September 30, 2025 • 52 mins
Season 1 - Episode 21 - BNI The Perfect 100 Podcast with Tammy Zurak
🎙 GUEST: Robin Savidge of Let's R.I.S.E. Academy
🌐 Website: https://letsriseacademy.com
CliftonStrengths: Robin Savidge: Belief | Developer | Empathy | Connectedness | Futuristic
In this episode of The Perfect 100 Podcast, we explore how BNI networking and CliftonStrengths can unlock powerful business growth strategies for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our guest shares personal experiences, practical entrepreneur tips, and proven methods for growing your business through referrals and building a lasting impact.
You’ll discover how strengths-based leadership and small business coaching can help you optimize your team with CliftonStrengths, boost collaboration, and apply strengths-driven leadership insights to achieve greater results. From networking tips for small business owners to referral marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice to increase visibility and drive growth.
📚 Topics Covered
Building trust and rapport with clients
Creating peaceful renovation experiences
Delegation, self-awareness, and leveraging strengths
Faith and values guiding business decisions
Importance of communication in client relationships
Overcoming fear and building confidence
Supporting personal growth through business
The role and responsibilities of a general contractor in BNI
Transitioning into leadership mid-term
👍 Like this episode? Don’t forget to hit the Like button, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway!
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Perfect 100.
🔗 Websites: https://bnitheperfect100.com, www.tammyzurak.com
📩 Coaching Inquiries: tammy@tammyzurak.com
💡 Free Resources: www.tammyzurak.com
🎯 Book a Zoom to discuss Strengths and Coaching: Book a Strategy Chat
📸 Instagram: @zbusinesscoach
🔗 LinkedIn: Tammy Zurak on LinkedIn
🎙 Podcast Page: Listen Anywhere: https://bniperfect100.transistor.fm/subscribe
Subscribe by RSS feed: https://bniperfect100.transistor.fm/subscribe👍 Like this episode? Don’t forget to hit the Like button, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway!
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Chapters
00:00 Understanding Personality Assessments
06:20 Understanding Coaching Methodologies
09:14 The Evolution of Coaching Practices
12:15 Networking and Building Connections
13:38 Transitioning from Teaching to Networking
19:40 Understanding BNI Metrics and Growth
27:50 Building Relationships and Visibility in Networking
33:30 The Importance of Mindset in Entrepreneurship
40:03 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward in Business
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(06:21):
So I wanted to give the audience, just because you're a DISC coach and I'm aCliftonStrengths coach, a little bit of understanding the differences between, and I've
done Myers-Briggs, which I mentioned, so kind of the best analogy, I wrote it down so Iremember it, the best analogy I could come up with is DISC, if you were in sports, you're
football player or whatever,
Disc is like your game day strategy.
(06:43):
So it's how you adjust and play with others.
So it's kind of thinking through, you need other people to kind of work with in order forthat to happen.
CliftonStrengths is like your raw athletic ability.
So Tiger Woods shows up, Tiger Woods has, you know, has the already has or Michael Jordan,they already show up with the talent.
And that's the things you're naturally great at.
(07:04):
And then Myers-Briggs is more about your mindset, how you approach the game.
all three help you win in different ways.
So as we're talking, people understand, you know, what you do, what I do and how they allkind of fit together, which is nice.
And a lot of people, you probably get this question when I say I'm a business coach,people say, what does that mean?
And I say I'm a CliftonStrengths coach.
(07:26):
They say, what does that mean?
And then I always ask, so have you done DISC or Myers-Briggs?
A lot of people have heard of those or done them if they've worked in any kind ofcorporate environment.
So then I go on with that kind of a story.
So speaking of which, you're a life coach.
What does that mean to you?
When somebody asks you that question, what do you say?
(07:48):
Yeah, I basically tell people that it gives me an opportunity to help my clients find outwhat is getting in the way of them making progress and in area, any area of their lives,
right?
And then develop strategies to get there.
You know, and it's sometimes it's just a resetting the mindset, you know, sometimes it'sactual putting together some strategies like how do we put things on our calendar that
(08:15):
reflects what's important to us, things of that nature.
So yeah, they always ask.
Yeah, well, and I feel like because we all have our own specialty, right?
So it's how you spin it is largely oh what you've been involved in in your career.
So, you know, your perspective coming from being a teacher that shaped, I'm sure, how youlead and coach and empower others.
(08:39):
Would you say that's true?
Yes, absolutely, absolutely.
So one life coach might be geared in one direction where mine is certainly geared towardsstudent success, helping women to step into the reality that they've always wanted, that
type of thing.
And yeah, it's based on past experience, for sure.
(09:02):
Right, and you've been coaching for two years.
when you, is that right, two years?
Okay, yeah, we all are officially.
yeah, I feel like I've been coaching really all of my life, know, truthfully, whether itwas in the classroom or with my peers or in women's groups or anything, but yes,
(09:23):
officially for two years.
Yeah, that sort of goes with the territory, As you've most likely not been, you know, putup the business card or the sign that says, is what I do, but you always, and we talked
off air before you, before I started recording talking about that's, coaching is somethingI've always done um since I was young.
I've always come in at the entry level in whatever the, you know, I've been in sales mostof my career.
(09:48):
So would come in, learn it, and then move up into management.
And when you're in management, you're coaching.
You know, if you have a team of people that's in, you're with kids, you're coaching,right?
So do you feel like when you started officially, when you said, okay, I'm now this, youyou hung up the sign and said, I'm now this, put it on your business cards.
Has that changed from when you first started to now?
(10:10):
How has that evolved?
You know,
my eyes have been open to so many different ways that I can help people.
ah And I think that's been pretty much the coolest thing about it, where I started out,frankly, just thinking of doing this little thing in my little home office, you know, on
(10:32):
my computer, and that's how I would, you know, conduct my business to now where I get togo out and do speaking engagements, you know, which is awesome.
I get to do workshops for women, you I get to partner with nonprofits to help teens thatthey're working with.
And it really has expanded.
The mission is still the same, which is awesome, but there are different ways to achieve agoal.
(10:59):
And that is something that I've grown in, frankly, you know, it doesn't always have to bea straight line, you know, there's many ways to get there.
Yeah.
And I feel like that happens for most entrepreneurs as they start their journey thinking,you know, I'm going to head this way.
And then, you know, the, the fork in the road comes and, know, a new experience pops inand you're like, well, what about this way?
(11:20):
And what about that way?
But, you know, it depends on where that journey.
And sometimes that can be up and down, right?
It's maybe we went down a road we weren't so sure about and they didn't.
go the way we wanted it to so we kind of get back on the main road.
it's never, I was watching a podcast, uh Matthew McConaughey was talking and he was sayingsomething like, if I can remember exactly how he put it, is without adversity, if you're
(11:50):
just smooth sailing and there's no resistance, was the word he used,
if there's no resistance then you're not growing, right?
life is just easy, then it's not fun.
If you get everything you want, easily, then that's not as fun as if you have to have alittle bit of resistance in order to make bigger gains, so to speak.
(12:13):
It's kind of like, guess, weight training, right?
If you lift weights, you're gonna feel pain.
The heavier you go, the more the pain, but you have to, at a certain point, you level offand you have to induce more pain.
One of my mentors always said, choose your pain.
You know, it's really, you're choosing the pain that allows you to move forward.
(12:33):
You know, it's not always comfortable, but it's what we need in order to grow, you know?
Yeah.
So what brought you to BNI?
Well, I just started my business.
I was about two, three months in and I was talking to my accountant and he said, do youhave business insurance?
(12:56):
And I said, I need to find someone.
So he recommended someone who was in BMI.
So I went to her office on a Monday to sign my paperwork and she said, what are you doingtomorrow morning?
We have this group that get together.
It might be good for you to connect with them.
So I went and frankly, that was all I needed to see.
(13:17):
It was, yeah, that's how I ended up in BNI
it's funny how that works.
I've told my story similar to that is uh we had a security system issue and somebody cameto the house to fix the issue.
I was like, so what do you do?
Oh, okay, we need somebody.
You should come visit.
Sometimes it's just that easy, right?
(13:38):
So you were a teacher before you started networking in BNI.
Did you find it challenging?
Was that a new experience for you?
Or tell me about that.
Was it hard for you or not?
There were aspects that were challenging.
oh I had been involved in a couple of different network marketing companies oh on the sidewhen I was teaching.
(14:00):
So I did have those opportunities to network, but BNI was different because you were withthe same people so often.
And you really had that opportunity to develop those relationships, which has made it verydifferent and much more impactful than the networking experiences I've had in the past.
