Meet Our Guest:

Ellen Rogin is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling book: Picture Your Prosperity: Smart Money Moves to Turn Your Vision into Reality.

Ellen challenges you to look at your money through a wider lens, break through your barriers to success and think beyond the traditional approach to personal finance and prosperity. Chockfull of financial credentials – she is an MBA, CPA, and Certified Financial PlannerTM – Ellen also has deep-seated certainty of the importance of money mindset and beliefs for creating the life you desire. She built her own successful business by masterfully combining a classic business approach with innovative strategies that includes balancing values, money mindset and beliefs, big picture ideas, meditation and humor.

Ellen is also founder of the Abundance Activist® movement whose mission it is to help the world think and act more prosperously.

An expert on living a life of success and prosperity, Ellen and her work have been quoted in such national publications as The New York Times, Money, Time.com, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, and US News and World Report. Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Capital Bank in Chicago.

 

 

Meet Our Guest:

Ellen Rogin is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling book: Picture Your Prosperity: Smart Money Moves to Turn Your Vision into Reality.

Ellen challenges you to look at your money through a wider lens, break through your barriers to success and think beyond the traditional approach to personal finance and prosperity. Chockfull of financial credentials – she is an MBA, CPA, and Certified Financial PlannerTM – Ellen also has deep-seated certainty of the importance of money mindset and beliefs for creating the life you desire. She built her own successful business by masterfully combining a classic business approach with innovative strategies that includes balancing values, money mindset and beliefs, big picture ideas, meditation and humor.

Ellen is also founder of the Abundance Activist® movement whose mission it is to help the world think and act more prosperously.

An expert on living a life of success and prosperity, Ellen and her work have been quoted in such national publications as The New York Times, Money, Time.com, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, and US News and World Report. Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Capital Bank in Chicago.

“Becoming well-known (at least among your prospects & connections) is the most valuable element in the connection process.” 

―Jeffrey Gitomer

For some people, the thought of networking makes them sweat. Not just a little perspiration on the brow, but clammy hands and nervous pacing of the hallway wondering if they can go into the room. It can be nerve-racking meeting new people and learning what to say. Reading about it is one thing - jumping in and introducing yourself to strangers takes courage. It can be a game changer for your business or your career goals.

Isn't it time to take charge of your networking experience and take it to a new level? You need to take consistent action. Now with social media, people can follow you and see what you're up to and then when they meet in person the “ice” is already broken so to speak. I was emceeing an event and one of the speakers came up and started speaking to me. It was like we were long-lost friends and then I mentioned to her that it was the first time we had met. She said, “No” in disbelief. “It feels like I already know you.” It was great as it reinforces congruency in my messaging on social media.”

You can supercharge your networking experience by:

Engaging and being social online platforms where your clients hang out this is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn and maybe even SnapChat.

Ask your prospects or clients where they network or socialize and go spend some time there. Don't limit your thinking to specific networking events. You have the ability to connect with people at the bank, grocery store, the gym, the opera, or a conference or fundraiser. Attend industry or trade association functions.

Arrange to speak at a business Association, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, or even a group or club in your area. Public speaking gives you credibility and put you centre stage where people can get to know you. It positions you as an expert where you can build rapport and trust quickly. Put together 1 to 3 signature speaking topics so you can showcase your knowledge and promote yourself.

Once you have a speaking engagement, ensure that you get to your speaking engagement early so you can have the opportunity to meet some of the attendees. I find that doing this, it really calms the nerves as you already have gotten to know a few people and when you speak you feel like you're speaking directly to them. They will be pleasantly surprised that you took the time to take interest in them. At the end of your talk, invite people to come and speak with you after the talk to continue building that connection. Remember handing out your business card to everyone is like playing blackjack and it's not invited. Hand out your business card as you really connect with people so they will remember you.

Submit articles to industry magazines or online directories. This is another great way to showcase your talents and expertise to people can get to know you more.

Check out a variety of networking and association event in your area. Make a point of intentionally connecting with 2 to 3 new people. It is a habit to gravitate to the people you know. You do not expand your network by hanging out with the same people all the time. Pick times to meet up and you may even choose to introduce who in each of you has mapped to each other. On average each person knows 250 people and each of those 250 people knows at least another 250 people- this is how your network expands.

“Networking is not a part-time or occasional exercise. Everywhere we go, we have an opportunity to network with others.”

―

“Becoming well-known (at least among your prospects & connections) is the most valuable element in the connection process.” 

―Jeffrey Gitomer

For some people, the thought of networking makes them sweat. Not just a little perspiration on the brow, but clammy hands and nervous pacing of the hallway wondering if they can go into the room. It can be nerve-racking meeting new people and learning what to say. Reading about it is one thing - jumping in and introducing yourself to strangers takes courage. It can be a game changer for your business or your career goals.

Isn't it time to take charge of your networking experience and take it to a new level? You need to take consistent action. Now with social media, people can follow you and see what you're up to and then when they meet in person the “ice” is already broken so to speak. I was emceeing an event and one of the speakers came up and started speaking to me. It was like we were long-lost friends and then I mentioned to her that it was the first time we had met. She said, “No” in disbelief. “It feels like I already know you.” It was great as it reinforces congruency in my messaging on social media.”

You can supercharge your networking experience by:

Engaging and being social online platforms where your clients hang out this is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn and maybe even SnapChat.

Ask your prospects or clients where they network or socialize and go spend some time there. Don't limit your thinking to specific networking events. You have the ability to connect with people at the bank, grocery store, the gym, the opera, or a conference or fundraiser. Attend industry or trade association functions.

Arrange to speak at a business Association, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, or even a group or club in your area. Public speaking gives you credibility and put you centre stage where people can get to know you. It positions you as an expert where you can build rapport and trust quickly. Put together 1 to 3 signature speaking topics so you can showcase your knowledge and promote yourself.

Once you have a speaking engagement, ensure that you get to your speaking engagement early so you can have the opportunity to meet some of the attendees. I find that doing this, it really calms the nerves as you already have gotten to know a few people and when you speak you feel like you're speaking directly to them. They will be pleasantly surprised that you took the time to take interest in them. At the end of your talk, invite people to come and speak with you after the talk to continue building that connection. Remember handing out your business card to everyone is like playing blackjack and it's not invited. Hand out your business card as you really connect with people so they will remember you.

Submit articles to industry magazines or online directories. This is another great way to showcase your talents and expertise to people can get to know you more.

Check out a variety of networking and association event in your area. Make a point of intentionally connecting with 2 to 3 new people. It is a habit to gravitate to the people you know. You do not expand your network by hanging out with the same people all the time. Pick times to meet up and you may even choose to introduce who in each of you has mapped to each other. On average each person knows 250 people and each of those 250 people knows at least another 250 people- this is how your network expands.

“Networking is not a part-time or occasional exercise. Everywhere we go, we have an opportunity to network with others.”

―

“We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” ~ Jeff Bezos

There may be days that you don't know which way to turn your head or what which direction you should go with the project as your client may have ever changing demands and needs. Before you feel like you're going off the rails, remember that you are a client to others as well. Think about the expectations you have when you work with someone. Are they any different than what the client expects of you?

They hired you because they trust and have confidence in your abilities to deliver on what you said you would deliver. You are the one who listened, and remembered important timelines, and made a point to genuinely care about their results. Their results are ultimately your results.

If you feel like your clients’ needs or demands are unreasonable, consider the system or process you used to enroll them to get started with you. Did you set out expectations of yourself or your clients? Sometimes when clients are unsure of expectations or feel like they're missing some information, they may come across as demanding as they are concerned about how it affects them. They chose you because of how they felt when they interacted with you. You need to reassure them by following through on meeting the emotional needs and outcomes they expect from you.

Here are some tips to help you keep up:

Create an experience. How your clients feel while they are working with you is important? Make them feel important because they are. Make their needs your needs and be genuinely interested in their success. You need to continue to build and nurture client relationships even after they have hired you.

Validate your client's concerns. Take time to acknowledge your client's concerns. There is often much to learn about how they see the ideal situation. Don't use the word “but” to explain why you're not reaching your client's concerns. It sounds like an excuse and dismisses their concerns. You may think about saying, “I want to acknowledge _________________and share with you__________________”

Communicate regularly and provide updates as they arise. Clients do not like to be left in the dark as to results and expectations. If important decisions need to be made, don't wait until the last minute to share information with them. Ask them how often they would like to be communicated with. Follow-up with a handwritten card or an e-mail to thank them for a conversation or follow-up meeting.

Keep them engaged. Clients like to be involved in the decision-making and how it impacts them. Don't forget to set boundaries so that you can have down time outside of the work that you deliver.

Know your client. If you haven't already done so, you should do your research and understand what is important to your client and what their needs are? What do they value?

Ask for feedback. You never know how you're doing if you don't ask. Ask questions to learn more about how old the service you are delivering is meeting their needs.

Anticipate their needs. If you have done your homework and have taken a genuine interest in getting to know your client, you will be able to anticipate some of the needs that they have. What a better way to impress them is to provide the need is an option before it's needed. This demonstrates that you are paying attention and that they matter to you.

Under promise and over deliver. Many people run on deadlines and if you can beat a deadline with high-quality work you impress your clients and they will keep coming back for more.

Provide solutions.

“We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” ~ Jeff Bezos

There may be days that you don't know which way to turn your head or what which direction you should go with the project as your client may have ever changing demands and needs. Before you feel like you're going off the rails, remember that you are a client to others as well. Think about the expectations you have when you work with someone. Are they any different than what the client expects of you?

They hired you because they trust and have confidence in your abilities to deliver on what you said you would deliver. You are the one who listened, and remembered important timelines, and made a point to genuinely care about their results. Their results are ultimately your results.

If you feel like your clients’ needs or demands are unreasonable, consider the system or process you used to enroll them to get started with you. Did you set out expectations of yourself or your clients? Sometimes when clients are unsure of expectations or feel like they're missing some information, they may come across as demanding as they are concerned about how it affects them. They chose you because of how they felt when they interacted with you. You need to reassure them by following through on meeting the emotional needs and outcomes they expect from you.

Here are some tips to help you keep up:

Create an experience. How your clients feel while they are working with you is important? Make them feel important because they are. Make their needs your needs and be genuinely interested in their success. You need to continue to build and nurture client relationships even after they have hired you.

Validate your client's concerns. Take time to acknowledge your client's concerns. There is often much to learn about how they see the ideal situation. Don't use the word “but” to explain why you're not reaching your client's concerns. It sounds like an excuse and dismisses their concerns. You may think about saying, “I want to acknowledge _________________and share with you__________________”

Communicate regularly and provide updates as they arise. Clients do not like to be left in the dark as to results and expectations. If important decisions need to be made, don't wait until the last minute to share information with them. Ask them how often they would like to be communicated with. Follow-up with a handwritten card or an e-mail to thank them for a conversation or follow-up meeting.

Keep them engaged. Clients like to be involved in the decision-making and how it impacts them. Don't forget to set boundaries so that you can have down time outside of the work that you deliver.

Know your client. If you haven't already done so, you should do your research and understand what is important to your client and what their needs are? What do they value?

Ask for feedback. You never know how you're doing if you don't ask. Ask questions to learn more about how old the service you are delivering is meeting their needs.

Anticipate their needs. If you have done your homework and have taken a genuine interest in getting to know your client, you will be able to anticipate some of the needs that they have. What a better way to impress them is to provide the need is an option before it's needed. This demonstrates that you are paying attention and that they matter to you.

Under promise and over deliver. Many people run on deadlines and if you can beat a deadline with high-quality work you impress your clients and they will keep coming back for more.

Provide solutions.

"If we don't fight for what we 'stand for' with our passionate words and honest actions, do we really 'stand' for anything?"

―Tiffany Madison, Black and White

It is not until you start working with others that you realize that not everyone has the same work ethic as you do. Sometimes I hear people complaining and wishing that they had more in life yet they're not willing to examine the obvious. It is easy to see what's outside of us versus looking inside. What if you did something different? What would your life really look like? Remember you’re in charge - when did you hand over the keys or the reins on how you choose to live your life?

Are you settling for what you know you deserve? Deep down you might even question your worth the time. Don't be fooled. You are worth much more than money could buy. You deserve everything that life has to offer. The trouble is too many people are waiting for someone to rescue them or hand them a Silver Platter instead of putting in the work required to get it. What gets you frustrated? What are you not willing to tolerate anymore? What is your repeating you that you wish you could change?

Don’t worry what others think – what do you think? People will pass their own fear passed you in hoping you won’t take this risk that they decided not to take. They are looking for the comfort that someone else won’t stretch like them. Will you be satisfied with your choice to not go after what you want?

No one's going to hand it to you and the Prince Charming you're looking for to rescue you IS actually you. It's time for you to do something different in order to get different results. It is time to shift your mindset and raise your own bar of excellence. You are probably thinking - how do I raise the bar?

Expect more from yourself.  It is so easy to pick out what others are doing wrong or how they are not working hard enough. It is important to focus on ourselves. When you develop and focus on mastering the different facets of your life, you can inspire and motivate others to do the same and theirs. Stop getting caught up in the drama of what everyone else is doing. When you think of what you're not willing to tolerate any longer or where you are frustrated with yourself, you can start making a change. It all starts with self-awareness and really paying attention to the choices that you're making and checking in to see if there aligning with your ultimate goal.

