Dear Karen ~ Just wanted to say a BIG thank you for putting on a wonderful event in Scottsdale. I am so glad I went and had the chance to meet so many wonderful women!

I learned a lot and will continue to learn from all of you, I'm sure! You're definitely a role model for me, and don't be surprised that I'll be picking your brain & bug you from now on! ~
Yulin Lee, Palo Alto, CA

Karen, Thank you so much for making me a part of the Mortgage Girlfriends conference in Scottsdale! What a wonderful group of "givers" you had there! I will definitely be attending the next one & spending far more time with the ladies attending & all the terrific speakers.

Your book is a beautiful testament for the spirit of women.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it! ~
Rebekah Radice, Colorado Springs, CO

A couple months ago, I told another Mortgage Advisor in my company about Mortgage Girlfriends - and Yulin Lee became part of the Diva Sisterhood - AND she decided to come to Scottsdale with me! I was pretty excited...but as the trip got closer, I started to worry. Most people in the mortgage business have expectations of a gigantic, mega conference a la the good old boys, when they spend time/money on professional/personal development in the mortgage Biz. This was going to be my third MG Mastermind - so I knew it was not going to be ANYTHING like those other events. I really worried about Yulin. I didn't say anything - wanting the experience to unfold for her like it should - but still - I worried.

Until we arrived, and then I let it go so I could get everything I could out of the time I had there. The first speaker, Cheri Hill (Great!) said something that stuck with me and set the tone for the rest of the Mastermind for me: she said when you are at something like this - there is information, people, events, resources - something/everything - that you NEED; that you are there to GET!!! So don't take a phone call, don't leave the room, don't read your email on your blackberry (ok, she didn't say that part, but I needed to say that to myself...) - or you will MISS the whole thing - the ONE thing - the IMPORTANT thing you are there to get!!

In the end Yulin was more then FINE - she can speak for herself on this - but I will tell you that much!! And for me - there were Girlfriends there that I connected with at the other Retreats - and it was like seeing BFF's I hadn't seen in forever. But then!!! Then!!! I met NEW girlfriends - and I can't quite get my head around how wonderful they are, how close I feel to them - and how many more BFF's I have now. And I recognize that all of that sounds pretty juvenile - so all I can say to that is "Whatever" - it's the honest truth and I can't find another, more sophisticated way to say it. Seriously - I can't - I have tried for two days.

Content wise - my head is exploding from all the info - Daniel Martin's Social Networking stats alone were incredible; Linda Ferrari woke me back up to the incredible value of the information available about Credit Scoring. Not just 'improving credit scores', which is an obvious by-product - but the law and the details about Credit and Credit Scoring. Things I didn't know - after all these years - and her new book "The Big Score" is due out in the next few weeks (GET IT).

Cindy Douglas also unveiled her new product and website (Connectthedata.com) - and I am reminded again that the very core of my business is my database - And I vowed to not be intimidated anymore but to take her advice and her guidance and chunk it down and just do it.

I also want to share with you all that couldn't be with us how incredible it was to be present when Mimi Kelly gave her inaugural Public Speaking engagement. She is awesome. WHAT a story - and for someone like me (23 + years in biz) to listen and be inspired by someone who has been in the biz since 2002 - it was great and so valuable. Thank you Mimi - everytime I see a Red OR Yellow Porche go by - I will be thinkin of you!!!

Karen - I know I'm leaving stuff out - but who in the heck is still reading this after all of that??? Ok - let's test. I'll finish this by telling you my FAVORITE saying that came out of Scottsdale - shared by Denise Phillippi of Kansas City: Live Your LIfe so that when you wake up in the morning, and your two feet hit the floor - Satan says "Oh Sh@#, She's up"....Gotta LOVE IT. ~ Cindi Gardner, Los Gatos, CA

I can't put into words what I got from the Mastermind Retreat this year. After last year I was completely blown away by how incredible it was and this year...

If you haven't been to one or you are hesitant to go because of money, intimidation, work, etc. Then start saving now, get over yourself, have a co-worker or assistant cover for you and GO TO THE NEXT RETREAT! There were about 20 women throughout the weekend that I have to say I was honored to be with and counted among. Not only did we learn about empowering ourselves, negotiating, self promoting, blogging, database management, websites, loan products, FHA, marketing, life lessons, etc. BUT we each walked away knowing that every woman there cared and will without hesitancy help and support us in our goals. You don't leave this event feeling like you've made a couple of friends, you have joined a sisterhood.