Yeah, it definitely is a unique experience um and after a while, I feel like I have 500friends.
(14:26):
um There's 500 people almost in this area.
So I don't know them all as well as I know some, but I would definitely say there's acouple hundred I know really well that I didn't know before I got here.
So um it's awesome to have so many people have great connections with you.
All right, let's roll over to your power of one.
So I will read since people, some of them are listening from left to right.
(14:50):
uh You are in the Sewell chapter, so you're not in my local region.
As you mentioned, you're from New Jersey, so if anybody's looking for you, that's where tofind you.
You have a total score of 65 in the yellow.
You have 20 points for attendance in the green, five points for referrals per week in thegray, uh zero points for visitors in the gray.
(15:12):
uh One to one's 20 points in the green and CEU 20 points in the green.
So what are your thoughts?
uh There are some areas of growth needed here.
Well, I was thinking to myself, well, let's try your Palms report first.
Let's go through that.
have a question for you, but let's look at your Palms.
(15:34):
So uh on the uh report you've got, so zero absences, uh referrals given inside two,referrals given outside three, referrals received inside one, referrals received outside
four.
And this is in 23 weeks, by the way, I didn't usually mention that, just to kind of giveperspective.
(15:58):
Visitors zero, one to ones 20.
Thank you for closed business given $542 and CEUs 64.
So now I'll ask you that question again.
Well, or the question I was going to ask you, which is, you're a coach.
What would you, if this was someone else and not you,
(16:22):
What might you say to them?
Well, the question that you asked initially, you for sure.
Yeah.
And, you know, maybe trying to find out what are, what's going on, you know.
Yeah, for sure.
Okay.
Well, and here's the way I always look at this is, and let me ask you another questionbecause I don't know your chapter, I don't know your region.
(16:51):
How big is your chapter?
Our chapter is small.
We have 16 people.
um And we've had growth in the last couple of months, which has been great.
So yeah, so we're moving back up.
Okay, and your, um do you, who's, you, I know you told me before and I don't remember,what position are you serving in?
(17:12):
I'm just finishing up position as education coordinator and moving into the position ofmentor coordinator.
Oh, mentor coordinator, okay.
So, have you guys done the training there yet?
That's this week, this coming week, yes.
All right.
We just had ours this past week.
It's September, if you're watching this later.
(17:34):
So we're rolling into October 1st is the new calendar year for BNI with the new leadershipteam.
So oftentimes we switch positions.
there's training that happens beforehand.
So when you joined, did someone sit down with you?
Because I know in a lot of chapters here, we have mentor coordinators, but that doesn'tmean they're actually mentor.
(17:54):
So, did you have mentor coordination when you were, when you first joined or in recent,you know, times, I guess?
Let's see, yes we had a mentor coordinator who connected me with one of the members whowas my mentor throughout that process.
we
(18:27):
did.
And the reason I ask is sometimes we have people that have, yellow is acceptable.
So you are, you you're 65 and it's yellow, which is fine.
uh For me, I feel like when, and I haven't always been a perfect 100, you know, that'sthis year and last year I have been a perfect 100 and for obvious reasons I'm going to
(18:50):
stay there, but, or do my darnest anyway, but it is, you know, I've always, I've tried toalways stay green.
But for me, there's a number of reasons why.
And yellow, we find a yellow is fine because you're going to, you're hitting on thecylinders that you need to get stuff out of it.
(19:12):
But then I look at your referrals received and you've had five in 23 weeks.
but one referral for if you're, you mentioned earlier,
at least when we were talking, it might've been offline that you did a corporate event,said one corporate event might be fine where you make, you know, kind of enough
(19:33):
sustainable income to keep yourself going.
Is that enough referrals for you?
ah No it isn't.
No.
okay.
So, and that's typically what I hear, right?
Is I, when I'm looking at people's, because I'm a chapter success coach.
So when I look at people's Palms report, my first question is that, are you receiving whatyou need?
(19:55):
And oftentimes the answer is no.
um If the reports aren't exactly, you know, there's different ways of looking at it.
You know, if you're,
I'm not getting necessarily all the referrals I would like to get either and I'm at 100.
So I know I've done all the things.
There's a framework, right?
The framework is you do all these things and you're going to, you should receive what isin abundance for you.
(20:23):
But it can also be the kind of role that you have and it can also be what you're saying.
There's a whole bunch of other things.
You can click, check the boxes, whatever, and that doesn't necessarily mean you're beingsuccessful.
But it's a place to start.
So, and when I say successful, meaning getting out of it what you would like.
So uh that's the first point of view for when I look at a PALMS report is, you gettingenough?
(20:47):
But I'm going to turn it back on you again as the coach perspective, if you're not gettingwhat you would like to have out of it, is there anything you would, I forget what you
said, how did you put that?
What would you?
How would you term, so if you were life coaching me and I had this as I'm not gettingenough, what would those words be to me?
What might they be?
(21:08):
I might ask, well, what would you like to get out of it to start with?
ah You know, so that way you have a framework of what you would see would be, you know,progress for you.
um And also recognizing progress, right?
As opposed to, you know, knowing, recognizing the progress.
(21:30):
Identifying the things that you are already doing.
And so it's not like you have to totally overhaul everything.
Yes, yes, love that, yes, because you might, and we do that in my chapter, is we'll havepeople that are in the gray or in the red, and we're not expecting them to be green
tomorrow.
We're looking for improvement, and it's not punitive, I mean, I'm sure it feels punitiveif you're in the gray or in the red, because there are consequences if you stay there that
(22:01):
you may not, this might not be the right thing for you.
um But we're just looking for action in the right direction, right?
is how can we help you be more successful?
And that's what that goal is.
And um I love that you're giving that point of view is, you know, what can we do to makeit more, what is it meaningful, what's meaningful for you, right?
(22:22):
Because it doesn't matter what's meaningful to me, it only matters what's meaningful toyou.
um So.
Are you getting the kind of business growth that you would like to get from being, whetherin your chapter or BNI in general?
I am in some of the non-tangible ways.
(22:43):
You know, I often tell people when I was a teacher, I didn't have to work to get studentsto come to my class.
They just showed up every day.
I didn't have to do it.
But
there's so much that I've had to learn about being an entrepreneur, about running abusiness, about how to show up as a business person that I've gained.
(23:05):
from being a part of BNI
been absolutely incredible.
And my network has grown because again, my network wasn't quite as big as it is now.
I've had that opportunity to utilize so many aspects of what BNI offers that I've grown somuch in that respect.
Now, if you're talking return on investment, that's a big part of it.
(23:27):
If you're talking financial, then still getting there.
Right.
I'm still getting there, but I'm also recognizing the fact that I'm in my second year ofbusiness.
So, there's a lot that goes on with that.
So, uh it's one of the things where I don't look back.
I'm just thrilled that I'm a part of it, but definitely I know that there are areas whereI can grow and continue to pour into my own chapter as well.
(23:56):
Right, yeah, and that's same for me, right?
I'm also in my second year of business in terms of full-time coaching.
I've been coaching since 2015, that was portrait photography, half that and half coachingpeople on how to build their business and their brand, and going full-time as a
CliftonStrengths coach, year and a half, two years now, and it takes time.
(24:18):
are certain, you know, we're not...
where something breaks and you call somebody and you get it fixed.
It's like my HVAC has been broken and then they're at my house while they're comingtomorrow to fix the HVAC.
So that's an easier referral than being a coach is a little bit more ephemeral.
(24:39):
It's like, what does that actually mean?
They don't necessarily know unless someone's experienced it.
So I feel like that's the...
unique challenge of being some of it's not just coaches there are other positions in BNIthat and you're the first coach I've had on so I'm picking your brain so you know I want
(25:01):
to hear your experience as well is are you feeling like you're connecting with what you'resaying to your audience of members to be able to bring you what you're hoping for?
Yeah, that's a very good question because um like you said, it is one of those professionswhere people aren't totally sure of how to connect.
(25:26):
I personally love the BMI podcasts.
I listen to them all the time.
I did before becoming education coordinator.
I will continue to do so.
And Dr.
Meisner has one of his podcasts on essentially how to refer difficult to refer careers.
Yes, I've heard that one.
was huge because that helped me to think about what do the people in my chapter need tohear about what I do that will help them make those connections.
(25:58):
You know, it's not enough to say, well, I help people with mindset.
You know, that's fine and dandy, but it has to be a little more specific, a little more,uh I don't want to say concrete, but kind of for them to really understand.
the type of person that I'm looking for.
