By popular interest request, I am launching a new workshop for San Diego Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:

Jump Start Your 2012 Marketing: 90 Day Planning Workshop

It’s a ‘working shop’ wherein the attendees will walk out with a tactical marketing plan for the next 90 days. If you have heard a friend, associate, neighbor or buddy say things like “I need to really be smart about building my business this year”  or “I have to do something different to grow my business. What I’ve been doing isn’t working” – those are great people to invite to this class.

You might also hear:  “I want better marketing this year- but I am not sure what to do” or, ” I have all these ideas in my head that I want to do to market my business, but I don’t know where to start”… those are also great people to tell about this class.

There is a limited capacity to the amount of people I will accept in the class room.  Right now, seats are still available- but are filling up.

Here’s a link to share with them to read more and register:  http://small-business-marketing-1-27-12.eventbrite.com/

You can share with them that if they register by 11:30 PM on Wed the 25th and use the code:  FB , they’ll get early bird ticket pricing.

Thanks for sharing and here’s to making 2012 an amazing one!

Now that December is here, I am ready for the next level of my plans. Business growth plans and the marketing plans which go along accordingly.

People who see me out and about usually comment on my organization of everything I do. In part, it starts with an old school approach: I simply use a good old fashioned weekly calendar.  I actually hate spending money on a calendar (I think they charge too much)… but, each year I am glad I invested into one. In fact, I get a good one (so I spend a bit more.) 

With all the technology out there- I know I could be ‘up with the times’ but a physical calendar works for my kinetic learning style. Also I never have to worry about a battery going out and losing all my data.

My calendars need to have a very good cover as this is used daily and it travels out and about with me.  This years calendar I chose is a nice lavendar covered one. The store did not have preferred deeper purple… so lavendar it is.   I know this is goofy- but I have to like looking at the calendar since I use it every day.

I must say, I was pleasantly treated to a good upsell at the check out counter. Rarely do I see a sales rep do a good upsell so it was a treat for me to be the recipient of a perfectly excuted one!!  LOL!   The gal checking my lavendar calendar out at the cash register said “Since you have such a nice purple calendar… you need a purple pen to to with it.  I just happen to have one right here. “  I smiled and asked her if it had purple ink.  She said “Yes!” and did a perfect demonstration. She then handed me the pen and paper to write on. I did, and I bought.

She had no way of knowing that I used to always write important things in purple ink. It had been a long time since I had a pen like that.

So- how does this tie into my year end planning: its’ simple.  I now have my purple calendar, my purple pen to go along w/ my purple glasses, desk lamps and other accessories.  Although purple is my personal favorite color- you will find that I actaully love many colors that are jewel toned. I use color very wisely – depending on my need and environmnet.

To wrap up: if you love purple, here’s what some say about your personality. This one fits me well:

Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.

Have some fun and be sure to pencil in time before the end of the year to do your planning. Good leaders and good marketers know how valuble this quiet time is. It’s an investment into your future.

If you need help with marketing planning so what you do is effective, I can help. I’ve done simple 6 month at a glance ‘yellow pad’ plans- along with agency level 3,5, 10 year and exit strategy plans.  Businesses need to plan now more than ever before to create profitablity short term and long term.

Happy Planning!

Debbra

The Power of Leadership in Business Networking book sales and workshops I’ve been doing lately has been creating more attention and interest from different organizations.

These have included requests to speak at national and international industry tradeshows on Leadership, Sales and Marketing. The leadership topic has also peaked the ears and interest of differnt HR Departments and HR Organizations.

With more people (customers, employess, bosses) demanding better leaders who understand accountability- and are not afraid to live that way, I have been asked to lead a national webinar for key personnel in HR. 

On Thursday, Dec 8th, 2011, I will be leading a webinar called:

Be the Best Boss: New Leadership Skills for Supervisors that Drive Peak Performance 

Being a highly successful supervisor requires a fundamentally different skill set than it did even five years ago. Your bosses are under new pressures to do more with less and drive more value from each employee. It can be hard for supervisors to think about being a progressive and inspirational leader when they are just trying to meet daily job demands.

