Goals and our focus

We are on the success train! 

I am excited at what this team has already accomplished, and what these accomplishments represent as a stepping stones to our long term goals.

Growth... We are doing it...

Veronica Guzman is the newest member of our team. Veronica specializes in Landlord/Tenant Law. Just to show her commitment she has already completed a few 1-2-1's. Let's all try to learn about her business so that we can help her business grow.  Welcome Veronica!"

Ribbon Goal

We have a deadline that is approaching quickly.... Gold Star!  By April we want to have all members recieve their gold ribbon.  In order to complete this goal we all (trust me I have fingers pointed at myself as well) need to schedule trainings.  To find trainings and schedule your attendance start here: http://www.socalbni.com/cgi-bin/calendar/mainMonth.cgi
Please use your "accountability teams", mentors, and those that challenge you to ensure you make this goal. Please remind your president as well... (smile)

A Chicken Farm??? Really!

Probate sales, short sales, cloud on title, obscure area, and chicken farms are all obstacles that our Julaine has cleared on her road to success.  To be viable in the real estate business one has to have knowledge, cunning, and the business reflexes of a "ninja". Julaine Waggoner has all of these qualities and more. Her keynote highlighted the current market and the challenges it presents. This market has also made some great opportunites.  Remember home buyers that believe homeownership is just a dream have not been educated by Julaine. CPA's & Probate Attorneys that believe liquidating properties should take years... have not been educated by Julaine. Julaine's goal is to spread her wealth of knowledge and prove through her actions that real estate is still a great investment and very attainable.  Let's look for these sources of business for our legendary realtor!

It's Our Code....

David Givot & Ken Tolerico both mentioned the BNI Code of Ethics. It was expounded upon and made clear why we should not just read this upon induction of new members. This should be part of our everyday business atmosphere and activities. Let's remember it. As a matter of fact, Dan Fowler has asked us to record ourselves reciting the code of ethics for a video montage. Let's help him spread the word....

The Numbers...

We continue to meet with each other. Our 1-2-1's are steady. Our vistors have been happy and consistent. Thank You for Closed Business is over $320,000. High Trust has been rolling forward toward our goal of being a million dollar chapter. We are proving that missing one of our meeting could be hazardous to your wealth...

Resolutions, Triggers, and Training... High Trust is already running

While some have decided to ease in to the New Year... High Trust has continued on it's path.  Even through the holiday season we continued to have visitors and continued to grow our chapter. For that you are to be commended.  Keep up the good work.

As our Growth and Retention team stated, "We are a group that likes to be held accountable".  It seems our accountability teams were, and are, a success.  Keep using them!  Also, remember training is the key.  We have added a new goal for this year...."Everyone should be a Gold Star ribbon holder by April. Lily you might want to make sure your supply is full, because you know what happens when High Trust focuses on a goal. Can someone say, "A Gold Ribbon Party"?

Lisa Lockhart of Lockhart & Associates was our key note speaker today.  Branding is definitely her game. Why did Coke ever try that "New Coke" thing without talking to her first?  Are we all using our collection of impressions to our advantage?  Have we or those that we do business with asked the correct positioning statements? In looking at the sales material examples she sent around, who do we know that needs not only to market their brand, but needs to identify their target market?  These and even more probing questions are what Lisa helps her clients to answer, and then sell to those markets.  Let's remember her "position" and get those "incorrectly branded" companies to her, right away!

Our Education Coordinator discussed with us our personal business goals for this new year.  Goal setting is important, but without accountability then they are just secrets you keep.  We all wrote down our goals for our prospective businesses, so that through the course of this year we can assess our progress.  Also, were asked to write down our BNI goals. Basically, what are "you" going to do to help this chapter?  We all had excellent input, and when we succeed... well Giver Gain.

Finally... and most important... $102,000 in the month of December! Like I said, this is usually the time when most reflect and check out for the year... High Trust kept the pedal to the metal and fired through... We had 21 visitors during the month of December.  Energy is an attractor, just ask Veronica Guzman who sent in an application for membership today.

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking. 

