Occasionally I seek out Guest Contributors who have interesting business stories that will be helpful for nurses who are either starting or growing their business.
As a born Connector, Lori’s Linkedin Posts stood out to me among others who also teach people how to connect professionally.
While these stories collected PRE-COVID19, in light of what that is happeing, their experiences are even more timely for ALL who may be re-evaluating new ways to connect with current and potential clients.
As always, I have not worked directly with many of the Guest I feature.
I simply share Business stories with this one hope :
That you will reach out to the Guest Contributor, learn more about how they help people, and then go from there!
#ThatsIT!
About our Guest Contributor
Lori Saitz is a networking strategy coach, author, and speaker with 25+ years of experience in marketing and communications. She teaches in-house workshops, at conferences, and through her private client program. She created the Confident Connections Quick Start video program.
When not networking or talking about networking, Lori is in the weight room at the gym.
Tell us, how do you help people?
I help eliminate that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you walk into a room full of people you don’t know at a business event and it looks like everyone else already knows each other. I solve the problem of being left behind and missing opportunities because you aren’t good at starting conversations and building business relationships. That might mean you’re not getting clients who can pay for your products or services. Or you’re not getting the opportunity to participate in new projects or jobs. I resolve the pain of going to conferences only to come home and throw away thousands of dollars in the form of business cards and connections you never follow up on.
When did you first see this problem as one that needed to be solved?
When I started my first business, I had to force myself to go to networking events because I needed to find clients and referral sources and strategic partners. I had to figure out how to start conversations with strangers.
Did the problem ever seem like it was bigger than you?
I never saw it as “bigger than me.” It was a challenge because as someone who was a shy child, I never liked speaking up in class or felt comfortable talking to people I didn’t know.
What makes YOU stand out from others who may solve similar problems?
I come from a similar place as my clients. I’ve been where they are, so I can completely relate to how they feel. That’s why I can offer solutions that help them feel comfortable enough to overcome their problem. We work together to create a customized strategy. One of the ways I’m different is I talk about managing your energy in networking situations. Many others talk only about the tactics of networking.
Some say, "It's not what you know, it's about who you know." In terms of developing business relationships, do you agree with that statement? Please explain your rationale.
Completely! This is the entire basis of my business! Relationships are EVERYTHING when it comes to business success.
Tell us about your transition. What was the process of moving away from a traditional role into a business role?
What mindset shifts, if any, did you need to make?
I was living in Florida, working as a part-time on-air radio personality. It was a lot of fun, but I was working overnights for $10 an hour. After I developed pneumonia, I knew something had to change. Better opportunities in broadcasting weren’t readily available. I was looking for what else I could do when a friend challenged me to either find a business idea or a job within the next 90 days.
I created my first business based on a family recipe for what became known worldwide as Gratitude Cookies. They are a cross between a butter and a sugar cookie. With my marketing background, I knew that I didn’t want to be the next Mrs. Fields, just selling cookies. I decided to create customizable packaging that made them a fantastic way for business professionals to say thank you to clients and referral sources.
As when starting and running any business, personal development is the most important ingredient to success. First, becoming aware of and then getting a handle on your thoughts and beliefs is key. Luckily, I was invited to join a mastermind group, led by one of my mentors, Paul Martinelli.
We combed through the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill and then “The Science of Getting Rich,” by Wallace D. Wattles. At one point, Paul instructed me to read the chapter on Gratitude twice a day, for 30 days in a row.
Shifting your mindset absolutely has to be combined with learning the practical skills of running a business.
What has been the hardest thing in starting in your specific type of business or job role?
You don’t know what you don’t know. This is the case, regardless of your type of business or job role. This ignorance is probably more of a blessing because if you DID know, you wouldn’t do it. But once you get into it determination can take over, and you don’t want to stop even when it’s difficult. Ok, well there are certainly days, maybe weeks when you DO want to stop. And those are VERY hard. But that’s what your peer strategy group or business friends are for – for keeping you sane and supporting you even in the worst times. And then they are there to celebrate the successes with you too.
What has been the most rewarding thing about being in your business or job role?
Getting positive feedback from clients is so rewarding. To know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.
What would you say are the five important resources (books, conferences, associations) for a nurse who wants to explore innovation and design?
I LOVE reading and have so many book recommendations. It’s difficult to narrow it down. These aren’t nurse-specific, but in addition to the two books I mentioned a few questions ago, I recommend reading
1. The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
2. The E-Myth, by Michael Gerber
3. Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi
4. Endless Referrals, by Bob Burg (or anything else by Bob)
5. The One Thing, by Gary Keller
As far as conferences or associations, it depends on what specific business you’re exploring. Find the best ones that are related to your industry, by asking others in that industry which ones they go to and recommend. And you didn’t ask, but as far as podcasts, I recommend listening to Guy Raz’s “How I Build This,” John Lee Dumas’ “Entrepreneur on Fire,” Tom Bilyeu’s “Impact Theory,” and Lewis Howes’ “School of Greatness.”
Who supported you during this transition? Did you have paid mentorship or coaching? If so, what made you make that investment in paid support?
As I mentioned above, I had the support of a mastermind/peer strategy group and a mentor. I also developed some incredible friendships with other business owners. And yes, I paid (a lot!) for coaching with several different coaches as well (different coaches over the years, not all at the same time). I knew where I wanted to go and didn’t believe I knew how to get there by myself. So I sought out people who had done what I wanted to do to help guide me. I continue to this day to invest in personal and professional development.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know?
My best clients are managers who send employees to a conference and want those people to come back with valuable connections. OR business professionals who feel uncomfortable networking and want to proactively improve their efforts to build relationships that support their success. I’d also like to offer your readers access to a free, 5-minute networking meditation they can use to get grounded before walking into a conference or event. It’s available at https://zenrabbit.com/meditation .
Connect with me on LinkedIn, let me know how you found me, and share with me who I can introduce you to, I love connecting people!
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About the business of nursing founder Amelia Roberts RN
#TheBusinessofNursing
Amelia felt invisible in her role as a registered nurse and chose to learn how to use social media for something beyond watching cat videos.
Now alongside other hats, Amelia elevates the voice of nurses and helps her clients get booked as guest experts on live videos, podcasts and/or virtual conferences so that they can grow their audience without feeling the need to “overshare” or document their entire lives on social media.
When she is not slaying obscurity you can find her planning real and imagined food tours.
Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliaroberts/