Michelle Bonn
President
Expedient Trade, LLC
Amherst, NY
expedienttrade.com

"When I started the Big Fish Program I was hoping to build a structure for my company that would help me to grow into a multi-million dollar operation. I have begun that journey with the development of a realistic and prized 10 year vision plan. To my surprise, the 10 year vision plan was more instrumental at helping me see that I am capable of achieving even more than I thought was possible just 6 months ago. BigFish has given me the tools (both structurally and emotionally) to reach and accomplish BIG goals. Thanks to Lorin and the Big Fish coaches, I have dug deep within myself, to see both my strengths and my weaknesses. By doing this, I have been successful at creating a vision and values for my company that will not only increase my bottom line, but will also increase the morale and personal growth of my employees, my partners and myself. Just by knowing and networking with other Big Fish, I have been able to implement a process for building a board of advisors, conduct business with other BIG, women owned companies, and appreciate EVERYTHING I have created for myself and others along the way. My life has changed for the better. "

Julia Rhodes
President & Founder:
Kleen Slate Concepts
Sonora, CA
kleenslate.com

"Being a Big Fish has allowed both my business and personal life to coexist. I have a deeper understanding of where I am going, what I need to do and how to be to get there. Not only have I expanded my network of friends, I have found a new confidence in what I am capable of, a gratitude for the gifts I have and an immense appreciation for the people in my life. Lorin, you have created a wonderful program with Big Fish Nation and I am honored to call myself a Big Fish! With deep gratitude and admiration for what you are doing."

Jo Anne Casey
President & Founder:
CT Corporate Gifts
New Orleans, LA
ctcorporategifts.com

"Big Fish Nation's year long program has helped me be more consistent in my marketing efforts than ever before. I am seeing results!! Just 2 orders totaled over $15,000. This is because of the Big Fish Marketing Grid !! - I also launched a new component to my business. I know I wouldn't have done this as quickly without Big Fish Nation and my groups ideas and support! Much gratitiude to all of you and the power of intention! "

Camille Gaines
President & Founder:
The Financial Woman
Austin, TX
thefinancial woman.com

"Big Fish Nation provides an incredible opportunityto connect with other like minded, entrepreneurial spirited women. I am already feeling the benefits of the program in the areas of overcoming limited thinking, focus, time management as well as experience and wisdom to connect and motivate others.Along with all of that an overall focus on what matters most in life on a deeper level."

Tama Adair-Wiliamson
President and Founder:
Broadcast Marketing & Entertainment, LLC
Austin, TX
bmeaudio.com

"I have been running a million dollar company providing audio marketing services for national and international clientsfor over7 years. The goal for me as well as our team is to take the company to a multi-million dollar company. Ihave been looking for the right tools for us to do this effectively. I have also been looking for the tools that taught me new ways of managing so that I could truly run the company from thethirtythousand foot view, a way to create more time and not feel behind the eight ball. With Big Fish, it seems like each teleclass is a big AHA for me. I learn somethingextremely valuableevery meeting. The learning isso helpful and relevant that I am often able to take itback to our management or staff meetings to inspire and have my team involved in the bigger vision of the company. They are more confident in me as the leader, they are happier and I realize that in order to be more successful it all starts at the top. The one-on-one coaching has changed my perspectives immensely, I am more empowered and finding ways to empower others. Big Fish has had a big impact on me and my team and my financial goals are bigger than they have ever been!"

Lynn Griffith
President & Founder:
Welcome Florida
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
welcomeflorida.com

"I started my business 24 years ago. I have guided the business through years of steady yet sustained growth, always stretching our creativity and our capabilities.

We have a Fortune 500 client base, strategic partners and are currently operating at over $10 million in annual revenues. Although my company has grown and our capabilities have grown, my style of management and leadership had not changed much over the years. Enter Big Fish Nation!!!! And who says you can't teach - An old dog new tricks???

The Big Fish program encouraged me to fully explore my current style of management and agressively consider where changes could be made and growth could be accommodated. I have changed from being a den mother to my team. I have cut the apron strings and allowed them more latitude and more freedom to create, explore, and be responsible for their decisions. Though the strength of an empowered team of employees may have been expected, the side effect has been a real surprise as this release from micromanaging has provided a personal freedom I thought beyond possibility!"

