TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS FROM RHHLIVE 2011

I just returned from a whirlwind week in NYC, where I spent two and a half days at Marie Forleo’s Rich, Happy & Hot Live 2011 and all I have to say is: this girl delivers. It was a super-sonic combo of strategic insights and business building how-to’s from people who walk the talk.

Incredible speakers, killer content and amazing connections, all brought together at Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Center in the West Village. Marie clearly has a talent for creating a valuable, high energy experience.

You know how much I love to share ideas and insights, so without further ado, my top 10 takeaways from RHHLive 2011:

 Magic happens in the present. If success is your path, but fear and negativity are holding you back, then you may need a “live in the moment” reality check. Approximately 99% of our anxiety stems from thoughts about the past or the future. The “what if” game is only good for a strong dose of fear. When you allow yourself to be fully present, you increase your focus and awareness, which breeds action and opportunity. Committed Impulse creator, Josh Pais, reminded us throughout the weekend, whenever you feel yourself drifting out of the present moment, just say out loud, “I’m back.” And mean it.

Self care is an act of rebellion. The world is conspiring to have you live outside yourself and just like everyone else. According to Crazy Sexy Rebel, Kris Carr, “You and only you are in charge of Me, Inc.” There are some smart people out there whose opinions are worth listening to, but at the end of the day, yours is the only one that matters. It may not always be easy to put yourself first and practice extreme self-care, but as your success grows, the more necessary it becomes.

Wealth is attracted to clarity. And we’re not just talking about financial success here. You’re much more likely to get what you want in life if you know exactly what that is. Take the time to drill it down. Write out your life/business vision 12-18 months out, as if it has already happened. In order for you to be truly happy and wealthy in every way, what needs to happen in the next year? Write it down.

Share your dream. It’s not what you do that matters, it’s why you do it. Simon Sinek, inspiration magnet and author of Start with Why, explains, “We’re inspired by your dream, not your plan. The goal is to surround yourself with people who believe what you believe.” When you give people a sense of meaning, purpose and belonging, they’ll follow you to the ends of the earth. Look what Steve Jobs did for Apple. Why does your company exist? Why should we care? Think, act and communicate from the inside out and give us your why.

Brand is the most important asset in your biz. If you want a successful business, then you’ve got to have a powerful brand story. Brand Twist Founder and the mastermind behind Richard Branson’s Virgin brands, Julie Cottineau shares that brand strategy and biz strategy are inextricably linked. People connect with passion, emotion, values and a great brand idea. How are you bringing your brand to life? What’s the inspiration behind your brand?

Know your audience better than they know themselves. Ramit Sethi’s mantra: stop preaching and start listening. When you deeply understand your clients’ mindset, you have the power to change their behavior (read: get them to buy your products and services). Do you know what your clients think, what they feel and what motivates them? You’ve got to get into a high level of specificity and really understand your audience’s emotions if you are going to influence them in any way.

Innovation lives in the point of no return (and so does your creativity). There is a difference between motivation and inspiration. Motivation is structure, systems, tradition and metrics. Inspiration is freedom, art, connection and divinity. You must take a hero’s journey, according to truth-teller Danielle LaPorte, if you want to get to your creative edge. You must be willing to be still, go deep, show up and open up to get to your true inspiration. Are you ready to peel back the layers? Where could you be more open? Are you being as transparent as possible while standing in your power?

Create massive value for your tribe. According to Miss Rich, Happy & Hot herself, Marie Forleo, the more lives you change, the bigger your paycheck. How can you create more value, change more lives, deliver better results and make your clients more successful? Start brainstorming ways that you can add more value through a client’s entire experience with you. In other words, what can you do before, during and after the engagement? Brainstorm at least 10 ways you could add more value for your peeps right now!

Always be marketing. Marketing is nothing more than making an emotional connection with the people you are meant to serve. Obviously, there are many ways you can go about doing this. If your vision is a super successful business, then you’ll need to become a lifelong student of marketing. The most dangerous stance you can take is, “Heck, I know this s#@t already.” Always be open to new and improved ways to connect and engage. Focus on understanding psychology, buying behavior and writing kick-ass copy.

Infuse your biz and your brand with your personality. This is one that I’ve been teaching for a long time, but it’s always a pleasure to see someone else do it so elegantly and effortlessly. One of the things I love about Marie Forleo is how real she is. She allows her personality to shine through in everything she does. From booty shaking dance moves to a slew of expletives at every turn, or some seriously sassy video content, it’s Marie through and through, not a copycat version of someone else. The lesson: be yourself and give us your personality, girlfriend.

© Liz Dennery Sanders 2011