What I Learned About Serving on My Adventure in Mexico
Photo credit: Moriah Diamond
When you think of an upscale breezy, beach-side Mexican resort, you picture the ultimate relaxing vacation. You don’t automatically think “professional development and serving others”.
But that was the focus of my latest trip to Yucatan, Mexico for The Women of Global Change Summit 2016.
From July 9th to July 16th, master leaders of WGC came together to learn, network, grow and give back. We shared positive progress and inspired change for ourselves, our communities, and the world.
An Investment in Yourself is An Investment in Your Business
Before I give you a taste of my Mexican adventure, I want to share with you the importance of investing in your personal, professional and spiritual growth and development.
I’ve spoken at great length about how critical it is to 1. invest in your continued professional education and 2. seek out opportunities to give back to your community or other initiatives that are meaningful to you.
Often times, this necessitates taking time off from your business, no simple feat for the busy entrepreneur – myself included! We all have a myriad of important personal and professional responsibilities that keep us busy.
But it is vital that you make time to invest in yourself and seize opportunities to grow. These experiences will not only enrich your life, but ultimately open doors and make you a better entrepreneur.
Volunteer opportunities, social networking events and business conferences are all incredible opportunities to invest in your growth. Here are 3 reasons why these are worthwhile investments of your time, energy and resources:
1. You Become A Lifelong Learner
Learning isn’t something you do before you achieve success. In fact, the most successful business entrepreneurs thrive because they are lifelong learners. They constantly seek out opportunities to develop new skills and benefit from the mentorship of those they admire and respect.
When you give your time to an important cause, you learn new skills by working with a diverse team of volunteers and taking on responsibilities you may not have tackled in your own business. When you invest in attending a networking or educational event, you’re able to engage in dialogue and share ideas with professionals in your field. In doing so, you gain powerful insights that can be taken home and applied to your own business. Of course, be sure to take notes whenever you hear leading keynote speakers share their personal experiences! I personally took notes that covered an entire legal pad which I look forward to reviewing and putting to use.
2. You Expand Your Sphere of Influence
Meeting new people is critical to business growth. Networking is all about making connections and building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Through networking, you can not only meet potential prospects, but also build connections with people who can become lifelong friends and referral partners. It’s also important to consider how you can serve the new people you meet and broaden their sphere of influence by making meaningful introductions or referrals.
Whenever you attend an event or become involved in a volunteer position, you inevitably meet new people you likely would not have come across otherwise. Grasp every opportunity to broaden your network and make the most of it. The more people who know who you are, what value you offer and what sets you apart, the better.
3. You Evolve from New Experiences
What you are able to learn from behind a desk or within four office walls is limited. Some of the most valuable – and profitable – business lessons are learned when you step out of your daily routine and embrace new learning experiences.
Ask yourself: Are you pushing the boundaries? Are you learning new skills? Are you meeting people that inspire you to approach things differently and reach higher?
If you feel your personal or professional growth has stagnated and you are unsatisfied with the status quo, challenge yourself to identify and embrace new learning and volunteer opportunities.
My Own Opportunity for Personal Investment: The Women of Global Change 2016
A few months ago, I was honored and humbled to be chosen as President to lead the new WGC Atlanta Chapter. As a female business owner who is passionate about empowering women to achieve their personal and professional goals, I was thrilled to play an active role in the inspiring work of WGC and help build a collaborative community here on the East Coast as well as globally. Our first launch is taking place on August 17th at the 1818 Club from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and I encourage you to attend if you’re interested in learning more about how you can serve this incredible international organization of world changers.
When I was invited to the Summit, I knew it would be challenging to take a full week off of work. But as a business entrepreneur, I have the freedom to create my own schedule. That’s why I’m such a strong advocate of building a Legacy Business! The Summit was an opportunity I could not pass up.
A Snapshot of My Journey in Mexico
Down to Business!
After arriving at the Now Sapphire Riviera Resort, we took in the gorgeous views and set off to a VIP Meet and Greet where business entrepreneurs from around the globe started forming new, life-changing friendships. After the networking session, we had dinner and continued building new relationships.
On Day 2, we networked with our fellow global social impact partners and expert entrepreneurs to expand our businesses in such areas as finance, networking and social media. Over 8 master speakers educated us about a range of topics including marketing to millennials (Cheyenne Hunt), a self empowerment process called soul blazing (Lisa Haisha), fitness and healthy living (Allison Tibbs), transformation (Kathy Scheiern), authoring your own book (Suzy Prudden) and more. All of the speakers were amazing!
