We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Erika McCormick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Erika below.
Alright, Dr. Erika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Welcome to the story of how I became a Professional Business Venue Owner, where passion meets purpose, and community thrives.
It all started with a simple observation: our community lacked a versatile space dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and collaboration. As an entrepreneur deeply rooted in the local scene, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of a venue that could cater to the diverse needs of businesses, educators, and professionals alike.
Driven by a vision to fill this void, I embarked on a journey to create a space that would serve as more than just four walls and a roof. I wanted to establish a hub where ideas could flourish, connections could be forged, and knowledge could be shared.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Securing the right location, obtaining permits, and designing a space that could seamlessly adapt to various events and gatherings required meticulous planning and unwavering determination. But with every obstacle, my resolve grew stronger, fueled by the belief that our community deserved a space where innovation and collaboration could thrive.
Finally, after years of hard work and dedication, The Abundance Business Center was born. And just a few short months after we were able to launch the extension of The Abundance Business Center; which is The Hall Luxury Content Lounge. Both professional Business Venues are nestled in the heart of our city and stand as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the growth of our community through business and education.
From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll feel the energy pulsating through the space—a vibrant mix of anticipation and possibility. Whether it’s hosting business workshops, educational seminars, networking events, or training classes, The Abundance Business Center offers a dynamic environment where ideas are born, skills are honed, and connections are made.
But The Abundance Business Center is more than just a venue; it’s a catalyst for change. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, we’re able to offer a wide range of resources and support services to help individuals and businesses thrive. We wanted to create a professional venue space dedicated to business and adding educational resources and value to our community. When God gave us the vision it was very clear – We are here to bridge a gap in our community and the lack of educational resources for business success and the educational trade marketplace.
From providing access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities to offering mentorship programs and networking opportunities, we’re dedicated to empowering our community to reach new heights of success.
As the owner of The Abundance Business Center, my greatest joy comes from witnessing the transformative impact our space has on the lives of those who walk through our doors. Whether it’s seeing a budding entrepreneur pitch their idea for the first time or watching professionals come together to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative projects, each success story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of investing in its growth.
In the end, The Abundance Business Center isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the incredible things that can happen when people come together with a shared vision and a common goal. As we continue to evolve and expand, our commitment to serving as a catalyst for positive change in our community remains unwavering. Welcome to The Abundance Business Center—where possibilities are limitless, and the future is bright.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Dr. Erika McCormick, a renowned National and International Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Business Consultant & Master Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Speaker.
Dr. McCormick is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Abundant Living Consulting Corporation, the umbrella business entity for CreditFlex Technologies, TaxNest Financials & TaxNest Financials Academy, VARep Solutions, Eden + Co. Real Estate Holdings Inc, The Abundance Business Center & CEO Network and Freedom Financial Group. She is also a contributing author of Sisters Inspire Sisters: Abundance, Self-Love & Manifestation and Women Who Lead in Business, and her latest best-selling book Business with G.R.I.T.S.
Erika is also a proud and active member of Delta Mu Delta, Chi Sigma Iota, Psi Chi, NSBE, W.I.S.E, U.S. Chambers of Commerce, and the Elevate Professional Women’s Network.
Dr. McCormick has a diverse educational skill set to include her undergraduate studies with a double major and double minor degree in Counseling Psychology, Law & Justice, Industrial & Organizational Psychology and Information Systems. Erika also received her Leadership Master of Science Degree from Capella University with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services. Erika received her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Capella University with a specialization in Performance Improvement Leadership and Infosec Management. She is also currently pursuing her 2nd doctoral degree from Walden University with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Development.
Erika is a trailblazer and an emerging leader of the millennial generation. Erika has a great passion for mental health, suicide awareness, and prevention and actively supports the board for Project Semicolon. She also impacts her community by her military veterans assistance non-profit organization VARep Solutions. Dr. McCormick enjoys helping others navigate life through educational frameworks and core fundamentals through her specializations in professional development, leadership, business coaching, resilience, and organizational change.
