A Startling Discovery While at the No Excuses Summit
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WHAT?? ME- A LEADER??
I made a startling discovery while I was at the No Excuses Summit: I am an internet marketing leader.
This discovery was prompted by a question asked by one of the speakers early in the conference. I don’t remember which speaker it was. But he asked, “If you are a leader, stand up.” I didn’t give it much thought. I just… stood up.
I couldn’t help looking around the huge Venetian Ballroom filled with 900 attendees. Especially when the speaker encouraged the others to look around. I was surprised to see so few people standing. I blinked and wondered, “Should I be standing?”
“Nah! You’ve only made a few dollars, how can you remotely consider yourself a leader?” an inner voice whined. Still, and again without much thought, I knew I was right to have stood.
And upon reflection these past few days, I now know that gradually over the past six months I had already come to an understanding, a calm and certain conviction about who and what I am in this field, even though I had not given conscious thought about being a “leader” until the speaker asked the question.
If you had asked me one year ago if I thought I was an online leader, I would have said “No” without hesitation. At what point it changed, I cannot say for certainty, because no one gave me a reason to think about it.
Even now, the idea of being an internet marketing “leader” rings funny to me, though I have no doubt about its truth.
So where did I get this confidence in my own “leadership”?
1) It came from realizing what I have done. I have created my own blogs, web pages, autoresponder system, eBooks, videos, scores of articles, and a whole lot more. I haven’t just learned a lot, I’ve done a lot.
None of this impressed me until I began to meet many other aspiring marketers both online and at my first live event in January 2010, which was sponsored by Mike Klingler’s Marketing Merge. I was startled to realize that many of these folks had been in various training programs like the Renegade Pro for a long time but had not really done much with it… not so much as a simple blog with a few good posts. This surprised me and impacted my own self-image.
2) The germ of self-confidence was planted much earlier though, during the spring and summer of 2009, as a result of encouragement from friends I met through the Renegade/Marketing Merge community. In particular, Eric Walker provided friendship, positive comments to my earliest articles, and availability; Jerry Graham brainstormed with me over the phone a number of times; and Becky Joubert kept urging me onward, into, and through what was then the Renegade SuperGuide program. Without their support I may well have given up. I knew I had a long way to go to catch up with them, but they kept telling me I was doing the right things. From my experiences with them, my instinct for the value of community and collaboration grew.
3) I gained the greatest leap in confidence when I finally gained clarity on a niche. In April of 2009, I watched six women collaborate in the production of a 90 minute webinar and related eBook. “Wow!” I thought. “What an awesome way to build followers!” I immediately began talking with my friends (see #2 above), talking about how I wanted to do something similar. Though they each encouraged me to pursue the idea, I couldn’t come up with the actual niche that would make the idea click.
At least not until The Renegade/Marketing Merge Live Event in January 2010 when I listened to Ann Sieg talk about collaboration. I already knew a lot about Ann’s story, but her presentation got me thinking about her own accomplishments in a new light. I thought about what Mike Dillard and other well-known marketers had done. It struck me that every leading internet marketing guru collaborated with others, and did so over and over again.
I made a video about collaboration, as one of the lessons from the Live Event. I was very excited about the whole concept.
After getting a lot of endorsements for the video including several mentions by Marketing Merge owner Mike Klingler, it hit me- collaboration for marketers. It wasn’t new, but it was a different way to look at working at a business, certainly for new marketers. This was the niche I was looking for. I knew I was headed in the right direction because I finally had a solid foundation for a business (a reasonable niche) and some beginning recognition for it.
4) Continuing affirmations from others have been a huge factor over the last six months. A lot of this came from participation in a class called Coaching Cognition created at Marketing Merge. Over 24 weeks I met individually with three “peer coaches” each of whom contributed a great deal to my self-awareness: John Balbach, Carlos Bodden, and Steve Szudera. It would be an extremely long list if I tried to name everyone in the Coaching Cognition class with whom I engaged, however a conversation with Jan Foster stands out in my mind. An amazingly supportive class teacher and program director, Barbara Silva, contributed heavily to this growing confidence.
Me (far right) at Klingler's MFM Live Event in June 2010 - Surrounded by Awesome Affirming Friends of the Community: Emma, John, DiDi... and others!
Then came the online support for my first webinar production from many fellow marketers helping to confirm that I had a niche that would resonate with many people. Especially supportive were friends John Balbach, DiDi Alcheva, and Emma Tiebbens.
Me (far right) at Klingler's MFM Live Event in June 2010 - Surrounded by Awesome Affirming Friends of the Community: Emma, John, DiDi... and others!
5) Having a “cash-flow funnel plan” was the final piece – a game changer in how I looked at myself. This solidified in May and June of 2010 as a result of the first three lessons of Marketing Funnel Mastery (MFM) taught by Mike Klingler. The final factor in self-awareness as a leader came when I realized that “I’ve got something that is actually a business.”
