an atmosphere where they can feel safe, warm, and comfortable sharing who they are “behind the business card”.
So why am I sharing this with you. I would really appreciate your support…
Direct Selling News.com is looking for 100 people/companies that are enhancing the growth and perception of the Direct Selling model of doing business. They are looking for 100 people/companies that are making a positive difference for direct sales consultants, and who are making it possible for direct sales consultants to grow their business. I believe The Heart Link Network definitely fits within this category!
Heart Link Network events are the perfect venue for Direct Selling consultants to show who they are, share their passion and their excitement, and make lasting connections. Please help us by nominating Dawn Billings, our Founder and The Heart Link Network as one of the 100.
We really appreciate your nomination. It only takes a couple of minutes. Here is the link:
http://www.directsellingnews.com/index.php/site/nominate/
Thank yo, we truly do appreciate your help and support.
Sincerely,
Laura Wells, President of The Heart Link Network
Women Networking Gifts – BIRDS of a FEATHER
Filed under: Business for Women, HLN Spotlights, Inspiring Articles, Marketing Tips, Networking, Relationships
Women Networking Gifts – Birds of a Feather
By Dawn Billings, Founder / CEO of The Heart Link Women’s Network
When I was younger my mother used to tell me that “birds of a feather, flocked together.” I was not particularly interested in the meaning behind the saying at the time but I have come to realize that your life and the things that you are truly dedicated to, show up in who you are associated with and who you choose to spend your time and life energies around.
In 2008, I had the great honor to be chosen as one of 15 “Women of Achievement” in the state of Georgia by the YWCA. As I read my name associated with the other extraordinary women I was humbled.
Dawn Billings, CEO and founder of the Heart of a Woman and the Heart Link Network; state Rep. Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock); state Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta); Lillian Darden, executive director of Foundation of Wesley Woods; Nancy Desmond, CEO of the Gingrich Group/Center for Health Transformation; Helen Goreham, Cobb commissioner; Anne Hancock, regional representative, U.S. Department of Education; Vickie Haney, vice president of Bank of North Georgia; Denise Harden, vice president, commercial banking, SunTrust; Kimberly Paris, development officer of the WellStar Foundation; Holly Walquist, Marietta councilwoman; and Julie Whitehead, chief engineer, C-5M, Lockheed Martin.
As I stood next to these women, my only desire was to be worthy of their association. Read more
Professional Women Networking Tip: 3 from The Heart Link Womens Network
Filed under: Business for Women, Inspiring Articles, Marketing Tips, Networking
Professional Women Networking Tip: 3 from The Heart Link Womens Network
by Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities.
My third professional networking tip is a rule you learned in kindergarten. After you meet, and greet – SHARE.
After you have met the new and interesting people I recommended you meet in professional networking tip number two, take them and find the people you already know, and like, and introduce them to each other. This is a wonderful and easy way for you to stay connected to those you already know, while helping the people you just met.
As you share your old and new acquaintances, you will automatically expand your circle of influence. Everyone loves to be introduced. Your already established acquaintances love it when you introduce the new people you have met and it gives them an opportunity to introduce the new people they have met to you.
Remember, just an introduction is not sufficient. When you introduce two people it is wise to tell each of them about the other. Be courteous and a bit flattering. You can tease people you know well, but make sure that everyone knows it is just good fun and never let that be your primary way of relating to others.
Another benefit of sharing is that introducing new acquaintances to established acquaintances will help you solidify them in your memory. And if you are like me, your memory can use the help. : )
Dawn L Billings is an ardent advocate for women’s and children’s issues, the author of over 20 books and hundreds of articles on parenting, relationships, entitlement and networking. Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities. In 2008 Dawn was selected by Oprah Magazine and The White House project as one of 80 emerging women leaders in the nation. Find out more and buy Dawn’s books To learn more about women networking check out our videos
Professional Women Networking Tip: 2 from The Heart Link Womens Network
Filed under: Business for Women, Inspiring Articles, Marketing Tips, Networking
Professional Women Networking Tip: 2 from The Heart Link Womens Network
by Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities.
