The Wealthy Business - by EnergizeGrowth

The Holidays: A Time of Remembrance

I'm happy that 2012 is almost over. The past year was emotionally challenging. We witnessed immense, senseless human loss. In addition, two of our beloved elderly cats, Picard and Fisan, succumbed to renal failure and cancer.

When I witness the passing of such innocent, loving beings, I feel powerless and deeply saddened. I can only imagine how families in Newtown, Connecticut and Aurora, Colorado are coping and healing. (keep reading on how you can help).

  
Fisan (1994-2012) and Picard (1992-2011)

One story has helped me find some peace. It makes me realize that the bonds between humans and animals are eternal and inexplicably linked, and we need each other to endure these challenging times.

Marketing Strategy Lessons from Obama's Top Copyrighter

I want to meet Jim Messina.
It should be easy, right? I live just 35 minutes from D.C. and he spends alot of his time at the White House. I am sure I could find him on Facebook or through my media connections and arrange something...

Why is he someone I need to know? Messina, President Obama's campaign manager, is one of the best copyrighters I've seen.

My curiosity about Jim began last Tuesday. My husband and I were headed to D.C., and I was surfing the Web on my iPad while he drove. I saw a banner ad inviting me to Dinner with Obama. I was intrigued.

I clicked on the ad, and willingly entered my name in the contest. I already could envision myself winning that dinner, and the myriad questions I would ask Mr. President.

The True Meaning of Wealth

My company exists to make companies wealthier. No, I don't mean richer. I mean healthier, happier places to work. Places that they love to show off to their customers and families.

I succeed when organizations see a bigger purpose other than closing more sales, exceeding shareholder expectations, or raising customer satisfaction scores.

Prior to relocating from Bend, Oregon to the Washington DC area, I hosted a private friendraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon. This region of the country has been hard hit by nearly 14% unemployment and a huge real estate industry decline. The area Clubs help hundreds of schoolchildren and teens get three meals a day, recreation, social skills, and tutoring.

Last December, they were in dire need of laptop computers. BGCCO Board Chair Kate Bailey, an true community energizer,told me that the children were unable to complete their homework or learn basic PC skills. In its present state, the Club can barely heat the building during the fall and winter. 

Thanks to my fellow business owners and caring friends, we raised nearly $2,000. I feel very wealthy when I see the faces of these children.

 
Many thanks to my West Coast Community for making this happen...

 

Left to right: Jim "The Mayor" Murray, Lisa, Kathryn Henderson, Joanne Shackleford

 

 
Left to right: Danielle and Scott Donnell, Kathryn Henderson, BGCCO Chairwoman Kate Bailey

 
Left to right:Bob Phillips, Mike Davis, Kathryn Henderson, The Donnell's

 

 

Enchantment Launches Today: Exclusive Interview with Guy Kawasaki - download now

Did you miss my live call today with Guy Kawasaki? 

You missed a rare opportunity to ask Guy any question about your growth plans,social media efforts, and marketing goals.

Five lucky readers will win a replay of this 55 minute, action-packed teleseminar (a $59 value). Just send me an email now, and I will send you the MP3 download: contact_us@energizegrowth.com.

I also gave away ten copies of his latest book -- which launched today. Order your copy now. (Just type in Enchantment in the amazon search box).

This is just another great benefit for being part of our community!

 copyright 2011, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Living in Sublime Suspense

Magnus and I have spent the last few weeks preparing for our six month stay in Northern Virginia. Once we arrive, we will enjoy the urban lifestyle, expand our business prospects, and determine whether this will become our future home base.

The minutiae of an extended move can be daunting. Suspending newspaper deliveries. Club memberships.Hot tub maintenance. Yard care. The list goes on.

Nobody prepared me for the most challenging suspension: my local friendships.

I attended or hosted seven holiday parties and fundraisers in twelve days. Quite the record for me! I didn’t want to miss a moment with my friends. In addition, Diana and Kathryn dropped by and helped me pack up the kitchenware and office goods. Angela flew from her Seattle home just to help me safely transport our three cats to the East Coast. Cora and Steve dropped by with their precocious German shorthair pointer, Tache. They said their goodbyes to Magnus on the eve of his 3,000 mile road trip. Tom hosted the monthly wine tasting and a casual sendoff at our private club, the Loft.

Just when I thought I had safely glided through the final social event, the unofficial “mayor” of the Loft—Jim Murray—asked each person to share their goodbyes with me. As we poured our final glass of Pinot Noir, the tears came.

Jim Murray, the "mayor" of the Loft. Age 85 going on...?

To top it off (no pun intended), I have friends back East who call me regularly to tell me how much fun they have planned when we arrive in Alexandria. Our first formal party invitation happens the day after we land.

This special season affords me the gift of reflection and gratitude. I am surrounded by the gift of community. What will our lives look like in six months? We just don’t know. We are certain of one thing: it will be exciting and adventurous. And the forty-eight years it took to create these memories and support crews was worth it.

Life promises us change, discomfort, and ambiguity. While political turmoil, economic volatility, and extreme weather conditions swirl around me, one thing stays constant: our community. I am just savoring sublime suspense.

May your holidays bring you together with those you love. Savor them!

Copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.

C.K. Prahalad, Innovation, and the Meaning of Life

C.K. Prahalad is one of those few global business luminaries who demonstrated a sincere willingness to support my new business initiatives. He lived and breathed innovation. Last month, he generously agreed to an interview for this blog.  Sadly, this interview will never happen due to his sudden passing.  Yet his influence will affect millions in the long-term.

C.K. Prahalad and Marshall Goldsmith, March 2010 (photo courtesy of Anil Kripalani)

C.K. has impacted my professional work in three areas. I trust these may apply to other business developers and executives as well: