by Nancy Matthews, WPN Founder  

When we consider what it takes to be a great leader, often times the first thing that  comes to mind is the ability to be a good speaker.  To be able to convey ideas, share a vision and direct the course of the team towards the desired goals is absolutely a plus for leaders, however it more important for leaders to be great listeners.

A leader who’s focused on speaking rather than listening cannot properly represent the needs of those they purport to lead.

A leader who speaks without listening, may actually have no one listening to him/her.

 “If you think you’re leading and no one is following you, you’re just taking a walk.” (Afghan proverb)

A leader who listens before speaking:

• Fosters a cooperative environment and true team spirit by allowing members of the team to share their ideas, concerns and goals.
• Creates better buy-in from the team towards the desired objectives, having taken the needs of the group into consideration.
• Is able to put their ego aside and recognize the value that the ideas and opinions of the people they are leading bring to the vision and the goal.

Being a great listener is one of the highest forms of respect.  When you give your total attention and time to another person (especially in this multi-media, instant messenger world), they feel valued and appreciated – the foundations for solid relationships.

Tips for Better Listening:

• Look into the eyes of the person you’re speaking with.
• Be excited and eager to learn something new from the other person.
• Resist the urge to look over their shoulder or to the side to see who’s coming in next.
• When your mind starts to drift away from what they’re saying, simply notice it and gently bring your attention back to the other person.
• Turn off your “Already, Always” way of listening.  (i.e. “I already know what Bobby is going to say” or “I’ve already learned how to be a good listener” and “Betsy is always complaining about her husband” or “Bill always says the same thing.)  When we enter a conversation with a pre-conceived notion of what the other person is going to say, we run the risk of missing out on learning something new.
• If you’re trying to win an argument or prove your point, consider (even if just for a moment) that the other person may actually have a point as well!

Whether you’re leading your family, a team at work or leading yourself to build and grow your business, remember to listen before speaking.  You and those you lead will be greatly rewarded!

NOTE:  I will be starting a 6 Week Leadership Mastermind Series in June.  If you would like to apply to be part of this exclusive Leadership Mastermind Group email:  Nancy@NancyMatthews.com.

by Guest Writer: Karen Mayfield (www.WakeUpWomen.com) 

Yesterday we went to Walmart, as we were walking in I noticed this young couple sitting outside the front door, they had their guitar two backpacks, and a sack of bottled water. I didn't pay to much attention but I did notice them. As soon as I walked into Walmart the air inside was so cold I decided to go back outside and sit in a rocking chair until the shopping was over. The rocking chair was about 15 feet from the bench where the young couple was sitting. Me being who I am and most likely will talk to anyone, soon had the young couple engaged in a conversation. My first comment was it was just too cold inside for me to be shopping, their reply was we just got in from the northern part of the United States. I said why were you there and their reply was we have been hitch hiking all over the U.S.,  to which I replied, that would have been something I would have done in my twenties.

Here is the meat of the story:  Now visualize this they have tattoos, body piercings everywhere, she is part asian, he is probably from the Islands somewhere, and they graduated from Stanford University in January. They could not find a job so they decided to just hitchhike across the U.S. and write a book about their journey. I was so captivated by their conversation. Their stories were amazing, their purpose for the entire process was to see how people would treat them or judge them from their appearance.

Their first title for the book was going to be Vagabond-which I quickly told them NO WAY, you are not Vagabonds, your book needs to be titled Thumbs UP A story of Hitch hiking across the Americas.

The entire process made that one of the best trips I have ever taken at Walmart...The moral of the story is: GOD made it so cold inside I had to leave so I could meet the lovely couple outside, I'm sorry for all of those people who walked by them and judged them for how they looked or what they were wearing, they were not criminals they were college graduates...

