We have all heard the expression: Readers are leaders. Some folks might say it the other way around, Leaders are readers. Regardless of the order of the words the wisdom of its meaning remains apparent. People who read, grow personally and intellectually, and eventually develop the characteristics of a leader. Of course, this is only the case when WHAT is being read is of high quality and leadership material.

       I recently attended a meeting with other entrepreneurs who were interested in growing their businesses. Everyone shared great insight to their business success. Many of these entrepreneurs had been business owners for decades. Some were “newbies” and others were mid -stream start ups. The common thread I noted as I sat and listened to the discussions, was that everyone present believed in learning..always..everyday. The means by which they learned varied. I heard some talk about books they were reading, others talked about seminars and conferences they attended. Regardless of their age, they all strived to gather more “nuggets” of information, “gems” of wisdom, and “golden” strategies and tips of significance and most importantly, IT SHOWED in their character.

       I have not stopped thinking about what I saw in those entrepreneurs since that meeting. I loved seeing it, being a part of it, and I loved those people for having the spirit to share with everyone. What beautiful people; what admirable learners!

       What are you learning today, this year, and during this time you are alive; called life?  Are you reading, taking classes, studying, attending seminars? are you striving to stretch yourself and your brain? As you stretch your brain..YOU yourself grow.  WOW! now that’s a thought isn’t it?

       Go learn something new today! You have everything to gain…including a “few inches of personal growth”….Be a learner and lead strong!

Blessings of great life discoveries,

Jennifer

       I attended a networking event today in a large city two hours from my home. There were twenty business professionals in attendance, all sharing openly for the good of all. As I listened to each business owner talk about their strategies to grow and expand their businesses this year, I was overcome with a sense of pride in these people for they spoke with passion and belief in what they do for a living. The talk lightly touched on the challenges that are present in today’s world economy, but loud and clear the resounding voices spoke of determination, reinvention, embracing change for the good, and supporting each other as only fellow entrepreneurs can do. 

       And then, there was a very young woman who spoke up. I guessed her age to be around twenty four years old. She talked vividly about her new business. She spoke with passion and love for what she would provide her clients with. Her voice did not quaver,  even though I knew she was nervous as all eyes were on her as she spoke.  Her words bounced with zest and her spirit soared with enthusiasm. As she finished her presentation, I could not help but remember back to my first business venture; the joy and passion I felt were enough to launch a rocket ship and now here was a young woman embarking on her first entrepreneurial adventure. Yes, the enthusiasm was there; that much needed element to sustain one through the beginning phases of a business start up.

       Enthusiasm is not a “fad” it is a “must” for any business owner to succeed. It does not go out of style and it must not be lost in arrogance The rate of return for the enthusiasm shared with others is astounding.

Be hip…be happy…be enthused…and then by all means, be SUCCESSFUL!! Happy networking to you.

Blessings of joy and enthusiasm in your business and life,

Jennifer