So that has been uh very helpful for me pouring into those podcasts um and I've grown inthat as well.
(26:25):
So now what I do is I look at blocks of time for my commercials and I pick the focus andall of my commercials will be something related to that specific focus.
So now
the people in my chapter are getting a better handle on, wait, yeah, I know anadministrator who works in a high school.
(26:50):
Yes, I do know this.
So now they're becoming more educated on how they can refer me.
And I think that has been a big difference over the time I've been in BNI.
I love that, yeah, just switching it up even is just starting there, right?
I go into chapters and I hear the same, know, every commercial every week, every time I'veever been there is the same thing, or it is unscripted in the fact that it's sort of very
(27:17):
off the cuff and not intentional, I guess is the right word.
You know, they didn't come in with the idea specifically, I need to focus here.
it is just kind of what randomly pops into their head at the morning.
And that isn't always, I have strategy as my number one Clifton strength.
(27:37):
And so for me that makes me crazy because it's like, you don't have a strategy if you showup with nothing.
And so you've got to have some goal in mind to...
uh
If you're not landing and I think I said in the last episode is you don't know if you'relanding unless you ask other people what you're saying may not be landing with the people
(27:58):
you're talking to and I know I have that problem too is I met with a member last week whosaid I don't really understand how to refer to you and You know, I have more work to do
when I have that, you know, because I say what I think is gonna connect the dots but
for that person, didn't.
So if that's one person on the team that's not getting it, then there's probably more.
(28:20):
So it's always interesting.
uh When it comes to building visibility and trust, what practices do you think have helpedyou most or might help another member who's feeling stuck with that?
Well, definitely starts with being consistent with one-to-ones, know, definitely takingthat time to get to know one another uh inside and outside of your business, right?
(28:44):
I think that's a big deal because obviously relationship, you know, that's when we preachabout that all the time in BNI, but it is definitely the point that we need to focus on.
definitely one-to-ones.
I also think,
Being able to visit other chapters is helpful, right?
Being in front of people, other people.
(29:06):
But even within the chapter, taking on a leadership position, know, whatever that mightbe, um I'm going to be honest, I was a reluctant.
uh A reluctant one.
uh And that was a position that was available.
I'm like, okay, I guess I can do it.
You know, and I'm so grateful that I had that opportunity.
(29:28):
um
Because in addition to sharing, things that can benefit the whole chapter, you grow also.
And uh you position yourself as uh someone who knows something about either the chapter orabout BNI as a whole or just about growth and networking.
(29:50):
Right.
Well, and I think you must have been referring to education corner.
I snuck a mentor coordinator comment in there.
So are you excited about being mentor coordinator?
I am, I really am.
I'm excited because I don't know, just feels, it's another thing that's kind of in mywheelhouse really.
You know, being able to walk alongside people.
I know I'm not actually mentoring per se, but...
(30:13):
I feel like I'm kind of a mentor of the mentors, you know, in that respect.
So I get to walk alongside them and really be intentional about trying to match people upand, you know, making sure that we have systems that are working well so that our new
people coming in not only get what they need out of it, but they keep coming back, youknow, and that, you know, so that's, yeah, I'm really excited about it.
(30:38):
Yeah, and speaking about your wheelhouse, let's look at your CliftonStrengths.
you have, your number one is belief.
You have certain core values that are unchanging.
Out of these values emerge a defined purpose for your life.
Your number two is developer.
You recognize and cultivate the potential in others.
(30:59):
You spot the signs of each small improvement and drive satisfaction in evidence ofprogress.
Your number three is empathy.
You can sense other people's feelings by imagining yourself in others' lives orsituations.
Your number four is connectedness.
You have faith in the links among all things.
You believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.
(31:22):
And your number five is futuristic.
You are inspired by the future and what could be.
You energize others with your visions of the future.
Now I can't think of a better set of things for a mentor coordinator.
um But I'm super curious about uh your experience with DISC and then now taking this.
So what were your, what impressions since you haven't taken this before did you have aftertaking it with that comparison in mind?
(31:50):
Yeah, it's funny because I read through it and I'm like, yep, yep, yep, it makes sense.
Everything makes sense now, which I felt that way with DISC as well.
It's just really cool to see how so much of this just plays out in everyday life.
(32:11):
And you don't always know the reason behind why you do what you do, right?
You just do what you do.
But then I look at it and like, oh, yeah.
Belief, oh yeah, belief, that's like the number one thing.
That's like what, that tracks everywhere.
And absolutely, and connectedness, like those two kind of go hand in hand for me.
(32:34):
You know, because of my belief and my belief system, I truly do believe that, you know,everything happens for a reason, you know, and when I encounter people, I'm supposed to
encounter them for a reason, you know, and yeah, so it was really affirming.
for me because it's like, okay, yeah, sometimes I wonder if I'm wired weirdly, but I'mlike, no, I just keep learning, you know, through disk, through Clifton Heights that, no,
(33:03):
this is how I'm wired and it's for a good purpose.
Yeah, and it's interesting.
I was just having a conversation with somebody.
uh I did a coaching session.
I don't know if I brought this up before or not, but I did a coaching session withsomebody who is, uh when we talked about the strengths, they initially thought that they
had identified previous to having the coaching session that their strengths were actuallytheir weaknesses because they'd been kind of told.
(33:30):
as a child, growing up, that those are things that you need to stop doing that.
That's not gonna get you ahead in life.
And when I reframed that for that person, that in fact, these are things you need to divedeeper into, and here's what that could mean for you, and started to kind of peel away
(33:52):
that negative mindset, I guess is the best way to put that, that was imposed upon theperson.
uh
that they knew they were good at those things and wanted to do those things, but weretold, you shouldn't, um because that's what we do to kids sometimes is, you know, we
squelch sometimes their ability to do the things they would do best, because we don't feelit's in their best interest, but it shouldn't necessarily be up to others to decide what's
(34:19):
best for you.
um So I thought that was so interesting to be able to give them something different.
Have you found that in DISC as well?
Yes, yes I have.
Working with, especially working with teens, know, it's everything that you just said manytimes, you know, they're criticized or put down and for things that really are their
(34:39):
strengths, you know, they just have to figure out how to use those strengths, you know,and how to move forward with them.
But yeah, it's really a wonderful thing to see them learn about themselves and then learnhow they can.
use those strengths to their benefit and to help others as well.
You shared uh with me before we were recording a story that was impactful for you with, Ibelieve it was a student that had autism.
(35:09):
Can you tell me more about that?
Yes, yes.
One of the cohorts of students who came through our 12 week program uh has autism.
(35:35):
And so his interactions with his peers were, you know, little challenge from time to time.
Well, part of our program involves creating a service project.
So they learn leadership skills and they use them right away to create this project.
And they wanted to create these things called First Night Kits.
They're Ziploc bags with uh central toiletries.
(35:56):
that get distributed to homeless shelters, shelters for domestic violence, you name it, sothat someone has something when they come into the shelter.
And this young man, he just finished putting together one of the packets and he said, Mrs.
Savage, he held it up his bag and he said, each one of these represents a life.
(36:20):
And for me, honestly, that was like a mic drop.
If he didn't get anything else out of what we did, he understood that he had the power toimpact other people.
And that was huge because a lot of times teens don't feel that they can make a difference,you know, or that they have a purpose.
And that was so, that was incredible to be able to see that transformation with him.
(36:43):
I love that story.
um don't, think, well, adults feel that way too, right?
Is oftentimes we're not seeing the value in what we've been given and what we're offeringto others.
sometimes it takes that outside catalyst to bring that into vision and focus for us toexcel in the things that we can, that we wouldn't have otherwise.
(37:12):
I love that.
um Every entrepreneur, well not every entrepreneur, but most entrepreneurs have a I'm notsure I'll make it kind of moment.
Have you had any of those moments or has it been smooth sailing?
Oh, oh no, no, I definitely have had some of those moments, you know, when I start topromote like a program and we're ready, you know, the doors are open for this program and
(37:40):
ready to go, ready to go.
And it's like crickets.
I'm like, where are the teens?
I'm like, oh my goodness, you know, that type of thing where, you know, you pour your, youknow, whole heart into developing and then you're not getting the response.
I'm like, well, am I on the right track?
But then it's so funny because.
again going back to the connectedness where I might have that thought but then somethingelse comes along that allows me to pour in to people in a different way.
(38:08):
And it's like, okay, everything happens for a reason for sure.
But yes, I've definitely had those moments.
