Step Into Your Greatness

by Lynn Sanders | Aug 22, 2024 | DMM Blog, Personal Development

Our inner story is the foundation of everything we do.

It’s the quiet, often unnoticed narrative that plays in the background of our minds, shaping our beliefs, mindset, and, ultimately, our actions.

This inner dialogue can either lift us up or hold us back.

The outer story, the one others see, is simply a reflection of that inner conversation.

We have the ability to choose how we are at each moment.

While watching the Democratic National Convention, I’ve been impressed by the recurring theme of joy. The choice to recognize the unity among us. To choose to dream in a better future for everyone together. That’s an inner story that deserves attention… because it’s focused on positive values.

So — what brings you joy? What are you grateful for? What thoughts run through your head that can be focused on a positive perspective? We need to be mindful of those inner thoughts every day.

To prepare myself for each day. I choose to do a meditation practice. It keeps me in a positive inner mindset.

I remember hearing the great motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar talk about the power of our thoughts. He said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”

When my new children’s book, ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: Diary of a Volunteer needed to be reformatted four times — four times — it tested my patience. A wave of frustration swept over me. After a few minutes, I took a deep breath and calmed down. I decided to focus the positive thought — Let’s make this better!

I was able to rely on a very talented person who also shared my positive thinking. She redid the technical details. We collaborated with the vision and belief that everything will work out for the best. And it has!

Now, we’re planning a book launch party on September 5th at 7:00 pm CST, and I’d love for you to join us. You’ll meet Zully JF Alvarado, Founder/Director of Causes For Change, whose healthcare mission in Ecuador inspired many, including me, to help children in need. You’re invited to celebrate the launch of ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR — and receive a free gift too! I’ll soon be posting a registration page. We’re celebrating this journey of publishing, and would love to have you there.

You can check out my book on Amazon and on my site. Stay in touch with story tips and strategies by getting my free 7-Keys To Grow Your Business Story guide at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com.

Remember — the key to stepping into your greatness rests in your inner beliefs.

When you truly believe in your ability to overcome challenges, your actions naturally align with that belief. Then, the results you see in your outer world start to change.

It’s all connected—inner mindset, outer actions, and the results that follow.

So, as you navigate your own journey, remember to tell yourself positive thoughts.

Let your inner story be one of resilience, determination, and hope. When you get up after falling, you’re telling the world that you believe in your strength.

And that belief? It’s contagious.

Finding the Fun in Follow-Up

by Lynn Sanders | Jul 4, 2024 | DMM Blog

Whenever you communicate, your feelings get transmitted along with your words.

Be conscious of your feelings when you reach out to someone new.

Are you connecting from an authentic feeling of wanting to serve? Or do you feel propelled to take action due to feeling needy?

Whether you say anything or not, people will pick up on your feelings and thoughts. So put yourself in a mindset of giving. You’re here to solve someone’s problem. You don’t need this exchange to be a sale. You’re here to serve.

The Irish poet, William Butler Yeats in 1823 expressed it best, “There are no strangers here: Only friends you haven’t met yet.””

If you’ve hesitated to follow up frequently, you’re not alone. Statistics prove that a “sale” typically occurs after 5-12 times of contacting. You heard me correctly…. 5-12 times of being in touch!

How often are you in touch with your ideal clients?

My friend and colleague, Bob Burg, an incredible speaker, internationally recognized best-selling author and trainer has this to say from his book, Endless Referrals…

” All things being equal, people do business with people they know, like and trust.”

That’s more relevant today than ever. With the whirlwind of negative stiff happening in our world, you need to BE THE ONE. Step out with kindness. Cultivate relationships built on trust. Be available.

While most people only follow up two or three times, you can follow up regularly. Demonstrate that you care.

