Click here to listen to Sheri talk about this exclusive workshop now!

The Details

What:

Workshop where you will create your own network (alliance, association, or institute) in one day!

When:

April, 20th from 8 am to 10 pm

Where:

San Antonio, Texas (Hotel TBA)

Who:

YOU and Sheri McConnell, the president and founder of two global networks. One is the Global Institute of Associations-GIA which was launched in late 2008 and produced multiple six figures within a few short months. And her latest venture is the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning (formerly the National Association of Women Writers-Est. 2001) where she teaches women how to achieve financial independence through passionate entrepreneurship. She is also the author of Smart Women Create Membership-Based Businesses, The Smart Women’s Book of Powerful Quotations and Smart Women Know Their “Why” – A Guide for Discovering Your Life Purpose and Making Big Profits (Pub Date May 2010).  

Why:

My clients always move faster when I hold their hand through my Blueprint process below.  When clients aren’t able to work with me one-on-one, they get stuck in the “Create” column, do it wrong, and have a hard time getting to launch (and becoming profitable!)

In this one day workshop, I will take you through my entire “Create” process and you will document all your hard work in our “GIA Workshop Notebook”.  This notebook will be your physical strategic plan when you return to your office and you will use it to delegate and complete the launch process.  This is a BRAND NEW workbook that allows you to brainstorm and decide on each step before moving to the next step.

This is what we will work on during
the workshop on April 20th:

1) Creating Your Name and Your Tagline

I will work with you to help you create your name. This IS the most important step and half the time my clients come to a screeching halt with this one step. I will teach you my formula for naming that will allow you to create a name the search engines love and your future members get!  Doing this step correctly can make or break your association… for instance, all of my associations were able to climb to number two on Google and never go lower than seven!  I will also share my entity structure resources so you can return home and officially trademark your name and move forward with selecting a corporate structure.

2) Choosing Your URL

We will brainstorm a number of possible URLs so you can hit the ground running when you return home.  I will also tell you which URL endings to buy and which ones to ignore.

3) Mapping Out Your Benefits Package

This is my favorite part! I will teach you how to create a scalable membership package meaning it is as easy to serve 50 people as it is 5000 people.  This step is key to your success because we want to leverage as many members as possible in your industry to catapult your success.

4) Deciding On Your Pricing

After we map out your benefits, I will work with you on determining the best pricing based on cost to deliver your benefits and the industry norms. This step is often complicated when my clients don’t have my help. They also overlook what I call the “red flags” in the benefits package that can cost too much time and money to provide.

5) Mapping Out Expert Panel and Potential Joint Venture Partners and Vendors

I will work with you in small groups to help you brainstorm key players in your industry and we will also talk about how you should best approach them to use your association leverage.

6) Mapping Out Your Marketing Calendar for the Rest of 2010

Before you leave the workshop, we will plan out your prelaunch and launch dates as well as your future marketing activities and when you will do them.  You will receive copies of  my graphic tools to complete this process: Marketing Map, Conversion Map, and the Success Blueprint Map.

7) Brainstorm Additional Revenue Streams

And last, before you head up to your room to lay your head on your pillow after our long productive day, we will brainstorm additional revenues streams.  I will walk you through the many possibilities and then work in small groups with you based on which revenue stream you chose to focus on next.  That way you have a plan right after you launch your association for the next project to work on.

Testimonials From Sheri’s Previous Events

SUMMARY -- What you receive:

• An opportunity to meet and work with me in person and move really fast!
• My “Hand-holding” Workshop Notebook
• Copy of  the GIA Paper Blueprint pictured above
• Copies of my Marketing Map, Conversion Map, and Success Blueprint Map
• Continental Breakfast
• And a Delicious Lunch and Dinner
• Plus a few surprises!

And there are a few bonuses too!

BONUS #1

You will leave with a list of  “web resources” I have hand selected for you to help you build your website when you return home.

