eWomenNetwork conference in Dallas update

Oh my gosh, that was the best conference I'd ever been to!

Besides last years where I didn't have a booth and had more time to listen to all the great speakers this was probably the BEST ever conference, expo and/or workshop I've ever attended - seriously!!


I totally recommend attending next years event especially if you:

• target women business owners and entrepreneurs


• have something to offer folks nationwide or can do teleseminars, sell online, etc.


• want some great inspiration, great nationwide contacts and friends and want to get help with your own business

Here's a photo of most of the group of women that came from the Sacramento, Elk Grove and Rocklin chapters: There's too many of us to name but I'll bet you recognize a few women in here...Plus check out our cool Moo-Cow Ride!! Yes, we traveled in style (NOT!); no limos for us, only the best...a big school bus with painting to look like a big cow. :) It's ok, it's not about the transportation, it's about the connections!

Sandra Yancey and her staff put on only the best in a conference from the food (all the time and it was included), the accomodations and pricing, the quality of speakers, entertainment, facilitation of networking, opportunities to give and share with others and overall experience like the great staging!!!

Here's ME and Sandra (in the middle) and Liz Pabon, the branding maven (my gal pal from here in Sac). Sandra is such a kick and really down to earth for running a multi-million dollar business and foundation - I love her and everything she stands for!!

Speaking of stage.... Look who got the chance to BE ON STAGE!! What's really fun about the conference is that they let anyone have a chance to get more exposure with their Mainstage My Business Opportunities. As I always tell my clients and everyone I see - always take advantage of every OPPORTUNITY you have.

The Mainstage My Business includes winners of the drawing to come on stage throughout the conference and give their 60 second commercial to EVERYONE! There were about 2,500 women (and a few men) there I believe. All you have to do is BUY a chance to WIN. I bought 3 tickets for $100 for three chances to get on stage because I wanted this so bad and I somehow knew I would get picked and I did!

So, because I was on stage I got to mention that I was giving away all kinds of FREE MARKETING ADVICE AND RESOURCES PLUS my Business Card File Book (which I'd already been passing out and everyone wanted) - people flocked to my booth all weekend because of this!

Here's a photo of my booth! I shipped everything, yes I did. And I had to ship a bunch of it back let me tell you it was easy but painful to pay for....

But I have to tell you my PAY IT FORWARD STORY too.

When I went up to buy my 3 tickets for $100, the gal behind the table said "you're going to get so excited when I tell you this....but the woman that was here before you bought an extra ticket and said to leave it for the next woman who buys tickets". So I actually got 4 tickets for the same price! I believe this is karma because I really do give so much to many people.

My first instinct was to leave the ticket there for the next person and keep it going but then I stopped for a second.... I thought of what my client and friend, Jane the Intuitive said to me the week before; "You give all the time but you have a hard time letting yourself 'receive'". So, I accepted the extra ticket with gratitude and decided I would find someone else to Pay it Forward to instead this weekend or sometime soon.

I'm sure this was my winning ticket. So, thanks to whoever did that.

During the weekend I was in what they call a Wisdom Circle with 7 other women and we were brainstorming on solutions to some of our biggest business challenges and one woman was totally in transition, not knowing which way to go with her business or her life and I had a copy of one of my books, Power and Soul, with me. I quickly got it out, autographed it and gave it to her and said, "This book is sure to give you some direction and inspriation, it has for me."

Plus... there's one other thing I offered to do for someone as kind of a Pay it Forward but also because her story was so moving to me (and probably to everyone there).

This is a photo of me and Julie Rems-Smario, she was the extraordinary winner of the ewn Femtor International Humanitarian of the Year Award.

On the evening of June 7, 2007, during the eWomenNetwork Foundation International Femtor Awards Gala, Julie Rems-Smario was honored for her work as Executive Director of DeafHope with a Humanitarian of the Year Award. Deaf Hope is a non-profit agency serving Deaf survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

So Julie is deaf and she brought about 8 of her staff and deaf friends. I thought "oh how will I communicate with them to really find out more about what they do" but with her great story and her awesome interpreters she literally had us all in awe that night as she delivered her speech to the entire group.

For over a half an hour Julie told us all about the issues and road blocks some abused deaf women go through, so much to the extent that when their husbands abuse them, instead of being the victim in the eyes of the authorities, they are often viewed as 'women who are unable to care for their children' and more so than not their kids are then in turn taken away from them in addition to them getting abused! It was appauling to me what goes on. I hope they put her speech on the ewn website to hear because you won't believe it.

So in addition to winning the award, Sandra and ewn had all kinds of surprises that they arranged for Julie like a new van for transportation and all kinds of support in various areas that the organization would never have been able to afford or find themselves.

I was in the audience thinking.... "Boy, Deaf Hope could sure use some FREE PUBLICITY right now to get the word out about all of this". So, when Julie stopped by my booth the third day, I stopped her and offered to help her with whatever I could in this regard since she is in Oakland (San Francisco Bay Area) and I could get more local press for her for sure.