My second professional networking tip is logical but not necessarily intuitive. Meet as many NEW people as you can.
When you first arrive at a networking event, avoid gravitating to people you already know and like. Of course, this is the most natural thing for people, especially women, to want to do, but after thanking the host, you should immediately find someone NEW to introduce yourself to. Networking is about meeting NEW people. This doesn’t mean that you have to ignore those you already know and love, but make sure you meet new people and introduce them to those you already know and love.
Challenge yourself to meeting at least 3 to 4 new people each time you attend a business networking event. This challenge will help you to get in the right frame of mind and focus on why you chose to attend the event in the first place.
Remember networking is all about meeting NEW people and creating NEW relationships. When you attend a networking event you need to be focused on expanding your circle of influence. Outside of networking events, you can meet your new and old friends for coffee, a jog in the park, a protein shake, or even a yoga class. But at the meeting, do what you came to do—MEET new people.
Dawn L Billings is an ardent advocate for women’s and children’s issues, the author of over 20 books and hundreds of articles on parenting, relationships, entitlement and networking. Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities. In 2008 Dawn was selected by Oprah Magazine and The White House project as one of 80 emerging women leaders in the nation. Find out more and buy Dawn’s books To learn more about women networking check out our videos
Visualization and Women Entrepreneurs
Filed under: Business for Women, Inspiring Articles, Marketing Tips, Networking
Visualization and Women Entrepreneurs
by Dawn Billings, Founder of The Heart Link Network® for professional women business owners, TROVA Business Directory and TROVA Women Business Directory and creator of the new Parenting tool/toy called Capables
I have been asked many times, does the use of visualization techniques really help someone achieve their goals in life? Research tells us the answer is yes. But I believe it is especially important for women entrepreneurs.
Perhaps you know someone who uses mental rehearsal, or visualization.
Many great athletes, executives, entrepreneurs and other successful people use visualization to help them improve their performance and develop their skills. It is considered a standard tool used by many Olympic and professional athletes, as well as people who simply want to develop new behaviors. But I have found that women entrepreneurs and women in general, spend more time visualizing, hoping and dreaming for the people they love, than they do for themselves. This is one of the beautiful things about being a woman, as a gender, we have enormous hearts and we dream big for those we love. But we must take the time to include ourselves and our dreams. We must be disciplined to spend as much time visualizing and dreaming our dreams as we do visualizing for our children, friends and loved ones.
How does visualization work? It is simple rally, human beings think in the form of words, which trigger pictures and emotions. Emotions are very important when we visualize. They are the fuel that lifts our dreams into reality. Our subconscious cannot tell the difference between something we imagine vividly, with great passion, and a “real” experience. As long as we feel the vision passionately, our subconscious believes it IS real. So what we envision with a burning desire to have, our subconscious begins to manifest.
Actually we all use visualization to one extent or another. Whenever we look forward to something and create a picture in our mind of how we want it to be, we are using visualization even though we may not realize it at the time. The most difficult challenge anyone will face in their lifetime is the challenge to control the thoughts that fill their heads. Listen girls, I know how difficult this is. I teach this stuff and truly believe in the power of thoughts and visualization and yet, it is extremely difficult to keep those nagging fears, anxieties and worries from clouding my vision. It takes incredible discipline, dedication and determination to visualize your future with the passion necessary to turn your dreams into reality.
Visualization helps you direct your thoughts by allowing you to project yourself into the future where you can witness the outcomes you most desire. There are many real life benefits to visualization around even simple tasks, for example, if you are nervous about meeting new people in your community, and yet know that it is critical to growing your business, just relax and picture yourself meeting new people with confidence and ease. Picture every little detail, and see you speaking enthusiastically, passionately and powerfully, and listening carefully and respectfully as well. Picture what you are wearing, your posture, and your smile. Hear the words you’ll say. Feel your body, comfortable and relaxed. Your visualization will be aided if you also attend events where you can feel safe, secure and welcomed like The Heart Link Women’s Network, networking for professional women in over 140 locations in the US, Canada and Australia. Once you have attended a few events, you will more easily be able to add details to your visualization exercises, as you picture the outcomes you most desire.
