Starting With Questions

taking photo with Brighid, one of keynote speakers

A Workshop’s Note “Principles for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs”

Being one of Professional Fellows in Chicago increased my knowledge on how to be more professional in career. There are many interesting talk shows and workshops which talk about being professional people.

* * *

On Friday, October 16, 2015, after my work hours, I attended workshop “Principles for Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs” at De Paul Gallery and Club (1 East Jackson Boulevard). There were three amazing panelists namely:

·      

taking photo with a committee

·         Merry Green (founder of the Black Women’s Expo)

She is the creator and founder of the Black Women’s Expo in Chicago, the nation’s longest running empowerment exposition for the African American consumer.

·         Oscar Mazariego (Vice President and Regional Manager for Retail Banking in Northwest Indiana at Fifth Third Bank)

Over the course of his 19=year banking career, Oscar has been an engaging and innovative leader driving strategic change. He is also the co-chair for the Chicago Latino BRG and a member of Fifth Third’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.

·         Brighid O’Shaughnessy (Founder and Artistic Director of Erasing the Distance)

Brighid has reached over 55.000 people with theatrical performances about mental health issues.

Mary Mc. Guinness M.Ed.,ACC (Principal Consultant) became moderator for this workshop.

There were some important points that I noted as principles for being business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Merry Green told the participants of this workshop that the first question when she founded Black Women’s Expo was “what can we bring for the community”. Sometimes, we need to also pay attention to personal brand and venture brand. The point is to make sure that you have positive roles for your communities. But, at first, you have to understand about yourself.

Oscar stated to put the questions “what are the highest point to get? What is my goal? What is my organization goal? He also added the important of character because it will drive the people’s values.

Brighid explained the importance of business plan for those who want to start business. Besides that, as a professional people, you need to have good decision making. In addition, being willing to be open minded is much needed.

After attending this workshop, I come to a conclusion that one of important principles for business professionals and entrepreneurs is to start with questions.