Oh sweet Africa – you have stolen my heart.

I was on a trip recently to different parts of Africa and it was absolutely life-changing. I did have high expectations with respect to the projects we were working on – and those expectations were greatly surpassed. We gave a lot and we received so much more in return.

Wisdom is wealth. ~ Swahili

Often, we read about the differences in the world and, in fact, the differences in our businesses.   My own clients will say ‘well, but you don’t know MY business’. Business is business, folks! And this recent trip to South Africa affirmed that. I have definitely come to the conclusion, both in our personal lives and in our business lives, that we are truly more alike than different.

If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. ~ African proverb

LESSON #1 – This quote really jumped out at me. The one MAJOR lesson I believe we can learn from the people in Africa is to learn to listen – to swallow our pride and our egos and to learn to really listen. At the speaking engagements I had in Johannesburg and at the coaching/mentoring/training sessions in Zimbabwe, it was amazing to me that you could actually hear a pin drop in the rooms. These women entrepreneurs had a HUGE appetite for learning and when any of us spoke, there was total and absolute silence. That spoke to me of That is seriously lacking here in many of our meetings, our gatherings, our retreats and workshops. This is definitely a business lesson and one that many of us in North America can get better at. When we listen – we learn.

Traveling is learning. ~Kenyan Proverb

LESSON #2 – “When you travel the world around you, it changes the world within you.” – this is a quote I wrote in a travel blog about 4 years ago when I was on a world tour. My feelings are the same having just come back from Africa. Traveling is learning. I encourage entrepreneurs to get out of their comfort zone, out of their communities, out of the 4 corners of the world – and travel. Yes, WE have a lot to offer with all the successes experienced in North America – but we also have a lot to learn from people in other countries. While we are more alike than different, I believe there are many ways we can simplify what we do – and when we travel, we are exposed to these different ways. In Zimbabwe, we created customized, simple budget sheets for the women to track their revenue. Many of my OWN clients do not have this habit yet. Perhaps they need to travel to Zimbabwe to learn from the women entrepreneurs the true value of doing just that – tracking our numbers. On this trip, we also learned the power of community (we are stronger together!), the power of asking questions, the power of punctuality (many of these women walked for hours to get their spot at our training session), the privilege of learning. I do believe we take a lot for granted in our lives in North America – travel is the answer when it comes to getting perspective.

Unity is strength, division is weakness. ~ Swahili proverb

LESSON #3 – THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! As I worked with the women, whether from the market in Victoria Falls or as part of the Global Mentoring Walk in Johannesburg on International Women’s Day, it was evident there is strength in numbers. Many entrepreneurs try to do it all themselves. That is one of the biggest mistakes I see. When you travel and see the different cultures and the strength that does exist in numbers, it is a lesson we can all take to heart. Every entrepreneur needs to have a coach and should belong to a business mastermind group. Division IS weakness – it can lead to isolation, loneliness, overwhelm and numerous challenges. Together we are stronger!

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~ African proverb

If I am in harmony with my family, that’s success. ~ Ute proverb

LESSON #4: CREATE A BUSINESS THAT SUPPORTS YOUR LIFESTYLE This is one lesson we can learn well from the women of Africa. Be in harmony with your family. I see many entrepreneurs working incredibly long and hard hours – forsaking time with family. That’s backwards, people. You want to have a clear vision for your life and for your family – and create a business that supports that. The women in Africa are very focused on their families. It is so evident. Yes, they want to learn. Yes, they want to work. Yes, they want to make money. They are clear on their WHY – it’s their family. When you are in harmony with your family that really IS success. Take a good look at your own situation right now – are you in harmony? Do you need to make some changes? Do you want to go and experience the family lifestyle in Africa to get perspective? You have the power. Make the decision.

It is no shame at all to work for money. ~ Africa

LESSON #5: BUSINESS IS ABOUT MAKING MONEY The entrepreneurs in Africa understand this – and they were so open and eager to learn more about it. At the workshop I delivered in Johannesburg, I had a room full of entrepreneurs who just didn’t know what they didn’t know. When we talked about having a strong sense of self-worth and valuing your products and services, I saw lightbulbs coming on. It is no different with my clients here. We ARE more alike than different. The conditioning and culture in Africa is very similar to our own when it comes to the money mindset. Once we change our core beliefs around money and wealth, we can change the world around us. Most entrepreneurs are in business because they have a passion for what they do. The thing to remember is that money touches everything! So, put aside your shame and start making lots of money because that is when you can truly make a difference. That is when you can come to Africa with me in 2016! Together, we are stronger. Remember that. (and it takes money to get to Africa!)

I have travelled around the world three times now and I have been to Africa five times. I am convinced that the business lessons I learn and know absolutely apply globally. I am also convinced that many of us need to travel more to get perspective – to learn – to listen – to make a difference in each other’s world.

Which business lesson will you apply this week? Where do you want to travel so you, too, can learn and get some perspective?

Please share your thoughts!