by Ann Evanston | Jun 28, 2017 | Business Strategy, Relationship
In May I wrote a blog about shifting how we think about networking. In order to become more influential in our careers, we have to start thinking about broader more shallow networks instead of deeper, and much smaller networks.
I’d like to you to think about your deeper smaller networks as your referral base. These are people that you get to know much more deeply, spend a considerable amount of time with, and there are probably people that you will joint venture with and partner with in order to get results.
The challenge then becomes for women, because we so naturally build deeper relationships, is how to build the broader network that actually feels valuable.
First of all, let me say that it honestly takes way less time! Your referral network takes considerable time! Conversations on the phone, meeting for coffee, really getting to know each other’s work and how you can support each other…. those things are time consuming!
In building your broader network, the key is to think about the “emotional bank account” theory. You want to do simple quick things every so often that shows that you are in touch, know something about the person, and can be helpful without asking for what you need. By doing this you create karma, and reciprocity.
[Tweet “What comes around will always go around, even with your network!”]
The best influencers in your industry do this.
What comes around will always go around. What are simple things you do to build emotional bank accounts with people?
by Ann Evanston | Jun 17, 2017 | Relationship
I am always looking for ways we as women connect and find relationship with each other. I recently shared a personal experience on Facebook:
Second mammogram day, although you try not to be nervous it’s hard not to as you go through the process. As they did the x-rays they were very focused on the left booby, yes I think the right was a little jealous, LOL!
Then I was told the doctor also wanted ultrasound. OK great. I am reassured that I will not leave today without having the results. Back in the waiting room. Technician comes out: “the doctor has to do a biopsy so she’s running about 45 minutes behind.”
This is when I wished I brought my iPad! LOL but I did find a great hibiscus calming tea to drink.
Finally I meet up with the person doing ultrasound. Of course they have to give you that five minutes to take off your shirt and bra, although they’re gonna be all over your boobs when they return, LOL.
It takes me 20 seconds to undress and get under the sheet. I lay in this dark room, I noticed a clock on the wall and I hear it ticking. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
I chuckle; depending on how you’re feeling it could be quite meditative or completely stressful!
The doctor comes in and right away she says everything looks great she just wants to look at one thing for herself. The boobies are healthy! Of course I had to point out the clock. The technician who did the ultrasound started to laugh she said she always uses that room to take a nap in and now she’ll never be able to sleep in there. And the doctor said we have to change the clock!
If you’ve been through it, you know the crazy emotions you feel. Thanks to all my girlfriends with big boobs and told me everything would be all right, your voices were in my head the entire time!
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Boobies. Our boobies connect us!
[Tweet “Boobies and connection with women- powerfully positive!”]
by Ann Evanston | Jun 15, 2017 | Relationship
The end of last week was a great. I had the honor of facilitating my expertise with a group of people on building their personal power and influential voice. I put 110% of my energy into that relationship. I channel all my intuition into those in the room, reaching in, and SEEING the best parts of them. Tapping into how to challenge them to grow, and creating a safe place to be able to share and learn together.
It was phenomenal. And exhausting! When I do conferences that are several days, I rarely get the time to recharge my energy. I consciously draw on every bit I have left to create success.
Immediately after ending on Friday, Earl and I had drink with friends, at a 10pm concert. Then Saturday we had friends over for drinks in the garden, and I cooked dinner.
Did a mention I am EXHAUSTED? Lol.
By Sunday, I am spent. Used up. Just need rejuvenation at home with my hubby. And he announce we need to go shopping! UGH. I am deflated. Not my best self.
He handled it like a champ. He knew I was drained, and he needed to let my “mood” go. He drove, and handled the responsibility.
[Tweet “The best relationships happen when you are conscious about your energy!”]
I made sure the next evening to let him know how much it meant that he led positive energy when I couldn’t. That it would have been easy to sit back and wreck a glorious Sunday. He said: “I knew you were spent babe. Just like when I get too hungry, you carry the energy. It’s my job those days.”
Best relationships happen because we make conscious choices about energy. Me with my class; Earl when I’m spent. Do you choose when needed?
by Ann Evanston | Jun 11, 2017 | Relationship, Uncategorized
I so enjoy what I do, and my life. I have had a period of eight engagements over about five weeks where I was honored to speak with groups of women about influence, personal power, and self-worth. The greatest compliment I get is how good I am at tapping into each individual and their needs while presenting.
The coolest thing about these dates? All in San Francisco. Yes, “local” for me. That though is not what makes them coolest. It’s the fact that I get to BART (our train/subway system here in the Bay area) with my husband into the city.
Typically I just drop him off at the station, and pick him up at night. These days we chat while waiting for the train, get on and read. This is cool, still not the coolest thing though.
I get off one stop before him. He always gives a kiss and says: “love you babe, have a great day.”
But that’s not the coolest thing.
The coolest thing?
No matter what, when I glance back through the window, he is always looking at me…and he waves. It makes my heart swell every time.
That’s the coolest thing.
[Tweet “what’s the coolest thing about your life?”]
by Ann Evanston | May 31, 2017 | Influence Factor, Mental Mind Shifts, Relationship
The first step of truly becoming influential is to build and nurture your network. The specific challenge for women has to do with how we believe a network is based on deep knowledge of the other person, almost intimacy. In many ways we feel if we don’t know the person very well, and can speak and vouch for them personally, we cannot consider them part of our network.
From an influencing standpoint this does more damage than good. It limits our abilities: to:
be visible
demonstrate credibility
know experts that can solve a problem
build value through wide networks
increase opportunities
McKenzsey and Company did a study on how women successful women thrive. They found that women who understand that broader and more shallow networks are far superior actually increase opportunities and success.
[Tweet “Women who build broader, more shallow networks increase opportunities and success!”]
So what is the goal for women? To let go of the desire to know each person intimately in your network. That’s relationship building, which is a different strategy, for different reasons. This means find a memorable connection quickly with a person, and then practice a “keep in touch” mindset!
by Ann Evanston | May 27, 2017 | Business Strategy, Indulgent Woman, MasterMind, Relationship
The ritual of centering, and creating a sacred space. Such an important part of energizing and creating balance in your life. Every time I have a women’s conference, my MasterMind retreat, or my women’s retreat it’s even more important. These are the “big things” in my work. When I have a group of amazing women showing up, ready to be vulnerable, to step in, reach, and grow, I must have the strength to hold the container.
Centering.
One obvious centering ritual is just to be sure that I energetically channel what I think is important in the material for those that are showing up. I write each of their names on the cover of the workbook and flip through the pages feeling the vibe and energy. I visualize the energy and breakthroughs that will happen while we are together. I feel laughter and love.
Of course I will be open to possibilities and what needs show up in the room! That’s why this centering ritual is about energy and heart.
Centering also requires that I nurture self.
Painting my nails is one of my favorite! Of course, Earl picked the colors, LOL. I adore the ritual of painting my nails, feeling pretty, feminine and strong. I am even more centered by having someone nurture me in such a simple way by picking colors for my nails. Simply out of love.
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[Tweet “Centering is a beautiful ritual of nurturing yourself.”]
Centering is a powerful way to indulge in your senses, your spirit, and the strength of who you are. It allows me to be more of who I need to be in the world. Sometimes it’s just simple things that create that power.
Do you have simple rituals that encourage you to center?