William B. Sprague

Bringing in the Cheer for the Holidays

We were overwhelmed by the number of visitors this week. They showed up in spite of the rain, and they all brought their own energy. Some served as substitutes (another good sign) but most were interested in our chapter and many were on their second visit!  I think they wanted to see if we could keep the same energy a second time.  The room was full with energy and people... it was a picture perfect event!

Speaking of pictures, we all should be on the look out for "Catherine"!  You know the creative person who enjoys using their creativity for scrap booking and recording memories.  Marilee gave us a great breakdown of the different personalities she is looking for.  I have already found "Catherine's" opposite. Remember, Marilee is able to help those who do not want to hear the "S" word.  She has programs to bring those pictures stuck in cyberspace and san cards to life. Allowing these photos and memories to be shared and enjoyed for a lifetime.... still done "your way". Let's be on the look out for Marilee's targets and lets get some great referrals for her. We can do it.  We are trained professionals!

And now that I mentioned training.... Our always informative and even more entertaining Education coordinator David Givot mentioned that he is one class away from getting his "Gold".  He also mentioned the importance of deciding whether you are a "creator".  Remember we all want to be creators for each others business.  Using great examples like our own Beth Bingham & George Papacalous to show how when planning events for our own business and using our "sales team" as participants helps everyone.  It becomes one very functional and profitable family!

Switching to family... Let's all keep in mind our sister chapter Go Getters.  We are  planning a social event with them. This will be a great opportunity for the exchange of ideas and possibly meeting another referral recipient or source. I will keep you posted...

Posted, Did I say "Posted"?  Well that is exactly what Dan showed us. He has posted our top 10 list. Dan also reminded us to use our accountability teams.  If there is something that needs to be done to get these teams more fluid then... suggestions are welcomed.  These teams have been working and our stats have been growing.

Speaking of Stats... Here is THE NUMBER, $20,636.  This is how far away we are from our goal of a month to date total of $300,000.  Let me just say this... You guys are Amazing!  We set a goal in September, that frankly, was a stretch.  We are on the road not only to stay away from this recession, but to be a million dollar chapter... exceedingly so!

Enjoy the Holidays.  I hope it brings you, All the Best and the Best of All.  I know that I am working with the best and that is one of the greatest presents that keeps giving the whole year through. 

I was asked, "How was HT this week?"

I really do not know where to start with my response to this question.  High Trust has been picking up speed toward it's goal, and there seems to be no end in sight.

I should start with a bit of housekeeping...

We have been on an incredible roll. There is a ton of business being passed among the members, and I know this has increased all of our responsibilities and reduced our "free" time.  However, our absences without substitutes have been up (20).  As all of know, our commitment begins with our attendance.  This is just a reminder that we all can help each other by asking for help when we know we are going to be absent.  Many of us know others who can stand in for us.  Control letters will be sent out after two absences without substitutes as a reminder. Our mentors will also make contact to help with the situation. All of this is done because you are an integral part of this team of professionals. We are designed to help each other. Our goal is not to eliminate you, rather elevate your experience with this team.  So if you are having issues please reach out, we are here to help... Ok enough said.

Kim Spucces stood in as our key note speaker and focused on training. Specifically, Referral Mindset and how we can all become better sources of referrals.  Let's remember that we have a great tool in trainings.

Dan Fowler took over the education moment and discussed commitment.  Have you had a look at our team lately?  We continue to grow.  We hope to add another member soon, and this is due to our commitment and energy.  Let's keep looking for triggers. Let continue to utilize our active listening.  Let's take Jimi Mapel up on his challenge to be all "Four Star" ribbon holders.  Utilize our trainings! In other words lets continue to commit.

Now for the answer to that question... "How was HT this week?"  High Trust this week had 6 visitors (some will be members soon). High Trust this week...had 24 1-2-1's so that we continue to expand our knowledge of each others business. 9 Referrals were passed. How was HIGH TRUST THIS WEEK?!  High Trust had $38,067 in Thank You For Closed Business!  High Trust passed the $200k mark. High Trust currently stands at $224,322 for two months!  So High Trust this week is ... making it happen.

Great Job Guys!

Can You Still Feel It?

I know that I do... Still feel it... That entity that is unique to High Trust.... ENERGY!