The success you seek is in the follow-up. Nancy Matthews, one of the co-founders of The Women’s Prosperity Network, offers a 12-Step Follow-up System. Here are the first three tips…

TIP #1: Call to simply say, “Hi!” If you consider each person as a friend or a future friend, it’s natural to want to know how that he/she is doing. When you reach out to find out what they are up to, they will inevitably respond with – “What’s new with you?”

That’s your opportunity to share your news… Here’s a simple example.. “I’m doing great! One of the things I’m most excited about is a new program that I’ve launched ____________. (Then, you fill in the blanks.)

TIP #2: Email (or mail) something that matters to THEM (your prospect). For example, I want to congratulate you on your _________. Or “I just saw this article and thought of you…”

TIP #3: Send a card with a personal message. People rarely get letters or cards in the mail anymore. I use the excellent service at Mailbox Power. You can automate your cards for birthdays and holidays, as well as customize cards for any occasion. Here’s my link to learn more: https://mailboxpower.com/lynnsanders

Remember this: People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care!

Think of follow up as keeping in touch with a friend — or “friend-to-be.”

That makes it a LOT easier!

To Your Success,

Lynn

Sharing An Experience Of A Lifetime Into A Children’s Story

by Lynn Sanders | Mar 28, 2024 | DMM Blog

It was an experience I’d remember for a lifetime.

During the summers of 2009, 2010, and 2011, our family traveled with Causes for Change International, a nonprofit organization, to provide free healthcare to children in need.

Joel, my husband who was a local holistic dentist, served as the volunteer dentist, working in primitive conditions with no electricity. I offered musical games and songs outdoors with a borrowed guitar, playing in the 90+ degree heat, and distracting the children before their first dental exam or extraction.

“What can a kid do?” thought Andrew, our son.

Since the children never had a toothbrush before, Andrew became the volunteer toothbrushing teacher. He passed out toothbrushes to kids who never had one before, and showed them how to care for their teeth. He also invited the children to pick out their own small stuffed animals as toys.

He held a flashlight over the children’s mouths for his dad to see their teeth more clearly. And Andrew led games during breaks. He was highly regarded, and felt the joy of giving.

While gathering stuffed animal toys (beanie babies) before the trip, one little bear stood out. The nametag stated, “Fuzzy Bear.” On his fuzzy white chest was a note, pinned to his chest, with childish writing. The words said, “This is Fuzzy Bear. Please take very good care of him.”

The love behind that donation was quite meaningful. Fuzzy Bear became an important part of the new story. The story is told from the imagined diary of Andrew, and the experiences involved in volunteering — from the preparation to the trip itself.

Adventures In Ecuador: Diary of a Volunteer offers children, ages 5-9, a chance to understand what’s involved in giving of oneself, and the rewards of greater self-esteem. joy, and fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of others.

While gathering stuffed animal toys (beanie babies) before the trip, one little bear stood out. The nametag stated, “Fuzzy Bear.” On his fuzzy white chest was a note, pinned to his chest, with childish writing. The words said, “This is Fuzzy Bear. Please take very good care of him.”

The love behind that donation was quite meaningful. Fuzzy Bear became an important part of the new story. The story is told from the imagined diary of Andrew, and the experiences involved in volunteering — from the preparation to the trip itself.

After that, the book will be printed into a paperback and hardcover version. The content includes a variety of Spanish words and phrases (with translations in the back), a “Behind the Scenes” section, a bio and story about Zully Alvarado, Founder of Causes for Change International, two video interviews — with the links, photos from the trip and an empowerment page for kids, filled with positive affirmations.

Lynn's Bio:

Award-winning and bestselling writer, video producer, media host of “The Difference Makers,” and promotional consultant for both cause-focused businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. With 30 years of experience, Lynn’s writing was behind the WGN-TV lyrics for WGN-TV’s Chicago’s Very Own Channel 9. Her work encompasses writing live trade shows for Fortune 500 clients, commercials, print, publicity, videos and speeches. This is her third children’s book.

The others were: Social Justice: How You Can Make A Difference, and the bestseller, Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes.

