Savvvy Saturday Session - Leadership Orientation, Destructive Dozen

Last week we looked at “The Magnificent Seven” of Resolving Conflicts Don’ts
Do’s. This week will be the Destructive Dozen.

YELLING – Few people respond well when you raise your voice loudly when
you are trying to communicate with them.

BLAMING – Verbally attacking someone else and making the focus of the
situation personal.

REACTING DEFENSIVELY - Makes the other person feel like a wall has been
erected between you.

FOCUS ON PERCEIVED INTENTIONS – Can lead you to making assumptions
that prevent you from seeing people’s actions.

NOT DEALING WITH THE SITUATION – One of the more common
behaviors in conflict situations that generally leads to creating a worse situation
than the actual one.

MAKING SUBTLE DIGS AND SARCASTIC REMARKS – Comments that belittle
others and won’t help to solve the conflict.

COMPLAINING CONSTANTLY ABOUT THE SITUATION – Constant
complaining will cause others to tune you out.

ISSUING ULTIMATUMS – Will be received as harsh demands of threats and
may create animosity and defiance.

PUSHING HARDER AND HARDER FOR YOUR WAY – Lack of consideration
for the other person’s view may make you less persuasive.

SENDING FLAMING E-MAILS MESSAGES – Telling other about your concern
can generally sound like you’re complaining or degrading that person; is great
for stimulating rumors and stirring plenty of negative energy.

Conflicts are a part of our professional and personal lives. Take the
time to learn how resolve the conflicts … it is time well spent.

Savvy Saturday Session - Leadership Orientation with Caroline Sutherlin

What a great time was had by all at the Texas State Chapter Leadership
Orientation last week! The setting was beautiful, the networking
outstanding and the education empowering…

One of our past state presidents, Carolyn Sutherlin, discussed with the 2010
state officers the “Resolving Conflicts Don’ts and Do’s”. These tips would
be useful in all of our relationships…. let's start with the "Do's" first.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

GO TO THE SOURCE – Face-to-face interaction is best for resolving
disputes and conflicts. E-mail can’t do it; neither can voice mail

STAY IN CONTROL – The toughest job you have to do is
manage yourself.

STAY FOCUSED ON THE ISSUES – Ability to listen and understand
the other person’s point of view will positively influence the outcomes.

BE STRAIGHT AND SINCERE - Need to be direct, respectful in
your tone and constructive in your use of language.

GO FOR SOLUTIONS – Entire emphasis needs to be solutions-oriented,
so that the end result creates an improvement, corrects an error, or makes
things better than they were in their previous state.

ASSUME THE OTHER PERSON MEANS WELL – Takes your focus
away from what you perceive someone intended and places it on the
actions you see.

Next week, we will look at the "Don'ts"

Savvy Saturday Session - Your Golden Rolodex Week 4

How quickly the time passes when you are having fun or doing the things that you enjoy! It is time to finish Your Golden Rolodex: How to Network for Results! by Vicki Austin with a few last comments. Hopefully you have learned something new or been reminded of
something that has worked in the past.

As to social networking, the author loves technology and realizes the importance to staycurrent and to know what is available BUT technology needs to serve us….not the other way around. Building relationships are best done face-to-face with frequent connections.

There is nothing casual about networking. You need to schedule time to make calls. Once an appointment is made, schedule in your calendar, confirm and keep your appointment.

Prepare for your appointment..

1. Know your audience – Use search engines to learn about the individual and
company. Ask others in your GR about the person


2. Prepare questions – your job is to ensure that the networking conversation
stays active.


3. Referrals are the very LAST thing to come up.

If all goes according to schedule, you may have more people and contacts than
you know what to do with. Use ONE calendar, a contact grid and follow up
checklist to help manage the volume. Document each call/visit and highlight
action steps needed. Once an action is completed, remember to document the
follow up, too.