I want to start off this blog (soon everyone will be a follower...right?) by Thanking the visitors this week. We had many

• Bill Hogue - Cert-A-Roof
• Michele Hatch - Savvy Spaces
• Alisha Lopez - No Limits Sports & Fitness Academy
• Karen McMillan - Paradise Preserves
• Aliana Benton - Premiere Jewlery
• Bill Georges - Business Consultant
• Barbara  Arnesen - Arbonne
• Robert - Next Level Imaging
• Greg Miller - Abundance BNI - Orthodontics

I know you felt our energy, but also you witnessed our enthusiasm for helping each others business grow.  We are excited that you visited us, and it is our sincere hope that you will not be a stranger. Please visit us again. High Trust is passionate about helping our businesses grow, as a member our passion becomes your success. Quite a few visitors are on our "Top 10 Most Wanted" list.  You lock out your competition when you join..... See you soon.

Secretly, David Givot & Jennifer Goralski are working on a road tour. I know this because their messages of "Triggers", "Active Listening", and now "Training" is hitting home. Others are asking what we are doing, and I believe we are listening, learning, and best of all applying. As the writer of this blog, I too am going to challenge all of us to make sure we are utilizing the great training we have available through BNI. I think as a chapter to have a majority of members be "Gold Star" members is feasible.

The Kim & Dan show (aka Growth and retention) have been telling us to pay attention to our Top 10 list. We have been successful inviting them, and soon they will introduce a contest to "UP THE HEAT" on our goals. Stay Tuned

Speaking of GOALS Almost at $200,000 for a two month total for Thank You For Closed Business! I need someone to comment on this blog with what one seat in our chapter is worth... That is truly why this is so exciting for our group. 105 1-2-1's ! We are getting this networking thing done... This is like we were born to do this... It is just Natural...

And Natural is exactly the "trigger" for Arbonne (did you like that segue?). Beth Bingham-Georges informed us of the amount of poisons the typical woman puts on her skin. Frightening!  Arbonne products help women and men in a number of ways. We heard testimonials of acne issues being resolved, compliments being given, and how it helps those with allergies.  Also, many products are gluten free which is a goal for many parents of children with autism.  Let's help Beth spread the word to not only those we know with allergies, children, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), PTA/PTO, but anyone who has skin. As Dean mentioned, Arbonne products make great gift baskets (even if the reaction is delayed).

Remember I will be out for the next two meetings on vacation. I plan to still blog, as I get information on how wonderful this team is doing. I leave you in the extremely capable hands of Dan Fowler.

Finally, as most of you know we have had a large number of visitors the last few meetings. I just wanted to give a "smile of gratitude" to Julaine Waggoner for conducting the visitor orientation with such style and grace.

Listen, Learn, then Network...

Yesterday seems so far away... But what a lesson we learned from it!

Let's start with the numbers.... Our V.P. has informed me that, "We can do it!" For the month of November (only two weeks)

• Referrals = 51
• 1-2-1 = 105
• Visitors = 7
• TYFCB (Thank you for closed business) = $57, 809

Still quoting our VP, "If we keep this pace of $25k per week in TYFCB, we will be at ONE MILLION in 10 months. Do $30k per week and we will be at 1.2 Million in 10 months."

This is a great "sizzle" we have going. I believe it is because we have been listening for "TRIGGERS".  It seems quite evident by our numbers that we are identifying these catch words.  Remember, every one of your contacts has a need that the HIGH TRUST team of professionals can, and will, satisfy.  Personally, I have been contacting members while on appointments when I have not heard a "trigger" word. Believe me they have come to my rescue. So use your accountability teams.  Now it is time to put to work our Education Coordinators' next step.... "ACTIVE LISTENING".  Do not be too quick to respond when working with each other and with clients. "Active Listening" is a skill so let's all hone our skills and increase our productivity.

1-2-1 / Sales Manager Moment exercise.... Great Job. Being able to identify something you enjoyed or learned from your 1-2-1 with the group not only shows we are really paying attention, but also sparks interest within the group and our visitors. One member is even promoting another members business within their establishment.... talk about going the extra mile with GIVERS GAIN!  You are all stars!