Yeah, well, and I feel like the belief of, know, that's a, so working with photographersin my earlier career, you know, I started coaching in 2015, working with photographers and
the mindset is a big challenge often that, you know, you're gonna leave whatever is yourfull-time thing to start your creative business on, you know, on the side or full-time.
(38:38):
uh There's a lot of head space that can get in the way of that.
happening.
and I know you mindset is one of the things that you work with.
So if you have people who are stuck in that feeling like they they maybe aren't going tomake it, what would be those words that you would help give them to?
(38:58):
And I know you have great empathy.
So you feel that when somebody says that to you empathy feels your pain literally.
um And that's the amazing part of I don't have high empathy, but I love people that dobecause that they well.
I don't love that you bring it on board because you often do and then you literally haveto kind of shut yourself off sometimes to stop feeling that pain.
(39:19):
But, because I have friends that have high empathy and um they literally have to like, youknow, leave the room sometimes because they can't, they take on so much from so many that
it's painful.
em But what mindset shift do you think people, you what advice could you give?
Well, I think if someone is in that position where they may feel stuck, then I just kindof remind them that time is going to keep moving.
(39:49):
So where would you like to see yourself a year from now?
Because the year is coming, regardless, and you can use that year to grow and get closerto where you want to be, or do nothing and stay where you are.
You know, and a lot of times when people look at it that way that, you know what?
Yeah, I do have a choice.
(40:09):
They'll make those little shifts to help change where they want to go and not just staywhere they are.
You know, and that they have that power to make that choice.
Yes, and I hear you're futuristic talking also.
And I do have high futuristic as well.
So that, you know, looking forward is often the best way out of what's happening today is,you know, if you can set the tone for me anyway, you know, that's, always want to look
(40:37):
into the future and say, okay, what vision can we create here?
And how can we walk towards that vision?
Cause even one step towards it is one step out of wherever you were.
and one step forward into where you can be, which is always a good thing uh if you're notwhere you wanna be.
And I do wanna remind people, if you are curious about your own strengths, you can just goto theperfect100spelledout.com.
(41:04):
And if you download the tracker, there's an opportunity to buy the, you can do theassessment through me if you want to.
And guess what, that's a referral if you're in BNI.
So just.
Side note there.
All right.
So if you look back, what's one decision that you're especially grateful that you made inyour business looking, you know, so you're two years in now.
(41:27):
If you look back, what's a decision you made that you were really happy that you made, butalso might approach differently knowing what you know now.
Oh yeah, that's a really good question.
Part of it honestly starts before I actually started my business.
It was the lead up to it.
(41:49):
That lead up, that point where I wasn't sure what life was going to look like afterretiring and being willing to take that step to get help with the coach to get help to
process and to figure it out.
That was one of the biggest things that I think I've done because I left a career that hada lot of stability.
(42:12):
I could have stayed, but I needed to move on in order to do what I'm currently doing.
So taking that step was the biggest thing for me.
oh I think I forgot the second half of your question.
If you were given the, if you were allowed to approach it differently now, what might youhave done differently?
(42:33):
I certainly would have approached it with less fear, knowing that taking those steps wouldbring so much growth and just like expansion of my own mindset.
I would have just jumped right in and not have been quite as fearful to make that change.
Yeah.
that's amazing, because fear holds a lot of people back, The fear of the unknown is the,think, the difference between an entrepreneur and a non-entrepreneur is that fear.
(43:04):
We're not sure if it'll work.
We're not sure if we have the knowledge.
We're not sure if we're the right person.
We're not sure of a lot of things.
um But if you, I love that you said that getting...
Having a coach and not just because I am one, because I agree, I've always done that isfound someone other than me to give me insight because that insight, when somebody's
(43:26):
already walked your path, it's a lot easier to help, they understand, they've taken thesteps and they've been there.
It's far easier to squelch that fear because they've seen it, done it, heard it, walkedit.
and can give you the knowledge if they're open to being the right person for you to givethat to.
(43:46):
um I think that's everything.
Yeah.
um So as your business has grown, what routines or habits have you, have kept you centeredand consistent?
Oh yes, well I start my day pretty much the same most of the time, which is important forme.
(44:08):
I start, I'm a woman of faith, so my devotion time is important for me.
I try to get a little bit of a workout in and I journal.
um Those help me to kind of be grounded, help me to um set my intentions for the day aswell um and to reflect.
That's been very important for me to incorporate reflection time over the course of theday.
(44:34):
So those are the things that really have helped me get myself focused and keep thatbalance for me.
Absolutely.
That's great.
You know, I was listening to something the other day also about how people start theirdays.
Typically is, you know, a lot of people, we've got that phone plugged in, you know, rightby the bed.
And the first thing we do is open it up and start clicking through all the emails and thesocial media and you know, social media can be a land mine filled area.
(45:05):
But it's, easy to get.
out of a good mindset.
You wake up fresh every day and it's your opportunity to make it what you'd like.
And oftentimes people jump to the phone and that kind of takes you out of that positivemindset.
a lot of the stuff I've been reading, sorry, a lot of stuff I've been reading or listeningto speaks to doing that, whether it's meditation, whatever kind of grounds you, you
(45:35):
thinking positively.
into your day and going outside even is something that you know engaging with fresh airand the sun.
We were born as you know humans were meant to be outside not locked in a house and youknow into with technology all the things that we have today isn't how we were originally
(45:57):
you know how we lived years ago.
So some of those things can kind of open up your mindset and give you more positiveoutlooks.
So love that.
uh
That was one thing that I incorporated, making sure I get outside.
Even to the point of walking barefoot in the grass, you know, getting back to that andthat has been, that has been like life-giving too, as well.
(46:19):
Yeah, that's a whole another.
There was another thing I was listening to about that is the connectedness.
I think Tony Robbins on if you've ever been to Tony Robbins events, but he is a promotionperson of that where you ground.
You know, the grounding is where you stand on the grass with nothing on your bare feet sothat the energy your body needs to work with the Earth's magnetization or however you say
(46:44):
that word.
uh
to reset itself also.
Just don't stand, I went for a walk out behind my fence the other day and got bit by fireants, which is not something I recommend ever.
So just check the ground first before you do it, but it can make you feel better.
So good things.
So a lot of our listeners are small business owner.
(47:04):
What's one practical shift or action step do you think they could take this week thatwould make a noticeable difference?
Well, I think
a practical step that a business owner can take this week is basically just beingconnected with why you're in business.
Why are you in business?
Because there are going to be challenges that are going to come from the left, from theright.
(47:27):
You never know where it's coming from.
And those challenges could easily derail you.
But
if you are so connected with the why, then it makes it much easier to get through thosethings.
It's amazing, like that.
And when you think about the future of Let's Rise Academy, what excites you the most?
goodness, I'm excited to be able to reach teenagers all across the country.
(47:51):
That is what is exciting to me.
uh I have that ability to do it.
I'm set up to be able to do it.
It's just continuing to make those connections to get in front of the right people so thatI can start impacting students all over.
So who's the right person since you can work all over the country?
What does that look like for you?
(48:11):
Yeah, well, I do a lot of my work via Zoom with my students, uh but I have a fun thingthat I've created, which is the Let's Rise Leadership Academy School Edition, which is a
12-week program that can be used with schools.
So being able to work with schools in that way would be phenomenal as well, because I canthen impact more students.
(48:34):
Awesome, love that.
And the last, so we've been doing this thing where the last guest leaves a question forthe next guest.
So the last guest left this for you.
What's the one thing, if done consistently, that would have the biggest impact on yourbusiness?
The one thing you've done consistently.
(48:55):
Oh, wow.
That's a big one for me.
It would be the use of social media.
Okay.
I'm gonna be and it's the one area where if I'm going to withdraw from something that isthe area I tend to withdraw from social media But if I know if I use that consistently it
(49:18):
broadens my reach, you know, allows me to connect with more people and Develop that nolike trust factor because people see me they hear me they know what I'm doing, you know
that type of thing but
Yeah, and I'm with you on that.
It's hard and I coach people in my own business.
You know, when I'm coaching people that come to me for business coaching is that's often abig thing is you look at if you look across the face of your business, there are, you
(49:45):
know, a countless amount of things that need to be done and you can't do them all well.
You know, there's there's not too many people that have the ability to manage, keep allthe balls in the air successfully and, you know, maximize those opportunities well.
So we need to look for creative ways to
get them accomplished without us doing them.
(50:09):
somebody in my chapter was asking for interns, a connection to someone that could provideinterns.
