Are you a good ‘hook’er?

Are you a good ‘hook’er?

Do you know how to be a good “hook’er?” 

Hint:  I’m not referring to the hooker who walks up and down streets…

I’m talking about knowing hooking people onto your message. 
Being a good “hook’er” makes all the difference in the world in building your business.

Whether you’re writing an article, blog, book, press release, a good “hook” opens doors.  It grabs attention – just as I hope this headline did.

It startles people!

Years ago, when I wrote live trade shows for Fortune 500 companies and commercial lyrics, I learned to create a powerful hook.  At a trade show, we only had a few seconds before people passed by the booth.  For a commercial, we just had 30 or 60 seconds. Later, in writing a press release, I had to create a powerful headline or the media would never look at my client’s story.

What can YOU do to stop your ideal prospects?
  
Once you’ve hooked someone, they are more likely to read your content.  They’ll be more receptive to learning more.  (Just as I hope you’re reading this now…)

Ready to learn more?  Here are three hooking tips.

1.     Be disruptive. Write something bold, post a unique quote, or create something unexpected.

2.     Keep it short. The less words, the better.  (This one can be challenging for me.)

3.     Pose a question. If you ask a question as your hook, your audience gets curious and engaged.  They will want to read on and learn more from you.

The stronger your hook, the better!

Let’s take action, shall we?

I invite you to come up with a powerful hook for your business.  Post your one or two-line hook on our Difference Makers Media Group Facebook page. I’ll be glad to check it out and comment.
Visit  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1009500486109598

Or:   https://www.facebook.com/DifferenceMakersMedia/

If you’d like a private story strategy session, feel free to email me.  I’ll also send you details
about our Spring Special — Mastering Your Elevator Pitch To Attract Perfect Customers.

Wishing you an amazing time at hooking!

To your success,
Lynn
Thoughts about leaving a legacy

Thoughts about leaving a legacy

Imagine we’re relaxing on a quiet, tropical island.

Palm trees sway in the breeze.

Seagulls wing their way above us, singing out ancient calls, “Live now.  Do it today!”

We lie back on our lounge chairs, marveling at nature’s gifts and wonder,
How DO I want to live my life? 
     What legacy can I pass on to the next generation? 
     How can I make this earth better while I’m still here?

We only have so much time to bring our dreams to life.   

I urge you to start now.

Focus on one thing that you want to accomplish this year. What steps can you take to move forward?

Over the last few months, I served as an editor for Natalie McQueen’s powerful book, “Gifts of Legacy, The Ultimate Blueprint for Generations To Come.”  Her book features the story of her near-death experience. In a moment, her life flashed before her eyes, and she realized she hadn’t lived fully.

There was so much she still wanted to do.  Fortunately, she was able to survive. Now, she finally birthed the book that had been in her heart… filled with insights on how to live fully and leave a legacy.

What’s keeping you from writing your story?
There is no time like the present.

If you want advice, I’m happy to offer a complimentary chat. Feel free to book time on my calendar:  https://bit.ly/DMM-StrategyCall

In the meanwhile, as we all face challenging times, I encourage you to be good to yourself.  Give yourself even 15 minutes a day for a sacred time of quiet reflection.  When we allow our minds to rest, we’re better able to handle whatever happens during our day.

Take 15 minutes each day to meditate, do affirmations, exercise, read a positive book
and/or journal what’s on your mind.

That special time will make a difference in your mindset.  (I promise you’ll like it!)

And now a special surprise gift…

Last week, I interviewed an internationally recognized leader, Scott Schilling on our show, ‘The Difference Makers.’  His conversation focused on increasing your personal significance — a fascinating topic!  Besides his compelling stories and insights, Scott is giving everyone a digital copy of his best-seller, “Talking With Giants.”  It’s a book that features conversations with fifteen thought leaders in our country.  Proceeds go to nonprofit causes.

You can hear Scott at:  https://bit.ly/DM-Schilling

Scott’s free book is at:  https://twgfreegift.com

Wishing you a week of making a difference!

Warmly,

Lynn

We’re in this together…

We’re in this together…

I want you to know — we are in this together.

Life has felt very challenging lately.  The world’s tumultuous news.  Healthcare concerns.
Our own vulnerability to outside events.

I want to be open with you.  After dealing with emotional challenges lately — from the loss of my father to the ongoing concerns over a friend with a serious illness, my lower back has been responding with severe pain.  I just went for spinal x-rays and had an MRI yesterday.

As I know, our inner self affects the outer self.  I just got off the phone with a doctor who recommends that I have back surgery!  Yikes.  I will do whatever I can to avoid something so drastic.  And yet, I will be open to hearing that perspective.

I prefer listening to a highly recommended chiropractor and amazing physical therapist, and taking less invasive measures.  So I’m doing my best to take care of myself, as I serve several clients to let them know I’m still here for them.  In the meanwhile, I’m pausing to reflect…

What is the gift in this situation?  I invite you to consider the gifts in your own challenges…

No matter what happens around us, we still get to choose our thoughts.