This I know GOD works in mysterious ways-Only if you think he is a mystery...Once again the encounter confirmed Judgment is MINE Says the LORD.
Thank you GOD for another GOD moment...(KM)

by Nancy Matthews

Last year I was the guest speaker at a Regional Conference for Jafra Cosmetics and had the honor of being introduced by Ann Fetters, a veteran Jafra consultant and an amazing woman and leader.  I had given Ann my standard bio to introduce me and was surprised and delighted when she deviated from the standard and shared from her heart:  “One of Nancy’s greatest gifts is her ability to listen, to fully give you her attention, whether you’re with her one on one or in a group with hundreds of people.  When you’re with Nancy, she’s totally with you.”

Wow, I was blown away! I hadn’t realized the far reaching impact that my commitment to being a good listener had on others.  For me, being a good listener stems from my overall philosophy in life that every person we meet is put in our path either for us to learn something or to teach something.  That every person we meet could be “The One” and that I’m committed to being “The One” for them … and sometimes that simply means helping them realize that they are “The One” and reminding them of their own special gifts and unique talents.

Being “The One” and discovering “The One’s” in your life begins with listening to each other, being fully present in your conversations and keeping your focus on the other person.  I know that this can be difficult at times, especially in our fast paced society, where we are all too often rushing through each moment so we can scratch off all the items on our “To Do” lists, hit our goals and objectives and reach the pinnacle of success.  I invite you today to find success in each moment by demonstrating true care and concern for the people you’re with – in your family, among your friends, with your clients, customers and prospects.

A simple shift in perspective to being “The One” who fully listens to others will bring big rewards in every area of your life.

• Be “The One” in your family who truly listens to your spouse, your children and your siblings and discover a deeper relationship based upon mutual respect and appreciation.
• Be “The One” in business who fully listens to what your clients and customers want and be “The One” to serve their needs better than anyone else.
• Be “The One” at the networking event who listens first, who asks questions that allow you to discover the uniqueness and brilliance of the person you’re meeting.
• Be “The One” in the grocery store, the restaurant or the elevator who tunes in and listens to them and actually cares about the answer to “How are you today?”

We’re all familiar with Ghandi’s quote “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  I invite you today to “Be The One” you want to meet in the world and experience everyone you meet as “The One,” because in reality … they are.

To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity … Creating a Space for Your Infinite Possibilities!

Nancy Matthews

What Result are You Looking For?

By Susan Wiener  

My daily habits include at least 15 minutes of spiritual exercise every morning.  I have developed the habit of creating my “To Be” List before tackling my “To Do” List and have discovered that this practice results in a much more peaceful, powerful, productive, prosperous day!

For several years I had heard about the benefits of “Journaling,” and did not understand what it really meant or how to go about it.  In a moment of desperation, when I was feeling anxious, fearful, “less than”, etc., I decided to get quiet and attempt to shift my energy from “fearful and anxious” to “faith filled and excited” – not an easy job.  With a piece of paper and a pen, I began by making a list of 5 things I was grateful for in my life.  Each day, I added something to my daily process.  I came up with 4 Basic sentences that I required myself to complete before tackling my seemingly overwhelming “To Do” List and found that in doing so, the list was much easier to handle and I accomplished much more in less time with a lot less stress.

Here are the 4 sentences:

1. I'm so happy and grateful for ...
2. I'm excited about ...
3. I'm passionate about and committed to ...
4. I see myself ...

As time went on, I learned to add “I’m feeling” to the sentences and as I did so, they became much more powerful.  Then I discovered that by adding “as a result of” at the beginning or end of the sentences, they took on yet another dimension.   The Results became the reason I chose to be and do things throughout the day and increased my abundance in every area of my life!  WOW!!!

For more tips and tools to begin journalling and/or keep you on course (well 99% of the time), check out Nancy Matthew’s Daily Practices and Journal prompts at: http://wpnevents.com/journal.html

I Promise You’ll be glad you did!