Repeat the visualization process over and over, as if you are watching a movie starring yourself. When it is time to network and introduce yourself to others, your subconscious will kick in to help you do it just like you imagined. It won’t take long until you understand that what you can see and believe, you can achieve.
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Dawn L Billings is an ardent advocate for women’s and children’s issues, the author of over 20 books and hundreds of articles on parenting, relationships, entitlement and networking. Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities. In 2008 Dawn was selected by Oprah Magazine and The White House project as one of 80 emerging women leaders in the nation. Find out more and buy Dawn’s books To learn more about women networking check out our videos
The Major Key to a Better Future is YOU
Filed under: Business for Women, HLN Spotlights, Marketing Tips, Networking
The Major Key to a Better Future is YOU
by Dawn Billings, CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Women’s Network, TROVA Business Directory and TROVA Women Business Directory.
Of all the things that can have an effect on your future, many believe personal growth is the greatest. Many of my heroes, Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Og Mandino, Mark Victor Hasen, Jack Canfield, just to name a few all agree that the growth you invest in now, dramatically impacts, if not predicts the success you will enjoy in the future.
As Jim Rohn would say, “We can talk about sales growth, profit growth, asset growth, but all of this probably will not happen without personal growth. It’s really the open door to it all. In fact I’d like to have you memorize a most important phrase. Here it is, “The major key to your better future is YOU.”
If I can be so bold as to repeat a genius. “The major key to your better future is YOU.”
Write that down. Contemplate it. And if you can truly grasp its significance, put it someplace you can see it everyday. I recommend the bathroom, kitchen, at the office, in your car, anywhere where you can see it everyday.
Of course there are many things that will help you create a better future for yourself. Being aligned with a strong, dynamic, progressive company, that certainly can help. Representing good products, good services that you are proud of, and truly believe in, that can certainly help. If you are lucky enough to have good sales aids, good training, and good leaders, there is no doubt each of those can certainly make a positive difference in your future. All of these things help, and of course, if you are lucky enough to miss some of life’s terrible storms, that is always a blessing. If your car continues to run. If the children stay well and happy, that will make your life so much easier. And if prices don’t continue to rise to levels of the ridiculous as our taxes are certainly going to, that will definitely help. We could go on and on with the list; but the list of things that I’ve just covered, as big as the seem at times, play a minor role in your better future.
As Jim Rohn says, “The major key to your better future is you.”
Jim used to tell us that the way to develop a great income is simple. All we have to do is become a great person. Develop a great handshake. Develop a great smile. Develop great excitement. Develop great dedication. Develop a great interest in other people. If you want more, do more, become more, give more, BE more.
Since Jim Rohn was a complete genius believe him when he said, “The magic is not in the products. The magic is not in the literature. The magic is not in the film. There isn’t a magic meeting, but the magic that makes things better is inside you, and personal growth makes this magic work for you. The magic is in believing. The magic is in daring. The magic is in trying. The real magic is in persevering. The magic is in accepting. It’s in working. The magic is in thinking. There is magic in a handshake. There is magic in a smile. There is magic in excitement and determination. There is real magic in compassion and caring and sharing. There is unusual magic in strong feeling and you see, all that comes from inside, not outside. So, the difference is inside you. The real difference is you. You are the major key to your better future.”
Dawn L Billings is an ardent advocate for women’s and children’s issues, the author of over 20 books and hundreds of articles on parenting, relationships, entitlement and networking. Dawn is the CEO and Founder of The Heart Link Womens Network, Trova Women Business Directory and Trova Small Business Directory and The Heart Alliance.com international women’s networking organizations and communities. In 2008 Dawn was selected by Oprah Magazine and The White House project as one of 80 emerging women leaders in the nation. Find out more and buy Dawn’s books To learn more about women networking check out our videos