So here’s what I CAN do… (And what you can do too!)
   
1.  Take Deep breaths.  This calms down the nervous system and tells our brain that we’re alright.
2.  Say Positive Affirmations.  Our brain is a computer, taking in all the thoughts and messages that we repeat to ourselves.  I’m choosing to say:
“I am good enough.”
“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
“I make a difference.”
3.  Visualize A Happy Place.  The mind can take us places to feel better.
4.  Take Positive Action.  Let’s do what we CAN in any situation.  Speak up.  Write a blog.  Give yourself time for more sleep.
5.  Remember – You Are Not Alone.  We are what we think.  And sometimes, we need support beyond what we consciously know.  That’s why relationships are so important.

“To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”  Dr. Seuss

Sending you all much love,

Lynn

What happens outside reflects what’s inside

What happens outside reflects what’s inside

I thought I had learned this lesson, but it’s happening to me again…

What happens on the inside affects the outside.

You may already know that thoughts affect feelings, which then lead to actions — either positive or negative.  It’s up to us to decide what thoughts we want to think.

Yet, even when we’re conscious of this truth, life tests us, doesn’t it?   
Again and again, we get to choose how to react to situations beyond our control.

I’m getting a heaping dose of challenging lessons right now, and I’m diligently choosing to follow practices that put me into a better mindset.

One of my dearest friends is dealing with ALS, a most devastating disease, and the anguish that she feels has affected me.  As I write these words, my lower back hurts, and I realize it has an emotional component.   (I also got a back x-ray yesterday, so I’m not certain of my next steps…)

According to Louise Hay’s book, You Can Heal Your Life, each part of our body reflects different emotional components.  The back relates to the foundation of our life.  So — when something major shakes up the foundation of our being, our body reacts in its own way.

Still, we DO have control.  Our mind is in charge.  We DO choose how to deal with adversity.

One of my heroes was my beloved friend, Roland Takaoka, who was a master at mindset.  He served as my wingman for four years during the live streaming broadcast of “The Difference Makers.”  Roland would joke and laugh, even though a third stroke had left his entire right side paralyzed.  Most people never knew of his physical condition, because you only saw him onscreen from the waist up.

As Roland used to say, “Expand in joy.”  He was one of the most optimistic people you’d ever meet.  When he suddenly passed away from a fourth stroke on August 23, 2018, I knew I HAD to publish his memoir to carry on his positive legacy.  It’s quite an uplifting, humorous story of his experiences in the hospital and rehab.  A fascinating read on mindset.

You’re welcome to check out the reviews or buy Roland’s Story: Inspired By A Stroke at: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Roland (I have a few copies left for $20 (includes shipping), if you want it personalized. Just contact me with your mailing address, and we’ll work out the details.)

Keep in mind — when faced with challenges, contemplate what you CAN do. 

For my friend with ALS, I”m organizing a recorded “Love Letters” zoom party this Saturday with her inner circle.  Whoever shows up will share their love for her, a favorite story, and then she’ll get the recording.  It’s an uplifting way for her to see the faces of loved ones before a major medical procedure on Monday.

I share this with you because I believe we’re all facing “stuff” right now.  It’s not always within our control.  Yet — what we CAN control is our thoughts.

We CAN choose to take positive actions every day.

It’s the least we can do… and the most we can do…

To continue making a positive difference.

Thanks for being you!

Warmly,
Lynn
I’d like to know your birthday…

I’d like to know your birthday…

HAPPY EARLY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I’ve been learning more about follow-up, and wanted to ask you —

How do you show people that you care?
How do you acknowledge someone’s birthday?
How often do people hear from you? Most of us could benefit from being more diligent about following up. Follow-up is the key to business success. 
Yet — how many people take action to improve?

Now is your time to make a BIGGER difference.  And that also means — expanding in your skills to follow up.  When you follow up, you’re building relationships, establishing trust, and showing people how much you care.

So — How do you become a follow-up expert?  I suggest starting with a small step.
Check out Mailbox Power.   You can send a free thank you card.  A postcard. A gratitude message.  A holiday card. To learn more about its system, and how you can benefit, I’ve got a surprise for you.
First — let me put you on my birthday card list.   There is no obligation and it’s private.
Here’s the link: https://app.mailboxpower.com/address/LynnSanders/98441

Next, to learn more, I invite you to join a free workshop on follow-up with an expert. 

My friend and business connections professional, Stephanie Massman of Bam Connections, is offering a free workshop to this group, about how you can use Mailbox Power to build your impact.
No obligation!  (You can choose to use the free 14-day trial.) Stephanie will be teaching us on Tuesday, February 15th, from 1:30-2:30 pm (CST).
You can register here — http://evite.me/MRfFDmmqQJ

Thanks for your time and thoughtfulness.

I look forward to being of service to you!

All the best,
Lynn