The MasterMind Event 5 is in the record books and I am still shaking with excitement from the quality of the speakers and attendees.  A huge thank you to Art and Ann Jonak for their tireless efforts to lift the entire profession. Art Jonak, the Networker of Networkers, orchestrated a powerful seminar with the right mix of information, inspiration, and unification.  The Networking profession has officially launched the revolution.  I will give you a summary recap of the speakers for this phenomenal weekend.  Each speaker brought their own style and personality to this epic event.

Randy Gage – Randy was the first six figures/month guest speakers. Mr. Gage is a scientist in studying and mastering techniques to build a network.  He has broken down each step of the pattern into simple to use and easy to duplicate patterns for success.  Randy started networking as a minimum wage dishwasher at a restaurant and now has educated himself to multi-millionaire post-doctorate level professional.  Randy is a great example of how far you can go with hunger and commitment.  I am not shocked that Randy has built a massive community that spans the globe.

Jordan Adler – Jordan was the second six figures/month guest speaker. Jordan is a heart leader who draws people to him with his genuine love and serving spirit.  Mr. Adler had started in over 10 networking companies with no success until he struck gold when he changed himself.  Jordan shared from his personal notebook the dreams he had written while still on the journey.  It is amazing how many of those dreams have come true in his life.  Jordan proves the saying, “You don’t get in life what you want, nor what you deserve, but you do get what you expect.”  Jordan’s message gave hope and belief to the entire audience.  No surprise that Jordan has reaped the benefits of a large community by a servant’s life.

Orjan Saele – Orjan Saele was the third six figures/month guest speaker.  Orjan’s style combined massive posture with disarming humility.  Orjan’s ability to share stories that drove home points helped you ponder his message days later.  Mr. Saele made over 10 million dollars in networking before the age of 30 years old!  That is what I call professional results in a top notch profession.  I was able to catch breakfast with Orjan on Sunday morning and I can tell you that he is as genuine off the stage as he is on the stage.  I am thankful that he came over from Norway to share his power packed knowledge and business building culture.

Ken Dunn – Ken was the fourth six figures/month guest speaker.  Mr. Dunn is one of the hungriest/passionate speakers in our profession.  In fifteen minutes, he had me out of my seat pacing back and forth in the back of the room.  In six years time, Ken went from a newbie to one of the best of the best.  Ken’s passion for people and personal growth is contagious and he is still cycling up in our profession.  Mr. Dunn is a name to watch as he perfects his game and reaches his near endless potential.  Ken’s commitment to his team and his dreams is an inspiration to new networkers starting their journey.

Donna Johnson – Donna was the fifth six figures/month guest speaker.  Donna track record of leadership in this profession is unsurpassed.  Over 2000 leaders on her team have achieved rank levels that qualify them for company cars.  How did she do it?  I listened to her for 15 minutes and knew the answer.  Donna’s humble spirit and belief in people is communicated in every word and action.  People are drawn to leaders who lead with their hearts as well as their heads.  Like the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  Donna cares and she knows and the combination has yielded top results for over two decades.  Donna represents character and class that improves our whole profession.

Orrin Woodward – I was the last six figure income earner invited by Art Jonak.  What an honor to speak with a sold out event of some of the hungriest people in or outside of networking.  There were multiple networkers in the audience making six figures per month who came on their own dime to learn.  I believe so strongly that a rising tide lifts all ships and that the future of network marketing is in field unity and away from win-lose.  It was an honor to share the stage with so many iconic figures in this profession.

Tom ‘Big Al’ Schreiter – Tom is quickly becoming one of my favorite speakers to listen to.  His self effacing style draws the audience to him and opens their ears to hear his message.  Big Al is quick witted and you must listen closely to capture the pearls of wisdom that he cast.  Mr. Schreiter is a model for what all company owners should strive to be – winners who walk their talk. 

Richard Brooke – Richard is an owner and builder of a major network.  Mr. Brookes gave one of the most challenging talks of the weekend declaring that we must remove the gap between the owners and the field.  Communities must not make wild product claims or income exaggerations and the companies must not attempt to own people.  I believe Richard captured the future soul of networking and a model of responsible liberty that should be heard by all.  Richard closed with a powerful challenge to field leaders to do what they know needs to be done.