Rebecca P. Cohen
President & Founder: Rebecca Plants LLC
Vienna, VA

Big Fish immediately helped me pursue my dreams. Upon writing and committing to my 10-year vision, opportunities began presenting themselves for me to grab and accelerate my vision even faster than I had planned. The program's holistic perspective on your ideal life and business makes achieving your dreams that much more possible. And, the support network of other strong entrepreneurs has been invaluable."

Robin Barros
Owner:
Barrels, Boxes and More
Bolton, CT
bbmdrum2.com

Robin, A big fish who owns her own successful business for years was saying that she wanted ‘more work’ for her business. She had a very successful million dollar business. And she wanted ‘more work’ for her business. After becoming a Big Fish, she realized that she was getting exactly what she asked for, more work. What she really wanted was more money, more ‘profitability!’ During the year of becoming a big fish, she transformed her business, streamlining areas, just becoming more efficient in every aspect. Her business grew 50% and she increased her profitability 300% the year she became a Big Fish! She was more profitable! In June of 2007, she wrote: “I am so very excited to report that the “BIG BID” has finally been awarded. Yes, the one that I started talking about January of 2005. I received the award today! I hope you don’t mind if I brag, but it was our BIG FISH conversations that made it all possible. So, thank you Lorin and Big Fish for your part in giving me the motivation to go after the BIG ONE! The contract term is for 2 years with 3 one year options and is worth an estimated $9,000,000.00 with a cap of $14,000,000.00!!’

Linda Singer
Owner:
Singers Jewelers
Guilderland, NY
singersjewelers.com
lizaslegacy.org

Linda is a co-owner of Singers Jewelers, a 3rd generation business. She became a Big Fish in 2004, when she created her vision, there was a one sentence line in the vision that alluded to helping others that were effected by domestic violence. Within 2 years following that writing exercise, Linda found herself launching a not-for-profit organization called Liza’s Legacy. The foundation is receiving huge attention in New Yorks Capital Region and beyond! Linda is now participating in the Big Fish program for a second time but this time, making Liza’s Legacy her focus of the program. Her organization has already raised over $100,000 amount of money that is helping others find peace in their world again.

Amy Hart
Global Film Maker
East Greenbush, NY
hartproductions.org

Before I was a Big Fish I was on dry land. I wanted to be a filmmaker but I had never made a film. I wanted to be a professional producer/director but I was working at an ad firm. I wasn't anywhere near the water. Then I DOVE IN. Four years later I've produced and directed over 100 live television broadcast programs on meaningful issues related to the health and well-being of the public. And I made my first short documentary film in Africa entitled Water First. The film won 2nd place at the World Water Forum in Mexico City and has since been invited to several festivals and UN conferences all around the world. And now, I'm happy to say, the final version of the film is finished and is being distributed by Bullfrog Films - the largest educational distribution company in the country. I also just got approval from GlobalGiving.org to add our project on their website so that we can do fundraisers for well projects in Africa on a much larger scale. We've already provided clean water to over 20,000 people in Malawi by sending funds to Freshwater Project. So not only has my work blossomed, but I definitely feel I'm making a positive difference in the world. Splashing around in the water as a Big Fish has been the best change in my life. I encourage everyone with a dream to DIVE IN!

Barbara Bencini
Wealth Manager
Wayzata, Minnesota
askmerrill.ml.com

Barbara was looking for the magic to grow her business. She was already a wild success in spite herself, she came to the Big Fish program looking for confidence and a better sales and marketing plan. After becoming a Big Fish, she made the decision to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, she realized that she can do anything. She has implemented a practical and efficient sales and marketing plan. She is growing her already successful business but now she actually feels like she is the wildly successful person that she is. She is in charge of her life and business and she knows it! She has been utilizing the Big Fish Mastery program (for folks that have completed the year long process) in order to keep the process and vision alive.