I've come home to receive an invite to my state mortgage professional expo and I see some of the speakers they have and topics they are offering. IT DOESN'T TOUCH the quality of speakers or topics that Karen Deis somehow manages to get for this retreat. Even the very first man to ever be invited was amazing. In talking about his own success he actually shed a tear! (Because his success came from having a relationship with his son instead of being so consumed with business) We spent a lot of time discussing solutions, marketing, business building ideas etc, but we also reinforced to each other that quality of life comes first. There's at least one woman who I am going to be checking up on. You know who you are!

Another girlfriend and I have discussed staying a day longer, going in on a coach that will sit down and write out a plan for the new things we learn so that we can be organized when we return ready to implement our goals. Next year when I go, I hope you will join me. I promise this is a decision you will not regret. ~ Cassandra Rabena, Olympia, Washington

After last week\'s retreat in Scottsdale, my goal this week is to get a blog set up. Although, I feel overwhelmed by the task (Baby-boomer generation!), I am determined not to be left behind! And for those who unfortunately missed the retreat, you really missed out on some great ideas and speakers. I hope you will make the next one. Karen did a fantastic job again! ~ Beverly Anderson, Phoenix, AZ

Lori said she had never in 17 years left and conference and cried because she had to leave. ~ Vicki Williams, Montgomery, AL

Thank you so-o-o much for allowing me to be a part of the Mastermind group in Minneapolis on June 12th and 13th, 2008. I was hesitant, but it was so close to home, I couldn't miss the opportunity. I look forward to reading all the information given out and using it to my best ability to make my business survive in these trying times! The speakers you had were fantastic and the smaller group setting was perfect for asking questions and really being a part of the discussion.

All the participants were wonderful to talk to and all thoughts and stories were freely shared, which was quite refreshing!

You ARE truly making a difference in women's lives! Keep up the fabulous work you do ... with all of it, the websites, seminars, blogs, articles, etc. When do you find the time to sleep?!?" ~ Pamela Johnson, Carefree Home Loans, Eau Claire, WI

I have been sitting here since Sunday thinking of each and everyone that was there - and it was a Grand Slam. They, you, are all inspiring and it just about takes my breath away!!

I am rambling on but I feel that friction between Knowing you had an epiphany and trying to impart that feeling to others... Being there in LA, meeting you all, listening, learning and putting in my 2 cents along the way created the perfect thing that could ever have fallen into my lap. ... it is a pivotal thing, Karen, for me - a pivotal opportunity and time that just plummeted from the sky 22+ years after I started in the mortgage business. To all who read this, whether you are new or seasoned or racking up the decades like me - you have to experience this for yourself. It's not a seminar - it's not a Rah-Rah event selling you snake oil to "Take You to The Next Level". It's a great combination of smart, funny, successful women - holding out a hand to help anyone who needs it. You're the best - Cindi Gardner

Came in as a Loan Officer, Left as a Mortgage Diva!
What a fabulous event!!! It was absolutely unbelievable. I wish every woman on this site could have come and shared with those of us that went. From the first morning when we all came in, not knowing each other, Karen was the perfect hostess. She really set the stage for making us comfortable as women to follow our natural inclination to help. And that is what happened, by the end of the three days there was so much helping and sharing ideas it was just unbelievable!

I do want to take a moment to explain something that happened for me that will stick with me for a long time. On the first morning, Karen handed out tiara's for all of us as a symbol of our being mortgage divas. The first speaker Debbie Allen (who is a tremendous speaker and if you've never heard her you need to) talked about Shameless Self Promotion. It really struck me. Some of us don't always like to draw attention to ourselves, or we may be timid about approaching people with our business. For me, the tiara was an opportunity to practice shameless self promotion. I wore my tiara all weekend long as a symbol. It broke my mold, it made me take a risk. Who wears a tiara around a resort in AZ or even at the airport or on the plane ride home?!

Because of taking that risk, I created 2 more opportunities to tell people what I do. That's what I needed to walk away with, being bold enough to create opportunities for myself.

