• Home
  • Schedule with Rita
  • Reviews
  • 1:1 Coaching Services
  • Group Coaching: We Win!
  • Pricing & Process
  • Coaching Outcomes
  • FREE Coaching Assessment
  • Insights & Ideas Blog
  • Let's Connect
  • Level ^ Up Collaboration
  CEO BUSINESS COACH

Ideas to Inspire Your EXTRAORDINARY​

Follow me and  be notified of new blogs and articles:

Get An Infusion of Inspiration

2/18/2020

 
Picture
Yesterday is one of my favorite days of the month. I belong to the Women In Networking IV group in Louisville, which meets on the third Tuesday each month. I love this diverse group of women owners and leaders. The caring among this group runs deep, and the support given extends beyond business.

​Joining this group started me on an unplanned journey. I am a solo practitioner. And I realized a few years ago that I genuinely missed having work colleagues. I tried business networking fourteen years ago when I left my corporate life, and I didn't get it. It felt like the business equivalent of speed dating - everyone trying to make their elevator pitch to as many people as possible before time was up. All of the focus was on telling, not listening. I didn't feel community or connection was present. I quickly disavowed committing my time to this activity.

This WIN IV group is everything I was looking for back then and more. The bonus is the way this positive experience has enabled me to recognize and connect with several other groups of smart, generous, thought-provoking, and inspiring business people. I am so grateful that this one counterpoint to my networking experience has allowed me to attract similar groups into my inner circle of support and generative thinking. 

This step that morphed into a conscious choice to seek and grow my business community has been affirmed in several books recently containing this advice. 
Surround yourself with people you want to be like, who model what you want to become. Having people who inspire you helps you get to the next level. 
As a business owner, I have many competing demands. I've come to realize in the last year that committing time to engage in creating a community of business colleagues fuels my health and well-being. If you are struggling to find the energy you once had for your business, if you are feeling uninspired, if your relationships require more of you than you get in return, then I encourage you to find a business community that nourishes your mind and spirit. Start small. Just commit one hour each month or join an online community on Facebook or LinkedIn. 

In Stephen Covey's 
7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he emphasized the importance of renewing ourselves (Habit 7, Sharpen The Saw). This wisdom is as poignant today as it was in 1989. So don't just take my word for it. Know that this idea passed through the decades, evolves but doesn't diminish. And remember that that speed dating style business groups are still around, so don't be afraid to ask questions before you invest your time and be prepared to try a few groups before you find the right one for you. 

2020 is your year to Claim Your Extraordinary! I hope you'll give this one idea to aid your journey a try. Please comment and share your wisdom about how you are building your business community to support your growth.

Picture
My WIN IV team! Photo collage courtesy of Willo w Tree Imaging (www.willowtreeimaging.com)
Maureen
2/19/2020 12:30:28 pm

I love how you see others! When describing other women you see only good and you use the most eloquent words to to paint their picture.

Rita Ernst
2/19/2020 01:44:33 pm

Thank you Maureen! I love forming mutual appreciation relationships!


Comments are closed.
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017

    Categories

    All

Picture

Hours

By appointment

Telephone

502-235-6791

Location

Mellwood Arts Center
1860 Mellwood Ave Suite 117
​Louisville, KY 40206

Copyright©​ 2018 by Rita Ernst. All rights reserved.

  • Home
  • Schedule with Rita
  • Reviews
  • 1:1 Coaching Services
  • Group Coaching: We Win!
  • Pricing & Process
  • Coaching Outcomes
  • FREE Coaching Assessment
  • Insights & Ideas Blog
  • Let's Connect
  • Level ^ Up Collaboration