Carol Stevens
Owner:
Public Relations Firm
Purchase, NY
www.msco.com

The Big Fish Program was a real eye-opener. Always looking for ways to be better at what I do, I had signed up hoping to at least come away with a new strategy. Well, I got much more than that. The readings were eye-opening. Interfacing with the group, hearing some of the same struggles that I deal with hampering other business owners was reassuring, to know that I wasn't alone.Through the program and the one-on-one coaching I learned that there are manyperspectives to every situationrather than having the one that has me feel stuck. Maybethe solutionwas rightunder my nose all along but for some reason I missed it.The coaching helped mesee a situationin a totally new way so that I can see clear to the path less traveled. As business owners we are continually subjected to ups and downs, good days, bad days,challenging people - you name it. ButI have learned that via the coaching through Big Fish I find afresh perspective that helps me navigate through all the mess and by the end of each and every conversation, I feel relieved and I have an action plan. My most important take-away has been: "Whatcan I learn to make my company better and/or me a better person?" Carol Bloom Stevens, Director of Public Relations for MSCO, a global marketing firm that I own with my spouse Mark Stevens.

Julie Nessen
Co-Founder:
Young Entrepreneurs Alliance
Boston, MA
yeaworks.org

When I first became a Big Fish, I was running a struggling nonprofit. Our costs were very high as we ran one teen business that served 40 teens a year. Big Fish got me to look hard at our program model. Actually, we did more than look. Working with Lorin and my group, we took the model, turned it inside out, contorted it and even ripped it up and put the pieces back together in different orders. The result is that today, YEA is serving 100 teens in 4 different vocational schools, some in the neediest areas of Greater Boston. We have 4 different businesses and 80% of our teens are choosing to go on to college. And, we do all of this at 1/3 less cost. It means our supporters are getting extraordinary value for their investment and our teens are moving out of poverty, out of crime and becoming responsible contributing citizens. Our next step, as even bigger fish, or “masters” is to become financially independent, attracting more donors and creating an income-generating arm. Because of Big Fish, I am swimming with the current rather than upstream. We recently received a $65,000 grant to create 'stairway to success', a replication program that will allow us to distribute YEA's curriculum and methodology to organizations around the world!

Ann McGuiness
Professional Fund Raiser
Selkirk, NY

“I am a Big Fish and have been for years. I utilize the Big Fish Mastery program as a way of getting back on my Big Fish wave length. It is important to me as my busy life and business often take me on the typical fast pace. Being grounded and proactive are critical to me in how I live and work, Big Fish helps me do that!”

Susan Sikule
Veterinarian
Guilderland, NY
justcatsvet.com

Dr. Susan Sikule owns a veterinary clinic and has for over 12 years. She is successful and wanted to create a business that was less reliant on her. She realized that to do that she must have protocols in place and a team of workers who shared her vision. At the same time she has a vision for creating a second practice in a warm climate to give her the luxury of traveling to climates she wants to enjoy when she wants to enjoy them. Big Fish helped her visualize and formulate her vision. She had a realization that for her bigger was not better. A smaller, quaint office that is wildly successful and was client focused is her mission. She is living out her vision as a Big Fish now. Susan has learned how to work well with her team and enjoy both her free time and her more relaxed work time.

Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, FAAP
Simply Parenting
Chatham, NJ
simplyparenting.com

I completed the Big Fish program in 2005 and one of the lessons I learned was that sometimes you don’t fully understand or appreciate an experience until some time has passed. Recently I wrote to Lorin and summarized what had happened in my professional and personal life over the past year and a half. When I sat back and looked at the words, I was stunned at how much of what I had written in my Vision statement had in fact occurred. I had actually done many of the things I had only dreamed of including appearing on two national television shows to promote my books and as a parenting expert and producing a 15 part parenting series for cable and web broadcasts by forming a powerful alliance.

I had enjoyed the Big Fish experience and I had loved the group phone sessions with other business owners. It provided me with a group of people in the same boat. I received great feedback from these talented and motivated individuals. It helped me to not feel so alone. And my one on one sessions with Lorin were always a time to talk about the troubling issues in my business, the things that were holding me back. And the reading, even though I didn’t get to every book, was relevant and timely. Having some of the authors on the conference call as a guest was just another dimension and part of what makes the Big Fish Program so different from others.

But by the end of the program, I didn’t feel like I had been successful at all. In fact I was ready to pack it in. Expensive Consultants advised me to shut it down and cut my losses, but I just couldn’t. I was committed to my vision. And I left myself open to opportunities. When they came, I jumped on them and started down a slightly different path.

Reviewing the steps in the Big Fish program now, I realize how much the program had helped me prepare for this moment. Just reading my Values, Passion and Purpose statements again made me feel energized. And the Corporate Values and the Mission Statement were even more relevant now. I realized that I had used the positive and empowering beliefs and avoided the limiting ones. The SWOT system of identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats was still valid and I started to think about the present moment and write those down now.

