I can’t believe a week has gone by!

I spent last weekend in Nashville, at an indie and handcrafted business owners conference. This was a gathering of makers.

Soapers, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs of all kinds came together at the 2 x 4 Live event.

The presenters, all dynamos in their own rights, spoke of all the the important pieces that make up an entrepreneurial adventure. The power of learning how to work through the trudges. The ups, downs, and lessons of a life-long serial entrepreneur. The importance of knowing your target audience. How to leverage our virtual world for business growth.

Just when I thought I’ve heard it all in one way, shape, or form, the messages came through in new and inspiring ways.

It’s so good to get out of your own head and listen to other people and their magnificent wisdom. Even if it seems you’ve “heard it before,” a new and refreshing perspective can change everything.

So, that was day one! As if that wasn’t good enough…

Day 2.

It started as many live event day twos start. We gathered back together in our conference room. Before the official start to the day, we all chit-chatted about the previous day and the aha’s we came up with overnight. We referred briefly to our homework.

This time we broke up into 3 groups and the presenters each took a group.

As in traditional mastermind style, our fearless leaders started us off with a reminder of the homework (we were supposed to do the night before.) Everyone had “notes” about what crossed their minds…and then.

This is where the power of the mastermind comes in!

As we went around the table, we each had a turn talking about our assignments and getting feedback, not only from our leaders, but from the rest of the group.

Damn…these are some pretty smart and savvy entrepreneurs, let me tell you!

What did people come up with?

• New book ideas
• 5-10 year plans – and exit strategies for some
• How to recognize adrenal fatigue  😉
• Clarity, and even repositioning, of brands
• New podcasts series
• Leveraging Periscope as a marketing tool
• The importance of “me time” as an entrepreneur

For the 50+ people in that room, there were 50+ bright ideas that emerged.

Then, there was the camaraderie.

Many of us were virtual friends before we came to the event, having answered business questions, boosted the unmotivated spirit, and even helped source packaging.

But, to experience our esprit de corp in a face-to-face setting was otherworldly! The magic swirled and the ideas danced!

We went from “formally” seated in rows on day one, to a gypsy-like party by the end of day 2. The gatherings continued into the hallways of our dorm, the tables of dinner, and the floors of our rooms into the wee hours of the night.

True entrepreneurial alchemy!

If you’re a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, it’s easy to fall into the pitfalls of business, especially in your own mind.

Break out of the stale or seemingly confined box of your business by stepping away, just for a few days, to meet, greet and brainstorm new ideas with like-minded people.

I promise, you’ll feel energized and alive.

You’ll come away with aha moments and partners-in-crime!

You’ll feel rejuvenated about your business and ready to take it to the next level!

If you need ideas on finding live events for your type of business, or creating your own mastermind group, let me know, I’d love to help!

Here’s to it!