Never let the Golden Rolodex grow cold. Networking should be an integral
part of your routine. Stay connected by …


1. Joining & participating in professional associations or societies (WCR)


2. Continue with ongoing training and development in your field


3. Volunteer for projects as work or in the professional associations


4. Stay involved in alumni associations


5. Block 1 day a month/every two weeks/every week to have lunch or coffee with
people in your Golden Rolodex to keep contacts strong


6. Read articles and journals. Share copies or clips with your contacts.

Savvy Saturday Session - "Your Golden Rolodex" Week 3

Networking can be seen by some as “using” people but Vickie Austin in "Your
Golden Rolodex: How to Network for Results!" contends that everyone prefers
to do business with those that they know. The content of the book is a step-by
-step process of how to network. Last week we started the Networking Toolbox
with your Mission Statement and the Golden Rolodex. Let’s add a few more tools…

3. Your message: the 30 Second Commercial or Your Elevator Speech
It is important not to get “stuck” on your history. The objective is to hear what
others have to say and how they might be able to help YOU. A formula that has
worked for many of her clients:

Past + Present + desired Future (MISSION)
+ Request
(Time, Ideas, Opinions & Recommendations)
= Success
Keep the past factual, short and sweet. The present should also be brief with the two sentences joined by the word “and”. The 30 Second Commercial is an integral part of the campaign that needs to be practiced and refined.

4. The Request …. Remember that the most powerful request is to ask for
someone’s time. You are asking people to help you identify strategies to help
you accomplish your mission…making money is not the objective of your
MISSION statement. Make an appointment and keep it as a formal business
meeting. The ideas, recommendations, and opinions of the individual are
your goals. We know that everyone likes to be asked their opinion. By seeking
their help, we are including in them the process.

5. Time – Campaigns don’t happen by themselves….they require time and
attention. You need to incorporate the activities into your calendar.

6. Commitment – Networking is a way of life, not a onetime event. The
Golden Rolodex must be fed with regularity!

Savvy Saturday Session - Your Golden Rolodex" Week 2

Last week, we discussed the need to network but yet it is certainly not everyone’s favorite activity. Vickie Austin, in "Your Golden Rolodex: How to Network for Results!", promotes the importance— the gold—that resides in your existing database without seeking new people as contacts.

Ms. Austin has created a Networking Toolbox to help you launch a communication campaign.

1) Your mission — create a mission statement, define your purpose and wanting to make a difference. A mission statement is very different from your business objectives. Missions statements usually contain verbs like “to help, contribute or create”. It is never about the money. Your mission is about service to others.

2) Your Golden Rolodex — the key is to identify everyone, set up a system where you can tap into that reserve of contacts. Her criteria for someone in the Golden Rolodex is most interesting.

a) First of all they must know your name. If you called or left word for, they would recognize your name or the name of the person who referred you to them
b. The most important is that they must be BREATHING!

Communities need to be established. Communities are a collection of people who share or have shared a particular time, place or experience. Possible communities are: work colleagues—past & present; alumni & associations; neighbors, professional/industry associations; sororities; individuals with the same hobbies; friends; family; parents of kids’ friends; house of faith, and one of the most important—personal/professional service providers like hairdressers, barber, attorney, etc.

Now that you have established the communities, integrate the information into ONE place. This might be Outlook, cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, Palm or online programs like Top Producer or ACT! It does not matter what you have as long as you keep it current. The entering of data is an ongoing job for you or your (virtual) assistant.

Until next week with the third installment...

Savvy Saturday Session - "Your Golden Rolodex" Week 1 by Vickie Austin

I would like to share with you over the next few weeks the e-book "Your Golden Rolodex: How to Network for Results! " by Vickie Austin, one of the phenomenal women who presented several sessionsat The Marketing to Women Summit in Chicago this year. She speaks to the importance of your current database –filled with gold - to develop your business.

“Your Golden Rolodex is based on the premise that in order to succeed, we must start by
honoring the people we already know –a rich network of resources that’s typically ignored
or misunderstood.