BONUS #2

You will receive 75% off your GIA Membership so you can continue to jump on the twice monthly Q & As and ask me questions for the next twelve months. This includes my complete BLUEPRINT and TOOL KIT Program too.

BONUS #3

You will meet 29 other leaders who are big thinkers and creators and are people you need to know!

Register Below

If you are ready to grab one of the 30 spots, all you need to do is make your payment below and we will hold your spot for you!

Total Cost for CREATE Your Own Network One Day Workshop is $1297

One Payment of $1097 (Save $200)

or

Two Payments of $648.50

(Note: 2nd payment will bill 30 days after first payment)

Important Note: Hotel information will be sent to you ASAP as we are still in the planning process.  Please go ahead and make your air travel arrangements immediately so you can get the best rate.

Watch Your Language: 7 Tips for Big Results
by Christine Kane

A few years ago, I was in a car with the promoter of one of my performances. He had picked me up at the airport and was driving me to my hotel. On the way, we talked guitars. We got onto the subject of Olson Guitars, arguably the best guitar in the whole world. At one point, the promoter said, “Yea, well, in my entire life I’ll never own an Olson guitar.”

There was a time when I’d let a remark like this slide on by, even adding my own “me either” to the mix.

Now, I can’t. Yoda steps into my head and says, (in his Yoda voice) “So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done.”

So, I turned to the promoter and said, “You are NOT allowed to say that!”

This is because I know the power of language. When you know that words become things, it’s hard to let language slide.

I can’t help it. I have a rule:
Friends don’t let friends speak crappily.

Language is powerful. Words can create reality. Even if my promoter friend doesn’t know how on earth he’d ever get his guitar, it doesn’t mean he should cut off the possibility with his own words.

If you’re wondering how to begin watching your words, here are 7 practical language principles for becoming a better creator of your life.

1 – Eliminate “never” and “always.”
Never and always are words of hysteria. “I always mess everything up!” “I’ll never figure this out!” “I’ll never get an Olson Guitar.”

First off, it’s not true. If you always messed everything up, you wouldn’t have made it out of the womb.

And second off, extreme words are designed to hook you. It’s just your emotions taking a joyride. You’re more powerful than that.

2 – Use AND instead of BUT.
“But” dismisses the statement before it. “And” includes it. For instance, “That’s a good article, but it needs some editing” isn’t nearly as encouraging as “That’s a good article, AND it needs some editing.”

“I love you, but…” is another great example of the dismissive power of “but.”

3 – Avoid “Should.”
Should is a heinous word for many reasons. It is victim-speak. It disempowers its object. It negates desires, thereby making it harder to make choices. It adds a nebulous energy to the decision making process. Use empowered language instead: “I could…” “I would…” “I am choosing to,” “I would like to,” “I don’t want to,” or “You might consider…”

4 – Stop calling yourself depressed.
Also stop allowing anyone to tell you that you are depressed. When you call yourself “depressed” or “obsessive compulsive” or “ADHD” or whatever – you’re claiming this thing. You’re calling it forth with the most powerful two words in our language: “I am.” That creates very little option for the transformation of this condition.

5 – Delete the word “hate” from your vocabulary.
“Hate” has lots of energy. When you use it, you send lots of energy out into the very thing you “hate.” Even if it’s negative energy, it’s still a powerful force, adding its charge to that thing. You’re also depleting this energy from your own spirit as you say it.

6 – Be “great.” Or “wonderful.”
A disease of the creative temperament is a belief that we must be authentic at all costs. So we can’t answer a simple “How are you?” without delving into an in-depth scan of our emotional temperature.

Try this instead: When people ask you how you’re doing, just say, “I’m great!”

I used to think if I said this, then I better have a good reason for saying it, like I just won the lottery or something. I thought it would make me look suspicious, and people would start to wonder if something was wrong with me. But then I did it. And you know what? Most people don’t care why you’re great. You’re saying it for you.

