Anya Stevens

Paying your dues is not the same as showing up

I’ve spoken at a few local association meetings lately and it got me to thinking. Are you, or have you been a member of an association or group? Are you getting out of it what you want, and are your expectations aligned with the mission of the group? Do you know the mission of the group? It’s likely that education and networking are at the top of their mission statements. Bringing you more business isn’t likely on their list, but is it your expectation?

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When doing nothing costs you more

I don’t mind making mistakes, because it means you tried something. What bothers me is when people let others decide for them, or when you choose to let opportunities pass you by without actually making the decision to pass on them. It’s OK to say No to opportunities, even good ones, when the timing isn’t right. But it’s not OK (or at least shouldn’t be) to not speak up and say that an opportunity isn’t right, or that you’re actively going to pass.

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for perspective on when you might be letting others control your success.

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Planning Events That Give Back

Wouldn’t it be great if you and your couples, clients and customers could make an impact that goes beyond thrilling their guests? Well, Robert Kalt and Howard Goldberg have created PlanKind to help you do just that. Imagine feeding 200 guests at a wedding and also providing 200 meals for a local soup kitchen. Or having a corporate event at an art museum and providing art supplies to a local children’s center. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination and as big as your hearts.

Listen to this new episode for some ideas on how you and your clients can make a bigger impact on every event.

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Should you use different language with different customers?

Thanks to Meredith for this listener suggestion. The question they posed is whether you should be using different language with different customers, but I take this even further. Is it age or other factors that will make you change the way you communicate. When those cultural references (TV shows, movies, etc.) start to fall flat with your customers, maybe it’s time to find new ones. Is your language with your family and friends the same as what you use with your couples and clients?

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for some ideas on when you might, or might not adapt your language. 

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When are you better off staying home?

This was another listener suggestion. Todd wanted me to talk about when it’s better to say no to a piece of business because it might not be worth the effort for the return. Whether it’s too little profit, or would take too much effort, or maybe you just want to have some time off for you and your team, there are several scenarios for this that I discuss in this episode. 

Listen to this new, 8-minute episode for some thoughts on when you might be better off keeping the lights off than turning them on for too little return. Read More

What’s your hidden potential?

I just finished reading another book by Adam Grant, a professor at Wharton in Philadelphia, this one is called “Hidden Potential.” It really hit home with me when he shared examples of people who intentionally seek out being uncomfortable, and then they push through that discomfort and use it as a catalyst for their success. Specifically, he gave examples of people who are polyglots, people who are fluent in many more languages than me, and who were not good at learning languages when they were young. When we’re young, it’s supposed to be easier to learn a new language. These people learned many new languages as adults, despite being poor at it as kids.

Are you only doing things that are within your comfort zone? Are you only trying new things you know you can be good at? Listen to this new 7-minute episode for inspiration on finding success in your discomfort.

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