I just returned from my FIRST (lots of those this year) Mastermind Business Retreat in Palm Springs hosted by the dynamic duo of Facebook’s Thrive Hive fame, Jules Taggart of amp + pivot and Sandy Sidhu of SidekickPM.
I came, I saw, I hashtagged ###
Looking through my 22 pages of notes, I admit to being overwhelmed with thoughts of “holy crap, where do I start” and “how will I put all this all into action”.
So I’m gonna do what I do best and just Ramble On…(that reference is for my new found Thrive Hive friend, and fellow ’67 sister, Tia McKenna Lloyd).
What the hell are we doing here anyway?
This past weekend, 15 female entrepreneurs (many who only met online but never locked eyes) came together to focus on their business and set goals to take their businesses to the next level. Many already knew what they wanted to work on as a group, what their next steps were. Some of us only knew that we needed a little push to figure out WHAT that next step would be.
Something about getting out of your normal routine that sparks imagination and revs your business engine.
Here are my major takeaways:
Lesson #1
Stress is a challenge, not a threat.
The level of optimism you embody directly relates to the level of success in your business.
In his keynote speech, author and executive coach, J. Shoop, guided us through the historical and social rewards of being optimistic and supporting others in our pursuit of success. Keep in mind, I am not referring to keeping a rainbows and unicorns optimism that is insincere and barf inducing. I’m talking about looking at the perpetual glass half full. I’ve always been a positive person. My takeaway? Ignore the Eeyores in life and continue to support others.
Sometimes you can’t see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others.― Ellen DeGeneres
Lesson #2
Read more books. This is daunting for me since I’m ALWAYS reading at least seven books at a time. I was brought up by a bookworm and still go mad cow crazy sniffing pages in a lovely old tucked away bookstore on a forgotten street. There are stories out there that are pure gold. They change you, they stay with you and they inspire you. Watch less TV (ok, after the new Fall season lineup is done) and read more.
You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read. ― Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
Lesson #3
Stop copying me. Stop copying me. No, YOU stop copying me.
Don’t mimic others, model them.
While listening to keynote speaker, Srinivas Rao, author of The Small Army Strategy, and creator/host of Blogcast FM, I learned that I should stop taking advice and start listening to peoples’ stories and observations. It is not gospel that should be followed, it is inspiration that should be ignited.
To create new ideas for my business, I should look at other industries outside my sphere. I should learn to crawl again and act childlike. For those who know me, I often pull out my 24 pack of mini Play dough canisters to spur on my creativity. The smell and texture takes me right back to my childhood.
Do what brings you joy. I LOVE to help people. I LOVE to learn about people, their lives, their businesses, what makes them hum. And help them find ways to leave their unique mark. That is my JOY.
Lesson #4
It’s ok to be scared and push yourself out of your comfort zone. One of my business coaches, Krystina Feucht, spoke about her journey in the last year and how it has turned everything she thought it would be upside down. But she realizes that it is only going to be bigger and better now. She helped me understand that you truly can do what you love and demand that from your life.
Lesson #5
Get your systems locked down and rinse and repeat. Alaia Williams of Small Biz Swiss Army Knife, spoke about the dire need to get your data, tasks, and steps into organized systems. She convinced me to start writing my operations manual. About time Larson! It’s only been 7 years since you started your business. But I’m not going to “should” on myself. I’m just going to start…now.
Lesson #6
You are relevant…even if you aren’t on FACEBOOK (Twitter, etc).
Yeah, shocker! I learned this from my new friend Kelly Alexander who I met at the retreat and had me in stitches the whole time. God I love a witty gal! She is NOT on Facebook so I panicked. How will I stay in touch with her and continue to nurture this new found respect for someone who I think is more relevant than many people I’ve met lately. She gave me her email and phone number and I’ve already sent her a handwritten note. Old school relationship building must be part of my life.
Lesson #7
Always be meeting new people. One of my favorite quotes is from Jack Nicholson from As Good As It Gets.
