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?
Just Because You Can
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A few years ago, I had this startling realization. I was frustrated with my business and a business partner who didn't understand how to run a business. I was tapped out and running on fumes most of the time, and I needed to figure out how to turn things around and bring some joy back into my life. I listed all my skills, responsibilities, and services and then circled everything that sparked even the tiniest bit of excitement in me. Here's what I realized: Nearly everything I was good at that somebody was willing to pay me for I no longer wanted to do. [insert image of brain exploding here.] Yeah, I didn't want to do 99% of the work I was doing anymore. Yikes! I'd love to tell you that my life changed on that day and from that moment on, I only did things that made me happy. But, life doesn't usually work that way. I had commitments and bills and contracts...and a partner. It took some time to unravel everything and devise a plan—one I'm still honing to this day. What I can tell you is that I wouldn't be here doing what I do if it weren't for that day and that realization. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you have to do it. Today, I also realize that just because you're good at something doesn't mean you're not also good at many other things. I make it a regular habit to do a self-inventory at least once a year to make sure I'm still on a path I actually want to travel. One where at least 80% of the time I'm investing in things that bring me some level of joy. The other 20% is the work part—it may not be fun, but it is necessary. How about you? What's your joy-to-work ratio? If you need some help figuring out how to up the joy in the work you do, reach out to me. I'm happy to help you get on the right path. If you missed it, check out last week's message on co-creation. Your success is our strategy! |
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, Last week we had the first tornado warning in Manhattan and the second in New York City that I can recall. There was horrible air quality from the Canadian wildfires as well as torrential rains with their accompanying flood warnings the week before. Right now, Spain and France are suffering devastating wildfires and heat waves. I've written before about disaster preparedness, but I really want to drive home the need to think about and plan for the potential impact of natural or...
I promised I'd share some AI wins after bashing on it for the last couple of months, so here goes. An old client of mine runs a wine shop in Brooklyn. She's got some help but she's largely a one-woman show. She's been using Monday's AI features to help her analyze and manage her inventory and understand seasonal sales trends to purchase more smartly. She had to level up her investment and hire someone to help her set up the AI agents she needs but feels it's been money well-spent. Another one...
There are lots of thoughts spinning around in my brain at any given moment. Maybe you can relate. We're kind of living in whirlwind times where information is coming at us incessantly; it's like being caught up in a tornado. There's just no way to catch your breath and really marinate on anything for too long. So here are a few things I'm trying to give a little bit more thought and attention to these days: What impact will Pope Leo's AI encyclical have on governments, tech leaders, and...