Most productive employees leave an organization because of something their supervisor is doing — or not doing. Whether leaders find themselves too overwhelmed with responsibilities to take an active interest in employee development or haven’t received the proper leadership training to inspire creativity, take risks, and cultivate project ownership, the result is the same.

Don’t wait until your best employee walks out the door. Train your supervisors on how to better manage, motivate, and inspire in even the most challenging times. Have them participate in this 90 minute, risk-free, interactive Internet-delivered workshop, and they will learn:

• How self-cultivate hidden leadership traits waiting to come out
• Key principles of highly successful leadership, and how to apply them to your situation
• The best ways to motivate others to follow, and accomplish goals and objectives
• How to maintain a willing and winning team of followers
• How to lead with confidence — every day
• How to convey instructions and guidance while keeping team members accountable for their own work and success
• How to build trust and confidence with employees

In just 90 minutes, your team will gain leadership skills to manage, motivate, and inspire employees. Register them now for this informative event risk-free.

If you know an HR Director or HR Manager that would like to learn more about this upcoming webinar for thier business or organization, drop me an email please.

Here’s to amazing leadership skills!

Debbra Sweet

www.PowerOfLeadershipTraining.com

 This is a video which talks about a key skill set needed to be a great servant leader. The video teaches about listening to God and uses off road dirt biking as an example.

God gives us knowledge, wisdom and instruction. Learn to hear from God through holy spirit. Christians should practice proactive thinking vs. reactive thinking for making good decisions under pressure. This takes focus and discipline.

As I continue to grow in my leadership roles, I practice this skill set daily. As an expert Christian public speaker on the subject of Leadership, I share with you insights that will help you too.

 For more information about my public speaking, training, consulting, or leadership work, visit: http://www.debbrasweet.com/speaking-leadership.html

Ride safe and be strong!

Debbra

What is it that people do when networking that clearly identifies them as a leader? What is it that they need to know in order to be a leader when they network? Why is it important to understand this concept — especially in today’s new business community?

Debbra Sweet, a leadership development expert specializes in change management in the areas of marketing, business, leadership, and wellness. She’s a lead author in the book titled “The Power of Leadership in Business Networking”, book four of the twelve book series.

Debbra spoke to a full room of North San Diego county business owners and professionals on this topic at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Breakfast, which was held Oct. 7 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Carlsbad Beach, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd.

Sweet gave tips that will helped attendees hone their business networking skills to get results. Sweet has been called a “people mover,” as she has the ability to move people to take action and get lasting results in their businesses and lives. Her insightful, interactive and powerful presentation based upon her book engages attendees to understand how their thinking and actions influence their results from networking.

Over 100 Audience members discovered three foundational cornerstones to being a leader when networking. These included:

•How to lead yourself

•How to lead others

•How to lead the leaders

She also gave insights on how leaders understand
• How to choose the right system to support your networking success.
• How your social footprint precedes you.
• The difference between an “Open 2” and a “Closed 3.”

The First Friday Breakfast is the Chamber’s premier networking and business promotional event and one of its most regularly attended monthly programs.

One of the attendees shared with Sweet “I am a Toastmaster and have great admiration for outstanding speakers like you.  Thanks for a lovely presentation.”

Michael J. Lambert, Broker Associate

Another attendee, Christine Blindell complimented Sweet’s delivery and style saying “She (Sweet) was one of the top two presenters of the year at these first Friday Breakfasts.

Sweet, who also is the lead voice on The Power of Leadership Radio is known around the country as an expert in Networking, Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Wellness.

Her fresh perspective on sometimes controversial views  how people today are able to be amazing leaders is leading many to rise up in ability to lead, professionally and personally. Debbra Sweet is never one to be happy with the status quo and she’s not afraid to help others move out of their comfort zone to achieve results.

Sweet believes there is a severe lack of leadership skills prevalent in society and in the world today. It starts with government and trickles down to the family unit. This lack of quality leadership is the cause of most strife and unrest in the world today.

As leaders are growing ever weaker in their leadership skills, the youth of today grow up to be weak in leadership skills themselves. This has an ever downward spiraling impact on the way government and business operates and how adults raise their children.

