Inspirations – Why US Chapters always recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Why US Chapters always recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Le Tip International has never been an organization that preaches politics or religion. We are a secular business networking organization and our purpose is strictly the exchange of qualified business leads.

So why do all United States chapters recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every meeting?

The incorporation of the Pledge of Allegiance is merely a tribute to the United States Flag, and that for which it stands. Our flag represents a country of free commerce and free trade, a country that allows individuals to work hard and reap the rewards, a country where free speech and choice are embraced, and a country where we are free to assemble to exchange our ideas. Additionally, it is a way to give thanks to all of the men and women who have been courageous enough to fight, and sometimes give up their lives, in order to maintain these freedoms. Among these men and women is Le Tip’s founder, Ken Peterson, a surviving WWII veteran.

Our intention is not to impose values on our members, but rather to reflect gratitude towards a country that allows us to be. As always, it is a member’s choice to participate in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. That’s the beauty of living in a free country.

- Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, CEO and President

Inspirations – IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Welcome! One of my many goals is to reach

out and stay in closer contact with my Le Tip family. Inspirations was launched with you in mind. Twice a month I plan to share practical advice, lessons learned and maybe a few thoughtful insights thrown in for good measure. If even one person reads, ponders and maybe even passes along my thoughts I will feel successful. I invite your feedback and ideas for upcoming columns; or just feel free to tell me what’s on your mind.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Timing is everything in life isn’t it? Now more than ever, when the economy seems to be imploding, fear is rampant, and budgets are stretched so thin you can see through them, this is when you should be using the business relationships you painstakingly developed. Without them you stand alone; with them you create miracles. I encourage you to ignore the doom-and-gloom naysayers – they sap your energy and reinforce negativity. Focus on all that is positive. Building indestructible relationships is critical in any economy. In a troubled one, it is even more crucial.

At your next Le Tip meeting ASK for what you need right now. Be specific – do you need help promoting your business? Do you need fresh ideas for new revenue streams? Do you need a hand with closing a difficult sale? What other types of support could you use now? Setting your intention and asking for assistance from your Le Tip colleagues can bring forth remarkable results. Expect, anticipate and even demand positive reactions. Are you reaping all of the benefits Le Tip has to offer? Have you registered on the web site to receive all the news, information and tips that are offered? Can you apply anything you have learned to immediately boost your business?

In my own life I have faced many personal and financial challenges and I can honestly tell you I understand your worries and concerns. I know exactly what you are going through and what you are feeling. When things were roughest for me, I would tap into my internal fortitude AND call upon my trusted business relationships. With this support, I was soon unstoppable. Think how much you and your business will benefit if you ignore the bad news and focus with laser precision on growing and nurturing your relationships. I promise – you will succeed. In the coming weeks I want you to think about three powerful words and how they may apply to your life – Believe in Yourself.

Look for my next column about how to get what you need to succeed from the Le Tip organization.

- Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, CEO and President

Inspirations – Need Help?

Need Help?

I often receive calls or e-mails from members who have a question, or need some advice concerning a particular problem or issue. My first instinct is to help — but the truth is, the most efficient way for members to get the assistance they need is to start locally, right within their own chapters.

Have a question? Ask your President, Chapter Mentor, or other Board member.

Still need answers or resolution? Then look to your regional staff… your Ambassador, or Regional Director. If your Regional Director is not able to help you, or you are not sure who to contact for a specific question, go to the ‘Contact Us’ section of our website which lists our Regional Directors and their Ambassadors, our Executive Team and Corporate staff.

I pledge to you, that if you follow this chain of command and still need me to intervene, I will make your request a priority. By following this protocol, you will quickly and efficiently get the answers and advice you seek.

One more helpful bit of advice: our website is packed with practical tips and techniques and up-to-the-minute information on chapter and organization news. Our LeTip Library is available to all members and you need only to register to download articles on many different aspects of networking or chapter management.

As we continue to develop and implement the tools you need to succeed in 2009 and beyond, I encourage brainstorming in your chapters. Share with your president or Regional Director any new ideas you have. I will get the message. I promise!

- Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, CEO and President

Inspirations – We are Main Street

We are Main Street

Long before it became a buzzword, LeTip International embraced the concept of “Main Street.”

Each of LeTip’s chapters is like a small town having only one representative from each category. One butcher, one baker, one candlestick maker. When we need meat we go to the butcher, when we need bread we go to the baker and so on. Local chapters support their local businesses to help them prosper and thrive. The best part is that we represent over 500 “local” LeTip communities across the United States and Canada. It’s very rewarding to know that we’ve had a positive impact on so many people.

In a day and age where the internet is so widely used in business, it’s important to recognize the source when networking, Online networking groups can be a great way to keep track of contacts but you need to ask yourself, ‘Do I really know these people? Have I ever worked with them? Is this person someone I want to recommend?’

LeTip members know the value of being able to look someone in the eye and feel a firm hand shake. There’s a level of trust that can only be established face-to face and that’s why our members meet weekly. They know each other and that’s a vital part of their success.

If you are interested in joining LeTip, a Regional Director will personally help you find a nearby chapter or help you start a new one. We’re a business family and we all shop on “Main Street,” because we support each other and that makes all the difference!

Looking to join a chapter? I’m here to help!

- Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, CEO and President

Inspirations – Keep it Simple

Keep it Simple

t seems like everyone is talking about word-of-mouth networking these days. No matter where you go, there seems to be a business card exchange, a mixer, a trade show and someone speaking on the six or thirteen or thirty “essential rules” of networking for business.

We all know LeTip is a good idea. But keeping it simple and following the program is what really makes it work. Attend your meetings. Listen and look for leads. Put in the effort and it will come back to you many times over.

Oh, and don’t forget to show gratitude to those members who bring you work, and those who work hard for the entire chapter. A little bit of thanks goes a long way.

And while I’m on the subject, “Thank You” for being loyal members of LeTip. You make my day, every day!

Looking to join a chapter? I’m here to help!

Inspirations – Extreme Teamwork

Extreme Teamwork

It was the best news of the day. On Thursday, January 15th, a miracle occurred in New York City. US Airways flight 1549 had descended into the icy clutches of the Hudson River and, against the most severe odds, every passenger had survived not only the crash, but the extreme weather conditions as well.

Captain “Sully” Sullenberger and his crew, the passengers, the rescue teams, and other passing water craft, dispatchers, observers — all worked as one. Hands and hearts reached out to save one another, in this rapid dance of survival.

This was teamwork at its best. It inspired the nation to see that nothing is impossible when we all work together for the common good.

At a time when we are continually battered by the economy, I am inspired by another kind of teamwork — that of LeTip Members. Working together, our Members are forging ahead during these extreme conditions. With a common, focused goal, we can do more than survive, we can thrive!

- Kim Marie Branch-Pettid, CEO and President