Today, I celebrate the 3-year Anniversary of the launch of EmpoweringPumps.com.  What an exciting moment, especially since statistics show a third of businesses typically fail within the first two years (source: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5212542_many-businesses-fail-first-year_.html).

This week, I have enjoyed looking back at the memories that have been created during the last three years. So thankful for all of them, and don’t worry, I know just how blessed I am!  So, before we get to our throwback tribute, here are a couple lessons learned I’d like to share.

LOVE YOUR NETWORK

On many of my social networks, I have posted that “love” is my favorite word.  “I love my God, my family, my friends, my job, and PUMPS!” Every successful entrepreneur will tell you that you have to find something you love. I truly love my job. I get to network with leaders all over the world and the best part is that I have learned something everyday from each of them. I truly love working toward a common goal and feel like I am part of a team that covers the globe. That’s what it means to love your network. It is not about using your network to grow your business. Grow your business by helping your customers solve problems, learn more, help them help their customers. When customers feel used, trust is lost. So be careful to love your network, don’t abuse it.

Read, Read, and Read Some More!

My book club friends make fun of me because I can’t read the book of the month, because I am too busy reading Social Boom, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or other Likeable Social Media. But these have really helped me see I was right on with my vision and sometimes even ahead of the game.

Do you have any good reads? Share them with me @CharliKMatthews on Twitter. Next on my list is: DISRUPT, Social Media ROI, Jab Jab Jab, Right Hook.

LISTEN

This is the most important lesson of all. There is so much that can be learned when your mouth is closed. I am one to drive a conversation, but I also think I am an excellent listener. I have heard so many stories over the years, and though there are some I’d like to forget, I can be proud knowing I have truly listened and even felt the story along with the storyteller. This is actually one of my favorite pastimes. I think the key is to find that issue that you can help solve. It could be as simple as giving someone a contact or a word of encouragement. You wouldn’t know which one to give to really help, if you weren’t really listening.

It is harder to listen with distractions. There are several ways to help with this. At dinner, put your phone in your purse or pocket. This way you will be able to hear if there is an emergency, but not find yourself looking down at every text or tweet you may be receiving. You can’t really be engaged in the conversation when you aren’t looking at your dinner date.

ENCOURAGERS

Plain and Simple… You have to have a cheerleader. Not matter what the situation, you have to find someone that’s main purpose is to lift you up and encourage you to be better than you were yesterday. This must happen in a way that you feel like yesterday was good, but today is better.  Look for that person that inspires you and encourages you!

To all my sponsors, this is really for you!  Thank you for sharing in three wonderful years!  Can’t wait to see what we do next!

Your marketing partner for life, XOXO Charli

Enjoy the video: