Wine, Wisdom, and One Powerful Life Lesson

Last week, I spent a couple of days in Napa with my new Mastermind group lead by Mike Koenigs and Ed Rush (pictured with me above).  

For those that don't know what a Mastermind is, it is a group of influential people that get together in secret to plot taking over the world.  Just kidding.  But in some ways, it is similar in that we work together to help our businesses reach their full potential and takeover our markets.  

I have been a part of different Mastermind groups throughout the years, but in the last few, had not been part of any, as personally, I have been focused on my family with bringing Hannah home from China and professionally, have been busy with the growth of my different businesses.  I was immersed in both equally and hadn't had time for much else.

But, going into 2017, I made it a goal to expand my view and the potential of what is possible, and knew I had to be part of a Mastermind to do that.

So, I settled in for a couple of days with this group and within the first few hours was reminded of what I had been missing out on for the last few years.

I could give you 20 great lessons that came from participating in and observing this group come together over a few days, but really there is one that I think is most powerful - The Power of a Network.

Network saves legwork...

Years ago, as a sales rep in a Fortune 500, I became successful because I quickly learned to build a network of people that could benefit each other mutually and help each other grow.  I wasn't the best salesperson.  I wasn't super polished.  But I did hustle, and I made a name for myself as a connector.  People could come to me when they needed a contact or a resource for something and I would most likely have a connection for them.  Of course, this worked both ways.  When I needed something or they knew someone who could use my products and services, they would refer.  It was the law of reciprocity at it's finest.

Over the years, I've never lost that ability to network and give, but I have spent less time focused on it.
I have probably missed out.

This past week reminded me of the Power of Networks and the power of reciprocity.  Network saves legwork!

No matter what you do, you need to realize that your network offers you the greatest potential for success, improvement, and opportunity.   Who you know matters.

Within 3 hours of meeting people at this event, I had a connection that was willing to promote one of my products to their entire client-base.  We simply had a great lunch where we introduced ourselves and realized  we had a lot in common and quickly saw the potential of being partners.  And we both genuinely wanted to help each other.  This one connection could potentially create tens of thousands of dollars of value.

That is the power of networking, but also the power of a Mastermind because people that join Masterminds understand this principle and believe greatly in the law of reciprocity.  They join wanting to give and help and seek opportunity.  And, of course, what you focus on becomes your reality, so that is what they get!

It was great to be reminded of this and have it re-ignited in my life this past week.  I thank everyone in Napa for their insight, wisdom, and willingness to help.   And Mike and Ed for the great wine and food!

Now, it's your turn.  Take time to put emphasis on building your network.  And social networks don't count. Get out there, meet people, take a genuine interest, look for ways to help both of you win...and give.  You'll be amazed at the power of a connection.

Networking is becoming a lost art and it may be one of the biggest advantages you have in your success!
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