Happy Holidays & Welcome 2013

November 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Hello dear followers,

I am writing to you today with deep humility and gratitude for all that is happening in my life as we end 2012 and welcome in 2013.  I have my lover and best friend who loves me back, my two amazing children, my parents, my great grandmother, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and several dear and wonderful friends who care deeply about creating a life they love, and allowing me to share that with them.  I feel so truly blessed and I know that even more of this goodness is coming my way in 2013.

Reflecting back on 2012, it’s been a total year of completion for me and my family.  We have sold the things that no longer serve our life, we have released the old patterns that are not taking us forward with joy and happiness, and we are looking at ways to serve our global community on a bigger scale.  With completion, comes new beginnings, and I can be thrilled that our daughters Kylin and Melissa are in the beginning stages of college life, learning amazing things and are truly happy.  Our daughter Erin is joyfully completing her certification in nutrition so she can practice naturopathic nutrition in Colorado, while also running and enjoying her life there.  our daughter and son-in-law, Christie and Paul, are blissful in Boston with visions of opening their first entrepreneurial endeavor and/or going back to school.  And last, but certainly not least, our son, Jeren, is finishing junior high school football and lacrosse, and is entering the phase of his life where he is ready to learn and grow and stretch his wings.  We have such amazing children, and an incredible life.  No matter what happens in 2013, I’m grateful for what is, right here, right now.

My friends, Kristen and Katherine who are shedding all of their worldly possessions and living in their hearts–you two are amazing.  My friend Kathy who is working diligently on her health and well-being–you go girl!  My friends Andy and Marnie who are completing their house after many years of working on it–I know you will prevail!  My friend Kristina who is changing the planet just by focusing on being her most amazing self!  My work buddies–Lara, Patrick, Brad, Jake, Brian M., John C., Matt3 (yes, there are 3 Matt’s), Isaac, and Tyler–I am honored to have you in my life every day, and thank you for the many contributions you make to the business and the world! Our neighbors who we just love and adore–Clete, Lisa, Teela, Kelsey, James, Lee, Mark, Josh, and Noah–we are so thankful you are nearby all the time, and enjoy sharing stories from time to time!  And of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank the critters in my life that I just love and adore–Cedar, Star, Cooper, Bondi, Gracee, Rye, Buddy, Shiro, and Gweedo.

If you’re reading this, chances are you know me pretty well, or you’re spamming my blog.  In either case, just know that if you have stumbled upon my ramblings on this fine day, know that you are loved, all is well, and we are meant to be on this beautiful planet of ours at this time–together!

With joy,

Lindsay

Filed Under: From The Right Brain, Uncategorized

Brilliance Enterprises Is Proud To Sponsor Start Up Washington

September 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A first time gathering this Thursday September 6th featuring a large and diverse group of innovators and entrepreneurs in Seattle. The attendees are from many different sectors, including technology, finance, global health & development, social entrepreneurship, energy efficiency and alternative energy, government, business of all sizes, international trade, education and workforce development, and more.

We’re expecting over 300 of Washington State’s innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. It’s going to be a great party with wonderful local food, Washington wines and beers, craft chocolates, live music, and a short program at 7pm featuring WA Secretary of Commerce Rogers Weed, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, and Startup America national co-founder & Cygnet Biofuels CEO Pam Contag.

And if that’s not enough to wet your appetite, we’ll have on hand some of the latest electric vehicles, a variety of interactive activities, and even a popup fashion exhibit highlighting some of the fashion innovators in Washington. Plus, we’ll have information on a number of the exciting September Next 50 events with event leads and some key speakers present at the party.

Together, we are connecting, celebrating and elevating the profile of innovation and entrepreneurship in Washington State!

Come join the fun from  6-9pm at the Playhouse/Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center.

Make it a great day,

Lindsay

Filed Under: From The Right Brain

Are you a Wantrepreneur? – What’s the difference between that and being an Entrepreneur?

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I heard this term recently, and it really stuck with me.  A Wantrepreneur?  This is a person who dreams of leaving their corporate job or present circumstance and starting his or her own company with an idea they have been kicking around for several years.  I chuckle at this concept, because I think secretly everyone is a Wantrepreneur.  Don’t we all want a better life for ourselves where we feel in control of our destiny?  Don’t we all want to be acknowledged for our special talents, wisdom, product ideas, or whatever?  Done we all want to do something valuable in our daily work?