Networking is a communication campaign. Women are great at building relationships but
lousy at generating results from them.

The Golden Rolodex focuses on the importance of identifying, connecting and keeping up
with them in whatever style the person is comfortable and treating people in an authentic
and respectful way.

A strong connection exists between networking and etiquette:
1. Return all phone calls
2. Make appropriate introductions – connecting people to each other in business
3. Apologize – take responsibility for your actions
4. Say Thank You – if a connection resulted in actual business, send something
tangible - flowers, a favorite book, candy, or something sweet with a card
saying “Keep those referrals coming!”

Networking code learned at Sunday School : Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you.

Reciprocity is at the heart of effective networking”

Until next week for the second installment...

Savvy Saturday Session - Leadership Academy with Amy Chorew

Amy Chorew for many of us has become the “Digital Diva” or “Technology Guru” with her “Inspire – Train – Implement! approach to helping the Women’s Council members. She worked her magic once again at the Leadership Academy in Chicago early in August. Many thanks to Katy Hubener, the incoming LCP for the SW Dallas Chapter for sharing her newly gained knowledge with our chapter this month.

At Leadership Academy, the class was introduced to the FLIP camera although any camera with a video option can be used . Instructions were given on how to create the video. The next step is to upload to YouTube, AOL Video, My Space. YouTube will give your video the most expose or “eyeballs”. Once uploaded to YouTube, the embed code can be put on your blog or website.

Flip Subject Idea for REALTORS:

Frequently asked Questions
Walk-thrus of a previewed home
Virtual Tour with commentary
Unique happening for a particular neighborhood
Final walkthroughs – especially if there are still problems
Testimonials
Welcome message to new homeowner from nearby neighbors highlighting why
they love the neighborhood (Put on a DVD for the neighbors, too –
with your info, of course)
Driving tour of neighborhood, with commentary, for an out-of-town buyer
And the list goes on and on …..

We don’t have to wait until the next Women’s Council national meeting or summit in order to hear and learn more from Amy. She has a page on Facebook – The TechByte with Amy Chorew” and her website is www.amychorew.com The TechByte – Technology Strategies, Real Estate from Amy Chorew, Speaker, Coach. You can subscribe to her blog, sign up for monthly tips or hire her as a real estate coach.

Savvy Saturday Session - "Die Broke" by Stephan Pollan

In "Die Broke", Stephan Pollan challenges readers to rethink their ideas of workplace, money, retirement, and inheritance. Most of us are rooted in thinking that's out of sync with the realities of today's economy. The "job" is not what it used to be--there's no such thing as corporate loyalty. Putting your own interests first, not your company's should be the standard. You should do your best at work, but make sure you're getting the best deal financially. If you're not, find another one. After all, it's only a job.

"Die Broke" is organized into two sections: the first lays out the principles for dying broke. The whole argument relies on these four maxims:

1. Quit today and work for yourself, not your company.

2. Pay cash, melt your credit cards, and don't even think about using your ATM card

3. Don't retire, retirement is a relatively new concept created during the Depression, instead plan to work all your life.

4. Die broke, after all, you can't take it with you.

The author is a financial and legal consultant and the specific instances in the second part are example from his own practice. The Chapters cover everything from "Automated Teller Machines and Cards" and "Umbrella Liability Insurance" to "Mortgage Loans" and "Real Estate Investment Trusts."

Many of us comply with two or three of the ideas. As realtors we work for ourselves with several owning their own company. This business does allow its members to work beyond the normal age of retirement. Ebby Halliday is 98 years old and still goes to work each day. As for myself, I never use an ATM card and basically pay cash…. one credit card that is paid off at the end of the month. As for maxim number four, I like the idea of spending my money on those that I love and for causes and organizations that spark my passions. So, let enjoy life together!

Savvy Saturday Session - "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Did you know that the National WCR website has a list of books that would make great reading? I discoved this treasure trove when I was the local chapter president. As a prolific reader, I decided to try out a few and found some real gems.

