3 Things that I learned from an awesome week in Dallas

I am a big proponent of self development and in the past year I have increased my investment in myself in terms of the number of books I read, the blogs I follow and the conferences I attend. In just 3 months, my business has seen HUGE rewards from my self development.

It is true.

Formal education makes you a living while self education makes you a fortune!

This past weekend, I attended an amazing event in Dallas; Glazer Kennedy Insider’s Circle Super Conference (GKIC). GKIC is an annual event for small business owners to learn about the latest market and sales strategies hosted by the famous Dan Kennedy. There was a huge range of different small businesses from real estate investors, plumbers, authors, doctors, lawyers, home business owners, network marketers, dog biscuit manufacturers, etc, etc. You name it, and that business was there.

It is always encouraging to be in the environment of successful entrepreneurs who work hard, have positive attitudes, supportive and refused to give up on their dreams and settle for the “secure paycheck” from a job. Not only did I find myself at home and had an amazing time but I got motivated and learned new perspectives on current challenges and problems I have. The environment alone at the event was well worth the $1,600 seminar ticket.

3 Things That Stood Out

I could write a book on the lessons I learned at the event but these are the immediate 3 things that stood out.

1) All entrepreneurs are Readers and Leaders

The event reinforced my belief that all leaders are readers and learners. Everyone there wanted to learn how to work smarter and to learn new skills that they could apply to their business.

We live in a fortunate age. Whatever we want to learn, we can learn! Whatever skill you are weak in, you can learn and improve!

Throughout the entire weekend, I found myself with one of the most well read group of people that I have been around.

You need to be a reader in order to be a leader. And if you are new to business and don’t have many customers or associates to lead, then start by leading YOURSELF.

Lead yourself first!

What about you?

Which brings up the question, what skills do you need to work on in life?

Whether it is a personal challenge you are facing… a business challenge or a relationships challenge… there is information and mentors out there that can help you! But they won’t help you until you take the first step. You have to take action first and decide you want to get better.

2) You Must Stand Out!

If you want your business to be successful, you have to stand out. What makes you different from your competition?

How can you stand out in your job?

How can you stand out in your home business?

If you have a home business, you can stand out in a number of ways:

1) Your confidence
2) Your sincerity
3) Your website
4) Your content
5) Your business card

If you are just like everyone else, then why would anyone buy what you have to offer. People like things that are different and unique. How are you unique?

The successful entrepreneurs I met all had a well-crafted 30 second pitch that told people what they did and how they were different.

If someone asked you what you did, what is your 30 second reply?

3) Network Marketing Provides GREAT Training

After the first day, I immediately noticed the amazing value that home business owners have with a network marketing business.

All the entrepreneurs that I met from traditional businesses learned their skills through seminars, books and experience. (by the way, experience is the most painful way but also the quickest way). Other business owners have to pay for their training.

But in network marketing, we get all the great training in areas such as marketing, prospecting, sales, presentation skills, communication skills and leadership for…. FOR FREE!!!

Others have to pay while people in network marketing get it all for free… and we get it for free and get to earn money at the same time!

This is one of the reasons why I always emphasize in my prospecting presentations that the benefits of network marketing are not just to make money and retire early but more importantly, you get to learn tremendous business skills in a supportive environment. Whether you earn $1,000,000 a year or $50,000 a year or $500 a year in network marketing, it does not matter.

The hidden value is you are learning important business skills at a bargain and these skills can be a launching pad to other opportunities later on in your life.

Remember: “If you are not earning, just make sure you are learning.”

Your Next Steps

Here are some things you can apply to help you:

1) Your environment plays a huge part of your success. Spent time with positive people who are where you WANT to be. Even if it is a short 3 day seminar, the effect will be tremendous. Look up the next business conference that you can attend, schedule it in your calendar and make sure you attend!

2) Figure out how you can stand out from your competition. Ask yourself, what makes you different?

3) Come up with a 30 second pitch that tells people what you do and how you are different

4) Continue your self development! Whatever challenges you are facing now, I’m sure you can find the answer in a book!

That’s it for now.  In upcoming posts, I will share specific marketing and sales lessons that I learned that you can apply to your business.

Sincerely,

P.S. If you interested to have me help you with a home based business or have a general business question about marketing and sales, feel free to Contact Me

P.P.S. Many of you have contacted me and enjoy the lessons that I have included in my past blogs.  If you are hungry and want to learn more tips on how to increase your productivity, improve your life and become more successful, I would like to invite you to become a member of Simon Chan Insider’s Circle. For a limited time Membership is FREE. Click Here to learn more.