Michael Clouse – Michael Clouse was a guest speaker that shared his philosophy of success.  Mr. Clouse’s story of overcoming childhood challenges to develop into one of the profession’s best communicators was awe inspiring.  Michael said that people get into business with people they know, like and trust.  So simple and yet so important to know when you start in our profession.  Philosophy/world views are rarely discussed today in networking, but you will never rise higher than your thinking.  Mr. Clouse captured these principles for all of us to improve. 

I could go on and on about MasterMind 5, but I will open it up to comments from any of the attendees.  Remember, your actions in Networking affect me and my actions in Networking affect you. Let raise the whole tide by thinking win-win.  God Bless, Orrin Woodward

Chris Brady and I had the honor to be invited as a guest bloggers to the World Business Forum in NY City at the Radio City Music Hall.  The list of speakers included top economist, politicians, leadership gurus, and thought leaders.  One of my favorite talks at the conference was by Gary Hamel.  Mr. Hamel is a thought leader in the field of management and organizational change.  Gary stated that the most important innovation in the last 100 years was the science of management.  That floored me!  Even bigger than the automobile, the telephone, airplanes, radio, TV, and internet was management?  But as I thought more about it, I realized that he was right.  How you organize your company to respond to customer needs is more important than any specific technology. 

Mr. Hamel challenged the audience to rethink their vision of management.  Every person in your organization must be part of the innovation process if your company will compete for the future.  Like Peter Senge states, “A company’s only competitive advantage is its ability to learn faster than the competition.”  Is your company a learning organization where people learn, grow and innovate?  Or is it a bureaucracy where change is resisted and market conditions are denied?  Talk is cheap and unless your company is protected by immoral monopoly type conditions, the market will vote on your company. 

The original management revolution was led by companies like GE, GM, Proctor and Gamble and Toyota.  Principles like research labs, decentralization, brand management, and kaizen led the innovation curve.  Today, everyone has these management principles.  The next big innovation curve is upon us, but most companies are trying to do business the old way in the new economy.  It won’t work!  Mr. Hamel states that change is accelerating and competition is more intense than ever.  The customers have near perfect data on prices and values in the marketplace.  The race is on to generate new forms of competitive advantage.  Everyone is attempting to learn how to build a community that believes in, supports and is passionate about your company.

I believe that the biggest competitive advantage you can supply your customer is a trusting relationship.  If a company will do all of its business with the idea of doing for the customer exactly what you would want in that situation.  It is a form of the Bible’s Golden Rule applied to business.  Do to the customer what you would have your business do to you if you were the customer.  The only way to do this in a big company is to get everyone engaged in innovation and ownership of your company.  One person or a management team cannot serve all of your customers unless you plan on staying small.  Unleash the passion for excellence in everyone associated with your firm to truly capture a competitive advantage in the marketplace. 

In my view of Gary’s message, a company is formed to meet needs in the marketplace.  The management revolution in the past 100 years helped organize large companies that met those needs.  Today with the rate of change and competition, a new way of thinking about management must be developed.  Management must transform into a Leadership Revolution.  I believe the future will belong to the companies who stop resisting change.   Asking for government regulations, initiating legal battles, and top down control of employees/partners is a recipe for failure today.  Instead, companies should embrace change, embrace the freedom of customers, and embrace their responsibility to meet the customer’s needs.  Our companies must be as adaptable as we are as human beings. Is your company ready for the new management/leadership revolution?  We will all know the answer to that question in the next 5 years.  Here is a video of Gary Hamel talking on the management revolution. God Bless, Orrin Woodward

I received an email over the weekend from the LeadershipGuru website.  In 2009, I was selected as a Best of the Rest selection on another leadership list, without having any idea I was a nominee.  On this list, I was informed ahead of time and your vote does make a difference. They are starting the voting for 2010 and I thank my readers in advance for their support.  There is the list from last year and beneath that is a button to nominate new leaders. Here is a copy of the email.  I believe Chris Brady received an email also and I would encourage writing him in also. God Bless, Orrin Woodward

Dear : Orrin Woodward

We are tabulating the Leadership Guru Results for the 2010 leadership
gurus, and as one of our nominees, we recommend you get your fans to
vote for you at:  www.leadershipgurus.net
While votes only represent 50% of your ranking, your writings, global
contribution and ?guru factor? are equally as important.

