First Lift Off crew, Phoenix, Arizona, February, 2010. Photo by the wonderful Ivan Martinez, another Lift Off #1 Alumnus. We have a more serious picture, but who wants to see that?
“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead
Before I started my business 14 years ago, I had heard people talk about the joy of getting paid to do exactly what you were put on earth to do with the exact people you were meant to do it with. Jim Collins calls this the sweet spot.
Last February, I got to experience my own sweet spot, by spending three days with a small group of intelligent, courageous, hilarious and compassionate entrepreneurs. The occasion was the first Lift Off Retreat, co-lead with my partner Charlie Gilkey of Productive Flourishing.
We all had profound experiences during the retreat, but what has been amazing is that they have been continuing ever since. Jobs have been joyfully quit and businesses launched, new products and services developed, income increased, and strong, lasting personal and professional relationships developed.
Recently, a sub-group of Lift Off #1 worked together on the launch of Kyle Durand’s site Art of Business. Besides being terrific to look at, the way the work got done inspired Rachael (aka The Caffeinated Elf) to write this post about it.
I am so proud that Charlie and I played a part in bringing this group together.
We are holding our second Lift Off in Portland, Oregon from August 5-8. We almost have a full group, but still have a few spots left for the right people, who are looking for some seriously fun, creative, but serious, but still fun and tremendously productive intensive business design.
You can read details here.
More blog posts about the experience from other participants are at the very end of the sales page.
Feel free to hit me up with questions — all my contact info is right here.
May you all find your sweet spot!
[…] First Lift Off crew, Phoenix, Arizona, February, 2010. Photo by the wonderful Ivan Martinez, another Lift Off #1 Alumnus. We have a more serious picture, but who wants to see that?“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”-Margaret MeadBefore I started […] Original post […]
Oh how I wish I was joining you in Portland! Perhaps a retreat in the southeast region next time?? I hear Orlando’s pretty awesome ~ MUCH more to the City Beautiful than the famous Mouse House!
Great picture! This is a great way to get together and brand your mastermind group.
Our Masterminds Group
Cory Crabb
i am smiling as i look at this photo — wow, what an awesome group and what an amazing time ~ i am sooo happy i went, best decision all year!
Dear Pam:
I would love to schedule this in for 2011! I’ll await word of Lift Off 3…
Cheers,
Natalie
Lift Off is definitely in my top 3 experiences for 2010! Meeting cool people with different business plans and dreams… amazing! The continued connection with a group of people who get it, priceless!
“Committed” is the word on which I continue to ruminate after reading your post. From my perspective, commitment was one of the most important things fostered at the retreat. Most of us left with a renewed sense of commitment to our values and living in alignment with those values through our businesses.
We also left with a commitment to help each other reach new heights, to provide compassionate and honest feedback when asked, and to be there when the sharks started circling. I have witnessed those pledges in action again and again over the past few months.
Or, judging from the picture, commitment might mean the act of being institutionalized.
This photo is one of the reasons I’m even more psyched to be joining you guys this year.
Yes, I need the lift. off. For me and my biz.
But meeting the other committed people and working with them on our stuff together sounds like a fantastic way to spend a weekend.
Plus I already have a variety of poses planned. Priorities.
Mr. Pants, we await your genius, and your pose. So frickin excited!
Pam, I would definitely be attending if I wasn’t otherwise committed, you know that!
I’m gaining momentum everyday since your workshop last October in London; being part of a 4×4 mastermind group since and often referring to Cubicle Nation.
For the record, I get so much value from all the work you and Charlie do individually and collectively – can only imagine it’s going to be an exciting, explosive and productive few days for all.
Anyone thinking of taking one of those last slots. Dooooooooooo it! Stop hesitating.
We totally support your choice to be cooking in France instead of spending time with us!
It was sooo fun to meet up in London. Another group of cool, smart, creative and committed entrepreneurs!
Next time bro!
Who are those good looking people in that picture? 🙂
I forgot to mention that in addition to wit and charm, incredible good looks was a trait shared by all. 😉 Especially the one in the back with the Gene Simmons pose.
That’s exactly what I was thinking! Y’all are just so yummy and happy to look at. 🙂