To learn more about using the power of your stories for business or personal legacies, visit: Difference Makers Media. You can also email Lynn at: Lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com.

“We all make a difference,” says Lynn, “And you get to choose what kind of difference you want to make.”

P.S. My ebook is available on Amazon for free from March 28th-30th. Visit: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Ecuador-Volunteer-Lynn-Sanders/dp/0997592176/ref=sr_1_1

Your Perspective Determines Everything!

by Lynn Sanders | Mar 13, 2024 | Personal Stories

Dear Friends,

Everything in life depends on perspective.

Everything.

When we hear around us — from the media, family, friends, even our inner talk, what do we choose to believe? Who do you listen to? Our minds, body and spirit are connected. We get affected by the energy of thoughs, words and actions.

So — who do you listen to? What words are you choosing? Can you allows yourself to think differently?:

From personal experience, I witnessed the power of energy healing after my mom’s passing. I went from barely being able to walk with terrible back pain to feeling good. I learned about a little book that can change your life perspective.

Dr. Masuro Emoto, world famous scientist and NY Times bestseller of the book, “The Hidden Messages Within Water” scientifically proved with droplets of water that…

Energy generated by positive or negative words can actually change the physical structure of an object. Positive thoughts directed at droplets of water were examined under a special microscope. The results were beautiful, crystalline shapes. The droplets that had experienced negative emotion — anger, worry, sadness — came out looking pock-marked and ugly.

This book has the potential to change your view of the world… and everything you say or do.

In the book, Words Can Change Your Brain, the message is: “A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress”.

So how conscious are we about the words we say to ourselves?

We can start by simply noticing the words we think… and the words from others.

We GET TO CHOOSE those words. Let me share a short story about the power of words.

We’re packing right now for a move from one rental home to another, a temporary stay because we don’t know where we want to eventually settle. I recently heard some negative feedback about our decision to be “undecided” about our future home.

We’re choosing between staying in Illinois or moving somewhere in Califorania. And we decided to let the Universe show us the right place. If we don’t find an ideal home in Illinois while we’re here, we’ll try out a new place in California – perhaps Sacramento or San Diego.

A well-meaning friend just questioned me — “Why would you pick California?”

“It’s not easy to move to another state at your age…”

“I couldn’t bear being in your situation…”

My conscious mind chose to shut off those negative thoughts. I found myself replying — “I’m looking at this like an adventure.. Besides, we can always move back if we decide it’s not right.”

Please be aware of the ocean of words around you.

You never know how your POSITIVE words create a wonderful ripple effect. . . making a different and do good in the world.

My GREAT news is — my new children’s book, “ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: DIARY OF A VOLUNTEER” will be officially published and launched as an ebook on March 28th.

It will be FREE! This is a best-seller strategy. GIve it away at first. Become a best-seller. And then upload a new cover with the “best-seller” emblem on the front cover. Would you be willing to get your free copy on that day? I hope so.

Looking forward to being in touch.

Warmly,

Lynn

Here’s a story of a little miracle…

by Lynn Sanders | Mar 3, 2023 | DMM Blog

Despite my lack of communication, I’ve been thinking about you.

Moving to a new home has been quite hectic, and while I can make excuses about procrastinating in writing, I’d rather take the time to share an inspiring story.

A story about a little miracle.

It’s the story of an amaryllis bulb, hidden away for at least a year… that has grown despite the odds.

You see, I received this “bulb in a box” as a gift from my dear friend, the late Reverend Kathy Dale McNair, who passed away last November from ALS. Kathy was one of my closest friends, beloved by so many people.

At the time — while she could still speak — she urged me to plant the bulb quickly. It came with a separate container and peat moss. She told me that if I didn’t plant it soon, it might not live.

Did I plant it? Unfortunately, no…

I was worried that I wouldn’t get it right. Concerned that I couldn’t get it to grow. Maybe I’d do it later… So I just put it aside. I forgot about it.