Guest Post by my sister, Trish Carr   

Last weekend, while sitting in Bok Gardens in Central Florida, peacefully immersed in nature, my sister, Nancy reminded me about the time she was attacked by a bird every time she used her front door. “There was a nest in the tree right at the entrance to my house,” she reminded me, “and every time I’d come or go it would dive bomb me.” Even now as she was telling me with an uncomfortable smile, I could see it scarred her pants off. It’s pretty funny if you think about it. Well, it’s funny to me. After all, she is my little sister and the thought of an itty bitty bird scarring her so much that she puts her arms around her head, hunches her shoulders and runs screaming all the way to the door is as funny as all get out to me. But that’s just me. Anyway, she told me every time she’d come home and start thinking about that bird, her stomach would turn and her chest would pound. She says, “I found out later that the only way a bird will back off is if you stare it down. You’ve gotta look it right in the face and walk by it like you’re queen of the world.”

Hmm.  I have little birds that threaten me too. We all do. We’re humans. We have little birds that make us scared, that keep us from going through the door, that hold us back. Those little birds come in the form of limiting thoughts and limiting beliefs that make us want to put our arms over our heads, hunch down and pray we make it through. When those times come, and they do come, whatever little bird is put in your path, remember that just like the black bird that’s protecting it’s nest, your ego is protecting it’s comfort zone. Stare it down, face it fully. Instead of being afraid of it, instead of letting it make your stomach turn and your chest pound, stand up straight and beat that fear with confidence, with strength and with the empowering belief that it’s just a little bird and YOU are Queen of the World!

P.S. by Nancy Matthews (Trish's little sister)

So what was it about those little birds that scared me so?  As I read Trish's article I realized that the fear that grappled me was deep rooted from childhood.  However, I had never been attacked by birds before, so where did this fear come from?  It was not based in reality but in the fiction created by the folk tale factory workers in my mind based on a fictional movie ... Alfred Hitchcock's chilling horror film "The Birds."  This was my first 'horror' movie and boy was I horrified!  At the tender age of 5 or 6 (our most formative years), I saw this fictional movie and it left quite an impression in my subconscious.  While I have learned to face my fears and limiting beliefs head on, it wasn't until this moment that I realized where this particular one came from.  Does it matter where it came from?  Maybe, maybe not.  What I do know is that we must be aware and mindful of the fictional horror stories from our past, whether based in a memory from an experience or a movie -- and remember that it is not the thing that happened that shapes us, but instead the story we tell ourselves about what happened.

You are now invited to fire any folk tale factory worker in your mind who tells stories about events both past and present that leave you feeling anything less than "Ruler of the World!"  You are the Ruler of your world and get to choose the stories you tell yourself.  It's all made up anyway --- why not choose stories that bring you to the top of the mountain?  (Unless of course you have a fear of heights, but ... we'll leave that for another conversation.)

To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity

...Creating a Space for Your Infinite Possibilities

Nancy Matthews

Speaker~Author~Success Catalyst

P.S.  Join me and hundreds of others in a movement to shift our minds away from lack and fear and into abundance and courage.  Go to http://NancyMatthews.com/science

P.P.S.  And then I just remembered the latest "birds" craze .... Angry Birds!

The #1 Question for Businesses, by Nancy Matthews

To have a successful business you’ve got to have lots of customers and, lots of happy customers.  Happy customers will gladly send you referrals, come back time and time again and become the lifeblood of your business.

So how do you acquire those happy customers?  You find out what they want and then, you provide it and serve them better than anyone else has ever done.  Michael Gerber (author of “The E-Myth” and numerous other business classics) says:

“There is only one justifiable reason for creating a company; to serve someone else’s desire better than anyone else has ever done.”

 I love that he uses the word ‘desire’ in this description.  Desire is defined as “a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment.” When you approach your business as serving someone else’s desire rather than selling what you have to offer, the tables are turned and pointed in the right direction.  To zero in on your customer’s desires, take a few minutes now and consider:

1. What satisfaction will my customer have from using my product (or service)?
2. What enjoyment will it bring to their life?
3. What dissatisfaction have they felt in the past with others who provide the same type of products and services?
4. What frustrations or challenges are they experiencing that my product or service can alleviate?
5. How can I be “The One” to serve them better than anyone else has ever done?