Athena Patrizzi

Here is a clip from a talk given to MonaVie Team members on the importance of building a business community for total success.  Success is more than just money.  Leading scholars, historians and social scientist have listed at least 5 characteristics for human happiness. 

1. Spiritual

2. Social

3. Economic

4. Political

5. Mental

Physical success could also be added to this list in my opinion.  The MonaVie Team is focuses on providing the principles to improve each area of a person’s lives.  True success is improving in every characteristic necessary for happiness and peace of mind.  What good is it to have monetary gain but have no friends?  What good is it to have many friends, but no spiritual peace?  Focus on improving all areas of your life.  The objective of the MonaVie Team is to help you on your journey to total success.  Watch the video and start your improvement journey to success.  God Bless, Orrin Woodward

Orrin Woodward Interview   Orrin Woodward Author  Orrin Woodward MasterMind

The latest Top 25 Leadership Gurus in the world has just been released by an independent organization. This is a special post for me personally as many on this list have made a significant impact on my life.   This post is to thank all of the leadership guru's on the list who have made a difference in my life.  Below is the latest list of the Top 25 leadership gurus.  Through this list, I can show how important it is to read and learn for your own personal development.  No one is a self made person.  It truly takes a team in anything to win, but especially when it comes to leadership.  Here is the list with my comments on each person’s role in helping me to grow.  I have not read all of the leaders on the list, but I do plan on picking up their materials and learning from them.  Here is the Top 25 and the Best of the Rest:

1. John C. Maxwell – John wrote the first leadership book that I read called Developing the Leader Within.  This was the first book that convinced me that I could change and become a leader.  Thank you John for sharing your thoughts with the world!

2. Stephen Covey – Outside of the Bible, Stephen’s book, the 7 Habits, affected my outlook on character and doing the right thing the most!  This is a book for all-time and will never go out of style as it is based upon timeless principles.  I thank you Mr. Covey, for sharing your profound wisdom.

3. Rudy Giulliani – I recently picked up Rudy’s book and look forward to delving into it. I have followed his meteoric rise and appreciate how he helped transform New York.  That is what leaders do – drive change & that is why Rudy is on the list.  Keep leading Rudy as America needs it.

4. Tom Peters – I read Tom’s book, In Search of Excellence back in college.  Tom is a visionary that I follow to see what he is thinking.  One of the things that I appreciate about Mr. Peters is that I know he will stretch my thinking.  Keep thinking and leading Tom.

5. Jack Welch – Jack’s book, Straight from the Gut, is a powerful read.  Jack is not afraid to make the tough decisions and as a leader you must make them.  Jack taught me that as a leader, you cannot make everyone happy, but you must help everyone on your team be productive.  Jack has made a huge impact in leadership.

6. Meg Whitman – I have not read Meg’s leadership material and I look forward to doing so.  She has clearly made an impact and I look forward to studying her leadership thoughts. 

7. Anthony Robbins – Anthony wrote a couple of best sellers that I read in the mid 90’s.  Both started me thinking and believing that I could do more if I expanded my vision.  Robbins started the ball rolling that I could be more than a no people skills engineer.

8. Ken Blanchard – Ken is a legend in the corporate training field.  I really appreciate Ken’s Christian testimony and leadership thoughts.  Mr. Blanchard has led, taught, and lived his life with an uncommon class and dignity.  His books have made a difference in me.

9. Mark Driscoll – I have been hearing comments about the leadership of Mark and look forward to reading his thoughts.  Mark is stepping out of the crowd through his leadership and vision.

10. Ram Charan – Ram’s book Execution is a must read.  I promoted this book to anyone I met for several years.  Ram breaks complex thoughts down to the simple principles that must be focused upon. 

11. Robin Sharma – I have not read Robin’s books, but have picked them up to read and review.  I have heard many great things from others and look forward to learning from him.

12. Jim Collins – Jim Collins book, Good to Great is one of my Top 5 leadership books.  I read this book at the right time and it had a major impact in my thinking and belief.  I have sold thousands of his books to others.  Jim is one of the writers that makes me continue to think long after I have put down his books.

13. Mike Myatt – Mike is another leader that I can’t wait to learn from.  This is another case of a top leader that slipped though the cracks.  I will not let that continue and will review further after reading his materials.