Then, we moved and I saw the amaryllis gift box again. I doubted it would live, but I had to pack it away and take it with us.

We’re still unpacking from our move a few weeks ago. I came across the box and still had my doubts.

But this time, I decided to take action. I opened up the box, unfolded the directions, and pulled out a forlorn, shriveled bulb.

It looked so sad. Hidden in the dark for a year. Wouldn’t anyone care for it? Was there even a chance it could grow?

My husband said, “It’s never going to live… it looks dead… why not just throw it away?”

How could I do that? It was Kathy’s gift to me. So I followed the instructions (not that difficult after all), placed the bulb in the peat moss, watered it, and gently placed it by the window on our kitchen table.

I hoped…

It took just a few days. One tiny green shoot timidly emerged.

Then another… and another…

And now — it’s literally reaching out its arms to say,
“THANK YOU! I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!”

Isn’t life like that? Throwing us curve balls… challenges…

Do we decide to move forward and take a leap of faith?

Or do we choose to shrivel up and never give ourselves a chance?

It’s totally up to us. No matter what happens, we get to decide our thoughts.

And the thoughts we choose have repercussions that can make all the difference in our lives.

I invite you to reflect on your challenges right now. What can you do to take a leap of faith and move forward?

Whatever you decide, please remember — there is greatness inside you!

Warmly,

Lynn

P.S. I’m here for you. If you want help in bringing out your stories — from videos to articles to books to promotion, reach out to me.

If I can’t help you, I’ll be glad to connect you with someone who can. We’re all in this world together!
To schedule a chat, visit: https://storymarketingcoach.com

What are you doing to encourage others?

by Lynn Sanders | Feb 16, 2023 | DMM Blog

“We make a living by what we get,

and we make a life by what we give.”

Winston Churchill

Let’s pause for a minute and contemplate your impact.

As a busy leader, what are you doing that goes above and beyond?

To get remembered, I recommend you do more than others. Do the unexpected. Give without expectation of receiving. Get your stories out into social media so people will find out about you!

Last Sunday, I had an exciting experience volunteering with my Congregation Hakafa and another temple in packing backpacks for foster kids through a nonprofit, Comfort Cases.

Rob Scheer, the Founder of this organization spent most of his life in foster care, and shared his riveting story to a packed room of about 80 people. You can find his TedX talk on YouTube.

He really knows how to tell his story well! My eyes filled up with tears listening to his struggles.

I never realized the many challenges faced by foster kids, who get transported from home to home – often every year — and are given garbage bags to toss their stuff into. It makes them feel like garbage!

Instead, Rob and his partner, not only adopted five foster kids, but their nonprofit, Comfort Cases, gives youth of all ages — a backpack filled with things they need. A new set of pajamas (labeled for girls/boys), a new blanket, a book, toiletries with their own toothbrush (!), a stuffed animal and a card that the packing volunteer signs — to let a kid know that someone cares.

The photo is of myself with Rob Scheer, who I honored with the “Who I Am Makes A Difference” blue ribbon.

Stumped for ideas to go above and beyond? Here are a few tips you can do immediately.

* Reach out to past clients and schedule a complimentary brainstorming session.

* Offer to connect two like-minded people together.

* Ask for feedback on your work, and encourage clients to rate you on a 1-10. For a number that’s less than 10, ask how you can get to a higher number.

* Send out a custom card to people – letting them know how much you care. (I love this: https://mailboxpower.com/lynnsanders)

* Provide a free webinar offering prospects valuable tips to solve their challenges… and then give them your contact information to learn more.

Here’s to your success,

Lynn

P.S. What ideas or tips would YOU like to see featured in a future blog?

Please feel free to email me. P.P.S. There is still space available to be a best-selling author in our Difference Makers Anthology. Check it out: https://greatlegacystories.com

I’ve included many benefits to bring you significant results.