On a very hot, humid July 17, 2015 afternoon, I attended the “Make-Up Your Mind” event in Johns Creek. I was “green” to business networking and felt green from nervousness as I walked into the room.  But those feelings subsided when Carol and Tracee greeted me and hugged me for the first time. I felt welcomed and “loved” as if they’ve known me for a while! What can I say? I liked it! So I stayed.

We have all done the various “personality type” test and courses and they are extremely helpful in our personal lives and relationships but sometimes difficult to translate into our business environment. Tracee Randall and Carol Neal teach a workshop called “The Hat Training” that brings it all together in a way that has been extremely helpful in my business relationships. Not only has it confirmed to me that I am a Red Hat, which is a leader but I  also have a lot of Yellow Hat. This means that as I lead I am also a caregiver. Being somewhat strong as a Yellow Hat not only impacts how I lead but it also impacts how I react to other leaders. What a great insight for me! The system is simple and translates extremely well into the business environment.

I have been watching the Insider Tip videos and MillionHEIR Academy videos on Facebook. I watch one every chance I get. This past week I gave a sponsor speech at an event. I used some of the tips I learned and it was awesome. I grabbed their attention to start with, gave an energetic speech, and told them who I was at the end. Just like Tracee did in the video. The speaking wasn’t quite where I want it to be but it was better than it would have been. With some more practice, I know my speech or introduction I will improve as I go along. I will be getting the 30 day MillionHEIR training this weekend and can’t wait to improve as I learn.

My business referrals increased almost immediately after attending an Atlanta Business Spotlight workshop where I learned how to write and deliver a compelling one-minute at networking meetings.  The results I’ve experienced from having that personal instruction and valuable constructive critique are absolutely amazing.  The feeling of ‘nailing it’ at networking meetings is priceless!

I have attended many events hosted by the Atlanta Business Spotlight.  Whether attending as a vendor or attendee all of them have been enlightening from their fun interactive and informative business workshops to putting the spotlight on Cancer. I think the “Get Mad About Cancer” events had the most impact on me.  Life changing for so many and the take aways are priceless.  If you have a chance to attend anything that Atlanta Business Spotlight is associated with you want to just go ahead and mark your calendar – you will not be disappointed.

If you haven’t done these training series – what are you waiting for? I’ve been in sales for more years than I care to publicly admit and 13 years of direct sales. I have learned more from these 2 ladies in just a few hours than I have in umpteen many company conventions. I love the way they approach business and “defy” the conventional direct sales thinking. This is valuable training for anyone that needs to network for more business.

Tracee Randall is an inspiration. She is larger than life. Her teachings are authentic, actionable and applicable to many situations. For me it was evident when I attended her very first “Make-up My Mind” Event in July, 2015 hosted by Atlanta Business Spotlight, also founded by Tracee and her partner, Carol Neal, that I would never be the same from where I began that summer both personally and professionally. Although my goals and visions for my company were aligned in my mind and heart, Tracee’s certain keywords from that day, catapulted my determination to step outside my comfort zone even more and just for go it! To make up my mind and just network, grow my business and remain authentic and real. Simple as that!

“I attended my first Xperience Connections meeting today and I loved it. All of the women were so warm and welcoming that I felt right at home. I loved how structured the meeting was too. It ran so smoothly and everyone was given ample time to discuss their business. It’s a great and diverse group of women to spend time with and to learn how to better yourself and your business. I’ll definitely be back next month.”