If you’re in business and you’ve studied marketing, client acquisition or worked with business coaches, I’m sure you’ve been directed to focus on the benefits rather than simply the features to engage and attract clients.  I’ve discovered in working with thousands of business owners that the bridge from features to benefits is often times hard to travel.  The above questions will help you get to the heart of the matter and really identify your customer’s desires so that you can properly express the benefits of working with you and then, serve them better than anyone else has ever done!

**Be sure to join me for this week's WOW Wednesday tele-class with Maria T. Bailey, the authority on Marketing to Moms!  Want to know what Mom's want?  Join us Wednesday morning at 9 am CLICK HERE to Register) 

by Vanessa McGovern

Have you heard of the term “relationship marketing?” This was a new “buzz” word in marketing that seemed to appear a few years ago. This phrase added another level to traditional marketing such as direct mail, TV, print Ad’s and shed light on the power of referrals and how important it is to build a genuine and authentic relationship with your prospects and clients. Building strong rapport is truly the foundation for a good solid business and leveraging those trusted relationships is known as “relationship marketing.” 

So where do we go from there? What is the next phase for relationship marketing? Taking your trusted relationships to the next level through “collaborative marketing” creates win-win-win scenarios.   Collaborative marketing is where business professionals come together and create a strategy that creates a win for each business and a win for their common client, i.e. you win-they-win and the client wins!  This only happens after a solid and trusted relationship has been developed between the two businesses.   

I have witnessed collaborative marketing and collaborative business strategies first hand over a cross section of industries. Businesses who embrace the spirit of “co-opetition” vs. competition are the businesses that seem to be coming out stronger and more stable in this “new economy.” I love the phrase “if you are busy looking in the rear view mirror, you are going to fall off a cliff!” So rather than worrying about what your so-called competition is up to, why not embrace your value and strengths and find other like-minded professionals who are positive and willing to share ideas and come up with mutually beneficial  ways to help one another?

This concept of co-opetition and collaboration is the bedrock of Women’s Prosperity Network! This has always been one of the core values and underlying philosophies and beliefs. Just take a look at one of their tag lines, “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!” That is why I continue to be so inspired and attracted to how the Founding Sisters and active Members of the WPN Community approach their personal and professional lives. It is never about, “Here’s what I can do for you” It is always about “Tell me about what you do.” Or “How can I serve you.” WPN embraces a collaborative approach to business and life and it is because of this approach that so many business owners have achieved great success through their membership.

WPN has inspired thousands of women with this concept and mission. For 2012, WPN has set clear and specific goals to grow a stronger presence nationally. And in true WPN style – they are creating and developing relationships with other women’s organizations, bringing together women who share the spirit of co-opetition and collaboration to provide a space for women to embrace every aspect of their lives.  This mission is about collaborating and joining forces with more inspired like-minded women so we can grow together.        

It is with great pleasure that we announce an amazing collaborative partnership for WPN with  the National Association of Dynamic Senior Women (NADSW)

NASDW was founded by Mary Jo Gregory, a phenomenal woman who is on a mission to put the “Spring” in your so-called “Winter” of your life. NASDW believes age is an arbitrary number that doesn’t define who you are. Additionally, NASDW believes that you feel more alive at 50, 60, 70, and beyond than you did in your 20s and 30s. NASDW believes the word senior doesn’t describe the attitude toward life of 60-plus women. And, the NASDW help their members find that special zest for life because “life is still exciting and there is so much left to do, so much left to learn, and so much life left to live!

Please check out Mary Jo and NASDW for yourself at www.dynamicseniorwomen.com and remember to get your free Quest for Zest audio program while you are visiting her page. We also ask you to “like” her Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/DynamicSeniorWomen.

Now it’s time for you to consider:  Who can you collaborate with?  To achieve the greatest levels of success you cannot be a lone ranger.  Find people who you believe would make great partners and start by asking them how you can help them. When you come from a place of giving instead of getting it is amazing how much more you get from that one connection! I strongly believe that, if we all embrace this philosophy, we will build a strong economy, lead happy lives and achieve our personal and professional goals.

