If you know me professionally you know that I am very careful to tell my clients and potential clients that I am NOT a motivational speaker. Why? Because I am afraid that if I don't actually motivate you then I have not done my job well! I also resist this term because my experience with motivational speakers have been cheese, cheese and then a little cheese on top of that.
Yesterday Millie and I attended our first eWomen network luncheon in Plano TX. We have been asked to speak at their luncheon in Centerport in March so I thought we would go and experience a luncheon as a participant to get a feel for this organzation. As lunch was getting underway a very attractive woman flew through the door and came and sat at our table, as it was one of the few that had an empty seat left.
We began the "advanced networking" part of the event where you go around the table and each woman has 60 seconds to pitch their business. One thing I really liked about this 60 second opportunity was the question "what do you need to happen in the next 30 days?" Our latecomer to our table went first and as it turns out, this was Sandra Yancey--the mastermind and visionary behind eWomen network. What luck! Not only were we fortunate enough to share lunch with her, she was the guest speaker as well.
During Sandra's presentation I took notes and here are a few of the high notes from what turned out to be a HIGHLY motivational presentation minus the cheese. My notes include:
1. You make the decision to survive in any economy
2. Phenomenal women know what their passion is and find a way to "monetize" it (make a living)
3. It takes a special person to say "I am going to go for it"
4. There is not enough room in the economy today for just good. Great is what is required.
5. When we stay small with our business, we think small and we limit our brilliance.
6. We must learn to let down our guard with other women and stop pretending we have to be doing "great" all the time.
7. Do what you are good at and find other people to do what you aren't great at but they are (this is something Bravo has been emphasizing since working our way through Marcus Buckingham's work).
8. The universe is always on time (halleluiah!)
9. Take stock of who you hang around and put distance between yourself and the dream suckers. (Can I get an amen?)
10. Take inventory of how you spend your time and reclaim "you" time
My favorite quote I wrote down "As an entrepreneur you reach a point where you have to jump off the edge of the cliff and build your wings as you learn to fly"
We all need an ocassional opportunity to refuel our energy tank. Sandra Yancey did that for both Millie and I. In fact, I was convinced to the point of joining eWomen that day. Wow! We met many amazing women who are on the same journey that Bravo is on--Small business working hard to break through. I feel certain that one way we do that is increase our exposure to other successful people. Success breeds success.
As I listened to Sandra's presentation I couldn't help but wonder what Millie was thinking. If you think I am a tough critic, Millie has a way higher standard. And she tolerates no cheese, no cliches, no heavy handed tactics to persuade. We made our way to the car and I asked "what did you think?"
Her reply "I loved it". For me that says a whole lot.
If you don't have a place and time set aside each week or month to spend time around people who build you up and keep you motivated, start looking around for an organization like eWomen or another professional organization where successful people get together share ideas, contacts, and their stories. You won't regret it!
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