And since you know kids, maybe there's some opportunity there for you and they can buddingentrepreneurs themselves maybe maximize their opportunities and work with you in a
different way.
Just give you that one.
(50:29):
All right.
So um
Finally, when you look back on your journey, what's the one lesson you'd pass forward tohelp others on theirs?
The one lesson that I pass forward
be to keep moving forward.
(50:50):
Keep moving forward.
You're never going to get where you want to be if you stop and start looking backwards.
You have to keep moving forward.
Well, thanks Robin so much for being here.
It was a very enjoyable conversation, loved hearing all about what you do.
Well, thank you so much, Tammy.
It was a pleasure being here and an honor.
Thank you.
Awesome.
(51:10):
And listeners, thank you also for tuning in today.
And if you, as I mentioned earlier, if you haven't grabbed your CliftonStrength set, youcan go to BNI, the perfect 100 spelled out.com.
And if you download the networking tracker, you get the access to take the assessment.
Also, if you found value in listening to all this wonderful conversation, please doforward it to someone like it, comment on it, and then.
(51:37):
Do what?
Subscribe, right?
Can't get to that thousand if I don't have your help.
And remember, if you're a BNI member, this also counts as one CEU.
So thank you and I will see you all next week on The Perfect 100.
So I wanted to give the audience, just because you're a DISC coach and I'm aCliftonStrengths coach, a little bit of understanding the differences between, and I've
done Myers-Briggs, which I mentioned, so kind of the best analogy, I wrote it down so Iremember it, the best analogy I could come up with is DISC, if you were in sports, you're
football player or whatever,
Disc is like your game day strategy.
(06:43):
So it's how you adjust and play with others.
So it's kind of thinking through, you need other people to kind of work with in order forthat to happen.
CliftonStrengths is like your raw athletic ability.
So Tiger Woods shows up, Tiger Woods has, you know, has the already has or Michael Jordan,they already show up with the talent.
And that's the things you're naturally great at.
(07:04):
And then Myers-Briggs is more about your mindset, how you approach the game.
all three help you win in different ways.
So as we're talking, people understand, you know, what you do, what I do and how they allkind of fit together, which is nice.
And a lot of people, you probably get this question when I say I'm a business coach,people say, what does that mean?
And I say I'm a CliftonStrengths coach.
(07:26):
They say, what does that mean?
And then I always ask, so have you done DISC or Myers-Briggs?
A lot of people have heard of those or done them if they've worked in any kind ofcorporate environment.
So then I go on with that kind of a story.
So speaking of which, you're a life coach.
What does that mean to you?
When somebody asks you that question, what do you say?
(07:48):
Yeah, I basically tell people that it gives me an opportunity to help my clients find outwhat is getting in the way of them making progress and in area, any area of their lives,
right?
And then develop strategies to get there.
You know, and it's sometimes it's just a resetting the mindset, you know, sometimes it'sactual putting together some strategies like how do we put things on our calendar that
(08:15):
reflects what's important to us, things of that nature.
So yeah, they always ask.
Yeah, well, and I feel like because we all have our own specialty, right?
So it's how you spin it is largely oh what you've been involved in in your career.
So, you know, your perspective coming from being a teacher that shaped, I'm sure, how youlead and coach and empower others.
(08:39):
Would you say that's true?
Yes, absolutely, absolutely.
So one life coach might be geared in one direction where mine is certainly geared towardsstudent success, helping women to step into the reality that they've always wanted, that
type of thing.
And yeah, it's based on past experience, for sure.
(09:02):
Right, and you've been coaching for two years.
when you, is that right, two years?
Okay, yeah, we all are officially.
yeah, I feel like I've been coaching really all of my life, know, truthfully, whether itwas in the classroom or with my peers or in women's groups or anything, but yes,
(09:23):
officially for two years.
Yeah, that sort of goes with the territory, As you've most likely not been, you know, putup the business card or the sign that says, is what I do, but you always, and we talked
off air before you, before I started recording talking about that's, coaching is somethingI've always done um since I was young.
I've always come in at the entry level in whatever the, you know, I've been in sales mostof my career.
(09:48):
So would come in, learn it, and then move up into management.
And when you're in management, you're coaching.
You know, if you have a team of people that's in, you're with kids, you're coaching,right?
So do you feel like when you started officially, when you said, okay, I'm now this, youyou hung up the sign and said, I'm now this, put it on your business cards.
Has that changed from when you first started to now?
(10:10):
How has that evolved?
You know,
my eyes have been open to so many different ways that I can help people.
ah And I think that's been pretty much the coolest thing about it, where I started out,frankly, just thinking of doing this little thing in my little home office, you know, on
(10:32):
my computer, and that's how I would, you know, conduct my business to now where I get togo out and do speaking engagements, you know, which is awesome.
I get to do workshops for women, you I get to partner with nonprofits to help teens thatthey're working with.
And it really has expanded.
The mission is still the same, which is awesome, but there are different ways to achieve agoal.
(10:59):
And that is something that I've grown in, frankly, you know, it doesn't always have to bea straight line, you know, there's many ways to get there.
Yeah.
And I feel like that happens for most entrepreneurs as they start their journey thinking,you know, I'm going to head this way.
And then, you know, the, the fork in the road comes and, know, a new experience pops inand you're like, well, what about this way?
(11:20):
And what about that way?
But, you know, it depends on where that journey.
And sometimes that can be up and down, right?
It's maybe we went down a road we weren't so sure about and they didn't.
go the way we wanted it to so we kind of get back on the main road.
it's never, I was watching a podcast, uh Matthew McConaughey was talking and he was sayingsomething like, if I can remember exactly how he put it, is without adversity, if you're
(11:50):
just smooth sailing and there's no resistance, was the word he used,
if there's no resistance then you're not growing, right?
life is just easy, then it's not fun.
If you get everything you want, easily, then that's not as fun as if you have to have alittle bit of resistance in order to make bigger gains, so to speak.
(12:13):
It's kind of like, guess, weight training, right?
If you lift weights, you're gonna feel pain.
The heavier you go, the more the pain, but you have to, at a certain point, you level offand you have to induce more pain.
One of my mentors always said, choose your pain.
You know, it's really, you're choosing the pain that allows you to move forward.
(12:33):
You know, it's not always comfortable, but it's what we need in order to grow, you know?
Yeah.
So what brought you to BNI?
Well, I just started my business.
I was about two, three months in and I was talking to my accountant and he said, do youhave business insurance?
(12:56):
And I said, I need to find someone.
So he recommended someone who was in BMI.
So I went to her office on a Monday to sign my paperwork and she said, what are you doingtomorrow morning?
We have this group that get together.
It might be good for you to connect with them.
So I went and frankly, that was all I needed to see.
(13:17):
It was, yeah, that's how I ended up in BNI
it's funny how that works.
I've told my story similar to that is uh we had a security system issue and somebody cameto the house to fix the issue.
I was like, so what do you do?
Oh, okay, we need somebody.
You should come visit.
Sometimes it's just that easy, right?
(13:38):
So you were a teacher before you started networking in BNI.
Did you find it challenging?
Was that a new experience for you?
Or tell me about that.
Was it hard for you or not?
There were aspects that were challenging.
oh I had been involved in a couple of different network marketing companies oh on the sidewhen I was teaching.
(14:00):
So I did have those opportunities to network, but BNI was different because you were withthe same people so often.
And you really had that opportunity to develop those relationships, which has made it verydifferent and much more impactful than the networking experiences I've had in the past.
Yeah, it definitely is a unique experience um and after a while, I feel like I have 500friends.
(14:26):
um There's 500 people almost in this area.
So I don't know them all as well as I know some, but I would definitely say there's acouple hundred I know really well that I didn't know before I got here.
So um it's awesome to have so many people have great connections with you.
All right, let's roll over to your power of one.
So I will read since people, some of them are listening from left to right.
(14:50):
uh You are in the Sewell chapter, so you're not in my local region.
As you mentioned, you're from New Jersey, so if anybody's looking for you, that's where tofind you.
You have a total score of 65 in the yellow.
You have 20 points for attendance in the green, five points for referrals per week in thegray, uh zero points for visitors in the gray.
(15:12):
uh One to one's 20 points in the green and CEU 20 points in the green.
So what are your thoughts?
uh There are some areas of growth needed here.
Well, I was thinking to myself, well, let's try your Palms report first.
Let's go through that.
have a question for you, but let's look at your Palms.
(15:34):
So uh on the uh report you've got, so zero absences, uh referrals given inside two,referrals given outside three, referrals received inside one, referrals received outside
four.
