Staying inspired when you’re in business
By Monyka Berrocosa, Founder of MyCity4Her.com
Yesterday I attended the grand opening of the Women’s Heritage Center in Maryland. What an amazing experience! I’ve known Jill Moss Greenberg, the founder for about 4 years and it was phenomenal to be privy to the realization of her vision. This woman has worked tirelessly, along with some very good people – not to mention her “partner in crime” Linda Chevitz to create a place where visitors, residents and anyone really can go to hear about the amazing things the women of this tiny but mighty state have done to pave the path ahead for future generations.
The first comprehensive state-based center and museum of its kind in the nation, the mission of the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center is to preserve the past, understand the present, and shape the future by recognizing, respecting, and transmitting the experiences and contributions of Maryland women and girls of diverse backgrounds and regions. Jill knows a thing or two about inspiration – believe me, she understands firsthand the critical role staying inspired plays in you having an actual shot at realizing a given vision. Her inspiration for such a powerful statement about previous generations of phenomenal women will mark the future of Maryland, and we should be grateful for that.
At the event – the Honorable Katie O’Malley (among many other Power House Maryland women includingJoanne Salzberg, the Executive Director of WEB, Sharon Pinder the founder of the Top MBE Awards program, and many others) was in attendance. The first lady of Maryland blew into the packed house like a breath of fresh air – offering congratulations from the “Mayor” er…Governor. Literally. Why do I bother to mention this? Because I think it’s important to remember that even the important people goof up some times, and it’s good to remember we’re all human. Katie does that and I think that’s part of her appeal and a great asset to the success of her professional career not to mention her husband’s administration.
For something like the Center to exist there had to be a heck of a lot of inspiration and creativeness – after all, any non-profit initiative will struggle to see the light of day if its leader doesn’t have vision and the ability to move mountains. That’s why staying inspired is SO important when it comes to running your business; without vision it’s hard stay inspired not to mention, plan and execute with any consistent success.
However today’s business woman seems too often get caught up in the minutiae and running of the business to the point she forgets the vision and inspiration that made her an entrepreneur in the first place. I know I’m a reforming “Blocked Visionary” as I like to call it. Was it not for the fantastic strategic mindset program I’ve begun participating in with our partner The Growth Coach/ Susan Katz – I think I’d still be stuck, despite the best of intentions.
The programs unique structure builds in a full day of thinking, planning and working ON your business on a quarterly. It’s a methodical approach to carving out time to think bigger picture and I have to say – as one frazzled, over-extended entrepreneur, it’s been a God send. I have always had vision – I think if I didn’t – I wouldn’t be where I am. Creativity has been my middle name since I first discovered a box of crayons but even so, I was stuck, I was losing my inspiration. My business was suffering and definitely not benefiting from my inspirational qualities as much as it could and should have before I got involved in this innovative and effective program.
If you’re feeling lacking in inspiration I invite you to ask yourself, when’s the last time you gave yourself sufficient time to breathe to re-familiarize yourself with your vision and reason why you went into business? I guarantee you as a reformed Blocked Visionary I’m the first to tell you continued inspiration lies in your ability to create time to make sure you have the space and environment necessary to quiet the noise to be able to find it again.
Here’s an article from Fast Company on some of the most creative people in business –this morning we thought it might further assist you in helping your inspiration flow again.
“From sustainable software design to the future of the Internet to a biodegradable shoe campaign, the women from last year’s 100 Most Creative People in Businesshave spent 2010 innovating. Of the women who graced the 2009 list, some have changed markets, others have celebrated anniversaries with their current companies, and all of them have kept our attention. This year’s 100 Most Creative People in Business launches later this month, but before we show you whose next, here are the top ladies from 2009.”
To read the rest of the article click here.