Lessons from Around the World

Kathmandu, Nepal

This was a new stop on the tour for me and I was excited. I got to take a small Twin Otter plane and visit Mount Everest – Wow! It was a clear, sunny, perfect day for the flight and while life below was crazy chaotic and crowded, up in the air – it was BLISS! We were on Buddha Air – and had the best mountain flight in the world. The stewardess went out of her way to explain each mountain peak, help us take photos and ensure the flight was memorable.

LESSON – Life IS hectic and chaotic. Are you making time to acknowledge and enjoy the fundamental wonders of the world right in your own back yard? Stop – take time – and smell the roses. Life is short.

Agra, India

The highlight of this trip was the visit to the Taj Mahal – a magical place that is a true manifest ation of real love.
LESSON – Are you doing the work that you truly love? How are you showing it? How would people know?

Dubai, Uae

Fast paced, modern, clean, rich, and new! Those are the words that describe this city in a nutshell. It had the WOW factor – from the white sandy beaches in the morning, to the magnificence of the ski resort in the mall in the afte
oon – to the BBQ/dancing/camel rides in the desert at night!
LESSON – What is the ‘wow’ factor in your business? What makes you unique?

Nairobi, Africa

Now we come to a place of peace, serenity and wonder. We spent time at the Masai Reserve in Kenya – in the midst of God’s wonder, in m y opinion. These people have NOTHING – and yet they are amazing entrepreneurs. They make good money selling their products – with a passion and purpose that cannot be denied. The monies all go to the Foundation in the Village that supports education for the children. Education means freedom!

LESSON – Where are you whining and complaining that you don’t have………the right computer, the new clothes, the perfect website……fill in the blanks ……all of which YOU believe are holding you back from succeeding in business? You must go to YouTube and watch my video clip, filmed at the Masai Village with those amazing entrepreneurs! Go now!

Sao Tome, Africa

This is a tiny, little community – not very well known – hardly any essence of a ‘down town’ & ndash; and yet, they proudly promote their world-class coffee and gourmet chocolates! I had no clue about this little community and probably would never visit had it not been for this world tour – so glad that I had the experience.

LESSON – What is the ONE thing you have or can do to make a difference in the world? What is your gift? Get clear – get focused – and get going!

Dakar, Senegal

One of the highlights of this stop on the tour was the visit to Gore Island – referenced in the ‘Book of Negroes”, which I read a few months ago. This Island was the starting point – and to visit the House of Slaves, where I saw the ‘door of no return’ was overwhelming, to say the least. We were all touched by this experience.

LESSON – Celebrate your life – be happy with what you have as you strive for what you want. We have freedom – we can make choices – we can make decisions. Make a decision today that will help you grow your business so you can succeed and live your best life. Take a ‘no excuses’ approach – because you have the right to choose!

Marrakech, Morocco

I love this city! The Medina (market) was a mind-blowing experience when it came to entrepreneurship, marketing and selling. The competition is stiff – these ‘business people’ were masters at ‘bundling’ – they watched as you browsed, they listened as we chatted among ourselves – they paid attention when one of their products caught our eye – and they were not going to let us leave empty-handed! They were passionate, creative, flexible and successful!

LESSON – Where, and how often, have you backed down because someone said NO to you? Where is your passion? How are you honing your skills to succeed? Where are you holding yourself back?

Rekjavik, Iceland

This was my 3rd trip here – and, over the past few years, have maintained a relationship with the local tour guide that we had on my last trip 4 years ago. What impressed me about her sense of entrepreneurship is the fact that we stayed connected, we communicated, she reached out and we set a time to meet in person on this trip – and so we did! We had a lovely visit (thanks, Gugga!) and she also introduced me to her son who happened to be the Chef in our hotel (you know I LOVE meeting Chefs!).

LESSON – Doing business is all about relationships. Are you making the effort to stay connected – to stay interested – and to contribute to that relationship?

CONCLUSION

This is a fairly long article – and it is an important article – because, as human beings, we always play the comparison game. We always believe that the grass is always greener. From my trip around the world, I have learned that we are all more alike than different.

As entrepreneurs, the lessons I learned in the 12 different countries, apply everywhere. They are universal.

The success tips are simple – what appears to be our challenge is the simple act of making a decision!