**Be sure to join us on Wednesday, March 14th at 7 pm (eastern) for Mary Jo's Webinar:  "Thoughtful Traveler Series: Spotlight on Chile and Argentina" and take your own "Eat, Pray, Love" Journey with Mary Jo!

By Nancy Matthews 

Oh yes, I know it’s “March Madness” and you’re about to see all kinds of promotional marketing loaded with March Madness special deals.  As a marketer it’s great to tie your content to what’s relevant, catchy and on the lips and minds of people BUT (and yes, I did say but), wouldn’t you agree that there’s enough “Madness” in the world

Working closely with business owners in this rapidly changing business landscape, the main challenges they express are (1) information overload (2) exhaustion and confusion from trying to keep up with the latest trends in social media and marketing (3) staying focused on their mission and purpose in contrast to keeping their business afloat.  If you’re feeling any of these challenges, take a moment now to “Stop the Madness” and apply these proven strategies

1. Information Overload –  Before opening that email or clicking on a link that sparks your curiosity, ask yourself this question “Is this information likely to bring me closer to my goal and in alignment with my mission?”   Gain control of your time by scheduling time for exploration, research and inquiry (rather than allowing yourself to be consistently interrupted).
   
2.  Social Media Madness – We know that social media marketing is the hottest topic.  The exhaustion and confusion sets in because  just when you figure out the best way to manage it, ‘They’ make changes (i.e. Facebook timeline); ‘They’ add a new ‘hot site’ (i.e. Pinterest and Klout).  Alert:  To have success with social media you don’t  need to be on ALL of the sites, you need to be on the site that’s best for your business!  Get advice from trusted experts in the industry before you waste hours of time and lots of energy in places that won’t bring your desired results.  We have lined up 5 trusted experts to facilitate a Mastermind series where you can learn which are the best outlets for you and your business and learn how to use them properly!  (For details go to: http://wpninstitute.com/socialmedia .) 
3. Mission and Purpose – This truly is the driving force for your business and your profits.  Do you have a mission statement?  Can you recite it without reading it?  If not – stop the madness now and create your mission statement and read it every day!  Place it prominently on your walls, your screen saver, in your car so that your purpose is infused into every action you take, every client you see and every prospect you meet.

 March on this month with a commitment to “Stop the Madness!” Slow down, step back and reflect.  Let the winds of March fill the air of your business with a fresh approach that causes you to fly! To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity!

WPN...Creating the Space for Your Infinite Possibilities!

by Nancy Matthews, WPN Co-Founder

***Stop the Madness and Master Social Media in our exclusive Social Media Mastery Mastermind

Go to:  http://wpninstitute.com/socialmedia

by Nancy Matthews

As I write this article, an estimated 40 million people are planning to watch the 84^th Annual Academy Awards.  The audience will be filled with iconic film stars, hopeful wannabees and seat fillers, all there to witness Hollywood’s biggest event.  As the stars line the red carpet and award nominees take their seats, the energy in the Theater will be a mixture of high hopes, anxious anticipation and wonder.  Wondering...

• Will I get to take Oscar home?
• Will I remember my acceptance speech?
• Will I be able to hold my composure if my name isn’t announced (as the cameras zoom in on the ones who didn’t win)?
• Will I make it to People Magazine’s “Best Dressed” or “Oh my … what was she thinking?”

Yes, tonight is the night, but in truth, it’s just one of many nights.  The winners will leave with a trophy to place on their shelves, a sense of accomplishment and increased opportunities and revenue as a result of receiving this public acknowledgement.  As I began to ponder the range of emotions and reactions to this award by the eager hopefuls who do not win, the ones who do win and to all of the viewers who place varying levels of importance on the award, I’m reminded of a profound statement shared by Maya Angelou.