7 – Pay attention to the music of your speech.
You know how some people? They talk in question marks? And you have no idea why? But it makes you think you shouldn’t really rely on them? And it makes you not want to hire them?
The music of your language says a lot about you. If you let your sentences droop like Eeyore, (“Thanks for noticing me.”) or if you do the uncertain question mark language, take note of what attitudes are causing this. These patterns are created for a reason. Even if it feels like faking it at first, generate confidence as you speak.

About the Author:
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her ‘LiveCreative’ weekly ezine with more than 8,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

Movie of 2009 Lessons & How Women Are The Next Wave of Entrepreneurial Leaders

Watch below as Sheri (CEO of two global associations and a million dollar success training company) and some of her 2009 Mastermind clients discuss the lessons learned this year. Then listen in as Sheri and Ali Brown (an INC. 500 CEO) explore why women are the next wave of entrepreneurial leaders in the world!

Download an application below to find out about all the benefits of our

2010 Mastermind and Inner Circle Programs.

Click here to Download Application Now

Fax to 866-821-5829

If you have questions about your application or readiness for one of our programs, please contact our office for a free 20 minute strategy session with Sheri and/or her Office Manager.

You must turn in your application first to take advantage of the free session.

If you decide not to move forward and enroll in our 2010 programs after your session, your application will not be processed.

Lessons Learned During A Year Full of “Growth Opportunities” by Sheri McConnell

This year was an amazing year full of growth opportunities. I know many of you expected me to say challenges, but that truly wasn’t my experience at all. Although I experienced more lessons this year than in some of my previous years online, I welcomed them all as they were coming because I knew my willingness to learn this year would mean I would move even faster once the economy recovered.

Here is a quick inventory of some of the “growth opportunities” I experienced in 2009.

1.  Your Perception of the Economy Is What Matters

Awareness is everything. Your awareness of how you literally have so much potential right inside of you will take you through all economic climates. Sadly, most people just don’t have this awareness yet. All the external factors (our health, our economy, our financial situation) can be perceived in such a way that you can move through them no matter what. It is about being positive and about being aware of the energy and thoughts inside you at any given moment. If in “your world” you perceive you have choices to quit “if this” and “if that” happen, then guess what, you might as well not get started.

I learned this year that if you really want it, you won’t have excuses. And trust me, they are all excuses. We don’t say no to an opportunity because of lack of money, or too much travel, or lack of time… we say no simply because we just don’t want to move forward. And here is the thing. In my opinion, is it OK to not move forward all the time. Nature tells us that we all must go dormant for a period of time to truly flourish again in the future. Being aware that you are choosing to go dormant is OK.  Having the perception that the external things are the reasons not to grow is not OK. Just know when you are ready to flourish, external reasons are not of your concern and you only need to be “aware” and then commit to be able succeed.

2.  Your Boundaries Help Others Grow

They have to test your boundaries to grow. Did you get that? People don’t test your boundaries to hurt you or to take advantage of you. They test them because they are still growing. And they never stop growing. As you can imagine, if you are a coach or consultant or a “coachsultant”, then be prepared to constantly have your boundaries tested.

How do you grow? Your keep working through your own boundaries and tweaking them until you are happy. Yep, it is that easy to be happy. Here are a few areas that I have found having good boundaries will move you forward the fastest:

• Your physical and mental space
• Advice you take
• Access you give
• Problems you take on
• Results of others that you absorb

3.  Your Customers Want YOU–Mind, Body, and Soul

They want balance. This year I really understood at a deep level how to expand and grow past my comfort zone even more. In the previous ten years, I had spent so much time mastering the mind and soul parts of myself and my business that I had in some ways neglected the body. (Sidenote: I had instead given my body to my four children, but that is another article!) This year I realized I had a been subconsciously telling the people I inspire that you can be successful, but you can’t be balanced. I was “showing” them that you can’t have it all when I wasn’t in shape. Once I began to become more balanced in the “Body” area of my life this year by hiring a trainer and paying better attention to what I ate, my clients literally “felt better” too and began to thank me for my hard work.

Here are just a few ways your customers need you to be balanced:

Mind
They need you to provide good content that helps them detect patterns and learn quickly.