Think more about what you believe. Whatever you believe to be true is your reality. What happens if your thought is wrong? You may make the wrong choice or make choices that will sabotage your success. I've had some of my coaching clients share some of their big audacious dreams only to say, “I don't know if it's possible all.” It is only once we work through those self-limiting beliefs that they are amazed by what they are capable of accomplishing. I think many of us forget that we're all works in progress.  If you doubt your capability, shift your thinking to “I am in the progress of…”  not only is it believable, it is happening.

Consider dropping the words “try” and “can’t” from your vocabulary. These words are disempowering. You can't try to do something. You either do or you don't - it is as simple as that. When you say you can't you are saying that it's not possible. It is often said before you even put in some effort but it may not have been 100% effort. You can do this. Focus on what you can do. Find yourself a mentor or someone who has been where you want to be or hire a coach that will help you shift your perspective and challenge some of the assumptions that you're making.

Strategize more. People plan their vacations more than they plan to execute their goals. Take time to create a specific action plan to achiev...

"If we don't fight for what we 'stand for' with our passionate words and honest actions, do we really 'stand' for anything?"

―Tiffany Madison, Black and White

It is not until you start working with others that you realize that not everyone has the same work ethic as you do. Sometimes I hear people complaining and wishing that they had more in life yet they're not willing to examine the obvious. It is easy to see what's outside of us versus looking inside. What if you did something different? What would your life really look like? Remember you’re in charge - when did you hand over the keys or the reins on how you choose to live your life?

Are you settling for what you know you deserve? Deep down you might even question your worth the time. Don't be fooled. You are worth much more than money could buy. You deserve everything that life has to offer. The trouble is too many people are waiting for someone to rescue them or hand them a Silver Platter instead of putting in the work required to get it. What gets you frustrated? What are you not willing to tolerate anymore? What is your repeating you that you wish you could change?

Don’t worry what others think – what do you think? People will pass their own fear passed you in hoping you won’t take this risk that they decided not to take. They are looking for the comfort that someone else won’t stretch like them. Will you be satisfied with your choice to not go after what you want?

No one's going to hand it to you and the Prince Charming you're looking for to rescue you IS actually you. It's time for you to do something different in order to get different results. It is time to shift your mindset and raise your own bar of excellence. You are probably thinking - how do I raise the bar?

Expect more from yourself.  It is so easy to pick out what others are doing wrong or how they are not working hard enough. It is important to focus on ourselves. When you develop and focus on mastering the different facets of your life, you can inspire and motivate others to do the same and theirs. Stop getting caught up in the drama of what everyone else is doing. When you think of what you're not willing to tolerate any longer or where you are frustrated with yourself, you can start making a change. It all starts with self-awareness and really paying attention to the choices that you're making and checking in to see if there aligning with your ultimate goal.

Think more about what you believe. Whatever you believe to be true is your reality. What happens if your thought is wrong? You may make the wrong choice or make choices that will sabotage your success. I've had some of my coaching clients share some of their big audacious dreams only to say, “I don't know if it's possible all.” It is only once we work through those self-limiting beliefs that they are amazed by what they are capable of accomplishing. I think many of us forget that we're all works in progress.  If you doubt your capability, shift your thinking to “I am in the progress of…”  not only is it believable, it is happening.

Consider dropping the words “try” and “can’t” from your vocabulary. These words are disempowering. You can't try to do something. You either do or you don't - it is as simple as that. When you say you can't you are saying that it's not possible. It is often said before you even put in some effort but it may not have been 100% effort. You can do this. Focus on what you can do. Find yourself a mentor or someone who has been where you want to be or hire a coach that will help you shift your perspective and challenge some of the assumptions that you're making.

Strategize more. People plan their vacations more than they plan to execute their goals. Take time to create a specific action plan to achiev...

“One must learn to give up momentary, uncertain and destructive pleasure for delayed, restrained, but dependable pleasure.” Sigmund Freud, Pain-Pleasure Principle 1922

When we’re faced with a decision, we often make choices based on previous experiences and how we link pain or pleasure too. In Tony Robbins’ book, Awaken the Giant Within, he states “if we link massive pain to any behaviour or emotional pattern, we will it avoid indulging in it at all costs. We can use this understanding to harness the force of pain and pleasure to change virtually anything in our lives.”

What is it that you would like to change in your life right now?

Every decision you make is based on whether or not you believe that you are going to experience pain or pleasure. Many people make decisions based on the pleasure or instant gratification they will get rather than the long-term consequences of their decisions. When faced with making a decision, one of the most common techniques to make that decision is to make a list of all the positive outcomes and then another list of the negative outcomes. Pay attention to what you focus on. Is it positive or negative? Don't let fear hold you back from living a bigger life.