One of the first books I read from the list was The Four Agreements by Don Migue Ruiz, a shamanic teacher and healer who presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors in Mexico.


As a young school girl living in Mexico City, at story time we heard about the ancient cultures and myths. The pyramids outside Mexico City were the residence of the Toltecs, an ancient group of scientists and artists that was formed to explore and preserve the practices and spiritual knowledge of the ancient ones.

Ruiz was born into a Mexican family of traditional healers, became a surgeon in adulthood, then underwent a near-death experience that made his reexamine his life, his beliefs, Ruiz’s teachings focus on dreams and visions. “Dreaming” Ruiz argues, “is the main function of the mind. A series of four “agreements” are detailed, which make up a larger picture of unconditional human faith.

Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.


Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.


Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.


Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Savvy Saturday Session - "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon

For the next few weeks, I would like to review some excellent books that I have enjoyed. One of my favorites is The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. Many of us were fortunate to see Mr. Gordon in person last year at the TAR WCR Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. What a great message he has for all of us!

The Energy Bus is a business fable with the protagonist, George, discovering a flat tire which forces him to take the bus. George meets a unique bus driver and an interesting cast of passengers that share the ten rules for the ride of his life. The characters are amazing. These are people you would meet on the street (or a bus). These are people with whom you work and interact. These are REAL people doing REAL people things.

The book provides a clear road map to navigate the negativity and pitfalls that too often sabotage individual and team success. Jon Gordon shines a light on the truths that define great leaders, great teams, and great energy. Get on the bus and enjoy the ride.

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

1. You’re the Driver of the Bus.
2. Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right direction.
3. Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.
4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for the Road Ahead.
5. Don’t Waste Your Energy on those who don’t get on your Bus.
6. Post a Sign that says “No Energy Vampires Allowed” on your Bus.
7. Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride.
8. Love your Passengers.
9. Drive with Purpose.
10.Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.

Summer is a great time to read and remember to feed the"positive dog"!

Ebby Halliday - the First Lady of Real Estate

How fortunate we are in the North Texas area to have a Real Estate Icon living in our midst – Ebby Halliday, the first lady of Real Estate.

At a recent Dallas Chapter Business Resource Luncheon, Ebby Halliday spoke for a few minutes and signed copies of her book. As a former Ebby agent, I respectfully stood in line for a few minutes of conversation, a warm smile and a personalized autographed copy of her book.

Among the many reasons to admire this woman, I feel one of the best is her continued dedication to “educate women and give them an honest and professional way to earn a good living”. This hold true today as well as it did when she started her real estate firm.

The book is filled with pearls of wisdom that I wanted to share…

“Customer is always right. Winning an argument never won a sale. Always do what you promise and do it when you said you would.

Communicate well. Learn to speak well and dress in businesslike attire that reinforces your professional message.

Community service was a public relations tool for the individual agent and her firm. Serving on city councils, park boards, zoning board, committees and task forces of the YMCA, YWCA, United Fund, and Chamber of Commerce help to enhance the image of both the agent and the firm. “

"You want to know the secret of success?" Ebby has asked audiences across the country. "Make people feel that you are interested in them. Make them feel special. Make it real." Today she adds, "Don't smoke, don't drink, and never retire!"

Pick up a copy today at a local WCR chapter meeting or the book store. Be inspired and motivated!

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

"The Magic of Twelve"

Thanks to Brenda Blakenship with Home Warranty of America for providing the “Magic of Twelve”. I know that we have heard the importance of keeping in touch many times but it never hurts to be reminded, especially in the difficult market that many are experiencing. I keep hearing and seeing signs of recovery and hopefully your area is rebounding.

