ASK CHERI S HILL

I hope all of the fabulous women in my life join this amazing network.  As a founding member of the Reno chapter it is with great pleasure that I get to share the fact that our Managing Director, Kymberlee Simantel was recently awarded, “Managing Director of the Year” (over 113 chapters in North America), which is well deserved and a wonderful honor.  I am so proud of her and everything she has accomplished over the last 3 years.  From recognizing the need to start a chapter in Reno, NV to building a strong and viable community of fabulous and successful women.  Every age, every walk of life. 

To be honest, I am very particular about how I want to spend my time.  I do not belong to a bunch of networking organizations, not because I don’t think they serve a terrific purpose (most do), simply because I know exactly what I want/expect in return for my time.  For me, it’s all about building long-term relationships that support and nurture each other and in my opinion, some groups get it and some don’t.

I can honestly say, this one does.  I have made a lot of terrific connections both personally and professionally.  And even more important you need to know the heart of eWomenNetwork is the eWomenNetwork Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind services, through grants and awards, in support of women and children.

I have introduced eWomenNetwork to a lot of women (even those I have just met) and believe me once they attend I get big bear hugs for doing so!

There are so many benefits so please check them out.  To learn more please visit:

http://www.ewomennetwork.com/index.html to find out if there is a chapter located in your area. 

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I bet you didn’t know that I am an AYSO Soccer Referee.  Yes, the one in the yellow shirt blowing a whistle.  My daughter who plays soccer thinks I look funny.  Anyway, the reason I am a referee is because the entire AYSO organization depends on volunteers and I know for a fact that very few parents would ever consider becoming a referee.  All through my 20’s I was a softball umpire so this was not a big stretch for me, same concept different uniform. 

I hope that any of you that are parents with kids in sports, that you get up out of your seat and do something to help the team, the organization and the sport.  It is important to set good examples by participating (coaching, serving as team mother, being the snack organizer, carpooling to get everyone to practice on time) whatever, so that your child learns it takes a lot of people to support a team.  And being on a team is a fabulous life lesson every kid should experience.  It will serve them for the rest of their life. 

Simply sitting on the sidelines serves no purpose. Volunteer your time and efforts.  It feels wonderful to be a part of something (and that something is up to you to figure out) that benefits not only your child but the community at large, not to mention the satisfaction you’ll receive because you know you’re doing your part. 

 

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Just Imagine…What it would be like to experience masterminding with other successful mortgage women! 

Why you should attend!

 

• Participate in the Diva Discovery Circles, which provide the information and tools you need to solve your most pressing problems and concerns.
• Experience speakers and topics guaranteed to keep you on the cutting edge in your mortgage practice.
• Exclusive (and free) one-on-one coaching sessions. Meet with our premier business & life coaches, speaking coach and database coach for your free 20-minute session.
• Professional photographeravailable to take your picture for your website and marketing brochures (a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). Includes 20-minute session and 3 pictures of your choice on CD.
• Network with women who experience the ups and downs of navigating their way to success
• Arrive a day early and attend FHA Training from A to Z
• Join the Mortgage Diva Sisterhood and get discounted registration fees!

Where: Millennium Resort - Scottsdale McCormick Ranch
7401 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
To find out more, go to: www.mortgagegirlfriends.com/mastermind

PS.  On Thursday, September 11th I will be presenting: The Twelve Commandments of WILDLY Successful Women!

 

Mary-Ann who heads my Business Development Department and I went to sunny (110 degrees) Las Vegas to attend The Estate Plan Advanced Institute hosted by The Estate Plan.  My trip started on Tuesday with a long drive down Interstate 95 with my lovely 13 year old daughter, Sierra.  Often I would ask myself as I saw a tiny cluster of homes off in the distance or a perfectly maintained dirt road leading to what I thought was absolutely nowhere, why in the world would anyone live out here?  What do they do?  How do they survive?  I mean the very act of standing out in the sun causes any exposed skin to crackle in the blazing heat.  Honestly, I never saw one bird, rabbit, squirrel or bug and rarely did I see a human being.  The absolute vastness of the Nevada desert is in itself amazing.   Tiny towns full of history dot the way:Beatty, Goldfield, Tonapah and of course, Area 51.  A lot of military installations fill in the rest and the occasional brothel.  The Nevada Test Site has been marked as a historic site, but don’t get out and read the sign or you’ll probably glow for the rest of your life!

The event itself was fun because it was held at the MGM Grand.  Fabulous food and humungous swimming pools.  I made Sierra walk the Las Vegas strip until she turned to me and said, “are we done yet?”  Yes, dear let’s go back and swim!  

The event was successful.  Both Mary-Ann and I get to connect with a lot of people we already know but typically only see once a year.  Plus it allows us the opportunity to make new acquaintences as well.  Henry Abts who wrote the book, The Estate Plan is a blessing.  His passion to help people avoid probate and reduce their estate taxes is still his focus and lasting mission.  If you do not know why you should have a Living Trust, order his book from us and read it!

After the event, Sierra and I went to stay at my Dad’s house since he just moved to Las Vegas.  The entire north side of town is completely brand new. His home is gorgeous and it was great to spend time with him.  However, after seeing all of the growth and development and the hoardes of people visting Las Vegas, I’m not certain I can fully believe our state government telling me gambling wins are down and we are in such a huge deficit.  Another event going on simultaneously at the MGM Grand had over 4,000 people attending for a solid 4 days.  That’s one event, one casino.  Please!