Are you letting your imagination run wild with all the “what if” scenarios playing around in your head?

Is the pain real or imagined?

Remember what you believe and focus your attention on, you will find evidence you need to support it.

What is the payoff of not taking the actions that you know you need to take? What is the real reason that you continue to take the same actions and get the same results?

If you're not getting the results that you want, it's time to take different actions. It all starts with recognizing whether or not you are linking pain or pleasure to the action you need to take. What emotions come up for you? Your emotions will drive you toward pain or pleasure. If you are happy, you will take positive actions that support your goals. If you are sad, you may take actions that pull you away from what you want to achieve. Every choice you make can lead you to experience pain or experience pleasure.

Look at the choices people make around you. Are they choosing things that cause them pain versus pleasure? When people feel pleasure, they want to sustain it and will take further action to maintain that feeling or reward.

What you perceive to be true is your reality based on your own life experiences. A simple example I think of is the fact that I do not drink coffee. Growing up on the farm, I remember taking meals out to the field and there would be a big thermos of coffee. The aroma was intoxicating but as I saw it poured into a mug I could only think of tar. I think of tar every time I see someone drinking coffee. I experience pleasure when I put on an outfit and I know that my workouts and mindful eating have paid off. Working out at the gym brings me pleasure because of the results I anticipate – a toned strong body and mind. Again, I can easily push aside desserts for the same reason. Other people may think of working out or skipping dessert as painful so they would rather make different choices.

The anticipation of what may or may not occur in the future may also drive your decision making. Are you making assumptions about what may happen? Do you know for sure?

Focus on what the pleasure and the long term gain are of a decision you make.

What emotions are you experiencing?

When emotions are high, rational thinking goes out the window. Daniel Goleman, the Father of Emotional Intelligence refers to this as an “amygdala hijack” – a part of the brain that loses all reason in times of...

“One must learn to give up momentary, uncertain and destructive pleasure for delayed, restrained, but dependable pleasure.” Sigmund Freud, Pain-Pleasure Principle 1922

When we’re faced with a decision, we often make choices based on previous experiences and how we link pain or pleasure too. In Tony Robbins’ book, Awaken the Giant Within, he states “if we link massive pain to any behaviour or emotional pattern, we will it avoid indulging in it at all costs. We can use this understanding to harness the force of pain and pleasure to change virtually anything in our lives.”

What is it that you would like to change in your life right now?

Every decision you make is based on whether or not you believe that you are going to experience pain or pleasure. Many people make decisions based on the pleasure or instant gratification they will get rather than the long-term consequences of their decisions. When faced with making a decision, one of the most common techniques to make that decision is to make a list of all the positive outcomes and then another list of the negative outcomes. Pay attention to what you focus on. Is it positive or negative? Don't let fear hold you back from living a bigger life.

Are you letting your imagination run wild with all the “what if” scenarios playing around in your head?

Is the pain real or imagined?

Remember what you believe and focus your attention on, you will find evidence you need to support it.

What is the payoff of not taking the actions that you know you need to take? What is the real reason that you continue to take the same actions and get the same results?

If you're not getting the results that you want, it's time to take different actions. It all starts with recognizing whether or not you are linking pain or pleasure to the action you need to take. What emotions come up for you? Your emotions will drive you toward pain or pleasure. If you are happy, you will take positive actions that support your goals. If you are sad, you may take actions that pull you away from what you want to achieve. Every choice you make can lead you to experience pain or experience pleasure.

Look at the choices people make around you. Are they choosing things that cause them pain versus pleasure? When people feel pleasure, they want to sustain it and will take further action to maintain that feeling or reward.

What you perceive to be true is your reality based on your own life experiences. A simple example I think of is the fact that I do not drink coffee. Growing up on the farm, I remember taking meals out to the field and there would be a big thermos of coffee. The aroma was intoxicating but as I saw it poured into a mug I could only think of tar. I think of tar every time I see someone drinking coffee. I experience pleasure when I put on an outfit and I know that my workouts and mindful eating have paid off. Working out at the gym brings me pleasure because of the results I anticipate – a toned strong body and mind. Again, I can easily push aside desserts for the same reason. Other people may think of working out or skipping dessert as painful so they would rather make different choices.

The anticipation of what may or may not occur in the future may also drive your decision making. Are you making assumptions about what may happen? Do you know for sure?

Focus on what the pleasure and the long term gain are of a decision you make.

What emotions are you experiencing?

When emotions are high, rational thinking goes out the window. Daniel Goleman, the Father of Emotional Intelligence refers to this as an “amygdala hijack” – a part of the brain that loses all reason in times of...