Entrepreneur’s Perspective of Summer at the Movies

I love the movies, and catching up on all the latest offerings is part of my August vacation pleasure. Since I filter everything from my perspective as an entrepreneur I thought I’d share some lessons from two of my favorites this summer.

Julie and Julia

I totally identified with the new Meryl Streep (my hero!) and Amy Adams movie that opened recently. I thoroughly enjoyed the film which parallels the lives of the blogger from Queens–Julie Powell, who authored Julie and Julia upon which this movie is based. Ms. Powell took on the self-imposed project of cooking her way through the recipes of the great Julia Child in one year–524 recipes in 365 days. While cooking is the central theme, being who I am, I viewed it as a movie about entrepreneurship and passion, of course.

There were so many truths about the journeys of these women business owners, although no one would have referred to Julia Child that way back then. The movie follows the path of the young woman as she cooks her way, and then blogs about it, through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It interweaves that plot line with Child’s road to publication along with a large dose of marital stories in the mix. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but you can read my big takeaways on my blog.

 (500) Days of Summer

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. One scene particularly stayed in my mind for its personal truth which applies to my business as well. The screen splits in half for this segment. On the left-hand side we see the hero’s ‘expectations’ played out. On the right side you see the ‘reality’ revealed. It’s funny, poignant and raw.

How many times have I choreographed my expectations in my head, only to be flattened by the reality? Read about a particular incident that comes to mind immediately (and most painfully) on my blog and feel free to share your own! Let’s just say I’ve since learned to curb my expectations...

Shifting Relationships

Even with taking the month of August off, changes are happening in my business. I’m beginning an alliance with a company I highly admire. We have our first event at the very end of the month which has already sold out. I love everything this company stands for, a reflection of the woman entrepreneur who founded it and whose vision is represented: Eileen Fisher.

This is in stark contrast to other work relationships in my mix. When I notice myself complaining or feeling victimized by these relationships, I need to ask what my role is in it. I never like the answer. I need to take responsibility.

Read more about my challenge on my blog. Interesting thing is the Universe has handed me (with a lot of persistence on my part) exactly what I’ve been looking for. Am I the only one who needs a burning bush? Share your thoughts!

Regards,