I hope you had an amazing Holiday weekend! I did and was able to sit in gratitude several times. I am so thankful that owning a business is a possibility in this great country and has been my livelihood for 17 years. I am also so thankful for the amazing family I have which supports me and my crazy and beautiful dreams. Cheers to being thankful!
Today, I want to mention how much education has played a role in my progression through business. After High School, I started at Arizona State only to leave and follow my dancing dreams two years later, landing me in California. Funny enough, I started my first business there (not related to dance) which is the business that I learned the bulk of my knowledge.
I learned a massive amount from trial and error but, I also heavily sought out experts, organizations, books, CDs, people who could and would help me understand what I didn’t understand. People that had “been there and done that”. Through the years, I discovered that trial and error is not the way to go. Why not utilize the amazing amounts of knowledge and information available to us now-a-days?! So, I did, and I do. That’s not to say, I don’t test things to see if they work in my business and adjust along the way. Of course, I do but, I do so with much more of an educated and researched approach. In no particular order, here is a list of resources I have used (and currently use) over the years that have been invaluable to my success as a businesswoman and human.
Chamber of Commerce: Attended meetings and networked with professionals (most the time they had nothing to do with my industry but, that’s the point)
Business Degree from ASU: My degree put my real-life experiences into “book work” perspective and provided me with a VERY necessary knowledge of accounting and economics. I used to think it didn’t teach me much but, after owning my bookkeeping business for the last 5 years and seeing firsthand how many people don’t understand accounting whatsoever, I am grateful for my traditional education. Go Devils!
Metropolitan Association of Business Executives: A Networking group that was much more than a networking group which met every Friday morning at 7:00 am for breakfast and to discuss business and assist with lead generation. This group has been BY FAR the biggest connection to fellow business owners whom I speak to and look to for advice or services to this day. I am grateful for this group time and time again and haven’t been a member for 6 years.
Tony Robbins: This man has changed my life in so many ways. He is a Master of Human Behavior and has opened my eyes to so many things both business-wise and personally. Finding someone who inspires, motivates and shows you a different perspective or a new tool is huge. Even though I don’t speak to him personally, he’s like a mentor to me. I attend his events, read his books and listed to his digital courses. Not to mention the incredible people I have met because of him. Cheers to you Tony! I adore you
Mastermind Group: I am part of an incredible mastermind group that meets weekly in a digital setting. It includes people from all around the world and has been a massive part of my recent growth. It too, has introduced me to some amazing people who are now a huge part of my life
The Gym/Yoga/Dance/Trainer: Working out/movement helps me function as my best self and keeps my mind sharp
Quality Time with family & friends: Love and social gatherings are a prominent part of my life. Without them, it wouldn’t be worth it. I am very good at making these things a priority on a regular basis.
Business Coach: I have had a couple different business coaches over the years. They keep you accountable. They push you. I love having a coach
Books/Podcasts: I love to read and listen to experts. If you research anyone who is highly successful in business or even in life, I bet they read a ton.
Seminars: Removing myself from everyday life and immersing into a day or weeklong seminar has been a transformative aspect of my life. My try to get in at least 4 events a year. EVERY time, I come back on fire and its nice to be on fire. I like variety. I love immersion. I LOVE learning. Seminars provide this. They aren’t always business related. I also do spiritual retreats which are equally important and transformative.
Meditation: Learning to quiet the chatter has brought about immense clarity. If you don’t do so, give it a whirl.
Journaling: Writing my thoughts, goals and ideas has give my focus and vision. Putting things on paper, actually scribing, works wonders.
If you’ve stayed with me this long, thank you! I hope you have an amazing week and perhaps add a couple notches to your education repertoire
LOVE LIFE!
Erin