Speaking of Stars... Our keynote speaker, Dan Fowler of Red River Productions, can make many business stars and the envy of their competition.  TRIGGERS- Before & After, Group Presentations, Social Media, Video... All of these are words that should make you think of Dan Fowler and his powers. His power partner team of four (Dan A., Dean, Lisa) can turn many businesses into a "branded Internet video top of all searches" STAR.... Let's look for more opportunities to refer to him.

Growth & Retention added to our top ten list.... Let's look for these professions, and remember how to invite potential members.

Welcome our visitors!  Paul Fiala - Quality Custom Cabinets. He not only learned about our team, but noticed the right place to sit during the meeting!  Alice G. Tadros, Esq. attended our meeting. She extended an invitation to visit Abundance BNI. I think we should take her up on it. Thanks again for visiting and participating.

CALL TO ACTION!!!!

Every member needs to be a follower of our own High Trust BNI Blog. www.hightrustbni.blogspot.com/

So there can be some time before your next keynote presentation. How about writing/blogging you new product  or service.  Is there something that this season brings or rings for your business... BLOG IT. This is your opportunity to get your thoughts out to more than just our sales team. Most "share" this site in social media arenas. Your service may be very interesting to another members contacts. It is easy and fun... try it...and we are here to help.

On that note.... If you are reading this via email.... become a follower of http://hightrustthisweek.blogspot.com/

I can keep you up to date and you can choose to Share this with your contacts....

Continue to have a great week....
 

Keep the Number Growing

High Trust Sales Team of Professionals is at it again. 

I am running out of adjectives for this group, that I am proud to be a part of.  Our meetings just seem to keep growing and are filled with information. Where do I start...

Well let's start here... Our Growth and Retention (Kim and Dan A.) team put together a visual 10 Ten Most Wanted.  As of yesterday it has become the Top 9. Let's welcome Don Stukes, CMC of BAS Consulting! Don makes us 31 members strong and growing. Catch him on linkedin. Contact Don and schedule 1-2-1's so that we can get him up and running with referrals and "triggers" about our own business.  Our G & R team want you to remember to be ACCOUNTABLE. Work within your accountability teams. G & R teams challenged us to do something in our sales manager minutes...

"As He Was Walking Down the Street..." That should be music to your ears. Our own David Givot (Education Coordinator) is going to keep reminding us of "triggers". We should be listening for these "triggers" during our conversations.  Have you noticed the referral basket?  We are filling it up and this is because we are "trigger" happy. Let's keep the river of referrals flowing and keep "listening for these "triggers".  David challenged us to do something in our sales manager minutes... Do you remember what?

Visitor hosts... are you busy enough yet? We had 5 visitors. All either spoke with me or emailed and stated that were overwhelmed! Overwhelmed by our greetings. Surprised by our follow up. Genuinely surprised by our support for one another.  We are not surprised as this is how WE ROLL! "Triggers" for visitors are easy to hear. "I want to grow my business because...." Let keep showing them the High Trust brand of growth.

Speaking of growth.... HIGH TRUST IS ROCKING! Dan, our VP, mentioned our 70,000 + in "Thank You For Closed Business"... But I have a new stat for you.... Yesterday this team thanked each other for Closed Business (you should hear the lyrics in your head now "Money Money ...M-O-N-E-Y) $33,454 times!  Now that should be worth posting. Tell everyone that this is the team to be on!


Speaking of Money.... Have I introduced you to Cindy (Enrolled Agent)  Szerlip our keynote speaker. She has an interesting background which includes music (I am serious). She gave a great presentation on something that could be dull... TAXES. Cindy not only made it incredibly interesting, but also made told us what type of clients she likes. Do not get this confused, she likes all of her clients, but some are favorites. Musicians and Entertainment business she has a special place in her business heart.  I know she works with PTA's and family trusts... just to name a few. So listen for "triggers" for Cindy. There were a lot of questions left unanswered so I know there will be some 1-2-1's with Cindy.

Let me give a quick "Kudo's" to our past LT & ST teams. All of this success would not be possible without your efforts. This is your wave, and I am glad to be caught up in it.