When times are lean, we have to try new things, we have to be bold, we have to think out of the box. This might sound silly, but when I'm having a tough day or even a great day putting the tiara on is my symbol and reminder that I am a mortgage diva and I have the power to make things happen!

Thank you Karen for helping us help ourselves!
Cassandra Rabena, Abacus Mortgage

Karen Deis created this brilliant service and put together the amazing group of women. I was there opening keynote speaker at the retreat yesterday and just loved their energy.

A million thanks to Karen and all who spoke and attended the Mortgage Girlfriends event in Scottsdale. This was a breath of fresh air to have all women sharing and brainstorming. It was a relaxed yet electrically charged atmosphere for learning. A combo I frankly have never experienced at the 'mega' co-ed events.
Donna Quisenberry, Q2 Database Consulting

What a great gift you gave us. THANK YOU! I have wanted to put something together for women in the business for a few years. You have the wherewithall to get it done. And what a great few days it was. I want to thank you so much for giving back to our industry and women in general.
Mimi Kelly, Fairway Independent Mortgage

Karen and Kelly,

Thank you for best conference I have attended in a long time. The Mortgage Girlfriends first conference in Scottsdale was fantastic and something that I truly needed. I am lucky to have met some wonderful women and the opportunity to network and share ideas with them. Thanks so much!
Jamie Lau, West America Mortgage.

Wow! What a great Mastermind Summit! Thank you, Karen Deis, for a great event! I wish that all of the girlfriends could have been there. It was a grand time of sharing, growing, networking, brainstorming. I am looking foward to many more such gatherings!
Louise Thaxton, Fairway Independent Mortgage

A million thanks to Karen, Kelly, and all those who were involved in making our first Mortgage Girlfriends event a success! I had a fabulous time networking with a wonderful group of women and learning a lot of new ideas. I cannot wait to keep in contact with all of you, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all next year so we can catch up on the new things we've implemented into our businesses. Thank you all for such a wonderful experience!
Andrea Moore, The Mortgage Market of Delaware.

Thank you so very much, Karen, Kelly and Jenna for providing such a wonderful opportunity to the Mortgage Girlfriends. The Mastermind in Scottsdale was jam-packed with information, ideas and fun! I appreciate all of the hard word and time it took for you to organize the event. Thank you too to all of the fabulous speakers. My brain is so crammed with so many of your ideas. I am looking forward to sitting down and going over the binder and my notes to extract each and every gold nugget. The conference was a huge success. Many lifelong friendships were formed, I'm sure. Thank you!
JoAnn Moore, The Mortgage Market of Delaware.

Thank you Ladies for a fantastic workshop in Scottsdale, AZ!! It was such a rewarding seminar with valuable information to help us in this tough market. I loved networking with other Diva's and look forward to attending the next forum!!
Beverly Anderson, Fairway Independent Mortgage.

Thank you so much Karen, Kelly and Jenna for this wonderful experience! By far this is one of the best Seminar I have been to out here in Scottsdale, AZ! It was absolutely fabulous! To be able to find the support, network, and marketing strategies through masterminding with other women in the business was just unbelieveable! Not only brainstorm with other women, but also connecting and actually make new friends. This was just an AHA MOMENT for me!!!
Maria Escobedo, Good Cents Mortgage.

Cyndi, I wanted to thank you for your presentation on how to present at the Mortgage Girlfriends conference. In all of the trainings I've ever had, you were the FIRST who really broke down the necessary compenents to making effective presentations.

Thank you for giving us your book. I really look forward to your next book about presentation skills for women. Thank you so much!!
Jamie Lau, WestAmerica Mortgage Company

I just got home from the Girlfriend's Mastermind in Florida and I have a hard time describing this unique and fulfilling experience.

You know, women really are much different than men, and it is so amazing when you get women together for the sole purpose of helping each other out. I've already incorporated some of what I learned into my life, and I have a much more concrete vision of what I want and where I am going.