And this is in 23 weeks, by the way, I didn't usually mention that, just to kind of giveperspective.
(15:58):
Visitors zero, one to ones 20.
Thank you for closed business given $542 and CEUs 64.
So now I'll ask you that question again.
Well, or the question I was going to ask you, which is, you're a coach.
What would you, if this was someone else and not you,
(16:22):
What might you say to them?
Well, the question that you asked initially, you for sure.
Yeah.
And, you know, maybe trying to find out what are, what's going on, you know.
Yeah, for sure.
Okay.
Well, and here's the way I always look at this is, and let me ask you another questionbecause I don't know your chapter, I don't know your region.
(16:51):
How big is your chapter?
Our chapter is small.
We have 16 people.
um And we've had growth in the last couple of months, which has been great.
So yeah, so we're moving back up.
Okay, and your, um do you, who's, you, I know you told me before and I don't remember,what position are you serving in?
(17:12):
I'm just finishing up position as education coordinator and moving into the position ofmentor coordinator.
Oh, mentor coordinator, okay.
So, have you guys done the training there yet?
That's this week, this coming week, yes.
All right.
We just had ours this past week.
It's September, if you're watching this later.
(17:34):
So we're rolling into October 1st is the new calendar year for BNI with the new leadershipteam.
So oftentimes we switch positions.
there's training that happens beforehand.
So when you joined, did someone sit down with you?
Because I know in a lot of chapters here, we have mentor coordinators, but that doesn'tmean they're actually mentor.
(17:54):
So, did you have mentor coordination when you were, when you first joined or in recent,you know, times, I guess?
Let's see, yes we had a mentor coordinator who connected me with one of the members whowas my mentor throughout that process.
we
(18:27):
did.
And the reason I ask is sometimes we have people that have, yellow is acceptable.
So you are, you you're 65 and it's yellow, which is fine.
uh For me, I feel like when, and I haven't always been a perfect 100, you know, that'sthis year and last year I have been a perfect 100 and for obvious reasons I'm going to
(18:50):
stay there, but, or do my darnest anyway, but it is, you know, I've always, I've tried toalways stay green.
But for me, there's a number of reasons why.
And yellow, we find a yellow is fine because you're going to, you're hitting on thecylinders that you need to get stuff out of it.
(19:12):
But then I look at your referrals received and you've had five in 23 weeks.
but one referral for if you're, you mentioned earlier,
at least when we were talking, it might've been offline that you did a corporate event,said one corporate event might be fine where you make, you know, kind of enough
(19:33):
sustainable income to keep yourself going.
Is that enough referrals for you?
ah No it isn't.
No.
okay.
So, and that's typically what I hear, right?
Is I, when I'm looking at people's, because I'm a chapter success coach.
So when I look at people's Palms report, my first question is that, are you receiving whatyou need?
(19:55):
And oftentimes the answer is no.
um If the reports aren't exactly, you know, there's different ways of looking at it.
You know, if you're,
I'm not getting necessarily all the referrals I would like to get either and I'm at 100.
So I know I've done all the things.
There's a framework, right?
The framework is you do all these things and you're going to, you should receive what isin abundance for you.
(20:23):
But it can also be the kind of role that you have and it can also be what you're saying.
There's a whole bunch of other things.
You can click, check the boxes, whatever, and that doesn't necessarily mean you're beingsuccessful.
But it's a place to start.
So, and when I say successful, meaning getting out of it what you would like.
So uh that's the first point of view for when I look at a PALMS report is, you gettingenough?
(20:47):
But I'm going to turn it back on you again as the coach perspective, if you're not gettingwhat you would like to have out of it, is there anything you would, I forget what you
said, how did you put that?
What would you?
How would you term, so if you were life coaching me and I had this as I'm not gettingenough, what would those words be to me?
What might they be?
(21:08):
I might ask, well, what would you like to get out of it to start with?
ah You know, so that way you have a framework of what you would see would be, you know,progress for you.
um And also recognizing progress, right?
As opposed to, you know, knowing, recognizing the progress.
(21:30):
Identifying the things that you are already doing.
And so it's not like you have to totally overhaul everything.
Yes, yes, love that, yes, because you might, and we do that in my chapter, is we'll havepeople that are in the gray or in the red, and we're not expecting them to be green
tomorrow.
We're looking for improvement, and it's not punitive, I mean, I'm sure it feels punitiveif you're in the gray or in the red, because there are consequences if you stay there that
(22:01):
you may not, this might not be the right thing for you.
um But we're just looking for action in the right direction, right?
is how can we help you be more successful?
And that's what that goal is.
And um I love that you're giving that point of view is, you know, what can we do to makeit more, what is it meaningful, what's meaningful for you, right?
(22:22):
Because it doesn't matter what's meaningful to me, it only matters what's meaningful toyou.
um So.
Are you getting the kind of business growth that you would like to get from being, whetherin your chapter or BNI in general?
I am in some of the non-tangible ways.
(22:43):
You know, I often tell people when I was a teacher, I didn't have to work to get studentsto come to my class.
They just showed up every day.
I didn't have to do it.
But
there's so much that I've had to learn about being an entrepreneur, about running abusiness, about how to show up as a business person that I've gained.
(23:05):
from being a part of BNI
been absolutely incredible.
And my network has grown because again, my network wasn't quite as big as it is now.
I've had that opportunity to utilize so many aspects of what BNI offers that I've grown somuch in that respect.
Now, if you're talking return on investment, that's a big part of it.
(23:27):
If you're talking financial, then still getting there.
Right.
I'm still getting there, but I'm also recognizing the fact that I'm in my second year ofbusiness.
So, there's a lot that goes on with that.
So, uh it's one of the things where I don't look back.
I'm just thrilled that I'm a part of it, but definitely I know that there are areas whereI can grow and continue to pour into my own chapter as well.
(23:56):
Right, yeah, and that's same for me, right?
I'm also in my second year of business in terms of full-time coaching.
I've been coaching since 2015, that was portrait photography, half that and half coachingpeople on how to build their business and their brand, and going full-time as a
CliftonStrengths coach, year and a half, two years now, and it takes time.
(24:18):
are certain, you know, we're not...
where something breaks and you call somebody and you get it fixed.
It's like my HVAC has been broken and then they're at my house while they're comingtomorrow to fix the HVAC.
So that's an easier referral than being a coach is a little bit more ephemeral.
(24:39):
It's like, what does that actually mean?
They don't necessarily know unless someone's experienced it.
So I feel like that's the...
unique challenge of being some of it's not just coaches there are other positions in BNIthat and you're the first coach I've had on so I'm picking your brain so you know I want
(25:01):
to hear your experience as well is are you feeling like you're connecting with what you'resaying to your audience of members to be able to bring you what you're hoping for?
Yeah, that's a very good question because um like you said, it is one of those professionswhere people aren't totally sure of how to connect.
(25:26):
I personally love the BMI podcasts.
I listen to them all the time.
I did before becoming education coordinator.
I will continue to do so.
And Dr.
Meisner has one of his podcasts on essentially how to refer difficult to refer careers.
Yes, I've heard that one.
was huge because that helped me to think about what do the people in my chapter need tohear about what I do that will help them make those connections.
(25:58):
You know, it's not enough to say, well, I help people with mindset.
You know, that's fine and dandy, but it has to be a little more specific, a little more,uh I don't want to say concrete, but kind of for them to really understand.
the type of person that I'm looking for.
So that has been uh very helpful for me pouring into those podcasts um and I've grown inthat as well.
(26:25):
So now what I do is I look at blocks of time for my commercials and I pick the focus andall of my commercials will be something related to that specific focus.
So now
the people in my chapter are getting a better handle on, wait, yeah, I know anadministrator who works in a high school.
(26:50):
Yes, I do know this.
So now they're becoming more educated on how they can refer me.
And I think that has been a big difference over the time I've been in BNI.
I love that, yeah, just switching it up even is just starting there, right?
I go into chapters and I hear the same, know, every commercial every week, every time I'veever been there is the same thing, or it is unscripted in the fact that it's sort of very
(27:17):
off the cuff and not intentional, I guess is the right word.
You know, they didn't come in with the idea specifically, I need to focus here.
it is just kind of what randomly pops into their head at the morning.
And that isn't always, I have strategy as my number one Clifton strength.
(27:37):
And so for me that makes me crazy because it's like, you don't have a strategy if you showup with nothing.
