Lisa,

Your events are incredible. I so enjoyed a moment of just being me, showing up, being human--and seeing the richness that came from our group when everyone took the same approach (which you model beautifully, by the way). Thank you again.

Elizabeth

I regret having to cancel my RSVP. Something came up unexpectedly. However, I will be sending all of you positive energy.

I am sorry to be missing what I know will be a rich discussion.

Ruth, Thank you so much for the invite. I am sorry I will have to miss the game. It sounds very helpful. I have a meeting at 3 pm.

However, I am thrilled to see you today for Mastermind Monday.

Elizabeth

Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. I left with some great information. Thanks again, Elizabeth

Kate, I really enjoyed your article. My favorite part was the suggestion about empty space people are trying to fill up when they emotionally spend. Going for a walk around Greenlake in the sunshine ironically is more likely to help someone with their business than buying a latte and burning the midnight oil. Those rituals that spur reflection--and include physical activity to boot--offer inspiration and insight for the next step to take in business or in life. Your article was funny, thoughtful, and inspiring.

So sorry, my last appointment ran late and so I'll have to miss this one. I hope I can catch the next happy hour.

Lisa,

I am very excited to attend the my first Mastermind Monday event. I've heard great things about the events. I have to leave just a little early and hope that's o.k.

I look forward to it and to meeting you.

Elizabeth

Char Sundust gave me your name. I'd love to attend if there is any cancellation. Please let me know. Thanks, Elizabeth

I've got clients that evening, but will hopefully catch the end of happy hour.

Joe,

I just read your article. I am repeatedly amazed at your marketing knowledge. Thank you for sharing your experience and your heart here on BizNik.

Elizabeth

Zita, Thank you for yet another wonderful article. I am relatively new to networking and found the "attitude of selling" to be a big turn off in the beginning, which made attending large networking events rather uncomfortable.

I look at networking differently now. I realize that in just being myself and trying to help others however I can, networking comes naturally.

I also recognized that I had strong negative associations with the word "networking", because it conjured up images of pushy salespeople like the ones you mention in the beginning of the article. (In my former life as a writer, word connotations meant everything).

I changed the way I thought of "networking" to "playing with the synchronicity of the universe", which makes it lighter and more fun for me. This reframe also freed me to make more authentic and deeper connections with those I meet.

Thanks again Zita!

Thank you for a wonderful, fun article. I am entering into an eight personal year and have been thinking about the significance of last Friday's date. It was no coincidence that the games in Beijing began on 8.8.08! I especially liked how you linked Chinese philosophy, numerology, and even the symbolism of the infinity sign. Great job!

Jennifer,

Thank you for such an insightful and inspiring article. I also love your "walk and talk" idea! I found all of your advice to be helpful as I think about my business. Thanks again!

Elizabeth Rightor

Dick,

I was also really looking forward to this event, but am not going to be able to make it today. I hope to attend a future event.

Sincerely, Elizabeth

I really enjoyed this article and your own vision to articulate your personal intent in this world. It reminds me of a quote from the Himalayan Expedition:

"Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way."

-- W. H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition

Debbie,

I really enjoyed your article. The ideas in Loving What Is are so powerful. They can be a little difficult to digest at times, but uncovering these stories is the first step in moving away from them. Once you recognize the story you are telling yourself and examine it, then it begins to lose its power. Thanks again for a wonderful article.

Elizabeth

David, Thank you so much for doing this. It was a fun event.

Elizabeth

“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” -Anais Nin

Wow. Your advice was very helpful for me. I have finally set rates that I feel really good about. However, when it comes to talking about my rates, it has been a bit of a struggle with new clients. I've found that having the information on my disclosure forms has been helpful. But it would be even better to disclose my fee upfront and remove the anxiety from the discussion.

I read recently that when looking for a dentist, no one calls around to compare prices. If you can help clients resolve their pain, then the service you provide is worth every penny--regardless of how much you charge.

I used to work at a group practice where my sessions were offered on a sliding scale. Now that I am in private practice, I've found that although it can be difficult to talk about money, clients who pay my current fee quickly experience the benefits of investing in themselves. Full paying clients take their homework seriously, come ready to work, and get a great deal out of their sessions.

As service providers--coaches, consultants, or therapists--valuing our time and knowing our own worth sets an example for our clients to do the same.

Thank you for this wonderful reminder.

Elizabeth

I look forward to other events in th south end. Elizabeth