You may notice many things in the previous five factors that relate to my recent video about the big picture of internet marketing. Clarifying one’s niche, developing a funnel plan, getting skills, taking action, collaboration, and getting coaching all have played a role in my short path to date. They will continue to play a part in my internet marketing.
On further thought about this…
Take away just ONE of the five factors above, and I probably would not have had the reflex reaction to stand up last weekend when a call for “leaders” was made.
Mike Klingler
Another thing. In case you didn’t notice, Mike Klingler’s Marketing Merge played a significant role in every single one of the five factors. It was Mike’s teaching, together with the contacts provided through the huge community of peers, colleagues, and friends which he brought together, that spurred me on.
My purpose in writing this post has been to share a self-discovery. I didn’t set out to write a post about Mike Klingler, but his role is a simple reality. There were a lot of awesome speakers at the No Excuses Summit, and I enjoyed most of them. However, Mike’s method is systematic, both theoretical and practical, motivating, engaging, and patient. I owe everything a lot to Mike and all of the people within the Marketing Merge/Renegade community whose instruction and affirming support has brought me to this point in my business.
I have not a single hesitation in recommending my affiliate link providing you with the best value to Marketing Merge and Mike’s ongoing teaching. Believe me, you cannot go wrong if you will persist.
My part
I almost wrote that I owe everything to Mike and the Renegade community. Of course that’s not true. Mike and others in the community both taught and affirmed me… but I did it. I did the work and I reached out to the others and involved myself in the community.
I have every intention of continuing to DO it and to affirm others who DO it as well! My thanks to everyone (those mentioned above and countless others) who have contributed, over many months, to my current online presence and self-awareness.
I am no guru. But I have found that I am a leader.
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Richard,Your post is the best i red in a long time.Although i am still growing as a leader i can relate to your story.Cause you see Richard i to was at the No Excuses Summit and I to stood up when he asked are you a leader,And when i looked around the room i saw you standing. How’s that for goose bumps Ha! Your post hit home for me.Wish you the best my friend.http://internetmlmhomebasebiz.com/
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@ Ferdinando – Awesome my friend!
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Richard, thank you so much for your wonderful article. It was extremely inspiring, particularly to a fellow baby boomer, like myself.
You are definitely a Leader. Not only because you Stood Tall, but because you jumped into the arena and took action.
I am new to this online marketing world, and I was touched by your article.
Thank you for sharing.
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Hi Richard,
One good comment deserves another, wish I had one.
Just kidding, it sounds like you had a major “AHA” moment in Portland.
I think Mike Dillard would say that you become a leader when you choose to be one.
You need to make the mental shift before you get a single follower, before you can even get a follower.
I wish I could say I’m surprised that so many Ren. Pro. students haven’t done much with all the training available in the back office.
I call it organised overload, even with he 90 day action plan it’s way too easy jump here and there, ooh look at this! And not actually applying it.
I know I got lost more than once, took some self control.
Looking Forward To More Posts,
Mike
Michael Cole´s last blog ..Network Marketing- The Best Home Based Business Model
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Dear Richard,
I loved this article. I love the way you relate your story and what factors came together to inspire you to consider yourself a leader. And by the way, it was a Mike Klingler article that sent me here!
I am on the path of self discovery as well, thanks for providing some awesome insight into becoming a leader. Keep up the good work!
All the best,
Alan
Alan Eames´s last blog ..Network Marketing and Product Sales
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Richard,
What a great article! I see myself in so many of the things you mention in this article and it makes me even more determined to continue to move forward, even if a bit slowly at times.
Thank you for being so candid and personal with some of your thoughts; they are encouraging.
It was also good to meet and speak with you last month in Portland. I think it is so special to meet fellow coaches that I have shared comments with the past few months.
You are a leader!
Y’vonne
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Richard,
Inspiring!! I am also a bayboomer, too many times feel isolated, like I will never overcome this (to me) unknown field.
It is now 01h40 on a saturday morning. Yoyy just gave me hope that I can also succeed by doing it and learning in the process.
God bless
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Great post I have been in the business for a few years now and these type of stories are what keep me going.
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Congrats Richard…. You are inspiring!! I also believe that you made a conscious decision to Succeed, and You know what they say about when “the Student is Ready & Willing” in your case the ‘Teachers’ also appeared!! We briefly met in Portland & I couldn’t be at the Summit, but I see you and others & I know I will also manifest my dreams & goals one day soon.
Thanks for Being a True Leader & Edifying those that gave you a hand, a boost of confidence, or the structure & sources needed to get to where you are Today. More so, I applaud your Tenacity… for it is True without You taking Action, none of this would have happened!!
God Bless!! xo
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All I can say is “what a go Richard”
One of the things about being a leader is not to be ashamed to admit you are a leader. Maybe “ashamed” is not the right word, but then again look how many in the room remained seated.