By "touching" someone 12 times you ensure more success in your sales objective. Just once or twice allows you to be forgotten but "persistent persistence" is the key. Develop your own 12 touch program to encourage potential buyers to act and potential sellers to list their homes with you. Here are some suggestions to help you "touch" your potential clients:


1. Utilize a Client follow-up program to share valuable homeowner tips.
2. Follow up every phone call with an e-mail.
3. When providing your business card, request contact information in return.
4. Send potential buyers news of great opportunities, programs and tips.
5. Send potential sellers news of sales successes with homes similar to their own.
6. Invite potential buyers to join your Facebook group and dialogue with them on a weekly basis - a simple wall post will keep you fresh in their mind.
7. Invite potential sellers to join your Facebook group and keep your listings updated with photos and visual tours. Let everyone know about your successes too!
8. Request a personal reference quote or letter from previous buyer/seller clients and provide to your potential clients.
9. Take time to send more personal, handwritten notes. Write some daily!
10. Provide your clients with useful information often by e-mailing to your database.
11-100. Use your personal skills and creativity to touch, touch, touch without pressure. Developing relationships will be the key to your success... and ultimately the sale.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

"Success" with Becky Hill, 2009 WCR National President

The Dallas Metro East Chapter held a successful meeting the first day of July with a style show and visits from our two WCR Texas presidents – National President, Becky Hill and Texas State President, Sandra Hunt.

The highlight was the message that President Becky brought to us as food for thought. Would you like to be more successful as a realtor, in an organization, or on a personal level? What are the common traits that unite these diverse areas into one? She distills all the possibilities into “10 Characteristics of Highly Successful People”.

1) Be optimistic
2) Define purpose or destination
3) Work hard
4) Discipline – systems in place
5) Trust your intuition
6) Be a risk taker
7) Prolific reader
8. Strive for mastery
9) Expect the best – remain positive
10) Seek the help of others

What a priviledge for us in Texas to have the counsel, advise and expertise of our National President so readily available to us! President Becky has spoken to many of our local chapters during the year. She has plans to speak to speak to the Collin County Chapter and Houston Chapter in the near future. You can also see her at the WCR/TAR Fall Meeting in Dallas, TX as she installs Deborah Spangler as our 2010 Texas State President. Make plans to join us!

Mid Year Meeting - "Real You Incorporated" with Kaira Rouda

A favorite speaker with Women’s Council, Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, returned with an important message to empower women in business. Her goal is to help women discover their personal brand. Her book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs won the USA Book News’ 2008 Best Book of the Year Award in the Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Category.


What does it mean to be real? It means your values—and your personality—are in sync with your business’s operations and its people. It means you surround yourself with people who think and act like you—true believers—inside and outside the workplace. It means you nurture your passion with a network of mentors, friends and activities. It also means you reach out and give back.


In her presentation, she discussed the Real You Chart that will help you develop your personal brand. First, you need to start with the one word that describes you. This became the favorite question to ask of your friends and family. There are 7 more levels to be discovered as you work toward your goal. To learn more click here.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Mid Year Meeting - "Real Estate, the Next Generation" with Matthew Ferrara

Bright and early Saturday morning, our first session was with Matthew Ferrara, President and CEO of Matthew Ferrara & Company. Matthew and Amy Chorew, National trainer for his company, are favorites with Women’s Council members. The company was responsible for building our new website several years ago.

The session dealt with “Real Estate, the Next Generation". The program is designed to help the realtor compete in a consumer-centric, tech-savvy and quality-centric world. What does the consumer want and how do they want it? We probably all realize that the future consumer isn’t anything like the past consumer. The session combine new sales techniques, modern relationship management and technology to create a different approach to real estate.

Real Estate, the Next Generation looks at:

§ Market research about buyers and sellers that challenges old perceptions about who they are, what they want and how they want it delivered (Hint: Your old approach isn’t going to last much longer!)

§ Presents the audience with facts - not cliches - about how the real estate consumer really works - and it’s not the way today’s REALTOR still does!