Anyway, the trip home was a little more eventful.  I decided to take a detour through Yerington, a town I had never been to (SE of Minden/Gardnerville) and was delighted to see all of the farms and ranches…it was so green and lush compared to the pale brown I had just driven for another 7 hours.  Even though it cost me an additional hour of driving time, it was worth it. My philosophy: You live in a state, you might as well spend time seeing it!

Since we were gone for 6 days, it’s really great to be home again.  Now I just have to unpack!

 

 

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I recently spoke at an event here in Reno titled: “Teaching the Teachers” which is hosted by one of my friends and favorite people, Meggin McIntosh, PhD.  She brings me in for two reasons.  The first is to demonstrate the skills necessary if you want to become a professional speaker and second, to help her attendees understand the importance of asset protection and tax reduction as they begin to build their new career (most are recently or soon to become retired school teachers, principals and administrators). 

I have a lot of fun with this group because the information I share falls into the category, “I didn’t know I needed to know that!”  I entertain, scare and educate all at the same time.  The feedback is always very positive.  The fact that I have an appointment with every one of them tells me I left them thinking about their own life and how this information if not acted upon will directly impact their ability to build a successful businesss in the future.  So that’s a good thing. 

Now allow me to toot my own horn….

“Cheri Hill is an amazing resource in an area that is typically dry in content. But today her talk was both fascinating and entertaining. I am looking forward to seeing her again.  Thank you for a terrific talk in financial education.”

“Cheri is definitely an expert in her field! She spoke directly and concisely about what we needed to know in order to set up our own business with knowledge and foresight. I was somewhat overwhelmed with what I DIDN’T know, but I think that Cheri’s business acumen would soon set that straight!

WOW! Lot’s of information - well organized, carefully explained, great examples - I already have an appointment!

Cheri is amazing. She presented complex information in an easy to understand format…and she scared the crap out of me! So, I booked an appointment with her company and bought her book. It always amazes me how much I don’t know! Cheri is an excellent addition to this class. Her information and services are invaluable.

Cheri was energizing and terrifying all at the same time. Wow! There is so much to think about and I appreciate knowing that, when I’m ready, she will be there as a resource for me. Thank you for letting us learn from your mistakes!

 

 

 

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For the last five days I have been camping in Quincy, CA enjoying an amazing event: The High Sierra Music Festival.  I am a die hard when it comes to live music.  Here’s the stage, here’s me right in front of it.  It’s me and the stage.  There are actually five stages placed throughout the fairgrounds and a constant stream of wonderfully talented musicians from around the world.  The well-known and the unknown until now sharing every genre of music (bluegrass, gospel, rock, country, african rythym, horn ensembles, moroccan, marching band, soul, reggae and of course, so much more!).  It became obvious that these guys would not have been on a stage unless the band had proved itself excellent.  I saw mastery performed through guitars, keyboards, drums, bongos, sax, fiddles, mandolins, lots of percussion instruments and every other type of musical instrument known to mankind.  Not to mention beautiful dancers, amazing stilt walkers (MarchFourthMarchingBand-FUN!), beautiful singers and a guy who wears a big bucket on his head (Buckethead is wild and totally wails on his guitar!)   I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to just let loose, dance until I couldn’t stand up any longer, temporarily lost hearing, and literally continued to feel the beat of the drum for several days later.  What a total release!  I know there are a lot of music festivals around the country and I would encourage you to find one nearby and just go.  If the bands are great, there will be no disappointments!  This is the music of America….and it’s FANTASTIC!

Last week I went to a half day retreat where I was reminded about being Mindfulness which means, Living in the Moment.  As I wandered through Rancho San Rafael Park here in Reno, I was amazed by how serene and beautiful it was as we slowly wandered down the gravel paths, breathing in fresh air and the sweet scent of all the gorgeous flowers in bloom.  We took off our shoes and were encouraged to explore all the different textures we could feel on the bottom of our feet (grass, sand, rocks, warm tile, cool cement, squishing through mud).  Being Mindfull teaches you that there is nothing more important to do or think about than experiencing right now everything you are seeing, feeling, smelling, and hearing in this precious moment.  I encourage you to stop for a minimum of 15 minutes a day (wherever and whenever) and just be: what do you see and hear? what can you touch and taste? how does that make you feel? We forget that in childhood we always lived in the moment and I certainly don’t remember exactly when that changed and why?  Do you? I have this quote hanging on my printer: peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.   So I encourage you to practice Mindfulness.  It truly is an amazing way of life!  �

“Thank you so much for speaking at our Mommies Mean Business meeting.  Your talk was a real eye opener full of information we all needed to hear. It’s comforting to know you’re there and can help us navigate through all of our business stages!  We will be seeing you, thanks again!” - Tracy & Meggin

I was recently invited to participate as a special guest speaker on a teleseminar for the National Association of Women Real Estate Investors (NAWREI).  Since this was not the first time I have presented, I wanted to do something different from my usual - Be Prepared. Don’t Let the World Kick You in the Assets!  I asked C.L. if I could blow the dust of one of my older presentations which is titled: The Twelve Commandments of Wildly Successful Women!  Based on the wonderful feedback I received from women all over the country, I decided  I better develop this into a full-fledged coaching program.  I have to share that it is very powerful and full of excellent information as well as the actual steps you can take to master the concepts contained in each commandment.  I’m very excited about offering something fun, wonderful and extremely beneficial for working women.   We deserve it! Look for the launch this Fall 2008.Â