One of the most important steps to my present success was learning about the power of Strategic Alliances and the positive techniques of Negotiations. This led me to my most profitable partnership and a company I could be in Alignment with. I then thought about all the smaller alliances that had helped me achieve my goals.

Big Fish is a unique approach to consulting. It brings people together to feel supported, it empowers you to be bold and keep open to new opportunities. And it is about balance in your business and in your personal life. It mixes good practical advice with “zen” ideas. One of the strengths of this program is how it forced me to get things down on paper, and to clarify these vague thoughts and ideas that had been in my head. This brought a type of clarity to my business that was not there before.

I don’t know what the future will bring, but I feel ready to forge ahead and take advantage of opportunities that that may surprise me.

Snippet: “Big Fish mixes good practical advice with “zen” ideas. One of the strengths of this program is how it forced me to get things down on paper, and to clarify these vague thoughts and ideas that had been in my head. This brought a type of clarity to my business that was not there before.”

Kristen Hallett Rzasa
Owner: Jazzercise Franchise
Norwalk, CT
jazzct.com

When I joined the Big Fish program I was already working in my "dream job" after leaving a corporate career to become a full time entrepreneur. My business was successful, and I even had a vision of the next step, but I had reached a block as to how to make it happen. I was also struggling with how to take the business to the next level. I often had other business owners in my field contact me for help in getting started, working through obstacles and moving forward, but I felt I didn't have anyone to turn to for similar help.

The participants in the Big Fish program provided the forum for just that. I could share my issues and get insights from other successful people. The structure of the program and Lorin's skilled facilitation provided the necessary tools which enabled me to push through those blocks (both mental and actual) to move toward the next level both personally and professionally.

Finally, the individual coaching was the last ingredient which helped me to go a little deeper into my particular issues and I left every coaching session inspired and motivated.

The Big Fish program is really more than a "program", it's a way of thought and being. It will make a difference in every area of your life!

Rebecca D'Amico
Nannies From The Heart
Austin, TX
nanniesfromtheheart.com

As an owner of an already successful company, Big Fish has provided more ‘ah ha’ moments than I have ever experienced! I feel so inspired after each teleclass with my lion fish group. Not just inspired to 'work or do' but to also pause think and feel with confidence. The combination of teleclasses and personal coaching has me integrating the new content at a more personal level, the combination is helping me not just as an owner but in all aspects of my life.

Laura Spencer
Spencer Printing
Munson, OH
spencerprintingconcepts.com

I am currently in the Big Fish program. I look forward to our teleclasses each week.I have owned a successful business for six years and I was successful by anyone's standards, however my business was 'ho-hum' and I needed to add some passion and spice to life/business. This program is exciting because it is teaching me to believe in the possibilities, look for what would make business fun again. Running a businessis challenging,and the Big Fish program ishelping me to think differently than I ever have before.Weput our energy and attentionon our vision andour limitless boundaries. Iam learning to trust that theright peopleare coming into my life,to trust my own decisions and take bold actions that I probably would not have taken if I was not a Big Fish!

Jennifer Salzmann
Facelogic Spa
Austin, TX
facelogicaustin.com

The Big Fish program allows you to dream BIG but better than that the program provides both a guide and the support for you to accomplish even BIGGER than you ever thought possible. The program is essential for any leader looking to go to the next level. Big Fish isnot only aboutgrowing your business but more importantly the programassures you are living each day to enjoyyour journey.

Brandi Avant
Healing House
Round Rock, TX
brandiavant.com

When I first visited the Big Fish Nation website, I immediately fell in love. Perusing the site, I was on the edge of my seat, practically drooling over the programs available. I knew that I was a Big Fish, and that with the help of the Big Fish program, I was about to be a really BIG FISH! The goal setting class in December helped redefine my outlook on “New Year’s Resolutions”, and gave me a cohesive format for designing my year. The follow-up call really put everything in place, and set me up for a stellar year full of wild success in all aspects of my life.

I have been thrilled to be a part of the ‘Lion Fish’ Big Fish Group, and, although we are only a couple of months into it, I have noticed a significant impact on both my business and personal life. The program helps me know that I can create whatever I put my mind too. The tools and coaching provided in this program are priceless, and I highly recommend Big Fish Nation for everyone who wants to develop to their full potential.