The only difference then between a Wantrepreneur and an Entrepreneur is that the entrepreneur DOES SOMETHING!    Maybe we should change the word entrepreneur to ACTIONpreneur?  I don’t know, but what I do know is that you can go from wanting, wishing, and hoping to having something you truly love to do in a matter of seconds.  It’s called choose to take action.  (Oh, yea, and if you haven’t read the posts on courage yet, that is part of the package).

So what stops you from going from Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur?

What’s your biggest fear?

What might your life be like if you faced your biggest fear and went for it?

I’m curious…send me your thoughts…..

Make it a great day,

Lindsay

Filed Under: From The Right Brain

Entrepreneurship is Courageous!

March 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I am often asked what I think are the core competencies of entrepreneurs.  The truth is, there are a few things that can delineate an entrepreneur from a business manager, and if you’re curious, download our white paper on the 10 C’s of Entrepreneurship from the home page. One of the characteristics that I thought I would highlight today is the the word COURAGEOUS.

When considering becoming an entrepreneur, or even jumping out into the morass of business with your passion on fire, and your idea firmly in hand, it takes a lot of courage.  Taking an idea and turning it into a reality that is visible to the rest of the world is an art form — much like a sculptor bringing a form to life out of the mass of stone in front of him/her.  It takes a great deal of courage to allow others to “see” your idea.  It takes courage to engage your family and friends in supporting your idea.  It takes courage to talk to people you have never met before and “sell” them your idea.  In all of these zones, courage is the #1 characteristic of a successful entrepreneur.

I often get asked, “how can I learn to get more courage?”  The truth is, you can learn.  But it takes a huge amount of willingness (and funny enough, courage) on your part to even get to that place of wanting to strengthen your courage skill.  Courage is built by doing small courageous things one day at a time, and acknowledging yourself for the success you have made.  If you were working up to writing a business plan for your company, take one small step in the direction of your goal, and do that.  Then applaud your step, and take another one, and another one, until finally, you’re actually sitting down to write the business plan itself and share it with a friend or two.  One small step might be to simply write down your idea and give it as much detail as you can think of.  Another might be to look at a book on writing business plans and getting an outline going for yours.  All of these steps can take courage, and you’ll strengthen your courage muscle by taking action.

You can also strengthen your courage muscle by tapping into your ituition, and doing the right thing.  Sometimes when you’re in a situation, you just “know” what the right thing is to do.  Having the courage to say or do the right thing when it might be challenges is an example of exercising your courage.  No matter what the outcome, acknowledge yourself for having the courage to make the statement or do the right thing–even if it wasn’t popular.  This is what makes outstanding leaders, and gives strength to you and your business.

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes, and is really important to all business relationships.  Even though you may laugh, I will have the courage to say that my personal favorite book on courage is a children’s book!  You can check it out on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Courage-Bernard-Waber/dp/0618238557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333043459&sr=8-1

Courage by Bernard Waber

As an entrepreneur, what is important that you acknowledge yourself for being courageous, and continue to do little things courageously that lead to the big ones!

Make it a great day,

Lindsay

Filed Under: BE News, From The Right Brain

Welcome to the BE Blog!

February 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We are very excited that you have found us here!  Our intention with this blog is to give you some insights into the power of business concepts, principles, and execution through the lens of both the right brain and the left brain.  If you are a tactical, spreadsheet, operating plan kind of person, the left brain blog will be right up your alley.  But if you want to expand your creativity, visioning capability, or artful practices of leadership, the right brain side would be your guide.  And, if you’re like us, you love to do both, so read both sides of our blog and see each concept or idea through both sides of your mind!

It is our intention to illuminate some of the subtleties of entrepreneurship using two different approaches so that every kind of entrepreneur can learn and grow!  We hope you’ll come back again and again, and comment from your perspective!

Make it a great day,

Lindsay Andreotti
CEO & Secret Weapon
Brilliance Enterprises

Filed Under: From The Right Brain Tagged With: , ,