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The backdrop of today’s Power Hour was “wisdom.”  We talked about the benefits of wisdom and read Proverbs 2, which plainly spells out some of these benefits.  Then we discussed what wisdom means – applying the knowledge that we have to our lives.  Not just learning or reading, but putting into practice those things we’ve read.  We also discussed that wisdom can be gained from applying both biblical (though this is foremost) and secular knowledge.  When it comes to our businesses, we need to have both.  We shared examples of biblical principles we’ve applied and also some common business principles that we have applied to our lives (or need to).  Today we focused on social media being one such “principle” in that, business owners know or at least have a slight awareness of the importance of social media.  But what are we doing with what we know? Are we striving to learn more? Are we using it? Are we getting help if we “don’t have time?”   There may be a future workshop devoted strictly to hands-on learning of popular social media tools, but more importantly, each Power Hour will set out to empower us to be wise leaders – applying our knowledge to our every day lives and business operations.

To today’s guests – thanks for joining me!  Looking forward to April’s discussion.

Since this is the first entry about Power Hour, I should provide a brief overview.  The Entrepreneur’s Power Hour was created to provide a relaxed, no-pressure environment for business owners to get together and discuss real-life issues they face in starting or growing their ventures.  And being an hour of “power”, providing content, materials, resources, and solid advice that attendees could actually put to use was of utmost importance.  That said, there’s no better source of content, advice & wisdom than the Bible itself, which will form the basis of the principles taught during Power Hour.  The monthly meeting is a free, “bring your own lunch” event, and is open to anyone (space is limited though – small groups tend to allow deeper discussions). Registration will always be available through the events page of my website.

Now, about the February Power Hour.  It was an AWESOME way to kick things off!  I was joined by Coming From the Heart Ministries, Lady Soultress of The Soultress Show, Floodgate Financial, No Limits No Boundaries, and Project V.I.S.I.O.N.  The topic for the day was “It’s Not About Us.”  In short, we were created by and for God – for his purpose and his glory (Col. 1:16b).  [Recommended reading on this topic is The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren.] As believers, this truth should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our businesses.  So, as Christian business owners acknowledging that it’s not about us, we were admonished to do 3 things:

1. Shut up! Quit whining and complaining about what we don’t have, don’t know, have to deal with or any other challenges that come up.  If God called you to start this business, it was because He knew you could handle it and he would provide the means.
2. Man up! Nothing good comes easy.  Buckle down and do the work required to make your business succeed.  This may mean late nights, early mornings, less TV time, researching, losing sleep.  Welcome to the club!
3. Put up! Just as nothing comes easy, nothing comes free.  Don’t expect to start a business with zero dollars.  You will have to invest in yourself and your venture, even if it’s a little at a time. Be prepared to make sacrifices in areas where your spending may not be necessary, and devote those finances to your business instead.  Plan and save, and you will be able to accomplish your goals.

Thank you to all the participants who shared their experiences in each of those 3 areas, and for the advice that was given to help us run businesses that are not about us.  I am eagerly awaiting the next Power Hour, scheduled for Friday, March 18th.

For everyone who came out to my open house on Friday – THANK YOU! I had such a great time seeing everyone, opening my doors to you, and hopefully presenting new opportunities for you as well. The networking was great, the food was awesome (Thanks Mike!) and the music set the atmosphere (Thanks TP!). Check out this radio interview of myself with Priscilla Woodson of The Soultress Show. Please be sure to check this blog or my Facebook page for updated photos as well as future events. There has to be a repeat before summer’s over