And so you've got to have some goal in mind to...
uh
If you're not landing and I think I said in the last episode is you don't know if you'relanding unless you ask other people what you're saying may not be landing with the people
(27:58):
you're talking to and I know I have that problem too is I met with a member last week whosaid I don't really understand how to refer to you and You know, I have more work to do
when I have that, you know, because I say what I think is gonna connect the dots but
for that person, didn't.
So if that's one person on the team that's not getting it, then there's probably more.
(28:20):
So it's always interesting.
uh When it comes to building visibility and trust, what practices do you think have helpedyou most or might help another member who's feeling stuck with that?
Well, definitely starts with being consistent with one-to-ones, know, definitely takingthat time to get to know one another uh inside and outside of your business, right?
(28:44):
I think that's a big deal because obviously relationship, you know, that's when we preachabout that all the time in BNI, but it is definitely the point that we need to focus on.
definitely one-to-ones.
I also think,
Being able to visit other chapters is helpful, right?
Being in front of people, other people.
(29:06):
But even within the chapter, taking on a leadership position, know, whatever that mightbe, um I'm going to be honest, I was a reluctant.
uh A reluctant one.
uh And that was a position that was available.
I'm like, okay, I guess I can do it.
You know, and I'm so grateful that I had that opportunity.
(29:28):
um
Because in addition to sharing, things that can benefit the whole chapter, you grow also.
And uh you position yourself as uh someone who knows something about either the chapter orabout BNI as a whole or just about growth and networking.
(29:50):
Right.
Well, and I think you must have been referring to education corner.
I snuck a mentor coordinator comment in there.
So are you excited about being mentor coordinator?
I am, I really am.
I'm excited because I don't know, just feels, it's another thing that's kind of in mywheelhouse really.
You know, being able to walk alongside people.
I know I'm not actually mentoring per se, but...
(30:13):
I feel like I'm kind of a mentor of the mentors, you know, in that respect.
So I get to walk alongside them and really be intentional about trying to match people upand, you know, making sure that we have systems that are working well so that our new
people coming in not only get what they need out of it, but they keep coming back, youknow, and that, you know, so that's, yeah, I'm really excited about it.
(30:38):
Yeah, and speaking about your wheelhouse, let's look at your CliftonStrengths.
you have, your number one is belief.
You have certain core values that are unchanging.
Out of these values emerge a defined purpose for your life.
Your number two is developer.
You recognize and cultivate the potential in others.
(30:59):
You spot the signs of each small improvement and drive satisfaction in evidence ofprogress.
Your number three is empathy.
You can sense other people's feelings by imagining yourself in others' lives orsituations.
Your number four is connectedness.
You have faith in the links among all things.
You believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.
(31:22):
And your number five is futuristic.
You are inspired by the future and what could be.
You energize others with your visions of the future.
Now I can't think of a better set of things for a mentor coordinator.
um But I'm super curious about uh your experience with DISC and then now taking this.
So what were your, what impressions since you haven't taken this before did you have aftertaking it with that comparison in mind?
(31:50):
Yeah, it's funny because I read through it and I'm like, yep, yep, yep, it makes sense.
Everything makes sense now, which I felt that way with DISC as well.
It's just really cool to see how so much of this just plays out in everyday life.
(32:11):
And you don't always know the reason behind why you do what you do, right?
You just do what you do.
But then I look at it and like, oh, yeah.
Belief, oh yeah, belief, that's like the number one thing.
That's like what, that tracks everywhere.
And absolutely, and connectedness, like those two kind of go hand in hand for me.
(32:34):
You know, because of my belief and my belief system, I truly do believe that, you know,everything happens for a reason, you know, and when I encounter people, I'm supposed to
encounter them for a reason, you know, and yeah, so it was really affirming.
for me because it's like, okay, yeah, sometimes I wonder if I'm wired weirdly, but I'mlike, no, I just keep learning, you know, through disk, through Clifton Heights that, no,
(33:03):
this is how I'm wired and it's for a good purpose.
Yeah, and it's interesting.
I was just having a conversation with somebody.
uh I did a coaching session.
I don't know if I brought this up before or not, but I did a coaching session withsomebody who is, uh when we talked about the strengths, they initially thought that they
had identified previous to having the coaching session that their strengths were actuallytheir weaknesses because they'd been kind of told.
(33:30):
as a child, growing up, that those are things that you need to stop doing that.
That's not gonna get you ahead in life.
And when I reframed that for that person, that in fact, these are things you need to divedeeper into, and here's what that could mean for you, and started to kind of peel away
(33:52):
that negative mindset, I guess is the best way to put that, that was imposed upon theperson.
uh
that they knew they were good at those things and wanted to do those things, but weretold, you shouldn't, um because that's what we do to kids sometimes is, you know, we
squelch sometimes their ability to do the things they would do best, because we don't feelit's in their best interest, but it shouldn't necessarily be up to others to decide what's
(34:19):
best for you.
um So I thought that was so interesting to be able to give them something different.
Have you found that in DISC as well?
Yes, yes I have.
Working with, especially working with teens, know, it's everything that you just said manytimes, you know, they're criticized or put down and for things that really are their
(34:39):
strengths, you know, they just have to figure out how to use those strengths, you know,and how to move forward with them.
But yeah, it's really a wonderful thing to see them learn about themselves and then learnhow they can.
use those strengths to their benefit and to help others as well.
You shared uh with me before we were recording a story that was impactful for you with, Ibelieve it was a student that had autism.
(35:09):
Can you tell me more about that?
Yes, yes.
One of the cohorts of students who came through our 12 week program uh has autism.
(35:35):
And so his interactions with his peers were, you know, little challenge from time to time.
Well, part of our program involves creating a service project.
So they learn leadership skills and they use them right away to create this project.
And they wanted to create these things called First Night Kits.
They're Ziploc bags with uh central toiletries.
(35:56):
that get distributed to homeless shelters, shelters for domestic violence, you name it, sothat someone has something when they come into the shelter.
And this young man, he just finished putting together one of the packets and he said, Mrs.
Savage, he held it up his bag and he said, each one of these represents a life.
(36:20):
And for me, honestly, that was like a mic drop.
If he didn't get anything else out of what we did, he understood that he had the power toimpact other people.
And that was huge because a lot of times teens don't feel that they can make a difference,you know, or that they have a purpose.
And that was so, that was incredible to be able to see that transformation with him.
(36:43):
I love that story.
um don't, think, well, adults feel that way too, right?
Is oftentimes we're not seeing the value in what we've been given and what we're offeringto others.
sometimes it takes that outside catalyst to bring that into vision and focus for us toexcel in the things that we can, that we wouldn't have otherwise.
(37:12):
I love that.
um Every entrepreneur, well not every entrepreneur, but most entrepreneurs have a I'm notsure I'll make it kind of moment.
Have you had any of those moments or has it been smooth sailing?
Oh, oh no, no, I definitely have had some of those moments, you know, when I start topromote like a program and we're ready, you know, the doors are open for this program and
(37:40):
ready to go, ready to go.
And it's like crickets.
I'm like, where are the teens?
I'm like, oh my goodness, you know, that type of thing where, you know, you pour your, youknow, whole heart into developing and then you're not getting the response.
I'm like, well, am I on the right track?
But then it's so funny because.
again going back to the connectedness where I might have that thought but then somethingelse comes along that allows me to pour in to people in a different way.
(38:08):
And it's like, okay, everything happens for a reason for sure.
But yes, I've definitely had those moments.
Yeah, well, and I feel like the belief of, know, that's a, so working with photographersin my earlier career, you know, I started coaching in 2015, working with photographers and
the mindset is a big challenge often that, you know, you're gonna leave whatever is yourfull-time thing to start your creative business on, you know, on the side or full-time.
(38:38):
uh There's a lot of head space that can get in the way of that.
happening.
and I know you mindset is one of the things that you work with.
So if you have people who are stuck in that feeling like they they maybe aren't going tomake it, what would be those words that you would help give them to?
(38:58):
And I know you have great empathy.
So you feel that when somebody says that to you empathy feels your pain literally.
um And that's the amazing part of I don't have high empathy, but I love people that dobecause that they well.
I don't love that you bring it on board because you often do and then you literally haveto kind of shut yourself off sometimes to stop feeling that pain.
(39:19):
But, because I have friends that have high empathy and um they literally have to like, youknow, leave the room sometimes because they can't, they take on so much from so many that
it's painful.
em But what mindset shift do you think people, you what advice could you give?
Well, I think if someone is in that position where they may feel stuck, then I just kindof remind them that time is going to keep moving.
(39:49):
So where would you like to see yourself a year from now?