§ Elimination of excuses that let current brokers continue outdated practices

§ Exposure of “Death by Cliche” that pervades the industry and holds back true performance

§ How to Start an “industrial revolution” at your company, that maximizes teamwork, process improvement and high production environments

§ Develop a leadership strategy that focuses on strengths, not weaknesses, that brokers need to leverage to thrive in a whole new market

§ Implement and adopt existing technologies - most of which brokers already have - to improve training, marketing, online presence and profits

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Mid Year Meeting - E-Myth

During the research for the “Chapter Programming that Works”, I found reference several times to the E-Myth. Several local chapters presented programs based on the principles found in the books by Michael Gerber, the world's number one small business guru.

The E-Myth point of view is the perspective that your business should work for you, rather than you working for it. The "E" stands for entrepreneurial and the myth is that most owners are not entrepreneurs but someone who just works in a business where the owner has himself for a boss instead of somebody else.

Gerber's E-Myth Revisited offers salient points with the most important being, "Work ON your business not IN it." We are introduced to three working personalities: 1) the entrepreneur who always has ideas, 2) the manager who keeps everything organized, and 3) the technician who knows that "If it's going to get done right, I'd better do it myself."

He tells the story of Sarah, who went from making pies for fun to managing a store that delivered pies as a business. She soon became enslaved to her business, dreading the love she once had. But more so, unable to grow the business to achieve her goals.

Through the eyes of a business owner/client, Gerber unfolds the story that allows us to see the importance of each personality preference and the necessity for balance between them. We also see the different stages of business growth and come to appreciate the benefits of implementing systems at the beginning of developing a business.

The franchise system allows all personalities to excel, and when they excel the customer is better served and better satisfied. The system works. So managers and technicians can have a business that will be successful and they will be fulfilled working on. But it does not stop there. He also teaches that entrepreneurs must create their small businesses according to a "franchise prototype," basically set-up systems and operations so the business can work most effectively.

Until next week...

"Chapter Programming that Works" with VaLois Hounsel

As a former teacher, it is safe to say that I am passionate about education. I felt honored and thrilled to be selected as a facilitator for the lab session titled “Chapter Programming that Works”. The goal was to learn from the past using technology to better plan for the future. To achieve the goal, I used an online survey to chart the program preferences of our members and outline sources to search for the best programs/best practices.



Many thanks to the Texas state members who helped by completing the survey. The results of the survey along with the programs that work can be found in the power point presentation. Click here to view the presentation.



The last fifteen minutes of the session were devoted to the winners of the new award for best programming by Wells Fargo. We are Texas proud that the Houston 1960 Chapter won for the Mega Chapters from across the entire nation! Representatives from three of the four winning chapters spoke for a few minutes concerning their efforts to add member value through programming.

Mid Year Meeting - "Women and Money" with Deborah Spangler, 2009 President- elect

I was very proud to be one of three Texans teaching learning labs at midyear in DC... representing over 30%of the lab instructors.. All the classes were great and I was wishing I could have been in all of them. My class, Women and Money, What women need to know about their finances, was well attended and I had a great interactive audience. This is a timely subject and I wanted to share with you a few things I found out from my audience. Click here for Power Point Presentation

1. Only 4 of about 100 attendees knew their net worth.. do you?
2. Only 2 of the attendees had budgeted for the DC trip..
3. Only 1 knew what their current credit card interest rate was.

My desire is that we as women do not allow ourselves to be caught unaware or unprepared for the future. I hope you will look over the powerpoint (lots of interesting facts) and share what you learn with others. Many thanks to all the Texas WCR members that came out for support.

Provided by Deborah Spangler

WCR Mid Year Meeting - AWARDS

The Mid Year Meeting proved to be TEXAS TERRIFIC in every way! We attended interesting sessions, heard inspirational speakers, participated in committee meetings, and WON AWARDS!

First, let’s start with the awards based on 2008 Annual Report…..