She was appearing on the show Iconoclasts (one of my favorites), paired with the comedian Dave Chappel.  They were sharing conversation and great laughs when Dave paused and asked Maya how she deals with all of the attention, fame and accolades she receives.  She thoughtfully responded (paraphrased to the best of my recollection), “Well you see, I’ve learned not to pick up too much from all of the wonderful things that people say about me because if I do, then I’d  also have to pick up when they say things that aren’t so good.”

In our quest for success we each have our own version of an Oscar, the greatest award or achievement we want to receive. I believe it is essential to long term success to have an Academy Award to shoot for and that it’s just as important to be mindful of our true value and greatness – that is not judged by whether or not we win an award, but rather upon the essence, intention and personal excellence we bring to all of our actions.

I pray that your shelves be lined with awards that reflect your true greatness, ones that last beyond tonight’s big show, tomorrow’s headlines and this week’s People Magazine.

Here are some of the awards I see lining my shelves:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Mother, Friend, Catalyst for Transformation
• Speaker of the Year
• Best Active Listener
• Best Song (the one I write with Bruce Springsteen)

Denis Waitley said:  “Your mental picture of yourself is the key to your healthy development. You are the writer, director, and star of either an Oscar-winning epic or a Grade B movie. Who you see in your imagination will always rule your world.”

What Awards Line Your Shelves?

And the winner is ….YOU!

By Trish Carr

“What?!!? Are you crazy? I don’t have time to take off and get in a helicopter.  I’ve got work to do!” I’m here to say my friends that taking the time to get in your helicopter for a 360 view of your business is exactly what you need to ensure that you’re headed in the right direction.  In fact, it is the most important activity that all enduring and successful businesses do … they take the time to consistently review, revise and redirect their actions toward their goals and that is how they hit their targets time after time.

Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of many economically strong and profitable businesses and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Yesterday was my designated “helicopter” day.  As I was reflecting on the last few months, reviewing my goals, checking my progress and revising my path, I realized that this was the same process I learned while working with several Fortune 500 companies and that one of the main reasons they are Fortune 500 companies is due to their discipline of regularly getting in the helicopter!  The good news is that helicopter rides aren’t only for Fortune 500 companies! All successful businesses, whether a thriving Mom & Pop Shop, brick and mortar, online marketer, speakers, coaches and network marketing superstars, know that to have long term success they must regularly get in their helicopters.  They know that in order to grow, to make a profit and to continue to be the best they can be, that they must take a ‘helicopter view’ of their businesses. 

I’m sure from reading this article you’re now ready to get in your helicopter which leads to the next crucial considerations …

a)    Do you have a qualified helicopter pilot?

b)    Do you have a world class navigator on board?

You can well imagine the outcome if you chose to fly the helicopter on your own without the benefit of the expertise of qualified professionals.

Every successful business owner not only makes the time and the commitment to take consistent helicopter rides, they engage, interact and mastermind with qualified professionals and advisors.

We are halfway through the first quarter of 2012.  I know that you started the year with excitement and enthusiasm and I invite you now to build your excitement!  Schedule your helicopter ride now!  Set aside a day to meet with your mastermind group, business coach or other advisors and take a ride in your helicopter!  Step back and  raise yourself above the noise, the fray, the day-to-day of doing business and simply look at where you are, where you’re going and adjust accordingly.

You know they say, “You can’t see the forest for the trees,” and nothing is truer when you’re mired in your day-to-day operations and your quest for profits. Successful people take the time to set plans, put them in motion and regularly measure success. When you get out of the day-to-day and into your “helicopter,” you can clearly see the path, gauge your progress, confirm that you’re still on the right road heading toward the same intended destination. You can only see that by stopping and taking the “helicopter view.”

To take a helicopter view of your business and your life, join us on Saturday, March 3^rd for WPN’s “Strategic Planning & Implementation Workshop” in Boynton Beach…. Details and Registration at http://wpninstitute.com/actionday and you’re going to be thrilled to see the World Class Team of Experts we’ve lined up to help you fly!