Body
They need you to breathe, move gracefully through struggle, and most of all take care of yourself.

Soul
They need you to help them connect their work to the passions of others so they can experience their own “true meaning”.

4.  Your Customers Are a Part of YOU

We are truly all one.  This year I was able to watch how when we take part in “negativity” at all it shrinks us. Even if we react to negativity as a way to decompress or vent, it shrinks us. Even if we don’t participate in the negativity, but allow the energy of it to fill the air we are breathing, it shrinks us. This year I learned that the only way to run a business and to experience a truly amazing life is to live moment-by-moment in the essence that “we are all one”.

Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sheri McConnell is the CEO of Sheri McConnell Companies, Inc. and the president and founder of two national organizations, the National Association of Women Writers-NAWW and the Global Institute of Associations-GIA. You can visit Sheri, access her free article archive, and find out more about all four of her companies at www.sherimcconnell.com. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, their four children, a weenie dog, and two cats.

Three Ways To Redirect Your Ego So You Can Create Positive Change in The World by Sheri McConnell

I grew a lot this year. My bottom line grew 398% and projections are to hit 2.6 million in 2010. But more importantly, on a personal level, I really stepped into my power to create positive change for others. I played a bigger game this year and guess what my results were proportional. But the real reason I know I was able to really rock it this year was because I learned how to redirect my ego and focus on the positive change I am creating in the world. I realized at a deep level that my work is not about me and that I am supposed to use my “stories” to inspire others. And because I got out of my way even more this year, I learned how to think and plan with the realization that we are certainly “all one”.  This realization led my husband and I to come up with the idea during our anniversary dinner to start Smart Women Foundation this month. Below are three ways you can also redirect your ego so you can create positive change for your clients, friends, and family.  And because I realize I am a “student” first and foremost, I also included “ego wisdom” from some of my wonderful friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy!

1. Focus On Positive Results Not The Negative People

When we are focused on the positive results, the actual positive change we can create in the world, our ego has no choice but to go neutral. And since we are operating from awareness outside of our own needs and worries, we are able to let go of negative people and situations much easier. There are many ways to focus on positive results and center your body and mind so the ego becomes neutral. I love the Matrix movies on so many levels. The journey that the main character Neo takes to let go of his ego and focus on the results (the positive change that only he can create, his destiny if you will) is such a great example of what power is in each of us. The Matrix Trilogy comes full circle too when at the end Neo steps into his full power and knows his true purpose. But the journey along the way was full of negativity and downright danger. To deal with the negativity and to foresee danger, he would find his center through meditation and going within for the answers. And did I mention the soundtrack is really cool too!

Jenny Fenig, one of my Twitter followers gave this advice for redirecting ego: Practice yoga; give more, expect less; think of the ego as when you Edge God Out.

And one of my 2009 Mastermind members,  Janice Campbell says that she brackets her day with gratitude to redirect ego. She shared, “There’s nothing more centering than the reality that you have so much to be grateful for. It shifts your focus outward and makes sharing inevitable.”

2. Don’t Worry About Consequences If You Are In Integrity With Your Actions

I have learned that sometimes we have to let go of everything to trust those things which we can’t see. I remember when I was going through my divorce, I felt like all I had was integrity. I didn’t have a penny to feed us, but I had the knowing that I was doing the right thing. I was married to a man with a huge Catholic family and I was all alone. My mom was an orphan and I was an only child and I barely new my dad since I had just met him a few years earlier. Anyway as I stood strong through a 9 month battle to keep my two girls under three at the time, I literally had no one. Both of my parents were not healthy enough mentally or physically to deal with the situation so I moved forward knowing I was doing the right thing even though it felt like I must be wrong because my now ex-husband had 20 people in court with him each and every time we had to go. I would get on the stand each time, shaking, looking into 20 pairs of eyes and then I would begin to speak the truth.

