No, not the kind that comes in a glass or bottle, but the kind that comes from celebrating others’ success.
Last month I attended the 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference in Columbus, OH. Oftentimes as an entrepreneur, the uphill climb can be long and hard. Throughout the years, I’ve participated in numerous breakout sessions and conference workshops, but what I have learned throughout this process is that I get rejuvenated from the success stories of others.
I was waiting to take a photo with Clark Kellogg, basketball commentator and former classmate. Clark had just finished interviewing Magic Johnson, the quintessential entrepreneur. Johnson was the catalyst that got the conference in a winning frame of mind. While waiting, I asked an eager fan to take the photo. At the time, I didn’t know that the chance meeting would turn into the most profound two hours of my entrepreneurial experience.
While leaving, Dee Tolber (who took the photo), president and founder of A Blessed Cookie Company, and I struck up a conversation about our businesses. An hour later I was filled with encouragement and a renewed energy as she told me about the many obstacles that were “divinely” moved out of her way. After listening to her, I knew that as long as I remained true and faithful to the vision, nothing will deter me.
In this tough economic climate, it’s easy to feel defeated. When others tell of their woes, having an empathetic heart can weigh you down. It’s times like these when you need to find encouragement and inspiration from others that have good news to share.
I was also inspired by Dr. Dennis Kimbro, author of the new book The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires. I was first introduced to Dr. Kimbro while reading Think and Grow Rich, A Black Choice and my favorite What Makes the Great Great. It was Great that inspires me to move forward with my next project, Just Do Your Dream.
Conferences and seminars are a great way to gather new information. However, I’ve always found that the people who are in the trenches along with us, have possibly even more to share than those on the dais.