The best part was all of my new, real, Girlfriends, which I've never been very good at. I have NEVER let so many Girlfriends "in" to see me with all of my flaws and all of my greatness. A term that comes to mind is "nurturing". Everyone there was so nurturing of each other -- giving constructive advise on living a good and balanced life -- and concrete steps about how I can make more money at the same time. I owe this all to the Girlfriend's MasterMind.
Leslie Petersen, MortgageCurrentcy.com, Salt Lake City, UT

I have been really down and not very challenged about my sales for over a year and I am actually excited about my job and that is due to MortgageGirlfriends. I may not implement but ¼ of what I learned because every one has their niche but just being with other women and being in the warm weather and the energy I feel so much better!
Denise Phillippi, People’s Mortgage, Overland Park, KS

I, too, wanted to express my gratitude to you for creating the opportunity of the Mastermind retreat. It was exactly as I had imagined, in that I met some amazing women and it allowed me a distance from my home turf to re-group and re-focus. Women bonding with women is great in any realm, but… it was specifically great to do so with others in the industry I work in.

You are a woman of passion and love for helping others. I greatly respect that and honor what you’ve created. I wish it was easier to convey to other women, but…. because of the intimacy, it’s hard to “SELL IT”. I think it will evolve as we, who’ve been there are able to articulate and create value to others. The challenge, unfortunately, right now is a financially difficult market and the “seminar thing” has been over-done. Women don’t generally spend on themselves unless there is a tremendous value created.
Kari Clouse, Family Funding, Bernica, CA

Another incredible experience at the Mortgage Girlfriends Mastermind this last week. I loved seeing everyone I had met last time, meeting all the new girlfriends, and hearing how everyone is tackling this giant elephant called Mortgages in their corner of the world. Whatever I was able to give brought me as much joy and satisfaction as what was given to me while we were all together. The amazing insight was learning that not a solitary one of us had a Mentor in this business - and yet by the end of our time together - we made that connection with each other. Why does someone who has been in the business 10+ years, 20+ years, or 30+ years? Every single woman there had her own personal reason for wanting/needing someone to play that role for them - even if the most valuable role is an Accountability Partner. In total - I continue to preach this message to any of you that will hear me - please attend one of these events. I know the biz is overwhelming right now. I know that money might be tight. I know you are evaluating where you put your extra dollars. These are all legitimate business concerns. However - I can promise you that you have not ever attended something like this, and that its one of the most affordable 'events' in our industry. It's a gift - an opportunity - an oasis. Don't pass it by for whatever logical reason you may have.
Cindi Gardner, CGI Mortgage, Campbell, CA

Hello girlfriends...... I just returned from the Mortgage Girlfriends Sarasota Mastermind event. It was fabulous! I came back with so many ideas.... plus I had the opportunity to meet and get to know some top notch women that are in the mortgage business! The conference gave me "contacts" - contacts that will help me grow my business and I know that I've got some girlfriends that'll be there to help and advise when I need them! This is an event not to be missed!
Pat Cray, Gold Coast Lending, Davie, FL

Best time and money ever spent. I have already communicated with several Girlfriends. I am overwhelmed with business and can not wait to get into some ideas.

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into this past week. I do not think I will try for another 37 years but I decided I want to stay in and just delegate better. Thanks to all my new friends and their support.
Vicki Williams, President, Anchor Mortgage, Montgomery, AL

What an event! It is always amazing to me the energy that women can generate when together! Totally refreshing and I came back ready to take on the world!

The speakers were incredible, and much encouagement and inspiration from women who are successful at doing what they do - whether it be wealth building, motivational speaking, or researching regulations. Also, there was bonding among even among the ones new to the events and new friendships were formed.

If you haven't attended one of these events, you simply must go to the next one! It can change your entire perspective on not only the industry but also on your life.
Louise Thaxton, Fairway Independent Mortgage, Many, LA

Karen,

You amaze me with your awesome ability to put together a retreat of totally different content 4 times a year! I have attended 3 of the mortgage girlfriends retreats and consider myself a seasoned veteran (having been in the mortgage industry for many years). I learn multiple marketing strategies and industry guideline up dates each and every time.

I meet awesome new girlfriends sharing my same challenges and concerns and keep in touch with them on a regular basis and look forward to seeing them each time.

I spend money on various marketing ideas and systems and yet these retreats are the best value for my dollar! Investing in ourselves and you make it so affordable and for that I must thank you! I always feel a since of challenge and renewal to keep going in this turbulent market and find new energy when I get home to apply to my business!

Thanks Karen as always it was awesome!
Denise Phillippi, The Phillippi Team of Peoples Bank, Overland Park, KS