That was the year I learned about integrity and going within to become a strong person. The consequences of my actions to leave an abusive marriage could have cost me my children…  but I knew I was in integrity with my actions and I wasn’t about to let my children grow up in a similar situation my mother had put me in over and over again as she remarried many times during my childhood.

That was 13 years ago and because I took those brave steps in my twenties I gave my children such an amazing life.

In retrospect I am so glad I was all alone, because I was able to let my ego go to work for me and to get my body and mind through a very hard point in my life. Nothing in business or life sense has compared to that year as you could imagine. I think I owe my success to the growth that happened during that year.

In business and in life, I have personally always felt like doing what I knew to be the right thing was way more important than any of the consequences of those actions. I don’t think I could do this without being able to get clear and redirect my ego along the way. In a way, my husband and his family who were trying to take my beautiful children from me because of their egos, allowed me to find my higher self that year. Thank goodness that “truth” eventually surfaces and those who act from integrity move forward in a more peaceful way.

Facebook friend, Kelle Eli and “consciousness” expert, said, “It’s not about squishing the ego, it’s about redirecting it to work FOR the spirit, not contrary to it. So long as you have the concept of one must dominate the other, you will forever attract conflict.”

Alexis Martin Neely, my beautiful 2009 Mastermind buddy says that, “It’s all about awareness. Be aware when you are operating out of fear, grasping, and scarcity. Recognize it’s the ego, thank it for trying to help and decide to operate from your higher self.”

3. Talk About Ideas Not People

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

I heard this quote on a teleseminar a while back. I think it was by the intuitive soul, Beath Davis. And I really resonate with the message of it. I think sometimes we go on autopilot and just aren’t aware of how we are letting our ego drive our behaviors and our lives. I have always steered clear of gossip and yes, I have ended up being the “loner” sometimes because of this. I felt so good when I heard the quote because this was exactly how I have been living my life for at least the last ten years (I am 39) and now I know why. I have a “great big mind”!  And I never really realized why I don’t care for the discussion of politics or current events more than a mention.

One the most aware coaches I know, Christine Kane shared with me that “Lots of times we think the ego is the part of us that wants to play big. I have found that the ego doesn’t necessarily love that playing big stuff as much as it loves the attention-getting-make-me-look-good stuff.”   She says, “I find that my ego (god bless her!) gets all stuck in the puffy stuff when my soul (god bless her, too!) isn’t worried about looking good.  AWARENESS is what brings the clarity to know which motivation is driving us.”

I think Eleanor’s quote is so powerful because it brings to question our awareness of how we are creating our lives and our results one behavior at a time.

Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sheri McConnell is the CEO of Sheri McConnell Companies, Inc. and the president and founder of two national organizations, the National Association of Women Writers-NAWW and the Global Institute of Associations-GIA. You can visit Sheri, access her free article archive, and find out more about all four of her companies at www.sherimcconnell.com. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, their four children, a weenie dog, and two cats.

When you register for the GIA Event before September 27th, you get to go to Ali Brown’s SHINE Event for free! (A $1497 value!)

Hurry, be decisive, and take advantage of this amazing opportunity while it lasts. Next year will certainly be the BEST YEAR for all entrepreneurs who attend both events.

See all the GIA Event details at http://www.gia-connect.com/events — register today and I look forward to seeing you at both events!

AND if you missed our preview calls for the GIA event, you can listen to them all at: http://www.gia-connect.com/previewcalls

To your success,

Sheri McConnell

CEO of the Global Institute of Associations

How To Think Big and Lead With Authenticity by Sheri McConnell

Here are six “ways of being” that all authentic and visionary leaders practice. These are leaders that lead with purpose and are strategically creating positive change in the world. These leaders don’t have to focus on the bottom line all the time because their results are so powerful that their business bank account just grows as a result of how attractive their business energy is. Let me explain:

1) Always Be Positive and Grateful

This behavior or this way of being is so powerful and allows you to anchor all lessons and grow from them.  Your ability to see forward movement in every part of your business at every stage is exactly what attracts more success, more money, more exciting experiences, and more amazing people into your world.  No matter what your business or your life looks like today, you must see the lesson in it all and be grateful and welcome it. Genuinely welcome it in. And when you do, you will be rewarded with innovatiive ideas and a ha’s from the universe. On the flip side, if you aren’t positive, you will struggle more just to stand still. Life and business can be effortless or it can be a constant struggle. Know this: You are the core reason whatever you are experiencing right now is happening. Good or bad. Being positive and grateful allows you to see what works and what decisions have been made from ego vs. from the universe that flows through you.
(more…)

Hi Creators and Big Thinkers!