Abundant Living Consulting Corporation
www.abunantlivingcc.org
[email protected]
How’d you meet your business partner?
I must first say I have such an amazing team and couldnt image operating in business ownership without my 2 best business babes Kerstin Driver and Jasmine Liburd. Kerstin Driver is the CFO of Abundant Living Consulting Corporation, the umbrella business entity for CreditFlex Technologies, TaxNest Financials & TaxNest Financials Academy, VARep Solutions, Eden + Co. Real Estate Holdings Inc, The Abundance Business Center, The Hall Luxury Content Lounge, CEO Network and Freedom Financial Group. Me and Kerstin attended high school together and have been inseparable ever since. We have been friends for 16 years and counting. Upon graduating high school we both left the area and were led in two different paths in life, I went away to college and Kerstin started a family. However years later we made the decision to sell our former businesses and merge our correlated companies together and the rest has been history,
Jasmine Liburd is the COO of Abundant Living Consulting Corporation, the umbrella business entity for CreditFlex Technologies, TaxNest Financials & TaxNest Financials Academy, VARep Solutions, Eden + Co. Real Estate Holdings Inc, The Abundance Business Center, The Hall Luxury Content Lounge, CEO Network, and Freedom Financial Group. Jasmine and I met through Kerstin. Jasmine heard and saw what we were doing in the community and expressed her aligned passion with our business model and I thank God for her daily.
When I think of my amazing business partners and our dynamic Executive Leadership Team here at ALCC one word comes to mind -Alignment. All of us are in alignment with the same passion, purpose, and mission to leave our community better than we found it.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale are essential aspects of running a successful business. Here are some key pieces of advice for achieving these goals:
Effective Communication: Foster open, transparent communication within your team. Encourage regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and channels for feedback. Listen actively to your team members’ concerns, ideas, and suggestions, and provide clear, constructive feedback.
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that every team member understands their role, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and objectives, and regularly revisit them to track progress and provide support where needed.
Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments publicly, whether it’s through praise during meetings, employee of the month awards, or other forms of recognition. Genuine appreciation goes a long way in boosting morale and motivation.
Empowerment and Autonomy: Empower your team members by delegating tasks and granting them autonomy to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Trusting your team members to take ownership of their work not only fosters a sense of empowerment but also encourages creativity and innovation.
Professional Development: Invest in your team’s growth and development. Offer opportunities for training, skill-building workshops, and mentorship programs. Encourage continuous learning and provide resources for personal and professional development. When employees feel supported in their career advancement, they’re more likely to remain engaged and motivated.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Respect your team members’ time and well-being by promoting a healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation days, and prioritize self-care. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can also contribute to a positive work environment and higher morale.
Lead by Example: As a leader, your attitude and behavior set the tone for the entire team. Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, positivity, and resilience, especially during challenging times. Show empathy, remain adaptable, and stay committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
Address Issues Promptly: Proactively address any issues or conflicts within the team before they escalate. Be approachable and receptive to concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions. By fostering a culture of open communication and conflict resolution, you can prevent morale from being negatively impacted by unresolved issues.
Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion: Embrace diversity and foster an inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and heard. Encourage diverse perspectives and ideas, and actively promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of your team’s operations.
Regular Team Building Activities: Organize regular team building activities and social events to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members. Whether it’s team lunches, off-site retreats, or virtual team-building exercises, creating opportunities for team members to connect and build relationships outside of work can greatly contribute to morale and team cohesion.
By prioritizing effective communication, recognition, empowerment, professional development, work-life balance, and inclusivity, you can create a positive work environment where team morale thrives, leading to increased productivity, engagement, and overall success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abundantlivingcc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AbundanceStartsHere
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbundanceStartsHere
- Other: Book Tax Consultation: https://ALCC.as.me/TaxNest-Consult Book Credit Consultation: https://ALCC.as.me/CreditFlex-Consult Business Needs & VA Consultation: https://ALCC.as.me/Start-NOW Professional Business Venue Rental Information: www.abundantlivingcc.org/abcrentals
Image Credits
Mela J Photography