Regardless of your mentors or training I have a feeling you have always been a leader.
Good for you Richard.
Peter Fuller MBA´s last blog ..Support my entry to the Famousbloggers ComLuv contest
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Richard – Deeply inspiring and to the point! Just getting started in this business, and trying to gain traction, but with leaders like you blazing the trail, it sends bolts of energy back down to us slippin’ and slidin’ back here. Thank you!
Al Carlson´s last blog ..Jul 17- Attraction Marketing- The Proven Way to Build Your MLM Business
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Richard,
I think this article is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your “AHA” moment.
laticia´s last blog ..A New Science In Network Marketing
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You deserve to stand up Richard!!
Deborah Tutnauer – ITS ALL SUCCESS TV´s last blog ..Accelerating Success
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Richard – I am fortunate enough to be one of those people who has received one of my most valued responses from you on Twitter, where you uniquely asked if I had any other content I could share with you. You may recall. Although I had been learning from Renegade Professional for several months, your selfless comments really struck home. I learned something that day. And to this day, NO-ONE has ever asked me that same question.
Furthermore, I feel inspired when I read comments like yours. As anyone will testify, going through this internet marketing ‘thing’ where many products sell themselves on quick results, it’s reassuring to discover a community who put long-term results ahead of the quick buck philosophy.
I feel encouraged to keep on keeping on, knowing that I am building something important for the online community and for my sense of self-worth and fulfillment. When I first heard Mike Klingler talking about building a business being true to yourself and your values, I knew instantly I was in the right place.
Learning the tools is the easy part. Like you, knowing what you will do with them is the key. I sincerely wish you and yours all the very best in your endeavours.
Your friend, Richard Anderson.
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Richard,
What an inspiring post. I too am a member of Renegade Prof. and have been working on it since April, I believe, and you are so right. It’s so easy to get off track. But people like you give so much to help others keep on track. I wasn’t at the Summit, maybe next time, but I know you came away with a whole lot. Congratulations on realizing that you are a “Leader”! Mike and the crew can really bring out of you. I wish you the Best my friend and I look forward to more post. I signed up for you post. Keep up the Great Work.
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Richard,
I’m reading your blog at work and just had to respond. I love the spirit of your post about being a leader as well as your observations about the worth of Mike’s Funnel mastery program.
I have recently stepped away from an MLM that wasn’t particularly encouraging of people using attraction marketing techniques to build a business. I decided to take a couple of months to learn more about all of this before moving on to look for a company that is more forward looking.
Your post is like a reaffirming beacon lighting the way. Its very encouraging. Thanks and keep up the work you’re doing!
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Loved this article Richard and you are a leader… no doubt.
debbie turner´s last blog ..Wake Up In Puerta Vallarta- Stay for 7 Days and Only Pay What
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Richard,
You always show such an understanding of the idea of moving forward and pressing upwards. You have been a leader for quite sometime – I knew it from the moment we meet in Portland back 7 months ago now.
Leaders do stand up and do thing they are not comfortable with and go into projects knowing that they too will complete them.
Also – side note – thanks for the excellent comments on my one recent posts. That is a side project blog I have been working on and sharing other ideas and information on outside my typical area – loving pushing onward too.
Samantha
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[...] may have read his recent article about the No Excuses Summit in Vegas this summer (2010), in which he describes his experience of [...]
Hi Richard,
I received an email from Mike Klingler the title read “When Do You Know You’ve Become A Leader” but what was so interesting the one before that read “Ever Felt You’re Not Worth Much”.
Yes, I have to admit it . . . I was having some doubt. I was doubting that maybe my elevator pitch needed to be revised. “Work From Home . . . Getting The Help You Need”. I began asking myself . . . Am I fulfilling a need? I was blogging, I was sending emails, was any of these thing helping?
Am I giving valuable information? am I providing a solution to a problem they are having? No one has ever left a comment on my blog. Some of my emails gets opened but no one has ever sent me an email wanting any help.
Was my business really doing what it was set up to do? Getting help to those that needed it. I could see no validation in what I was doing.
One day I did receive and email from one of my prospects. I remember the date 6-27-10. That was the day I had a “Startling Discovery” my “No Excuses Summit”. I realized I do have something valuable to offer, I am a leader, and I’m on the right path.
It was an article in the Montgomery Advisers Business Section.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100627/BUSINESS/6270350/1003/C
Mr. Lewis is one of my prospects.
Thank You for the wonderful post. It reinforced the validity in what anyone can do.
Vanessa
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I enjoyed the read and admire your definiteness of purpose. I look forward to learning more and I stand up with you.
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Dear Richard
That was quite a post!!! You are truly a leader, and an awesome one at that!
You’ll go a loooong way, that much is for sure. Keep on being the awesome person and leader that you so obviously are.
Asha
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