14. Marshall Goldsmith – Marshall’s book, What Got You Here Won't Get You There, is filled with wisdom to help people breakthrough to the next level.  Marshall’s book helped me improve my ability to mentor and I am thankful that he shared his thoughts with the leadership community.

15. Warren Bennis – Warren in one of the legends in the leadership field.  I have read several of Warren’s books and have enjoyed them immensely.  Mr. Bennis recognized early the crucial need for leadership to guide our country through times of change.

16. Tim Ferris – I recently finished Tim’s book on the 4 Hour Work Week.  Tim is one of a select few that can make you think outside of your current paradigm.  Tim is not afraid to go against the crowd to obtain what he desires.  An excellent book to get you thinking and changing.

17. Sydney Finkelstein – I have not read Sydney’s materials to date, but will read and post a review.  The fact that he is on this list tells me that he is making an impact on the leadership community.

18. Tony Dungy – Tony’s book, Quiet Strength was impressive.  The book is filled with nuggets of wisdom derived from life, coaching, and personal challenges.  After reading Tony’s book, I felt that I knew him and have become a big fan of his leadership style.  His Christian faith is inspiring to other Christian leaders.

19. Jack Canfield – Nearly everyone has read the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, but Jack has also written some of the most powerful personal improvement materials.  I enjoyed his book, The Success Principles and applied many of his points immediately.  Jack’s books are must reads.

20. Deepak Chopra – I have portions of Deepak’s books and thoughts.  Deepak makes you think about how your actions affect others and helps you to start improving yourself.  Deepak helps you to understand that inward change must precede outward change.

21. Harvey MacKay – I have read several of Harvey’s books and have enjoyed them all.  Harvey is a businessman who has walked his talk.  A powerful speaker and writer, you cannot go wrong reading any of his leadership materials.

22. Clayton Christensen – Clayton is another leader that I look forward to reading and learning from.  I will review when I have completed some of his materials.  Congratulations to Clayton for making the Top 25.

23. Brian Tracy – Brian has written extensively in the areas of sales, personal development and leadership.  All of his books will make a difference in your life and I highly recommend his books to improve your leadership.

24. John Piper – John is an excellent writer that has written top notch Christian books. John’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life, is a wake up call to many.  Reading John’s books will strengthen your faith and desire to doing something great for God’s Glory.

25. John Baldoni – I will delve into John’s materials and review shortly.  John is clearly making a difference in the leadership field and I look forward to learning from him.

Best of Rest in Alphabetical Order:

Art Petty – I have not read Art’s materials but will shortly. Congratulations on making the Best of the Rest category.

Carly Fiorina – Carly is one of the top CEO’s in America.  She has led high tech companies and I have read many of her articles.  I recently picked up her book and look forward to reading and learning.

Colin Powell – Colin has led a life of leadership wherever he has worked.  Colin is an inspiration because of his drive to make a difference and his character to do it right.  I have his book and plan to read.

Jim Rohn – Jim is a living legend in the personal development field and his book 12 Pillars is one of my favorites.

Patrick Lencioni – Patrick’s books on Dysfunctions are must reads!  I have enjoyed his wisdom and thoughts in all his books.

Orrin Woodward– I am honored to be on the Best of the Rest list.  I would like to thank my Creator for blessing me with an opportunity to grow and change.  Second, I would like to thank my wife Laurie for patiently giving me 10 hours a day to read and write.  She is a true blessing in my life!  Third, I would like to thank Chris Brady who is my co-author and leadership partner.  Chris and I can sit down for a couple of hours and all of our ideas are better due to the incredible synergy.  Chris can take any of our thoughts and capture them in the written word better than anyone that I know.  I share this recognition in full with Chris Brady. Fourth, I would like to thank the incredible Team of Leaders that I am honored to work with.  We are on our way to 1 million and beyond. You are the best!

Steve Farber - Steve's books have been highly recommended by other leaders close to me.  I plan on reading his books soon.  I will review them when I have finished reading.

Wayne Dyer – Wayne is a student of success and personal improvement.  He has written many top selling books and has made a significant impact in the leadership field.

I thank everyone on this list for their role in improving the leadership community worldwide. In my opinion, the world is ripe for Launching a Leadership Revolution and everyone must step up to the plate and learn from this inspiring group of leaders to make a difference in your communities!  God Bless, Orrin Woodward