My name is Marty Harkleroad and I am Sheri’s Event Manager.

Later this year, Sheri, the CEO of the Global Institute of Associations is hosting a global initiative where leaders will literally learn to become visionaries in three short days!

My boss will be teaching behind-the-scenes/life changing information that will only be released to association leaders who attend this live event.

ANYWAY, the reason I am writing you today is because Sheri has given me permission to let you “play while she is away”!

This week only, when you register for the GIA event, you will receive CDs of the entire 3 days for free!

I know! The only way to get these CDs will be with the Blueprint and Tool Kit in 2010 or at the event itself.  And since the Blueprint and Tool Kit is a $2997 program, you can easily see the opportunity you have in front of you this week.

This Annual Conference is on October 6 – 8, 2009 in Los Angeles and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT:
Go to http://www.giaevent.com

WHO IS THE EVENT FOR:
This event is for YOU if you want to learn how to start, grow, and most importantly, LEVERAGE an association. We will focus on how to think and what actions you must take to create a 7 figure association.

This event is for Presidents, CEOs, Founders, and yes, YOU, if you are ready to learn how to become a leader and a visionary.

As you can see, this is not your normal business event. No service-based business owners here. Only big thinkers and creators like yourself who are ready to learn behind-the-scenes information of a no fail business model.

HOW TO GET FREE CDS
So how can you take advantage of this offer and get the free CDs of all three days?

Just click here for more details on event: http://www.giaevent.com

And then just put Free CDs in the “more comments” area at checkout when you register. It is that easy.

And remember, to take advantage of this offer, you must act by Sunday, July 19th (at midnight) before Sheri gets back and all the fun is over!

To Your New Way of Being,
Marty Harkleroad
GIA Event Manager

PS
Don’t forget-If you don’t own the Blueprint and Tool Kit yet, all conference registrations also receive our Blueprint and Tool Kit within 10 days of registering. That way you can go ahead and get started before you even get to the event! (Value of Blueprint and Tool Kit is $2997)

Later this year, the Global Institute of Associations is hosting a global initiative where leaders will literally learn to become visionaries in three short days!

I will be teaching behind-the-scenes/life changing information that will only be released to association leaders who attend this live event.

This Annual Conference is on October 6 – 8, 2009 in Los Angeles and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT:
Go to http://www.giaevent.com

WHO IS THE EVENT FOR:
This event is for YOU if you want to learn how to start, grow, and most importantly, LEVERAGE an association. We will focus on how to think and what actions you must take to create a 7 figure association.

This event is for Presidents, CEOs, Founders, and yes, YOU, if you are ready to learn how to become a leader and a visionary.

As you can see, this is not your normal business event. No service-based business owners here. Only big thinkers and creators like yourself who are ready to learn behind-the-scenes information of a no fail business model.

DEADLINES:
There are two deadlines you need to know about…

1) Last chance ever to choose 5 payment option, it expires at the end of day on July 1.

2) Choose full payment option before end of day on July 1 and receive a 30 minute bonus coaching/consulting session with me within the month of July ($250 Value!)

Just click here for more details: http://www.giaevent.com

To Your New Way of Being,
Sheri McConnell

PS
Don’t forget–If you don’t own the Blueprint and Tool Kit yet, all conference registrations also receive our Blueprint and Tool Kit within 10 days of registering. That way you can go ahead and get started before you even get to the event! (Value of Blueprint and Tool Kit is $2997)