She was of course so grateful and we are corresponding now to see what I can help with. If you are reading this and want to help somehow too, feel free to contact Julie at julie@deaf-hope.org or go to their website to find out what they're doing http://www.deaf-hope.org/.

Paying it forward is such a powerful thing.

Ok, so on to the partying!! These are photos from the Evening of Chocolate Decadence where we all danced to a great 70's band, ate lots of chocolate in varying forms and drank a ton of chocolate martinis!

Here's my friend (and client from St. Louis, Missouri) Terri, ME, my friend Darlene (also from St. Louis), some big tall guy Terri knew with really hard, spiky hair (odd?) and of course gal pal Liz.

Terri by the way makes and sells FABULOUS HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY on her website http://www.silkandstonedesigns.com/ - I had to buy myself some great orange jewelry while I was there because she had a booth too (I love orange!).

Darlene sells travel with Ultimate Match Travel and in fact she hooked me into going on a cruise with her this October to the Grand Caymen, Jamaica and some other out of the way island - yeah!! Check out her site at http://www.ultimateprosperitydiva.com/!

And many of you might know Liz, she helps you create your ultimate brand by design! Her site is http://www.thebrandingmaven.com/ - she helped me recreate my new brand as well!!

Here's ME and Liz again with our friend Beth Schneider (she does systems!) having a fabulous dinner at the big restaurant they had that turned in the sky; we were brainstorming on how to boost our business for sure over a few Lemon Drops!

Here's ME and Karen Penfold, the managing director of the Elk Grove chapter - I love Karen! She is always there to connect people and do anything for anyone, she's great!

And here's my sister separated at birth!! I'm kidding, but really, this gal Darlene Willman is ME, we are one in the same! We think alike, talk alike, look alike, laugh alike - it's utterly amazing! And, yes, we're now going on a cruise this October - I can't wait - I really need a (non-working) VACATION!!

Us again - we seemed to keep running into each other!

And that's it for now unless someone else sends me some photos I can use.

All I can say is that it was such an emotional, enlightening, spiritual, moving and incredible 4 days with incredible women that I wish I could see once a month! I learned a lot, made a ton of connections, got a lot of business and now I have what I would call many "friends" across the country that I can call on in a heartbeat (or visit when I'm in their home town!).

Thank you to all ....

Katrina Out --

Life's Changing...or Am I?

Ok, so it's been quite some time since I posted something on my blog. Mostly because I haven't had time.

It's funny, a couple years ago I went through this program and lost a bunch of weight and changed my way of thinking about food (could use a refresher now) but part of the program was that I was supposed to journal about my thoughts and what I was feeling about when I decided to eat something???

I was a little hesitant to take the time to write out my thoughts then and now for some reason tonight I have a block too.

Earlier today I had a session with one of my clients, she's a Health Intuitive. No I'm not sick but she and another Intuitive I also know both mentioned to me that I had some 'blockage' inside me. At first when this all came about I was kind of freaked out...."I have blockage?".

After a bit of reflecting and my session today I do feel a lot lighter, like some of the pressure I had been putting on myself to succeed or to be a certain way in public was gone.

I was scared to talk about it at first because I've always considered myself a very practical, reasonable person and for some reason not very spiritual. The older I get, the more friends I seem to attract that are extremely spiritual and I haven't always felt like I fit in.

Well, in Vegas at my mastermind meeting I probably had one of the biggest breakthroughs in my life in a long time - that I was spiritual, in fact I was pretty deep and I have a lot of emotion and energy that still needs to come out. I believe now that there is something that I am meant to do in my life that hasn't made itself clear yet to me but I know it's almost here and soon I'll know what that is.

Sometimes in business just like in relationships you have to understand and know who YOU really are before you can give to others or be fully present in your skin/life.

After meeting with my Intuitive friend today, she confirmed for me that in fact my energy is very spiritual. She felt that I was extremely good, giving and spiritual. She also mentioned that I was afraid to show it which I guess is true. I had been brought up to only share what was necessary (if I was hurt, in trouble, etc.) but not always that it was okay to share my deepest emotions and feelings. Hmmmm....it's amazing what kind of growth can come and when.

So, I think I've figured out who I ultimately am supposed to be:

• a problem solver
• a connector
• and a resource to others

I've kind of known that for some time now but I guess I always thought "Well, that's great but how do I make money at doing that?".

This is what has kept me from really exploring my own inner authentic self all this time although it's entrepreneurship that has helped me get closer and closer to this day from which I am thankful.

So, for all of you who are reading this, you might be somewhat confused or maybe you aren't sure what I'm even talking about but that's okay. It will all work itself out in the end and if you stick around, you might even totally benefit and grow yourself along the way with me!

I'm headed for more emotion and spiritual awakening from here I'm sure so stay tuned....

