The travelling gypsy!
It's been a big 2 weeks for me. I have travelled to Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Munich, throughout Italy, Monaco and St Tropez - all without drawing breathe!
I am now safely home in Melbourne, jet lagged and in a good need of some routine. But the truth of the matter is that that is never going to happen. I am, after all, an entrepreneur with one very big dream.
I am days late in finalising a document that is necessary for Monday's meeting, yet I still find time to share my thoughts on this marketing blog. Why? Because our priorities cannot always be what others want them to be. Quite simply, I am tired and I cannot think of anything better than downloading my thoughts on this marketing blog for the world to see.
Firstly, I have spent time with some amazing people.
In LA, I spent time with a venture capitalist: I learnt from him that in the US you have to be aggressive and say exactly what you want, otherwise you won't get anywhere. He also taught me to be aware of sharks and that sometimes working with trusted advisors is a better solution than working with a big brand.
I met up with a client: He reminded me that relationships are everything. We have known each other for at least 12 years and have a mutual respect but have only started working together this year. He also gave me insight into how others may perceive me in the business world and personally which was good food for thought.
I drove down to Orange County and spent time with two of my friends who are awesome: They taught me that friendships are important and sharing your experiences, goals and ideas with your friends is not only rewarding, it also gives you a second perspective that you may not have received elsewhere. They also taught me that the best ideas may come up over a glass of wine at 1am in the morning - but be sure to write it down.
In Atlanta, I met with candidates for a Marketing Managers position at Marketing Eye: They taught me so much! A different perspective on opening in the US from a cultural point of view. They each taught me something about the type of person we would like to employ and what the market is like in the US today. They encouraged me that Marketing Eye is going to be very successful in the US and is an exciting company for people to work for.
I met up with a couple that I adore: They reminded me that you should never settle for less than you deserve. Always aim high and never compromise your beliefs and ethics to get what you want. True love and partnership is the most rewarding relationship you will ever have.
I then flew to Munich: I met up with a friend who I travelled with for a few days. He is awesome! A true German James Bond. Fun to hang out with, great to talk business with and an enjoyable travel partner. That is it. Sometimes a male/female relationship needs to be nothing more. I treasure my relationships with males that are just friends because it allows me to see how the other sex thinks. His perspective on me was interesting and again the whole "masculine" thing came up. Not sure about that, but it is something I need to be aware of and learn to turn on my femininity a bit more often. I also made a friend for life.
St Tropez: Well, what can I say. I was inspired, grateful, relieved and completely mesmerized by the sheer beauty that surrounded me. I spent time with someone that I admire and look up to and to be honest, as weird as this sounds, I could spend days just watching him interact with people. I am sure that by following him around, there is so much to learn about how to treat people, inspire those around you and overall, be a good person. I read one of my blogs at the dinner table which created a lot of banter.
Travelling and meeting up with people can change your life. It can make or break you. It shows your true character because at times you will get tired and perhaps sick and you still have to push through.
What do you learn when you travel?
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comments ( 5 )
Marco van Olst
06 Jun 2012Sounds nice, and once a day I have a dream to travel the whole world. To meet new people and learn more from other people. But I am wondering why you did'nt visit Amsterdam? That is so close to Munich and worth to visit.
ReplyLeo
04 Jun 2012I am glad Marketing Eye is expanding towards other countries and I hope everything will come true in the near future.
ReplyI like travelling because we actually learn so much. From countries to countries I have discovered various cultures and it has taught me to think differently. Every time I put my case into perspective and I go ahead with what I learned before and what I just learned. Sometimes it makes me wonder about what really my objectives in life are and I question myself if I am going to the right way. After a while, everything is clear in my mind and I keep reaching my professional and personal projects by means of a growing international network. These are effects I do appreciate after any travels – New visions, new contacts, and great opportunities.
news
02 Jun 2012Now I am going to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast coming
Replyyet again to read additional news.
Michael OBrien
01 Jun 2012These are always great to read Mellissah, always good thoughts.
ReplySandra
01 Jun 2012Sounds like you had an amazing business trip. The water in the picture looks like heaven. I would love to one day travel to Europe and the US hopefully during their summer time.
ReplyFrom travelling to Asia I have learnt that it is best to do some research prior to travelling as I experienced a case of culture shock. It was interesting however to learn about the different cultures and how they lived.