1. 2008 Chapter of Excellence Awards - 15 chapters won Gold & 6 won Silver

2. Chapters of the Year -
Mega – Houston 1960
Large – Dallas Metro East

3. State Chapter of the Year –
Super Mega State – TEXAS STATE CHAPTER

4. Wells Fargo Award for Best Programming that includes a $1,000 check
Mega Chapter – Houston 1960

Awards based on 2009 Membership Drive for Recruitment

1. Golden Triangle Chapter – Small Chapter
2. San Antonio Chapter – Mega Chapter


I think the state made Becky Hill, our own Texan, mighty proud!!! Pictures are available on the website under EVENTS; then select Event Pictures.

Over the next few weeks, we will feature information from the lab sessions and speakers. The goal is to have something interesting every week so that YOU will return to the blog repeatedly.

Provided by VaLois Hounsel

Top 5 Secrets of Great Networkers

The next Savvy Saturday Sessions will feature reports from the Texas state officers and members concerning information and ideas learned from the forums, lab sessions and speakers at the Women’s Council Mid Year Conference in DC.

During the preparation for the lab session, “Chapter Programming that Works”, I found from one of the program speakers, a flyer that was available from her company’s website that I wanted to share.

The Top 5 Secrets of Great Networkers

Networking is about forming authentic, mutually beneficial, long term relationships.
Nobody is born knowing how to network. Here are some tips from master connectors:

1. It’s NOT Just You
_ EVERYONE feels the same way
_ Only rule is the Golden Rule
_ Get outside yourself through curiosity

2. Quality Beats Quantity
_ Whoever leaves with the most business cards loses
_ Focus on Connectors
_ Minimize clones; maximize diversity
_ The one with access to the most information wins

3. Everyone has Something of Value to Contribute – Including YOU
_ Networking is not about tit for tat
_ Being asked feels good
_ “Payback” can be months later
_ Saying ‘thank you’ is often enough

4. Use the Laws of Physics
_ Get in motion – use momentum
_ It doesn’t have to hurt! Make it fun & easy!
_ Follow-up or it doesn’t count

5. It’s a Lifestyle, Not a Project
_ Way of BEING in a relationship
_ Keep it going and the benefits multiply


Networking Gives YOU Power to Achieve Things Important to YOU! –

Check back each week for the next selection from our treasure trove of information !

"Prime Time Women" with Marti Barletta

My favorite new expression – Prime Time Woman – is a phrase coined by Marti Barletta to describe women between the ages of 50 to 70. According to Becky Hill, 2009 National President, “ Marti gave a powerful overview on gender trends and the opportunity that exists in directing your marketing efforts toward women. Her comical approach to this and the differences between how men approach a purchasing decision versus how females make their buying decisions left all of us entertained, as well as enlightened.”

Marti explained how this group “constitutes a market force to be reckoned with for 2 reasons
First, contrary to conventional wisdom, they are in the prime of their lives. Using tired terms like middle-aged frumpy), mature (over ripe), and senior (out to pasture) mislead marketers into overlooking their reality. Studies have shown that the 50’s and 60’s are generally the happiest decades of their life. Baby Boomer women, who were the first to go to college and go to work in large numbers, have also benefited from the spectacular recent advantages in health & fitness. So today they are the healthiest, wealthiest, most education & most active generation of women in history.” READ MORE

"Women who Mean Business" with Vickie Austin

Vickie Austin of Choices Worldwide is a woman on a mission with a message to share for “Women Who Mean Business”. She notes that “as girls & women, we receive mixed messages about power and prestige. Raised to be nice girls, we struggle up the corporate ladder or as entrepreneurs, confused by the roles we’re trained for that are in conflict with the new roles we need to fill. She tackles the conflicts of being a woman in business: money, power, position and how to have it all without losing the very people we love—or losing ourselves. She helps participants build their power base—their posse—while still honoring the people who support them along way, creating a consensus on everyone can win.”

