I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
A Fool for a Client
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I hate that as a coach, consultant, and expert in a few different things, I'm lousy at diagnosing and treating my own problems. It's like some cosmic catch-22. Do you hear that? It's the universe laughing. What seems easy when it comes to clients, students, and friends suddenly becomes convoluted and just plain hard when I turn the lens on myself and my business. I know it's a blind spot most people have, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. When I used to do career coaching and resume development, I had such a difficult time updating my resume. I had to turn to another professional to help me work through it and craft the best language and approach. It's like 90% of what I know suddenly gets overshadowed (and even erased) by the mental gymnastics of rationalization, justification, and fear. And, I'm left wondering: Do I really know anything about anything? I recently had a catch-up call with another business coach. We were checking in on how things had gone over the first half of 2022 and sharing plans for the second half. It was a perfect opportunity to review the various changes I've made to my business since the new year and also codify what I've been thinking of late regarding new offers and business models. Like any good coach or consultant, my friend immediately started asking me questions, making suggestions, and cheering me on. It took me a minute to realize that she was doing for me what I do for my prospects, clients, and friends. She helped to clarify my thinking as well as explore possibilities and options, in addition to encouraging me to take action so I could move forward and get from thinking to doing more quickly and confidently. It was such a great reminder that it makes a real difference to have an outside perspective and someone who serves as a partner to you when you're trying to do better and get better. Of course, the other takeaway was that while I know I do these things for my clients, students, and friends, I often forget just how crucial that work is. Being on the receiving end was a great reminder of all that. So, here are my questions for you:
In all honesty, my answer to number one on any given day is likely, "Today." My answer to number two is almost always, "Nope." How about you? Are you good at taking your own advice? Are you able to reach out for help, clarity, and/or support? Do you sit with things and then get busy working on other people's issues and needs at the expense of working on your own? In short, are you a great or "foolish" client for yourself? Need an objective perspective to move you and your business forward? Book a session with me today. Sharing is caring. Please feel free to pass this message on. Your success is our strategy!No longer want to receive my newsletter but don't want to miss my special offers and announcements? Click here. |
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Hi Reader, Something I've been enjoying of late are multiple influencers showcasing the limits of ChatGPT and the like. One guy asks it some pretty basic questions, such as to name a number between one and one hundred that includes the letter 'a.' (Spoiler alert: there aren't any). ChatGPT lies to his face over and over again. Another one provides examples of business fails due to AI. Some are pretty extraordinary. But here's the thing, this isn't just a harmless gimmick, it's a warning cry,...
Have you seen the video of McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski trying to promote the new Big Arch burger ahead of its March 3rd launch? How about any of the many, many videos or memes negging on it for a host of reasons, including how Kempczinski refers to the burger as "a delicious product" or his failure to take a real bite of it, seeming almost disgusted by it. To me, there are three great marketing stories going on here. 1. Going Viral Isn't the Goal Yes, there is such a thing as bad PR and...
This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer. At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated. This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed and out the...