Because the year is coming, regardless, and you can use that year to grow and get closerto where you want to be, or do nothing and stay where you are.
You know, and a lot of times when people look at it that way that, you know what?
Yeah, I do have a choice.
(40:09):
They'll make those little shifts to help change where they want to go and not just staywhere they are.
You know, and that they have that power to make that choice.
Yes, and I hear you're futuristic talking also.
And I do have high futuristic as well.
So that, you know, looking forward is often the best way out of what's happening today is,you know, if you can set the tone for me anyway, you know, that's, always want to look
(40:37):
into the future and say, okay, what vision can we create here?
And how can we walk towards that vision?
Cause even one step towards it is one step out of wherever you were.
and one step forward into where you can be, which is always a good thing uh if you're notwhere you wanna be.
And I do wanna remind people, if you are curious about your own strengths, you can just goto theperfect100spelledout.com.
(41:04):
And if you download the tracker, there's an opportunity to buy the, you can do theassessment through me if you want to.
And guess what, that's a referral if you're in BNI.
So just.
Side note there.
All right.
So if you look back, what's one decision that you're especially grateful that you made inyour business looking, you know, so you're two years in now.
(41:27):
If you look back, what's a decision you made that you were really happy that you made, butalso might approach differently knowing what you know now.
Oh yeah, that's a really good question.
Part of it honestly starts before I actually started my business.
It was the lead up to it.
(41:49):
That lead up, that point where I wasn't sure what life was going to look like afterretiring and being willing to take that step to get help with the coach to get help to
process and to figure it out.
That was one of the biggest things that I think I've done because I left a career that hada lot of stability.
(42:12):
I could have stayed, but I needed to move on in order to do what I'm currently doing.
So taking that step was the biggest thing for me.
oh I think I forgot the second half of your question.
If you were given the, if you were allowed to approach it differently now, what might youhave done differently?
(42:33):
I certainly would have approached it with less fear, knowing that taking those steps wouldbring so much growth and just like expansion of my own mindset.
I would have just jumped right in and not have been quite as fearful to make that change.
Yeah.
that's amazing, because fear holds a lot of people back, The fear of the unknown is the,think, the difference between an entrepreneur and a non-entrepreneur is that fear.
(43:04):
We're not sure if it'll work.
We're not sure if we have the knowledge.
We're not sure if we're the right person.
We're not sure of a lot of things.
um But if you, I love that you said that getting...
Having a coach and not just because I am one, because I agree, I've always done that isfound someone other than me to give me insight because that insight, when somebody's
(43:26):
already walked your path, it's a lot easier to help, they understand, they've taken thesteps and they've been there.
It's far easier to squelch that fear because they've seen it, done it, heard it, walkedit.
and can give you the knowledge if they're open to being the right person for you to givethat to.
(43:46):
um I think that's everything.
Yeah.
um So as your business has grown, what routines or habits have you, have kept you centeredand consistent?
Oh yes, well I start my day pretty much the same most of the time, which is important forme.
(44:08):
I start, I'm a woman of faith, so my devotion time is important for me.
I try to get a little bit of a workout in and I journal.
um Those help me to kind of be grounded, help me to um set my intentions for the day aswell um and to reflect.
That's been very important for me to incorporate reflection time over the course of theday.
(44:34):
So those are the things that really have helped me get myself focused and keep thatbalance for me.
Absolutely.
That's great.
You know, I was listening to something the other day also about how people start theirdays.
Typically is, you know, a lot of people, we've got that phone plugged in, you know, rightby the bed.
And the first thing we do is open it up and start clicking through all the emails and thesocial media and you know, social media can be a land mine filled area.
(45:05):
But it's, easy to get.
out of a good mindset.
You wake up fresh every day and it's your opportunity to make it what you'd like.
And oftentimes people jump to the phone and that kind of takes you out of that positivemindset.
a lot of the stuff I've been reading, sorry, a lot of stuff I've been reading or listeningto speaks to doing that, whether it's meditation, whatever kind of grounds you, you
(45:35):
thinking positively.
into your day and going outside even is something that you know engaging with fresh airand the sun.
We were born as you know humans were meant to be outside not locked in a house and youknow into with technology all the things that we have today isn't how we were originally
(45:57):
you know how we lived years ago.
So some of those things can kind of open up your mindset and give you more positiveoutlooks.
So love that.
uh
That was one thing that I incorporated, making sure I get outside.
Even to the point of walking barefoot in the grass, you know, getting back to that andthat has been, that has been like life-giving too, as well.
(46:19):
Yeah, that's a whole another.
There was another thing I was listening to about that is the connectedness.
I think Tony Robbins on if you've ever been to Tony Robbins events, but he is a promotionperson of that where you ground.
You know, the grounding is where you stand on the grass with nothing on your bare feet sothat the energy your body needs to work with the Earth's magnetization or however you say
(46:44):
that word.
uh
to reset itself also.
Just don't stand, I went for a walk out behind my fence the other day and got bit by fireants, which is not something I recommend ever.
So just check the ground first before you do it, but it can make you feel better.
So good things.
So a lot of our listeners are small business owner.
(47:04):
What's one practical shift or action step do you think they could take this week thatwould make a noticeable difference?
Well, I think
a practical step that a business owner can take this week is basically just beingconnected with why you're in business.
Why are you in business?
Because there are going to be challenges that are going to come from the left, from theright.
(47:27):
You never know where it's coming from.
And those challenges could easily derail you.
But
if you are so connected with the why, then it makes it much easier to get through thosethings.
It's amazing, like that.
And when you think about the future of Let's Rise Academy, what excites you the most?
goodness, I'm excited to be able to reach teenagers all across the country.
(47:51):
That is what is exciting to me.
uh I have that ability to do it.
I'm set up to be able to do it.
It's just continuing to make those connections to get in front of the right people so thatI can start impacting students all over.
So who's the right person since you can work all over the country?
What does that look like for you?
(48:11):
Yeah, well, I do a lot of my work via Zoom with my students, uh but I have a fun thingthat I've created, which is the Let's Rise Leadership Academy School Edition, which is a
12-week program that can be used with schools.
So being able to work with schools in that way would be phenomenal as well, because I canthen impact more students.
(48:34):
Awesome, love that.
And the last, so we've been doing this thing where the last guest leaves a question forthe next guest.
So the last guest left this for you.
What's the one thing, if done consistently, that would have the biggest impact on yourbusiness?
The one thing you've done consistently.
(48:55):
Oh, wow.
That's a big one for me.
It would be the use of social media.
Okay.
I'm gonna be and it's the one area where if I'm going to withdraw from something that isthe area I tend to withdraw from social media But if I know if I use that consistently it
(49:18):
broadens my reach, you know, allows me to connect with more people and Develop that nolike trust factor because people see me they hear me they know what I'm doing, you know
that type of thing but
Yeah, and I'm with you on that.
It's hard and I coach people in my own business.
You know, when I'm coaching people that come to me for business coaching is that's often abig thing is you look at if you look across the face of your business, there are, you
(49:45):
know, a countless amount of things that need to be done and you can't do them all well.
You know, there's there's not too many people that have the ability to manage, keep allthe balls in the air successfully and, you know, maximize those opportunities well.
So we need to look for creative ways to
get them accomplished without us doing them.
(50:09):
somebody in my chapter was asking for interns, a connection to someone that could provideinterns.
And since you know kids, maybe there's some opportunity there for you and they can buddingentrepreneurs themselves maybe maximize their opportunities and work with you in a
different way.
Just give you that one.
(50:29):
All right.
So um
Finally, when you look back on your journey, what's the one lesson you'd pass forward tohelp others on theirs?
The one lesson that I pass forward
be to keep moving forward.
(50:50):
Keep moving forward.
You're never going to get where you want to be if you stop and start looking backwards.
You have to keep moving forward.
Well, thanks Robin so much for being here.
It was a very enjoyable conversation, loved hearing all about what you do.
Well, thank you so much, Tammy.
It was a pleasure being here and an honor.
Thank you.
Awesome.
(51:10):
And listeners, thank you also for tuning in today.
And if you, as I mentioned earlier, if you haven't grabbed your CliftonStrength set, youcan go to BNI, the perfect 100 spelled out.com.
And if you download the networking tracker, you get the access to take the assessment.
Also, if you found value in listening to all this wonderful conversation, please doforward it to someone like it, comment on it, and then.
(51:37):
Do what?
Subscribe, right?
Can't get to that thousand if I don't have your help.
And remember, if you're a BNI member, this also counts as one CEU.
So thank you and I will see you all next week on The Perfect 100.
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