Vickie proposes 9 Lessons for Women Who Mean Business:

1. Surround Yourself with Supportive People - (Financial Advisor, Accountant, Banker, Mortgage Broker/Lender – Doctor(s), Landscaper, Inspector, Home Warranty, Personal Virtual Assistant., Hairdresser, Housekeeper, Photographer, Technical Assistant., Handyman, Business coach, etc.) These individuals become your posse. Build your “golden rolodex” with your posse and focus on referrals for all. Have a quarterly focus group with your posse.

2. Honor These People Whenever & Wherever You Can; i.e., victories, holidays, birthdays, promotions, etc. Send more thank you cards. Watch each other’s backs.

3. It’s Okay to Toot Your Own Horn; in fact, IT’S REQUIRED. (Check out http://www.bragbetter.com/ to create “brag bites”. Weave these bites together in a story to create a memorable introduction.

4. Honor Your Feminine Style
Women are better communicators.
Women are better global managers (because of communication)
Be proud of the differences we bring to the table.

For the remaining 5 lessons, click here.

"Cross Generational Marketing to Women" with Marilyn Moats Kennedy

The Marketing to Women Summit held in Chicago, March 20-22, this year was a wonderful experience. According to Becky Hill, our 2009 National President, “the goal was to help attendees to capture the business of the female consumer, and it delivered on that promise in spades. Approximately 200 members attended the Summit and received valuable information to take back and apply to their businesses”



One of my favorite speakers was Marilyn Moats Kennedy. Many of you may remember her from Leadership Academy that we attend as president-elects or at the Mid Year Conference in DC last year. She deals with diversity issues such as generational motivation and communication. The concerns of racial, gender, and ethnic diversity have been superseded by the bigger issue: age diversity.



At the Marketing to Women Summit, Marilyn presented a session on “Cross Generational Marketing to Women”. With her dry wit and low key delivery style, she educated and entertained us. She expounded on several topics: Lifestyle rules not gender, Financial attitudes are more important than income; Whose money is she spending? Smother her in facts and figures; and Don’t make assumptions. Ask Questions. To learn more, click here.



Included in the presentation, were a set of slides showing the views and preferences of women in the five groups: Pre-Boomer—1934-1945; Boomer—1946-1959; Cusper - 1960-1968; Buster - 1969-1978 and Netster -1979-1988. Topics included: The Medium is the Message, Selling across Generations; Satisfactions across Generations; and a Look at the New Generation 1989 plus. Click here to see if you agree with her assessment. I think you will find it most interesting!


Next week will be the fantastic Vickie Austin with her posse and Golden Rolodex…

Mid Winter Meeting - "Clarity" with Dr. Ann Daly

Good morning… it is time for a SavvySaturdaySessions highlighting speakers, presentations, forums, discussions and books from the outstanding Women’s Council of REALTORS® meetings, conferences, summits and forums attended during the year.

The State Officers believe that it is important to share the wealth of knowledge gained through our attendance at events. The majority of our members are unable to attend which places the responsibility on the attendees to report back to the home front. The best sources to spread the good news are through our local chapter/state newsletters, websites and blogs.

To complement the TeckyTalkTuesdays on our State Blog with Cindie Stewart who gives us great tips on what is happening in the technology world, we are implementing the SavvySaturdaySessions with our first post concerning the WCR/TAR Winter meeting in February.

WCR Education Session with
Ann Daly PhD, author
Clarity: How to Accomplish what Matters Most


According to Dr. Ann Daly, “we’ve all experienced how easy things are when we’re feeling clear. Work flows, and life is calmer. Clarity is a habit of mind that you can depend upon every day. She stressed a five-step process for developing clarity, strategies for deepening self-awareness, how to ask the right questions, and the most effective journaling systems. This practical guide includes quotes to inspire you and ideas to transform you.” Five Steps to Attain Clarity

Next week, we will feature one of the marvelous speakers we enjoyed at the Marketing to Women Summit in Chicago – Marilyn Moats Kennedy.


We welcome comments, concerns and ideas for future SavvySaturdaySessions…. Let your chapter members know what valuable items are available on http://www.wcrtexas.org/ !