YOU make me want to be a better (wo)Man.
The ladies I met at this retreat have made me want to be a better person, woman, and entrepreneur. Here’s to the #gamechangers.
Cheers,
Pia
This was powerful and very informative. Thanks, Pia, for sharing your experience and bringing us such great ideas to consider!
~Cindy
Thanks Cindy- So happy it resonated with you. Maybe you’ll join me next year?? You would fit right in!
HELL YES! I love your takeaways, Pia. It was so great to finally meet you in person (and now you’ve made me want a 24 pack of play dough for my office too!
Thanks Jules! Don’t forget your crayons too! Looking forward to doing it again in Miami(rearranging my schedule to fit).
“Stop copying me. Stop copying me. No, YOU stop copying me.” Literally laughing out loud. I love these takeaways. So fantastic that I get to know you now! #noumbrellashere
Glad to tickle the funny bone Emily! Listened to your podcast this morning and wishing we were closer. See you in Miami!
Love, love, love your updates. Thank you for sharing.
You will love this TEDTalk
Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU&feature=em-subs_digest
See you Friday! Onward!!
Thanks CM! Watching it now…
Pia, It was awesome getting to know you and sharing the retreat with you. Your takeaways are spot on!
Can’t wait to do it all over! (Hashtags included #ofcourse)
Thanks Sandy! I’m super excited about seeing your new packages you develop soon. Will be looking for your help in many ways over the next few months. Here’s to World Domination!!
Thank you for distilling your Mastermind retreat into these 7 powerful lessons and sharing them. They really resonate with me and I appreciate your perspective and examples. Can’t wait to see where your business goes as you implement the learning from what was obviously a valuable strategic time for you.
Grateful that you shared your highlights!
Thanks Debbie! And thank you for encouraging me to cull through my notes EARLY before the magic disappeared. You’re the reason I wrote the summary.
Hi Pia,
You are fun and memorable. My fav is you are relevant.
Luz
Thanks Luz! Although I secretly wish each day I get up now that I’ll see a Facebook invite in my inbox from Kelly…ha!!
So amazing to meet you at the retreat and thank you for reaching out to me during dinner to let me know that we’re in this together. Truly touched my heart.
What great takeaways Pia! I loved meeting you IRL and getting to work and play together at the retreat. You are an amazing business woman and marketer, and I know few people as good at you at building those face-to-face relationships. I’m so glad I got the chance to learn from you as well at this event and can’t wait to see what great think you do next!
Thank you so much Krys! You were a big part of that success and I was so thrilled to finally meet you and connect with you. YOU make me want to be a better businesswoman…
Best Marketing Minute ever Pia! I love it. You speak with authenticity and passion and I’m inspired to get working on my Health Coaching business today.
Love the seven lessons.
Woot! Love that I inspired you Jacqueline…bought time I returned the favor right?
Pia – kudos to you for taking the time to synthesize the info. So often I come away from those events and the info rolls around in my head. It is good to get it out there.
Love the childhood memories triggers – I think I will buy crayons and keep them on my desk.
Thanks Peggy! I’m going to make this my protocol for each event from now on. Super helpful!
Ms. Pia…thanks for the Cliff’s Notes of World Domination in the Desert!
Please allow me to add two more: (1) Self-belief is the engine of opportunity and (2) Sometimes the best way to make a BIG difference is adding up a lot of small ones.
Can you do the “takeaway a day text campaign”, please?
Kelly!! Two great additional takeaways! Especially like the 2nd one. We don’t all have to look for that one BIG thing.
I’m not familiar with the “takeaway a day text campaign”. Do you have an example or is this a new idea? Originally I was going to do a daily video blog from the retreat but I got distracted(in a good way). Will do that at the next retreat (woot, Miami!!) and at WDS2014. Side note: I emailed you a couple days ago. Not sure you received. If not, please email me your email address so I have it.
Cheers
Just seeing this! Thanks for the mention. Great to meet you, Pia!