Ann's Business Tip of the Day: Barefoot Contessa Says...

It's a gray, damp, cold Sunday and I'm cozied up on the couch with the dog watching the Food Network. 

While it's not my favorite cooking show,  I do enjoy watching the Barefoot Contessa occasionally.  I'm watching her today.  Within 5 minutes of tuning in, Ina Garten said something I found profound and telling (and it will certainly inspire me to watch her more as it speaks of work values in alignment with personal values). 

On today's show she said, "I won't hire anyone who I wouldn't want to have dinner with."  This seemingly innocent statement resonates on many levels for me. 

I've been thinking about the amazing circle of support I've attracted in my own business and I realized today, that I too, would never hire anyone I wouldn't share a special meal with.  Connection, passion, creative vision, and a slow mindful approach is where I want to be in my business and in my life.  I cannot separate the two. 

When I think of sharing a meal with any one of the people I've attracted into my business circle, I am excited.  I am pumped.  Last night, I did just that.  I assembled a small group of entrepreneurial women at my home to celebrate my birthday with a lovely healthy meal prepared by Carol Hutcheon of Hungry Hormones, LLC.  For me, the energy generated from a bunch of creative entrepreneurs sharing a colorful, beautifully presented meal (and not necessarily talking business) provides far more insight and inspiration than just about any business book, course, or seminar I can imagine.  Food draws people together.  Good food combined with good people creates creative energy like no other I've ever felt. 

If anyone had told me a year ago that to grow my business I needed to slow down and take care of non-business items first by sharing laughter, food, and wisdom around a dinner table, I would have laughed my butt off.  I didn't have time for such indulgence. 

Now I know I'm on to something powerful sparked by the slow food movement as a model for business.  I want more. 

I will always hire people with whom I want to share a great meal.  That's my tip for the day and I'm sticking to it. 

Comments

[Cynthia McKenna LPC, NCC]

I absolutely love this tip for success and whole heartedly agree. Here is to the Barefoot Contessa and You!
Cynthia McKenna LPC, NCC
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Cynthia McKenna LPC, NCC
Counseling & Life Coaching
www.CynthiaMcKennaCounseling.com