Instead of complaining about the way things are, she made a choice. She chose to embrace the calling of being in leadership roles that were placed before her for many decades.  She made a choice and decided to do something about it. She is a voice that is changing the way people think and act about leadership. She is moving people to take action for improvement and betterment.

As a resident of the Vista community since 1993 I saw  this as a perfect way to give back to the local businesses in the area.  My expertise in leadership and  many years of experience as a certified trainer of Word of Mouth Referral Networking has positioned me as a leading expert in this topic.

The lead author of “The Power of Leadership in Business Networking” book series, the voice of “The Power of Leadership Radio” as well as a much requested speaker and trainer on the topic of leadership and networking, I actually have  developed a special series of interactive learning workshops for the attendees of the First Friday Book Club.

The attendees at these Friday morning sessions have been returning each month to be with me to learn about marketing through networking while developing leadership skills.  One member who came specifically to see me speak each month recently raved:

“Thanks so much!  It was a fabulous meeting this morning.  There also seems to be a good energy and momentum to the group! I think the fantastic leadership of Ashley and the “learning environment” created by speakers such as Debbra really make it special!”

Maureen Barrack, Clinic Director

My years of teaching and building businesses by way of integrating word of mouth marketing and networking along with other methods of effective marketing has gives me a unique perspective as a leader in this area. My track record is strong as she has helped many businesses develop ROI in the millions with her knowledge, teaching and training on this subject.

When I am asked about the concept of “The Power of Leadership in Business Networking” book, I share: “This book is not about teaching how to be a leader. This is not about how to network. The concept is how to Be a leader When networking.”   

 “The world is a different place today. It’s not enough to just talk about leadership. You have to live it.  In business, a core commonality of people is to network, to build community.”

“Unfortunately, there are many people who come to networking situations with lack of knowledge that every thing they do has a direct result on whether they will, or will not, achieve the goals they set forth with their networking.  

This book, along with the leadership training program my company has, opens up eyes and awareness that one must be a leader when networking.  This subject is hot on the ears of those who want better business, better results, better relationships- whether it is in the corporate world, mom and pop businesses, amongst college  peers or even at social events.”

My professional and personal experiences validate my reputation with other business owners. People are looking for someone they can look up to, aspire to, someone who is easy to talk to on a personal basis. That is exactly what I do.  I am relatable.  I do my best to be  a people’s person and  a great mentor of success.

For more information about the Power of Leadership Book series or to book  me for an event, go to http://www.PowerOfLeadershipTraining.com

Here’s to your success!

Debbra

Leaders have a common focus when it comes to overcoming obstacles.  Here’s a short video I did earlier this year that is appropriate at any time. I share an insight with you to help you understand how those who lead think when times get tough.

After you watch- please share with others you know who are currently struggling with obstacles and challenges.

Thanks!

Debbra

Overcoming Obstacles in Everyday Life by Debbra Sweet

This series of meetings is brought to you by the Vista Chamber of Commerce.

I am honored for the opportunity to do this.

Business Breakfast Club

Date: September 2, 2011 Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

 Event Description

Join us on Friday September 2nd for our Business Breakfast Club.  The Business Breakfast Club will be a Networking group that promotes, teaches, shares and practices “best practices” in Business.  Debbra Sweet, author of “Leadership in Networking” will be the guest facilitator/teacher.  The Business Breakfast Club will meet every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. at the Sunrise Cafe in Vista.

For more info about the Power of Leadership Books click here.

The topic is based on the book I helped co-author and release last year. It’s exciting to see the interest in the subject. I am looking forward to the upcoming events where I will have the chance to deliver more valuable insights on this subject.

Here’ a press piece that was done about an event I spoke at in Aug:

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 01, 2011 – Lunch and learns for working professionals can be the forum to network with other like minded business pros.   The Rancho Bernardo Business Association   (RBBA) recently brought in Debbra Sweet, a leadership expert, who specializes in change management in the areas of marketing, business, leadership, and wellness was invited to speak on the topic of the ‘Power of Leadership In Business Networking’.

Sweet has developed a reputation as a leader who not only teaches, trains, coaches and consults on the subjects of leadership, business, marketing, sales and wellness- but she is one whose peers confidently share “She lives it.”

Those who have been clients, students or attendees at any of Sweet’s events say: “There are people talk about doing things. Then are people who do. Debbra is a doer.  What she says she’ll do, she delivers150%”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Debbra Sweet The Power of LeadershipPRLog (Press Release) – Aug 28, 2011 – The most influential women in women history did not succeed merely by themselves. They had a cohort of their fellow women peers to look to for help, support and inspiration. These historical figures are teachers to womankind, just as much as mothers are teachers to their children and teachers to the rest of the world through their sharing of knowledge, experience and wisdom.

Debbra Sweet, a leadership expert, who specializes in change management in the areas of marketing, business, leadership, and wellness was invited to speak at the North County Woman’s In Networking Group (NCWIN) on the topic of the ‘Power of Leadership In Business Networking’.

Sweet, a successful business owner of a few different companies located in San Diego County, is also an author and speaker in the areas of leadership, business, marketing, sales and wellness.   Sweet is getting booked often now to speak on the topic of Leadership in Business Networking.

Her years of teaching and building businesses by way of integrating word of mouth marketing and networking has positioned Sweet as a leader in this area. Her track record is strong as she has helped many businesses develop ROI in the millions with her knowledge, teaching and training on this subject.

When asked about the books concept, Debbra shares “This book is not about teaching how to be a leader. This is not about how to network. The concept is how to Be a leader When networking.”   She goes on to say “The world is a different place today. It’s not enough to just talk about leadership. You have to live it.  In business, a core commonality of people is to network, to build community.”

She continues: “Unfortunately, there are many people who come to networking situations with lack of knowledge that every thing they do has a direct result on whether they will, or will not, achieve the goals they set forth with their networking.  This book, along with the leadership training program my company has, opens up eyes and awareness that one must be a leader when networking.  This subject is hot on the ears of those who want better business, better results, better relationships- whether it is in the corporate world, mom and pop businesses, amongst college  peers or even at social events.”

The NCWIN, who brought Sweet into their luncheon event on the 13th of July, is a collaboration of prestigious businesswoman and entrepreneurs in San Diego North County. The NCWIN’s goal is to promote networking with the common focus: to aid one another in owning and developing successful businesses.

Sweet was invited to speak at the July luncheon and the attendee’s were riveted to the content she shared.  Sweet’s unique delivery engages the participants and grasps their attention.  “I speak to the participants and with the participants, not at them,” she explained.  Sweet’s positive disposition and upbeat personality left her audience craving more; more information, more knowledge, more Sweet!

The response Debbra received from the women at NCWIN was overwhelmingly positive and motivational. “The women were hungry for more and eager to share what they learned with their family and friends. Leaderships transcends past the business world and into all aspects of our lives,” Sweet informed.  

Sweet speaks at national and international conferences too.  Since her expertise is not exclusive to Leadership, she often will get asked to teach and train on other subjects as well.   What she does best is help people identify those areas they need to, and want to, grow in.  She then helps them research, plan, implement and navigate through the steps needed to achieve success.

“It is inspirational and invigorating to have an esteemed businesswoman, mentor and mother as a motivator and educator speaking to our members,” proclaimed one of the NCWIN board members.  “Sweet really does have the niche for public speaking.”

It is her professional and personal experiences that validate her reputation with these women. People are looking for someone they can look up to, aspire to, someone who is easy to talk to on a personal basis. That is exactly what Sweet does. She is relatable.  She is a people’s person. She is successful and is a great mentor of success.

Summary:

Leadership Training expert, Debbra Sweet,  is called “A People Mover”. She’s an agent of change. In life, business, marketing, sales, leadership, health & wellness.

A believer that change, on a larger scale, starts first with the individual Debbra Sweet is an advocate for the power and potential of human capital. She’s a living example of the unlimited creativity of mind, the resilience in the physical body and emotional spirit- and a supporter of systems for accountability that tie it all together. As an agent of change- her focus is single; to help others produce amazing results.

For more information about the Power of Leadership Book series or to book Debbra for an event, go to http://www.DebbraSweet.com
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