Elissa Nauful
Managing Partner
Ingenuity Group
Tampa, FL
ingenuitypm.com

Elissa, a Big Fish that owns a very successful million dollar marketing and advertising firm Ingenuity Group, says, “I spend a lot of money on things, and with the Big Fish Program, I get more out this than anything else. It is well worth the investment. I am more focused, tactical, communicate better and happier.”

Elissa has been successful in sales her whole life but Big Fish Coaching has helped her work more effectively toward creating vision and leadership to grow her business. She realized any company can be big and profitable, but she wanted a profitable and successful business with a great culture. Staff, clients and vendors who can’t imagine working with or for anyone else. The skills she has learned have impacted every aspect of her business and enhanced her life.

Kelly Lipfert
Owner:
Urban Details
Spring Lake, NJ
urban-details.com

Kelly was a ‘Wall Street Corporate Exec’ until 9/11. After that she realized she wanted more out of life, specifically she wanted to be happy. It was then her vision for creating her own business in a quaint ocean side community became much stronger. In Oct 2003, she launched Urban Details in Spring Lake, NJ! And in her first year of businessfound Big Fish. Kelly said right from the beginning she ‘wanted and needed to be a Big Fish’. Through developing her business by creating a clear vision, implementing the goals to make that vision a reality and using Big Fish as the structure or ‘business blue print’ to lead the way, nowestablished and profitable she is taking vacations with ease, has staff she can count on and is happier than ever before. She knows she is a Big Fish! Her future is bright and more important than that, she is living her dream.

Dawn Fleck
Owner:
DeNovo Research
Delmar, NY
denovoresearch.com

Dawn is the owner and one of the founders of DeNovo Research, a pharmaceutical research firm. She has a team of 6 people, her focus was keeping the business going rather than leading the team, by choice. She enrolled her entire team in the Big Fish program! Her goals are to create great leaders, implement corporate values, design a 10 year vision with her team and create the plan to make the vision real. She is also finding that it is assisting with communication among the team and those communication tools have become critical to the inner workings of this successful company. She is on her way to wild success as we speak.

Colin Morton
Dentist
Ballston Lake, NY
colinmortondds.com

"My business is much more successful financially because of how I am thinking about my marketing and how my marketing is more aligned with who I am as a professional. I am also less stressed than I was a year ago. Big Fish Nation was more than worth the investment."

Gail Benmosche, PMP
Owner:
BusinessKeeping
Clifton Park, NY
businesskeeping.com

The Big Fish Program has enabled me to look within, create a vision for life, develop a tool box to maintain my vision and stay on the planned path with focused energy and ease. The community and coaching helps me continue my growth, adding to my tool box as well as offering new prospectives to draw from. I highly recommend this program.....!

Donna Gagnon
Infotainment Services
Queensbury, NY
infotainmentservices.com

Donna has had many successes in business and in life prior to becoming a Big Fish. She joined Big Fish because she felt she needed help in the process offeeling morefulfilled inher successes andcontent in her accomplishments to feel freeto move forward andaccomplish even moreof her goals and visions. She also felt unclear indefining her purpose in this world and found herself ona constant search for that clarity.Now, a few months into the program, Donna is realizing that the structure of the program will help her slow down to acknowledge herself as the confident successful leader she is! Her goal isto feel 100% content in herself,her work and her vision by the years end.

Rachel Pradhan
Blaze Interactive
Laguna Niguel, CA
blazeinteractive.com
indramarketing.com

I was a small fish stuck in the mud with little motivation, inspiration or vision for our companies: Blaze Interactive and Indra Successful Coach Marketing. After I made contact with Lorin Beller an ocean of possibilities was brought into my life.

The Big Fish group coaching call are my life-line to success: Lorin has guided us to see and write our visions, to see ourselves as leaders, to find the 'entrepreneur' that was lost in the day-to-day of running a business. She has helped us see the big picture, and how we can live from that, versus whatever situation we may be in. And in doing that our situation has changed: our goals seem to have taken a life of their own - accomplishing themselves with ease and grace, not 'push and frustration'.

Coach Amy, as I call her, has helped me so much with moving beyond my personal limitations, to see my gremlins, and help me believe in myself. I am totally amazed by her coaching capabilities - she is like pure gold.

Thank you for helping me grow into a Big Fish!