Photo credit: Dame DC Cordova
Dame DC Cordova, CEO of Excellerated Business School and MoneyandYou.com, gave an insightful presentation on global entrepreneurship for greater profitability that resonated with me and aligned with many of the business principles I teach my clients. Through MoneyandYou.com, she highlights the importance of removing the fears and subconscious beliefs that block your path to success, profitability and satisfaction in a rapidly changing world.
As an aside, international speaker and author Cheyenne Hunt ran a week-long Young Entrepreneur program for all the children in attendance. Participants learned foundational business knowledge and skills. They even created their own business which they presented at the end of the week! The adult business entrepreneurs in attendance at the Summit were able to offer services like website development and coaching to help these children launch their own business. It was incredible to watch the leaders of tomorrow grow and be inspired!
On Day 4, we kicked the day off with expert sessions, engaging in global business strategies with some of the best leaders in the world. Some of the impressive speakers were Moe Rock, a video/music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who educated us on emerging trends in social media and smart devices and Burke Franklin, creator of BizPlanBuilder software, who discussed efficient business systems.
A highlight for me was listening to David T. Fagen, columnist, host of The Hollywood Entrepreneur, and former CEO of Guerrilla Marketing, give a powerful marketing presentation on marketing and his company, Icon Builder Media. Following an enjoyable group mastermind lunch, we returned for our final session of the day.
On Day 6, after our humanitarian project (more on this shortly!), we enjoyed a group dinner and evening with the experts, including a Q & A session and access to one-on-one mentoring with Women of Global Change founder Shellie Hunt. I’d like to take the opportunity again to thank and applaud Shellie and her entire rock star team whose hard work resulted in an incredible, educational and inspiring event from beginning to end.
Photo credit: Moriah Diamond
We ended the trip with the WGC Graduation Ceremony and Gala, which included a final session, closing ceremony and Gala Cocktail Party. It was also amazing to see the young business entrepreneurs graduate in front of their proud parents!
Dressed in our finest semi formal or formal attire, we enjoyed dinner by the pool overlooking the ocean. It was the perfect ending to an exhilarating, educational and enjoyable week. The master global leaders I had the opportunity to connect with and learn from were all world class.
Serving others, learning and networking were the central focus and common thread throughout the entire Summit. I felt blessed to meet inspiring professionals from across the country, share business ideas and find new inspiration to create change and serve communities worldwide.
A Little R&R
The Women of Global Change leaders understand the importance of work life balance. In order to be an effective producer and best serve others, you need to recharge your batteries!
On Day 3, we ventured into Mexico’s rich and mysterious history, visiting some amazing ancient ruins. It was fascinating to tour the impressive towering pyramids of Yucatan and immerse ourselves in the Mayan Culture! On Day 5, we spent a beautiful day outdoors driving amphibious vehicles in an amazing Outdoor & Underground Water Cave excursion. We also enjoyed the attractions inside the eco-archaeological Xcaret.
It was a great day building relationships with Arvee Robinson, Jill Fagen and so many more inspiring women. A highlight was watching my new friend Inthirani Arul – who doesn’t have a license and has never driven a car – enjoy the thrill of driving myself, Arvee and Jill around an outdoor track!
Serving on a Global Scale
Photo credit: Jake Watson
Day 6 was one of my most memorable, meaningful days of the trip. We spent the day in service as we journeyed into the heart of a community in need to participate in the WGC International Humanitarian Project. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to serve and give back to the local Francisco I. Madero kindergarten located in a remote area in need in Mexico.
Photo credit: Jake Watson
The school is situated in an area that was affected by a hurricane. In addition to gardening and painting the entire school, we delivered clothing, toys and educational items to an amazing group of children and their humbled principal. The kids were so excited to have us there and their smiles were priceless. I felt privileged to join together with like-minded world leaders and be active participants for change.
Invest in Yourself Starting TODAY
Have you ever passed up an opportunity to volunteer or attend an interesting networking or educational event because you felt you just didn’t have the time?
Finding time can certainly be challenging, but making time to invest in your growth is by far the best investment in yourself and your business you will ever make.
At Celeste Giordano Coaching I teach clients the tools and proven strategies they need to “Double Plus” their income and build a Legacy Business that enables you to have the time and resources to live your best life.
I challenge you to find an opportunity this month, large or small, to invest in yourself. You won’t regret it.
Are you in or near Duluth, Georgia? If so, join me and my esteemed colleague, Certified Public Accountant Sara Poe on July 22nd as we teach the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “Double Plus” your income and become an effective, inspirational leader in your field THIS year. Whether you’re starting a new venture or want to take your business to the next level, learn to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real, lasting success using a proven step-by-step system.
Spots are filling up fast! Don’t settle for the status quo when you can leave a legacy! Reserve your spot today.
Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “double-plus” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with almost 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.
To learn more about Celeste, click here.
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