Note: this invitation is specifically for service-based professionals. It is ideal for speakers, trainers, consultants, coaches, authors, and other solo professionals.
Mark LeBlanc is the author of Small Business Success, a "little book with a huge impact!" which I have recommended to almost every entrepreneur that I know. He also hosts a very exclusive Achievers' Circle, which is a private weekend event that I've had the opportunity to attend personally...
I received an email announcement from Mark today with the dates for upcoming Achievers' Circle opportunities, and it made me realize that I never got a chance to properly thank Mark for the change he initiated in my business - change which ultimately lead me where I am today.
The email requested that we forward the invitation, so I'm taking that as my opportunity to "pay it forward" - in two directions at once: his and yours.
At the time that I was chosen to attend the Achievers' Circle, I was about to enter a major turning point in my business. I didn't realize that at the time, I just knew that things weren't going in the best direction. I also didn't fully realize the long-term results I would see from the points made and decisions made over that one weekend... until several years later.
There were immediate results as well of course, but the real success is still unfolding even now.
Put some serious consideration into this invitation. It may not be for you. If you register, you're committed to attending if accepted...
Best,
Here are the details from Mark's email:
______________________________________________
The Achievers' Circle: Growing Your Business!
The Achievers' Circle "Growing Your Business!" is a special
weekend program for independent professionals who want to sell
more products and services. Attendance is limited to 15 attendees .
______________________________________________
Read carefully and respond quickly if interested.
______________________________________________
Following is some information on a program we have developed
in an unusual format. It will not be for everyone. I can assure
you that those who do attend will experience a program that can
have significant impact and influence on their business and life.
Upcoming Dates
• March 27th - 29th - Calgary, Alberta
• April 17th- 19th - La Jolla, CA
• April 24th-26th - Denver, CO
• May 1st - 3rd - Boston, MA (Waltham)
• May 8th - 10th - Minneapolis, MN
• September 11th - 13th - La Jolla, CA
• September 25th -27th - Vancouver, British Columbia
• October 23rd - 25th - Nashville, TN (Murfreesboro)
• December 4th-6th - La Jolla, CA
Additional weekends will be posted on our website....
www.AchieversCircle.com
OUR OBJECTIVE
To get you outside your normal environment and refocus your
efforts in growing your business and reaching the level of
success you desire. We will zero in on 4 areas:
1. Direction
Make sure you are heading in the right direction.
2. Identity
Create or recreate an identity that serves you in the marketplace.
3. Marketing
Create a game plan that gets you visible, busy, and booked.
4. Benchmarks
When focused, how to set up a system for staying on-track.
HERE'S HOW
Through a series of four in-depth modules:
Module #1: Friday Afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Module #2: Saturday Morning from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Module #3: Saturday Afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Module #4: Sunday Morning from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
The entire group (up to 15) will participate in a variety of
lectures, exercises, and discussions that will help each person
focus, prospect, market, sell, and profit at a higher level. This
program will include materials & assignments that will be
completed over the course of the weekend.
HERE'S WHY
1. You will find out what you need to know and do in order to
take your business to a new level of success, based on your
definition of what you want to achieve.
2. We will identify and develop certain skills that will assist
you in running your business from an owner's perspective.
3. You will look at new ways of expanding your relationships
with others critical in maintaining yourself and your business.
EXPECTATIONS
If you are willing to roll up your sleeves and assume the
predominant responsibility for your success, you can expect
results in these areas:
1. A position in the marketplace that generates momentum;
2. A laser-like focus for attracting prospects and booking business;
3. A system for building client loyalty and generating more referrals;
4. The right action steps inside a personal plan for progress.
FEE
Weekend, including all tools and materials...............$ No Fee*
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
1. No Fee*. Really? Yes. That's right. There is no formal
registration fee. At the end of the weekend, we will pass the hat
and you can make a contribution based on the value you have received
during the weekend. We trust in your ability to discern a value and
will gratefully accept what you are willing to offer.
2. The Achievers' Circle was developed for independent professionals
who sell their time and talent. The format was created to be an alternative
to the boot camp program. It is ideal for professional speakers, trainers,
consultants, coaches, authors, and working solo professionals of all types.
3. This is not a boot camp. It's the anti-boot camp. The work we
do will be extremely focused and succinct. Plenty of free time
is planned for you to work on your own, complete assignments, walk,
nap, and enjoy the scenery. It is a time to break from your normal
routine, roll up your sleeves, and focus your time and creativity
in a way that meets what you need and want in your business.
4. All meals, refreshments, etc. are on your own time. On Saturday
night you are invited to attend a wonderful dinner with the group at
an area restaurant. Business casual attire.
5. No other services, products, and/or tools will be offered or sold.
This weekend program is designed to be a complete experience and
not an avenue into additional work. In addition, you are required to be
on time and attend the entire weekend program. No late arrivals and
no early departures.
6. For more information, please go to:
www.AchieversCircle.com
7. Limited to 15 qualified registrants. Acceptance is based on
completing a set of preplanning materials. We reserve the
right to refuse an application, based on a number of critical
factors. Contact Kylie to pre-register, and receive the set of
preplanning materials. Kylie@SmallBusinessSuccess.com
You must complete the materials and be accepted before your registration
is complete, and before you make your travel reservations.
8. Important! If your registration is accepted, you agree to join us for
the entire weekend, participate fully, and be on time for each session.
Do not make a commitment you cannot keep!
______________________________________________
Please forward this invitation. Thank you!
______________________________________________
Mark LeBlanc
Small Business Success
63 1st Street South, Suite B4
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(800) 690-0810
About Lynn Terry
Sounds like an interesting program, like a spiritual retreat for business. And it's free?!
I can't attend this right now (have a toddler) but I've made a mental note to look into it in a couple of years.
Meantime, his book is on my reading list.
Thanks for your good recommendation, as usual.
Wow, certainly bucks the trend in every way for most conferences, boot camps, etc. No wonder Lynn is touting it. Nearest to me is the Vancouver, BC one, so will pass it this time. But will look into getting his book.
Mark LeBlanc has been doing this for years. In fact it was probably around 5 years ago that I attended myself. It's not "free" - but more like "pay what you feel it was worth to you" type program.
I would HIGHLY recommend his book, Small Business Success. You can probably find it on Amazon.com as well. Great little book! When you get it, be sure to read the section on your Target 25. Good stuff!
Lynn,
Thank you for sharing the info. It looks very interesting. I have sent an email requesting the preregistration forms.
Hollye Clardy
Thanks for the info, Lynn. I've called to get more info. Sounds like it's right up my alley 🙂
I saw Mark at our National Association of Professional Organizers conference a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised at his low-pressure approach--he "gets" it and can transfer that knowledge and understanding very clearly.
I'm hard to impress, and he did so. A friend and I attended one of these Achievers' Circle weekends two years ago, and though I was dubious that I'd gain much more than I'd already learned from his book, especially as I have a graduate degree in media and a lifetime of professional marketing experience. However, I found the experience to be quite worth it. The nightly homework really forces you to think, to stretch yourself. Thus, it doesn't just give you knowledge, but Mark and the weekend really provide inspiration.
Do note, though, that "no fee" doesn't mean "free". It's the honor system, you pay what you think it's worth and/or what you can afford based upon your interpretation of worth. At the end, everyone writes a check or fills out a credit card slip for whatever they feel is right...nobody else, including Mark (until well after you're gone), even sees the paper, so you don't have to worry about comparing your ability to pay with others'. Just be honorable.
thanks for the info, I am a fan of Mark LeBlanc.