Katrina Out --

Girl's Night Out

I keep forgetting to include photos and stories of personal things in this blog...so here's an update!



In April I sent out an Evite to over 100 women I know in the area here and said it's "Girl's Night Out" who wants to go? We got 8 of us to go take over Folsom and it was quite a night. Margaritas and Martinis were flying then is was dancing up a storm until midnight. (yes, midnight, we're not in our 20's anymore you know)




Here's (from left to right) Jaime, Toni, Me, (forget her name, friend of Monica's), Monica, Jill, Beth and Michelle.

We're planning another one for June 16th with about 9 or so signed up so far so if you're not on the list and want to be you should email me and let me know you want to go!

What Goes On In Those Mastermind Meetings?

Some people ask me "what goes on at your mastermind meetings"? They aren't quite sure WHAT a mastermind group is. Well, a mastermind group can be many things to many people...

• a group of confidants


• a board of directors
  
• a leads or referral group


• a brainstorming group of peers


• or what mine is all about - a big learning, big thinking, big living and big producing group of like minded business owners headed in a similar business direction with similar goals and needing similar business success strategies

My group has really helped me refocus my business, get back balance in my life, take huge leaps and bounds beyond where I ever would be in such a short amount of time, continuous resources, feedback and support as well as an excuse to get away three or more times a year for ME to work ON my business instead of just IN it and to experience the kind of lifestyle that I want to live!

Here's a few snapshots of all the fun and down and dirty business being accomplished this year!!

Me and Ali Brown, my Marketing Coach

February 2007

(Yes of course I have one too. Many marketing savvy people also hire coaches and consultants too because we realize that we can't be experts in every area nor should we spend the time learning everything about everything - just hire someone who knows how to do what you need to get done, quicker and better than you and you'll move ahead much, much faster.)

Me and Kendra Todd, winner of the first season of the Apprentice

and author of Risk and Grow Rich!

Kendra was a guest speaker at our February mastermind meeting in L.A.

The group of all of Ali's Platinum and Gold

Mastermind Members in attendance

February 2007

Me and my friend Liz Pabon (the branding maven) laughing it up as usual!

February 2007

The group in Vegas hard at work where all the magic happens!

May 2007

The group posing for a photo at the end of a hard day right before

we slip out to the pool for a margarita and a little leftover sun!

May 2007

Me and Rochelle and Rob, Rochelle is on a Free Teleclass with me in June! I was her guest on one in April! It's fun to co-promote with other like-minded professionals in order to boost our businesses!

May 2007

Here we are the second night when we go out on the town for a really great dinner (thank God for Ali's event planner Joy - it all couldn't happen without her!).

May 2007

And even into the night....I'm in the back on the right!

Vegas May 2007

Well, that's it for the recap for now...more later, come back soon!

Katrina Out ---

Kat Promoting Around Town!

I know a lot of my friends think I'm crazy for doing so much networking all the time, mostly it's because they hate doing it themselves or they just can't take the time to do it consistently I guess...either way, I absolutely LOVE NETWORKING and marketing, mixing and mingling, connecting and consorting - it's so fun to me!

I wish I could just get paid to connect people every day I say all the time. (I probably could if I just figure out the business model for THAT!)

I love to teach others how to make the most of their networking too and how to learn how to do it even if you hate it or are scared to do it!

So, here's a little about me around town...

So, here's me winning an award from the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce in January

2006 Small Business of the Year

Let me tell you how I believe I got this award....

First of all I would have never gotten it if I hadn't APPLIED FOR IT. I found out about the awards and quickly submitted my lengthy and carefully crafted application.

Second, I believe I was probably one of the top contenders because of my continued visibility in the community over the years - Top of Mind Awareness hard at work.

Finally, I believe I projected that 'expert status' and increased business success through my marketing efforts, website and overall presence, volunteering and more.

These are all things you can do in your business to if you SHOW UP, watch for OPPORTUNITIES and then TAKE ACTION! It is that easy.

Here's me with my display table at one of the larger regional eWomenNetwork events in March. I love doing displays and tradeshows too - yes, I know that's crazy. You know, I had a client one time a while back who paid me to work his booth with him at an expo and it was great! I came up with a really cool idea to get people to stop and linger at his booth so he had time to pitch them and I helped with all the follow up too!

This is a photo of me and Dana, he's the first person who ever got a copy of my book, Power and Soul. He won it at a chamber luncheon that I donated it to for their raffle (plus a bottle of wine cuz who wants to read a great book without a nice bottle of wine?). I still have a few books left if you want to order one - go online to my website and the products page to find it!

And here's another photo (although dark) of me at my booth at the Folsom Chamber Biz Expo in May. That was a fun event too. I usually help others who have booths at that event, help break them for a few minutes so they can eat or relieve themselves if they happen to be in a booth by themselves. This year, I used that service myself! I also made up a nice big sign with my photo on half of it but you can't see that since it's behind the table.